Books matching: leadership and governance
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Freedom From Fear: The American People in Depression and War, 1929-1945 by David M. Kennedy is a comprehensive and detailed account of the Great Depression and World War II eras in the United States. Kennedy's writing style is described as magisterial in scope, balanced, and vivid, offering a thorough overview of the historical period from various viewpoints - political, historical, social, and cultural. The book delves into the lives of major characters, presenting them as rounded individuals with both good and bad traits, exploring how their decisions shaped the course of history during this tumultuous time.
Like an earthquake, the stock market crash of October 1929 cracked startlingly across the United States, the herald of a crisis that was to shake the American way of life to its foundations. The event...- #2
Claudius the God and His Wife Messalina is a continuation of the story of Roman Emperor Claudius, following his ascension to the throne after the demise of Caligula. The book delves into Claudius's struggles to restore Rome to its former grandeur amidst political turmoil and personal betrayals. Set in the backdrop of ancient Rome, the narrative unfolds through a mix of historical accuracy and fictional elements, portraying Claudius's attempts to navigate the complexities of ruling an empire while dealing with treachery within his own circle.
The writing style of Claudius the God and His Wife Messalina is a blend of historical fiction and autobiography, offering readers an immersive experience into the world of ancient Rome. Through intricate details and compelling characterizations, the author, Robert Graves, weaves a narrative that explores themes of power, deception, and the enduring struggles of leadership in a tumultuous era.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Claudius ) - #3
'The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington' by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch delves into the little-known conspiracy to assassinate George Washington during the early days of the American Revolution. The book not only uncovers the plot against General Washington but also provides a detailed look into the man himself and the historical context that shaped the birth of the nation. With a mix of historical facts and engaging storytelling, the authors bring to light a crucial piece of American history that is often overlooked.
The narrative style of 'The First Conspiracy' combines meticulous research with a compelling storytelling approach that grips readers from the beginning. Through the lens of this lesser-known event, the book offers insights into the challenges faced by Washington and the soldiers during the revolutionary war, shedding light on the sacrifices made and decisions taken during a critical period in American history.
For the past few days, the most prominent leaders in the colonies have been arriving in the city. Coaches and carriages are pulling in, almost by the hour, often met by cheering crowds and marching ba... - #4
'A Bell for Adano' by John Hersey is a novel set in Italy during World War II, focusing on U.S. Army Major Victor Joppolo's efforts to restore order and bring peace to a small Italian town recently liberated from the Fascists. The story revolves around Joppolo's mission to replace the town's historic bell, which was stolen by the Fascists and melted down for armaments. Through a simple and gentle writing style, Hersey paints a picture of the town's residents transitioning from mistrust to acceptance of the Americans as benevolent overseers.
The plot of 'A Bell for Adano' follows Major Joppolo as he navigates through military bureaucracy, local customs, and the aftermath of war to improve the town's infrastructure and rebuild a sense of community. The narrative captures the quirky locals, the Major's genuine care for the townspeople, and his quest to find a suitable replacement for the lost bell, symbolizing hope and restoration for the town amidst the chaos of war.
An American corporal ran tautly along the dirty Via Favemi and at the corner he threw himself down. He made certain arrangements with his light machine gun and then turned and beckoned to his friends ... 'Mary Queen of Scotland and The Isles' by Margaret George is a historical fiction novel that delves into the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, from her birth to her execution. The book paints a detailed picture of Mary's struggles, triumphs, and the political and religious intrigues she faced during her reign. The writing style of the book is described as sprawling, with a lot of description at times, and the point of view changes regularly. The novel covers Mary's relationships with key figures like Queen Elizabeth I and her husbands, depicting her as a complex and sometimes flawed character.
In the smoky blue mist it was impossible to see anything except more mist. The sun, shrouded and muffled, wore a fuzzy circle of light ) around itself and was the one thing the men could sight on as t...- #6
In "Dark Force Rising," the second book of the Thrawn trilogy, Grand Admiral Thrawn sets his sights on thwarting the New Republic and the Skywalker family. The story delves into Thrawn's tactical genius, the discovery of a powerful lost fleet, and the race between Thrawn and the New Republic forces to control these Dreadnoughts. The plot also explores the fanatical devotion of the Noghri to the Empire and the mysteries behind their homeworld of Honoghr. The book follows separate missions of key characters such as Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa Solo, Han Solo, and Mara Jade, all leading towards a climactic finale where Thrawn's presence looms large.
The pacing and storytelling style of "Dark Force Rising" build upon its predecessor, making it feel like a necessary continuation of the series. Each character's arc is further developed, with side stories adding depth to the overall plot. The book balances action-packed sequences with character-driven narratives, including Luke's training with a mad Jedi, Leia's diplomatic efforts, and Han's investigation into a possible coup within the New Republic. The presence of Thrawn as a strategic mastermind and the interwoven subplots contribute to the immersive experience of the Star Wars universe.
Directly ahead, the star was a marble-sized yellow-orange ball, its intensity moderated by its distance and by the viewports’ automatic sunscreens. Surrounding it and the ship itself were the stars, a...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Star Wars: Thrawn ) - #7
In 'Age of Myth,' Michael J. Sullivan introduces readers to a fantastical world where humans worship the god-like Fhrey, a race believed to be invincible, masters of magic, and nearly immortal. However, when a Fhrey is killed by a human, the balance of power is disrupted, leading to a brewing war between humankind and the Fhrey. The story follows characters like Persephone, Raithe, and Suri as they navigate through a world filled with intricate lore, complex relationships, and impending doom. The plot unfolds with twists and reveals, setting the stage for a grand epic filled with magic, gods, and the consequences of challenging established beliefs.
The writing style of 'Age of Myth' has been praised for its smooth flow, engaging dialogue, and rich worldbuilding. Readers have highlighted the well-developed characters, particularly praising strong female characters like Persephone and Suri. The book delves into themes of destiny, heroism, and the cost of magic, weaving together a narrative that keeps readers hooked from the opening scenes to the final pages. Michael J. Sullivan's storytelling prowess shines through as he sets the foundation for an enthralling new series with familiar yet fresh elements from his established universe.
What a strange treasure is innocence, a virtue to the old and a curse to the young, so highly prized but eagerly parted with—the riches of beautiful skin traded for the wisdom of calluses. — The Book ... - #8
'The Omen Machine' in the 'Sword of Truth' series by Terry Goodkind follows Richard and Kahlan as they face mysterious deaths and threats in D'Hara. The plot unfolds slowly at first with a focus on mystery rather than epic fantasy, leading to a pace that picks up three quarters of the way through the book. The characters are faced with challenges that test their abilities to draw accurate conclusions and solve the unfolding mysteries, with the story eventually culminating in a sudden and unsatisfying ending.
Richard frowned, not sure that he had understood the whispered words. He glanced back over his shoulder at the concern on Kahlan’s face. She didn’t look to have understood the meaning any more than he...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Sword of Truth ) - #9
'The Well of Ascension' in the Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson continues the story of Vin and Elend as they face the aftermath of overthrowing the Final Empire. Set in a world filled with political turmoil, approaching armies, and the return of the deepness, the characters navigate through court politics, evolving roles, and ancient prophecies. The magic system, character development, and intricate plot twists keep the readers engaged as they follow the journey of the protagonists in a dark and complex world.
King Elend Venture stood motionless upon the Luthadel city wall, looking out at the enemy troops. Around him. ash fell from the sky in fat, lazy flakes..It wasn’t the burnt white ash that one saw in d...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Mistborn ) - #10
'Edward III: The Perfect King' by Ian Mortimer delves into the life of King Edward III, showcasing his military prowess, legislative achievements, and personal life. Through vivid descriptions of battles in France and the creation of the Order of the Garter, Mortimer paints a comprehensive picture of Edward's reign. also explores lesser-known aspects of Edward's life, such as his relationships with family members and the evolution of English parliament under his rule. Mortimer's engaging writing style turns historical facts into a gripping adventure, making the medieval world come alive for readers.
Of all the stages in the life of a resourceful and imaginative individual, childhood is the most important and the most difficult to understand. We need to think about a boy’s physical well-being as h...