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Books matching: oral history

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  1. #1

    Japan at War:  An Oral History by Theodore F. Cook, Haruko Taya Cook
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    'Japan at War: An Oral History' is a collection of personal accounts from various Japanese individuals, including soldiers, civilians, and war criminals, providing a unique perspective on World War II from the Japanese side. The book delves into the experiences of people across different regions impacted by the war, shedding light on the struggles, sacrifices, and horrors faced by ordinary Japanese during this tumultuous period. The narrative style weaves together 77 narrations by 67 contributors, offering a comprehensive and engaging look at life in Japan during and after the Pacific War.


  2. 'The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee' by David Treuer is a comprehensive exploration of Native American history and culture in the United States from 1890 to the present day. Treuer delves into the diverse lives and experiences of Native Americans, highlighting their resilience, adaptation, and ongoing struggles. The book combines personal narratives, primary documents, and interviews to provide a detailed account of the injustices faced by Native communities and their current resurgence.

    There is a tendency to view the European settlement of North America, and the corresponding decimation of many tribes and cultures, as sudden and inevitable. It was neither. How, then, did Indians go ...

  3. #3

    World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks
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    World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks is a unique take on the zombie genre, presented as a series of global interviews in the aftermath of a future zombie apocalypse. The book covers the beginning of the zombie outbreak through to the end of the war, exploring different perspectives from people of various cultures and professions. Through these interviews, the author paints a vivid picture of the events that survivors lived through, creating a chillingly realistic account of a global epidemic.

    The novel is structured as a faux sociological account, discussing what happened before, during, and after World War Z from the viewpoints of people ranging from soldiers to politicians to average citizens. The book focuses not on the zombies themselves but on the human element, showcasing how humanity managed to survive and adapt in the face of a catastrophic event. The narrative style, presented as a historical perspective with interviews conducted worldwide, adds depth to the storytelling and provides a fresh take on the zombie apocalypse genre.

    [At its prewar height, this region boasted a population of over thirty-five million people. Now, there are barely fifty thousand. Reconstruction funds have been slow to arrive in this part of the coun...

  4. 'The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11' by author Garrett M. Graff is a captivating and emotional recounting of the events of September 11, 2001, through the firsthand accounts of those who experienced the tragic day. The book weaves together the voices of individuals from various backgrounds, including survivors, first responders, politicians, and ordinary citizens, to provide a detailed and harrowing narrative of the multi-layered terrorist attacks on the United States.

    The book offers a unique perspective on the impact of 9/11, focusing on the human stories and emotions behind the tragedy rather than the political or tactical aspects. Through a chronological presentation of personal testimonies, 'The Only Plane in the Sky' immerses readers in the events leading up to the attacks, the moments of crisis on the hijacked planes, the responses of the government and rescue workers, and the aftermath of the day that forever changed the world.

    On August 12, 2001, NASA astronaut Frank Culbertson arrived at the International Space Station aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. He would live and work aboard the Space Station for 125 days. On Sept...

  5. 'Voices from Chernobyl: The Oral History of a Nuclear Disaster' by Svetlana Alexievich is a collection of oral histories surrounding the Chernobyl disaster, chronicling the events and aftermath through interviews with individuals who experienced the tragedy firsthand. The stories depict the devastating impact on people's lives, from those who were evacuated to those who moved into contaminated areas, soldiers sent in to clean up, and family members affected by radiation poisoning and birth defects. The narratives offer a poignant insight into the human experiences, emotions, and memories tied to the Chernobyl disaster, capturing the horrors and heroism of those involved.

    The writing style of 'Voices from Chernobyl' is described as emotional, powerful, and haunting, presenting the oral stories without comment or context, allowing the voices of the survivors to speak for themselves. delves into the personal accounts of individuals affected by the disaster, portraying a vivid and tragic image of the accident and its long-lasting consequences. The stories are presented in a raw, unfiltered manner, offering a multi-layered perspective on the events surrounding Chernobyl and highlighting the resilience and struggles of those who lived through the catastrophe.

    I suddenly started wondering about what’s better—to remember or to forget? I asked my friends. Some have forgotten, others don’t want to remember, because we can’t change anything anyway, we can’t eve...

  6. 'The Unwomanly Face of War: An Oral History of Women in World War II' by Svetlana Alexievich is a collection of stories from Russian women who served on the front lines during WWII. The book focuses on the experiences of these women, including their roles as sappers, snipers, pilots, artillery officers, and more, highlighting their heroism, sacrifice, and struggles. The stories are told in a raw and unfiltered manner, giving voice to the women who fought for their country in various capacities during the war.

    The book presents a unique perspective on WWII, shedding light on the experiences of women who were often overlooked in traditional historical accounts. Through oral histories and personal anecdotes, 'The Unwomanly Face of War' delves into the lives of these women before, during, and after the war, portraying their resilience, courage, and the challenges they faced on the battlefield and in their personal lives. The writing style is described as poignant, informative, moving, and at times difficult to read but ultimately offers a gripping and insightful look at the untold stories of female veterans of WWII.

    *1 Osip Mandelstam (1891–1938) was one of the greatest Russian poets of the twentieth century. The epigraph comes from “Lines on the Unknown Soldier” (1937–1938). Mandelstam died in transit to one of ...

  7. #7

    The Good War by Studs Terkel
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    "The Good War" by Studs Terkel is an oral history of World War Two, capturing personal stories and experiences from a diverse range of individuals involved in the war. Through interviews with Americans from different walks of life, the book provides a unique and humanizing perspective on the various aspects of WWII, including the impact of the Atomic bomb, the social history of the war, and the personal struggles and triumphs faced by those caught up in the conflict. Terkel's writing style allows the reader to delve into the intimate details of wartime experiences, shedding light on the lesser-known narratives that often go untold in traditional historical accounts.

    A huge man, built along the lines of a sumo wrestler. He manages a complex of apartment buildings in Los Angeles. He could quite easily 6e the bouncer, too. He is resigned to the assortment of illness...

  8. #8

    Live from New York by Tom Shales, James Andrew Miller
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    'Live from New York' by Tom Shales and James Andrew Miller is an oral history book that delves into the behind-the-scenes world of the iconic television show Saturday Night Live. Through a series of interviews with cast members, writers, producers, hosts, and other individuals involved in the show, the book provides a chronological narrative of SNL from its inception in 1975 to more recent years. The writing style consists of verbatim quotes and anecdotes from those who played a role in shaping the show, offering a candid and insightful look at the personalities, challenges, and evolution of SNL over the decades.

    The book captures the essence of SNL by presenting a candid account of the highs and lows, successes and struggles, and the interpersonal dynamics that defined the show. Through the firsthand experiences shared by the interviewees, readers get a glimpse into the creative process, the comedic talent that graced the show, and the impact of SNL on modern culture. The narrative style immerses readers in the world of live television production, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by the SNL team.

    “Live from New York captures page after page of witty and wonderful recollections… .An engaging oral history and a gold mine for serious SNL fans, the book is also compelling reading for those with a ...

  9. 'Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk' by Legs McNeil is a captivating oral history that delves into the gritty and rebellious spirit of the punk movement. Through firsthand interviews and anecdotes from iconic figures like Iggy Pop, Patti Smith, and Joey Ramone, the book transports readers back in time to witness the birth and evolution of punk rock. The raw and unfiltered accounts shared in the book offer a truly immersive experience, providing insight into the revolutionary impact of punk culture and music history.

    DANNY FIELDS: When I wasn’t getting laid elsewhere I went to Max’s Kansas City every night. It was a bar and restaurant two blocks away from where I lived and you could sit there all night and bring y...

  10. #10

    Last Witnesses: Unchildlike Stories by Svetlana Alexievich
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    'Last Witnesses: Unchildlike Stories' by Svetlana Alexievich is a collection of oral histories from Soviet children who experienced the horrors of World War II. The stories recount the brutal treatment of civilians by German soldiers, the suffering of children during the war, and the lasting impact on their lives. The writing style is described as vivid, moving, and powerful, giving voice to the children's experiences and providing a unique perspective on the war.

    Our neighbor, an officer’s wife, came out to the yard all in tears. She whispered something to mama, but gestured that they had to be quiet. Everybody was afraid to say aloud what had happened, even w...

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