Books matching: isolationism
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- #1
'Those Angry Days: Roosevelt, Lindbergh, and America's Fight Over World War II, 1939-1941' by Lynne Olson delves into the struggle between isolationists and internationalists in the years leading up to the US entry into World War II. The narrative focuses on the personal duel between Charles Lindbergh and Franklin Roosevelt, exploring the tensions between those advocating for intervention in the war and those promoting isolationism. The author provides a well-researched and objective account, shedding light on the complexities of the political landscape during this pivotal period in history.
covers the contentious issue of whether the US should support Britain against Germany, with FDR and interventionist groups on one side and Charles Lindbergh and isolationists on the other. Through a detailed examination of American public opinion and the activities of key figures like Lindbergh, Roosevelt, and Anne Morrow Lindbergh, the book offers a comprehensive look at the debates and decisions that shaped America's stance towards the war.
The cab stopped in front of the Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries Building and Charles Lindbergh stepped out. He stared for a moment at the Victorian-era museum, with its turrets and multicolored bric... - #2
Heart of a Samurai is a captivating historical fiction novel that follows the journey of a young Japanese boy named Manjiro who gets shipwrecked on an island and is rescued by an American whaling ship. The story unfolds as Manjiro is brought to the USA, raised by the ship's captain, and educated in Massachusetts. Throughout the book, Manjiro's experiences introduce him to new worlds, cultures, and challenges, highlighting themes of curiosity, prejudice, culture shock, and pursuing one's dreams. The writing style is described as insightful, rich, and informative, providing a detailed portrayal of Manjiro's life and the historical context of the 1800s.
As Jusuke steered the boat toward home, the fishermen fell silent. In three days they had not caught a single fish. Their families would go hungry. Manjiro swallowed hard when he thought of the empty ... - #3
Philip Roth's 'The Plot Against America' is an alternative history novel that explores a world where Charles Lindbergh, a Nazi sympathizer, defeats Franklin Roosevelt in the 1940 presidential election. The story follows a Jewish family living in Newark, primarily through the eyes of a young Philip Roth, as they navigate the rise of anti-Semitism and the consequences of Lindbergh's presidency. The writing style is described as compelling, with long but readable sentences that present an altered reality that is both familiar and chilling.
Fear presides over these memories, a perpetual fear. Of course no childhood is without its terrors, yet I wonder if I would have been a less frightened boy if Lindbergh hadn't been president or if I h... - #4
'Lindbergh' by A. Scott Berg delves into the life of Charles Lindbergh, exploring his achievements as an aviation pioneer, medical researcher, author, and humanitarian. The author provides a detailed account of Lindbergh's involvement in various fields such as space research, organ transplant development, and conservation work. Berg also sheds light on Lindbergh's controversial wartime views, his personal life, and his dynamic relationships, particularly with his wife Anne.
Through a balanced narrative, Berg portrays Lindbergh as a complex and multifaceted individual, showcasing his strengths, flaws, and the impact of external influences on his life choices. The biography captures Lindbergh's journey from a young pilot who made history with his solo transatlantic flight to a globally renowned figure whose legacy was shaped by his accomplishments, personal tragedies, and public controversies.
- #5
'The Martian' by Andy Weir is a thrilling science fiction novel that follows the story of astronaut Mark Watney, who is mistakenly left behind on Mars after his crew believes he is dead. The plot revolves around Watney's incredible survival journey as he uses his ingenuity, humor, and scientific knowledge to overcome challenges, from building a potato farm to contacting NASA for a rescue mission. The writing style is engaging, filled with details and technical know-how that immerse the reader into the world of space exploration without being too tedious, making the character of Watney well-fleshed out and likable.
For the record…I didn’t die on Sol 6. Certainly the rest of the crew thought I did, and I can’t blame them. Maybe there’ll be a day of national mourning for me, and my Wikipedia page will say, “Mark W... - #6
"Pilgrim's Wilderness: A True Story of Faith and Madness on the Alaska Frontier" by Tom Kizzia delves into the unsettling tale of Papa Pilgrim and his family of 15 children who move to rural Alaska with the desire to live off the land. Initially perceived as a religious family seeking a simple life, the story takes a dark turn as Papa Pilgrim's true nature is revealed, leading to heartbreak and disturbing revelations about their way of life. The narrative explores the family's conflicts with the National Park Service and the challenges faced while living in the Alaskan wilderness, painting a vivid picture of their struggles and the impact on the community.
Author Tom Kizzia skillfully weaves together the history of the Pilgrim family with a thrilling current storyline, capturing the reader's attention with detailed research and a compelling narrative. offers a gripping account of the family's experiences in the Alaskan wilderness, shedding light on the complexities of their relationships, the clash with authorities, and the disturbing dynamics within the family, making it a hard-to-put-down and thought-provoking read.
- #7
Once, at the dawn of a very dark time, an American father and his daughter found themselves suddenly transported from their snug home in Chicago to the heart of Hitler's Berlin. In 1933, William E. Dodd became America's ambassador to Germany amidst Hitler's rise to power. Dodd and Martha, his daughter, initially sympathized with the Nazi's, downplaying the violence against Jews. Throughout most of the book, readers are shown a detailed look at Germany in 1933-1934 through the experience of Ambassador Dodd, a university professor from Chicago. Larson weaves together a very particular kind of story about the Dodd family and 1930s Hitler in Germany, showing the chilling story of William Dodd, Ambassador to Germany from 1933 to 1937.
Now chairman of the history department, Dodd had been a professor at the university since 1909, recognized nationally for his work on the American South and for a biography of Woodrow Wilson. He was s... Author Jon Meacham's book detailed an area heretofore uncovered, showing the deep friendship with all its flaws between these two giants. This filled in so many blanks and let us see and understand the relationship between these men, and how they played their games while defeating Hitler and his evils. Churchill was correct about Russia, something Roosevelt didn't acknowledge or see. Was this possibly due to Roosevelt's declining health or ego. Meacham does a fine job dissecting the personal and political friendship of perhaps the two most important figures in the 20th century. While neither man was perfect, each must be given his due for what he accomplished for his country as well as for the world in a time of mass upheaval and danger. Meacham deftly handles the question of Churchill's impatience with America's reluctance to jump into the fray by making it clear that it was Churchill's personal respect and relationship with FDR that persevered beyond his personal impatience with America's refusal to act between 1939 through to the end of '41. To be sure, Churchill comes through as the better man when Meacham delves into the personal aspects of both men's characters. FDR did not appear nearly as warm personally as Churchill did. Having prior read biographies and histories of both men, this fact did not surprise me. Despite this, the reader gets the sense that both men understood the importance of what they were setting out to achieve once they did come together. Whether you agree with their policies, credit is due and must be given to what was accomplished during their years in office. As with any politician, it would be easy to criticize either man for his faults and political shortcomings. And, with any politician of the past, it is unfairly easy for us to judge and say that more could have been accomplished than what was. Two failings that jump off the present day page when reading about their decisions were the reluctance to do more for the Jewish population during the horror known as the Holocaust as well as their willingness to give Stalin and the Soviet more weight in the world than was wise particularly FDR. But, to judge too harshly would perhaps be unjust. We should remember that these men were working without the benefit of hindsight and were products of their time and generation. These failings should be noted to show that both men were far from perfect in their judgments and perceptions, but it would be more correct to value their vast commitment to the common good of mankind in the 20th century. Without their commitment and actions, one shudders to think where the world might be had there not been a Franklin Roosevelt or Winston Churchill.
- #9
The Muralist by B.A. Shapiro is a historical novel set in pre-WWII New York City, intertwining the stories of a young artist, Alizee Benoit, who disappears in 1940, and her modern-day great-niece, Danielle Abrams, who uncovers hidden pieces of artwork by famous Abstract Expressionist painters. The book delves into themes of art, history, the Holocaust, and the struggles faced by Jewish refugees during WWII, while also exploring the artistic innovation and political landscape of the time. The narrative alternates between past and present, building tension through a mystery plotline and vivid descriptions of the art world in both eras.
It was there when I arrived that morning, sitting to the right of my desk, ostensibly no different from the other half-dozen cartons on the floor, flaps bent back, paintings haphazardly poking out. As... - #10
'The Machine Stops' by E.M. Forster is a groundbreaking novella written in 1909 that eerily predicts the future of technology and its impact on society. The story is set in a dystopian world where humanity lives underground, completely isolated from each other, and entirely dependent on a machine for their needs. The author explores themes of technological dependency, social isolation, and the dangers of losing touch with human connections. Forster's writing style is described as prescient, poetic, and engaging, effectively portraying a future where reliance on technology becomes a new religion, leading to harmful consequences.
Imagine, if you can, a small room, hexagonal in shape, like the cell of a bee. It is lighted neither by window nor by lamp, yet it is filled with a soft radiance. There are no apertures for ventilatio...