Books Like...
In "A Higher Call," author Adam Makos narrates an incredible true story of an encounter between an American B-17 bomber crew and a German fighter pilot during World War II. The book delves into the lives of the two pilots, Charlie Brown and Franz Stigler, exploring their personal and military circumstances leading up to the fateful event that ties them together. Through a well-paced narrative, Makos highlights acts of humanity, heroism, and the pilot's code of chivalry, shedding light on the individuals behind the uniforms and showcasing the complexities of war beyond the conventional good versus evil narrative.
If you liked A Higher Call, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'Masters of the Air: America's Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany' by Donald L. Miller provides a detailed study of the conditions in which young men put their lives at stake during World War II. It covers everything from doctrine to major operations, highlighting the bravery and sacrifices made by the USAAF aircrews. The narrative includes personal accounts that immerse the reader into the experiences of the bomber boys as they flew missions over Europe, shedding light on the challenges they faced and the impact of their actions on the war effort.
The first of the dozen Fortresses to clear the runway was Butcher Shop, piloted by twenty-seven-year-old Paul W. Tibbets, Jr., of Miami, Florida. The finest flier in the 97th Bombardment Group, Major ... - #2
Save:'Stuka Pilot' by Hans-Ulrich Rudel is a memoir that showcases the bravery and skills of the author as a pilot during World War II. Despite his allegiance to the German military and the Nazi cause, Rudel's narrative of close air support missions is filled with audacity and adventure. The book provides a unique perspective of the Russian Front observed entirely from the air, giving readers a detached view of the changing dynamics between Axis and Allied powers during the war. Rudel's writing style is deliberate and detailed, portraying his experiences with humility and a focus on the military aspects of his missions.
1924 My home is the rectory of the little village of Seiferdau in Silesia; I am eight. One Sunday my father and mother go into the neighbouring town of Schweidnitz for an “Aviation Day”. I am furious ... - #3
Save:Samurai! by Martin Caidin and Saburo Sakai is an engrossing autobiography that narrates the heroic fights of Japanese pilot Saburo Sakai against the American forces during World War II. The book provides a different perspective on the Pacific war, offering insights into the conduct of the conflict from the viewpoint of a Japanese aviator. Sakai's story not only highlights his exceptional piloting skills but also delves into the challenges and experiences faced by Japanese pilots during the war, providing a valuable peek into the Japanese side of the conflict.
The narrative in Samurai! is vivid and gripping, detailing Sakai's dogfights, survival stories, and reflections on the war. The book captures the essence of Sakai's journey from being a highly successful combatant to facing injuries, survival, and eventual return to the war. Readers get a glimpse into the personal side of Sakai's story, his encounters with the enemy, and the training that shaped him into a remarkable pilot, making it a must-read for those interested in aviation history and World War II memoirs.
ON the southernmost main Japanese island of Kyushu, the small city of Saga lies midway between two major centers which in recent years have become well known to thousands of Americans. At Sasebo, the ... 'Company Commander: The Classic Infantry Memoir of World War II' by Charles B. MacDonald is a detailed and realistic account of a 21-year-old company commander's experiences during World War II, particularly from the Battle of the Bulge to VE day. MacDonald's narrative provides insight into the life of a basic infantry soldier fighting across Europe in 1944-45, capturing the fear, self-doubt, fatigue, stress, and simple joys experienced by soldiers on the front lines. The book includes tremendous detail, such as the names of men wounded or killed, encounters with German officers, and celebrations in the Czech Republic at the end of the war, making it a compelling and immersive read.
MacDonald's writing style in 'Company Commander' allows readers to feel the war from the perspective of a man who lived through it, showcasing his passion for his men, his leadership struggles, and the stark realities of combat. The book aptly portrays the mental and physical stress of war at the individual and unit command level, highlighting the strength and commitment of those who served. Through MacDonald's narrative, readers gain a deep understanding of the confusion, chaos, and daily horrors faced by soldiers on the ground during World War II.
'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...- #6
Save:Lost in Shangri La is a captivating true story of survival and adventure during World War II. The book narrates the harrowing account of a military airplane crash in the native jungles of New Guinea and the subsequent heroic rescue mission to save the survivors. Mitchell Zuckoff skillfully weaves together the tales of the crash, the survivors' struggle to survive, and the daring rescue attempt, providing a detailed narrative of a lesser-known historical event overshadowed by the war itself.
Sixteen months earlier, in January 1944, Margaret Hastings had walked into a recruiting station in the nearby city of Binghamton. There, she signed her name and took her place among the first generati... "Beyond Band of Brothers: The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters" by Dick Winters is a firsthand account of Major Winters' experiences during World War II as part of Easy Company of the 101st Airborne Division. It provides insights into major battles such as D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge, while also delving into Winters' reflections on leadership and the impact of war on his life. The writing style is described as authentic and more in-depth than the miniseries it was based on, offering a unique perspective on the events of the war through Winters' eyes.
I am still haunted by the names and faces of young men, young airborne troopers who never had the opportunity to return home after the war and begin their lives anew. Like most veterans who have share...- #8
Save:'Spearhead' by Adam Makos focuses on the story of WWII tank gunner, Clarence Smoyer, during the last 6 months of the war. The narrative also involves other individuals who end up dying soon after their introduction, making the storytelling somewhat disjointed. delves into the experiences of soldiers on both sides of the war, providing a detailed account of the battles and personal connections formed during this tumultuous time.
Traveling solo or in pairs with the rising sun at their backs, multiple companies of Shermans flooded across the Mons countryside to extend the division’s reach, pressing the enemy into an ever-tighte... Into the Fire: Ploesti, The Most Fateful Mission of World War II by Duane P. Schultz delves into the disastrous Operation Tidal Wave, a daring mission to bomb the German oil refineries in Ploesti, Romania during World War II. The book meticulously describes the extensive training, the decision-making process, the harrowing mission itself, and the aftermath, highlighting the bravery and selflessness exhibited by the airmen under dire circumstances. Schultz's writing style immerses readers into the experiences of the bomber crews, from training to the aftermath of the mission, providing a realistic and engaging account of the events.
'Goodbye, Darkness: A Memoir of the Pacific War' by William Manchester is a poignant and raw account of the author's experiences as a Marine Sergeant in World War II, specifically in the Pacific theater. Manchester vividly describes the horrors of ground combat, the camaraderie among Marines, and the haunting impact of war on the human psyche. The book follows Manchester's journey from his enlistment in the Marine Corps through the battles on various Pacific islands, culminating in his return to these battlegrounds years later to confront his inner demons and seek resolution.
The narrative style of 'Goodbye, Darkness' is both evocative and personal, offering readers a close-up view of the absurdity and brutality of war in clear and extremely intimate terms. Manchester's prose is described as beautiful and his storytelling is gripping, weaving together snapshots of battles, personal accounts, and reflections on his wartime experiences. Through his vivid descriptions and introspective musings, Manchester brings to life the sights, sounds, and emotions of war, providing a compelling and eye-opening read for those interested in understanding the human cost of conflict.
Our boeing 747 has been fleeing westward from darkened California, racing across the Pacific toward the sun, the incandescent eye of God, but slowly, three hours later than West Coast time, twilight g...
