Meet New Books

Books Like...

"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.

If you liked The Good War, here are the top 100 books to read next:

Page 1
Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa by Eugene B. Sledge
    Save:

    '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...

  2. #2

    Helmet for My Pillow by Robert Leckie
    Save:

    Helmet for My Pillow by Robert Leckie is a memoir depicting the author's experiences as a Marine in the Pacific during World War II. Through vivid and intense storytelling, Leckie takes the reader on a journey from his enlistment, basic training, and deployment to the fierce battles in the Pacific theatre, including Guadalcanal and Peleliu. The book captures the horrors of combat, the camaraderie among the marines, and the day-to-day struggles faced by these young men in the midst of war. Leckie's writing style is described as honest, unsentimental, and at times poetic, offering a personal and gripping account of one man's war experience.

    The war with Japan was not yet four weeks old, Wake Island had fallen. Pearl Harbor was a real tragedy, a burning bitter humiliation. Hastily composed war songs were on the lips of everyone, their hea...

  3. 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...

  4. '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 ...

  5. "Hard Times: An Oral History of the Great Depression" by Studs Terkel is a collection of oral histories from individuals who lived through the Great Depression in the 1930s. The interviews range from touching to depressing to amusing, providing a wide perspective on the era. Terkel interviewed a diverse range of people, including the rich, poor, young, old, politicians, and ordinary citizens, offering insights into how the Depression shaped American society. reflects on the social turbulence of the 1960s while looking back at the 1930s, highlighting the individual experiences and perceptions of the time.

    THIS IS A MEMORY BOOK, rather than one of hard fact and precise statistic. In recalling an epoch, some thirty, forty, years ago, my colleagues experienced pain, in some instances; exhilaration, in oth...

  6. #6

    Storm of Steel by Ernst Junger
    Save:

    Storm of Steel by Ernst Junger is a memoir recounting the experiences of a German soldier fighting on the Western Front during World War I. The narrative is unadulterated by politics and anti-war sentiment, focusing solely on the day-to-day life of a soldier in the trenches. The book provides a vivid and graphic portrayal of the brutality of war, the camaraderie among soldiers, and the personal reflections of the author on his role in the conflict.

    The train stopped at Bazancourt, a small town in Champagne, and we got out. Full of awe and incredulity, we listened to the slow grinding pulse of the front, a rhythm we were to become mightily famili...

  7. '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...

  8. "Working: People Talk about What They Do All Day and How They Feel about What They Do" by Studs Terkel is an oral history capturing the diverse range of human experiences in the workplace. Through over 100 interviews, the book delves into the true feelings Americans have about their jobs, revealing a mix of discontent, passion, and resignation. Terkel's writing style presents a bite-sized procession of humanity, with each interviewee sharing their personal stories and insights, creating a long but engaging narrative that offers a glimpse into the work lives of individuals from various professions.

    Who built the seven towers of Thebes? The books are filled with the names of kings. Was it kings who hauled the craggy blocks of stone? . . . In the evening when the Chinese wall was finished Where di...

  9. #9

    Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin by Timothy Snyder
    Save:

    'Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin' by Timothy Snyder delves into the harrowing history of mass killings in Eastern Europe between 1933 and 1945. It vividly portrays the atrocities committed by both the Nazi and Soviet regimes on ordinary people in regions like Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltic States. Through meticulous research and detailed accounts, Snyder sheds light on the deliberate policies of mass killing, starvation, executions, and deportations that resulted in the deaths of millions of civilians. weaves together individual stories with historical events, offering a comprehensive and chilling narrative of the horrors that unfolded in the bloodlands between Moscow and Berlin.

    Nineteen thirty-three was a hungry year in the Western world. The streets of American and European cities teemed with men and women who had lost their jobs, and grown accustomed to waiting in line for...

  10. #10
    In the Balance
    Book 1 in the series:Tosev

    In the Balance - Tosev by Harry Turtledove
    Save:

    '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.

    Fleetlord Atvar strode briskly into the command station of the invasion fleet bannership 127th Emperor Hetto. Officers stiffened in their seats as he came in. But for the way his eye turrets swiveled ...

Page 1 of 10Next Page