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In the Balance - Tosev by Harry Turtledove
In the Balance
Book 1 in the series:Tosev

'In the Balance' by Harry Turtledove is an alternate history novel set during World War II, where an alien invasion interrupts the conflict on Earth. The story explores how humans from different nations come together to resist the alien invaders, leading to a fragile alliance between major combatants. Turtledove weaves a tale of how lives on both sides are changed by this unprecedented world war, showcasing a fascinating scenario of human-alien cooperation and conflict.

The plot of 'In the Balance' is conceptually brilliant, featuring a thought-provoking premise of aliens with advanced technology invading a less developed Earth during World War II. The story is engaging, with a heavy emphasis on character development and intricate plotlines that keep readers hooked. Turtledove skillfully blends historical accuracy with sci-fi elements, creating a captivating narrative that explores themes of cooperation, prejudice, and the impact of alien invasion on humanity.

If you liked In the Balance, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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  1. William L. Shirer's 'The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany' is an exhaustive examination of the Third Reich, tracing its origins from the aftermath of World War I to its complete destruction in 1945. Shirer, a former correspondent in pre-WWII Germany, provides a detailed account of how the German people turned to supporting a radical political party in response to their government's ineffectiveness. The book covers the intellectual and philosophical inspirations behind the Third Reich, the near-miss assassination attempts, and the inner workings of the Nazi regime, offering a comprehensive look at this dark period in history.

    ON THE VERY EVE of the birth of the Third Reich a feverish tension gripped Berlin. The Weimar Republic, it seemed obvious to almost everyone, was about to expire. For more than a year it had been fast...

  2. #2
    The Winds of War
    Book 1 in the series:The Henry Family

    The Winds of War - The Henry Family by Herman Wouk
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    "The Winds of War" by Herman Wouk is a historical fiction novel set during World War II, following the Henry family as they navigate the tumultuous events leading up to the war and the early years of the conflict. The book expertly blends historical facts with a family saga, offering vivid portrayals of famous figures like Hitler, Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin, while also delving into the personal lives and challenges of the characters. Wouk's writing style combines fiction and nonfiction elements, captivating readers with a compelling story that transports them back in time to the era of the war.

    The plot of "The Winds of War" is sprawling and epic, reminiscent of James Michener's works, as it covers a wide range of events and locations related to World War II. Through the lens of the Henry family, readers are provided with a comprehensive view of the lead-up to the war, the impact on American families, and the historical backdrop of the conflict. The book's engaging storytelling and inclusion of both fictional and real-life characters make it a captivating read that offers insights into the scale and scope of World War II.

    Commander Victor Henry rode a taxicab home from the Navy Building on Constitution Avenue, in a gusty gray March rainstorm that matched his mood. In his War Plans cubbyhole that afternoon, he had recei...

  3. '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 ...

  4. #4

    The Rape of Nanking by Iris Chang
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    'The Rape of Nanking' by Iris Chang is a harrowing and eye-opening account of the Japanese atrocities committed in Nanking during WWII. The book delves into the brutal occupation of Nanking, detailing the mass carnage, mutilations, rapes, and dehumanizations that occurred. Chang's writing style is factual and unemotional, presenting a clear and straightforward exposition of the events that took place, while also highlighting the lack of accountability of the Japanese government and people.

    Chang's book not only sheds light on a dark chapter in history but also emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and learning from past atrocities. Through first-hand accounts, testimonies, and detailed descriptions, Chang exposes the cover-up of the grand scale atrocities in Nanking and challenges readers to confront the capacity of humankind for such brutality. Despite the graphic and disturbing nature of the content, the book is praised for its thoroughness, historical significance, and the author's effort to promote humanity and understanding amidst the horrors depicted.

    IN TRYING to understand the actions of the Japanese, the questions that call out loudest for answers are the most obvious ones. What broke down on the scene to allow the behavior of Japanese soldiers ...

  5. Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest by Stephen E. Ambrose is a compelling historical account of the famous 101st Airborne division in WWII. The book follows the journey of Easy Company from their training in Camp Toccoa to their involvement in key battles such as Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, and the capture of Hitler's Eagle's Nest. Ambrose expertly portrays the bond and camaraderie among the men of Easy Company, highlighting their triumphs, tragedies, and the transformation from ordinary soldiers to heroes. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Ambrose paints a comprehensive picture of the division and the 120 men of Easy Company, making it a history worth reading and knowing.

    The book captures the essence of the 101st Airborne division and specifically Easy Company, showcasing their bravery, sacrifices, and unwavering dedication to each other and the mission. Ambrose's narrative delves into the personal stories of the men, their training, battles, and the challenges they faced during WWII. Readers are taken on a journey from the training camps in the U.S. to the front lines in Europe, experiencing the highs and lows of war through the eyes of the soldiers. Through interviews and diaries of the surviving men, Ambrose brings to life the experiences of Easy Company, offering a poignant and insightful look at the realities of war and the extraordinary bonds forged in the heat of battle.

    At first light on June 7, Captain Hester came to see Winters with a message. "Winters," he said, "I hate to do this to you after what you went through yesterday, but I want E Company to lead off the c...

  6. #6

    With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa by Eugene B. Sledge
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    'With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa' by Eugene B. Sledge is a first-hand memoir detailing the author's experiences as a Marine in the Pacific during World War II. The book provides a gritty and realistic account of the brutal battles at Peleliu and Okinawa, showcasing the horrors of war without any glorification. Sledge's writing style is honest, straightforward, and poignant, as he vividly describes the harsh realities of military life, the psychological challenges faced by soldiers, and the physical and emotional toll of combat.

    I enlisted in the Marine Corps on 3 December 1942 at Marion, Alabama. At the time I was a freshman at Marion Military Institute. My parents and brother Edward had urged me to stay in college as long a...

  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...

  8. #8

    Footfall by Jerry Pournelle, Larry Niven
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    'Footfall' by Jerry Pournelle and Larry Niven is a thrilling sci-fi novel that revolves around an alien invasion of Earth by elephant-like creatures known as the Fithp. The book follows the story of how humans, faced with this unexpected threat, strategize and fight back against the aliens in a battle for survival. With a mix of engaging characters, ingenious technology, and intense action sequences, the novel explores themes of war, bravery, sacrifice, and the resilience of humanity in the face of a catastrophic alien invasion.

    The authors, Niven and Pournelle, present a unique take on alien invasion, portraying the Fithp as extremely alien beings with their own complex social structure and motivations. The plot unfolds with twists and turns as both humans and aliens navigate through the challenges of war and conflict, leading to a climactic showdown that will determine the fate of Earth. Through vivid descriptions and well-handled pacing, 'Footfall' offers readers a gripping and immersive sci-fi experience that keeps them on the edge of their seats till the very end.

    The lush tropical growth of the Kona Coast ended abruptly. Suddenly the passionflower vines and palm trees were gone, and Jenny was driving through barren lava fields. "It looks like the back side of ...

  9. #9

    The Years of Rice and Salt by Kim Stanley Robinson
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    'The Years of Rice and Salt' by Kim Stanley Robinson is an alternate history novel that explores a world where the Black Plague decimates Europe, leading to a timeline where Asia and the Middle East become dominant powers. The story follows interconnected souls reincarnated throughout centuries, offering a unique perspective on how history unfolds with Buddhism and Islam at the forefront. Readers experience a vast narrative spanning different eras, from the devastation of the plague to the rise of new civilizations, all intricately woven together through the reincarnations of characters and the exploration of philosophical themes like life, death, and progress.

    The book presents a thought-provoking premise of a world shaped by different cultural influences and historical events, offering a rich tapestry of interconnected stories that delve into themes of spirituality, reincarnation, and the complexities of human progress. Through vivid storytelling and intricate world-building, Kim Stanley Robinson presents a compelling vision of an alternate reality where familiar historical events take unexpected turns, inviting readers to contemplate the impact of different belief systems and societal structures on the course of civilization.

    Now he had taken on the form of a small Mongol named Bold Bardash, horseman in the army of Temur the Lame. Son of a Tibetan salt trader and a Mongol innkeeper and spirit woman, and thus a traveller fr...

  10. #10

    War and Remembrance - The Henry Family by Herman Wouk
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    'War and Remembrance' by Herman Wouk is a gripping historical fiction novel that serves as a sequel to 'The Winds of War'. Spanning the years of World War II, the book follows the Henry family as they navigate the tumultuous events of the war, from the Battle of Midway to the horrors of the Holocaust. Through intertwining storylines, the author successfully provides a human face to the global conflict, capturing the epic scale of war akin to 'War and Peace'. Despite its length, the book immerses readers in the experiences of characters facing harrowing challenges and decisions, ultimately aiming to render the atrocities of war unthinkable.

    ALIBERTY boat full of sleepy hung-over sailors came clanging alongside the U.S.S. Northampton, and a stocky captain in dress whites jumped out to the accommodation ladder. The heavy cruiser, its gray ...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Henry Family )

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