Books Like...

'Undaunted Courage: The Pioneering First Mission to Explore America's Wild Frontier' by Stephen E. Ambrose is a detailed narrative history of the Lewis and Clark expedition. The book delves into the challenges faced by the Corps of Discovery as they journeyed to the Pacific, highlighting the bravery and sacrifices of the men involved, as well as the interactions with Native Americans along the way. Ambrose's writing style brings the story to life, weaving in passages from the journals of the trip and providing fascinating details that make the reader feel like they are part of the expedition.

'Glencoe: The Story of the Massacre' by author John Prebble delves into the historical event of the Glencoe massacre, shedding light on the battle between Great Britain and the Jacobite followers of Prince Charles, mainly highland clans. The author provides detailed scholarship, offering enough details about the personalities involved to bring the history to life and make it understandable. also explores how the massacre hastened the end of the feudal system practiced by the highland clans, leading to societal modernization.

'Indianapolis: The True Story of the Worst Sea Disaster in U.S. Naval History and the Fifty-Year Fight to Exonerate an Innocent Man' by Lynn Vincent narrates the tragic events surrounding the heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis, from its crucial role in World War II to its harrowing sinking by a Japanese submarine. The story delves into the ship's history, the circumstances leading to the disaster, the heroic acts of survival, and the subsequent fight for justice and exoneration of Captain McVay. The writing style is detailed, engaging, and meticulously researched, providing a gripping and emotional account of one of the darkest chapters in naval history.

'A Mind at Play: How Claude Shannon Invented the Information Age' by Jimmy Soni and Rob Goodman delves into the life and accomplishments of Claude Shannon, the father of information theory. The authors provide insights into Shannon's character, his personal life, and his technical achievements, such as his work in communication theory. covers Shannon's childhood in Michigan, his academic journey, his time at Bell Labs, and his impact on modern communication systems. Readers get a glimpse of Shannon's curious and mischievous nature, as well as his contributions to the field of information theory and technology.

The writing style of the book combines personal and professional history, offering readers a comprehensive view of Claude Shannon as both a man and an information theorist. While the book may lack in technical details, it provides a good understanding of Shannon's life and personality. The authors successfully highlight Shannon's ingenuity and his balance between being a serious academic and a playful engineer, making the book an engaging read for those interested in the history of science and technology.

'Black and British: A Forgotten History' by David Olusoga is a powerful and thorough examination of Black people in British history. The book takes readers through nearly 900 years of Black history in Britain, highlighting the connections with West Africa, the Caribbean, and the USA. Olusoga methodically covers topics such as the triangular trade route, the sugar industry, abolition of slavery, and the role of Black people during and after WWI and WWII. The writing style is dense with facts and information, presenting a detailed and interesting history that is both harrowing and heartbreaking.

Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea by Gary Kinder is a captivating non-fiction book detailing the history and discovery of the world's richest shipwreck, the SS Central America. The book follows the thrilling adventure of salvaging a shipwreck filled with gold, sunk so deep that new technologies had to be developed to locate and retrieve it. Through the story of the engineer and crew working on the recovery, readers are taken on a journey of innovation, technology, and high-stakes underwater exploration.

"Lawrence in Arabia: War, Deceit, Imperial Folly, and the Making of the Modern Middle East" by Scott Anderson is a sweeping narrative that delves into the political intrigues and the cast of characters involved in shaping the Middle East during World War I. It focuses on the actions of T.E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, and three other young men from different backgrounds, highlighting the complex web of events that played out in the region. provides a detailed account of the conflicting interests of various imperial powers, the struggles of the Arab revolt, and the lasting impact of the decisions made during that turbulent period.

The writing style of Scott Anderson in "Lawrence in Arabia" is praised for being well researched and thoroughly detailed. offers a critical examination of the wanton imperialism of Britain and France, the savagery of the Ottoman Empire, and the role of key figures such as Lawrence, highlighting the intricate policy decisions that shaped the modern Middle East. Despite some readers finding the narrative at times confusing or overly dense, the book is commended for its in-depth exploration of the historical events and the complex relationships that defined the era.

"No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II" by Doris Kearns Goodwin is a detailed examination of the relationship between Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt during World War II. It provides insights into their household in the White House, their personal lives, and the impact of their decisions on America and the world at that time. Goodwin weaves together various storylines, such as the Roosevelts' marriage partnership, Eleanor's role as First Lady, FDR's presidency, and the significant events that shaped the wartime era.

'Astoria' by Peter Stark narrates the ambitious endeavor of John Jacob Astor to establish a fur empire in the Pacific Northwest, near the mouth of the Columbia River. The story follows the hardships faced by the expedition members, including treacherous journeys by sea and land, conflicts with nature and Native Americans, and the ultimate failure of Astor's grand vision. Through vivid details and captivating storytelling, Stark brings to life the characters, decisions, and mishaps that doomed this early attempt to claim the Northwest Pacific coast of America for the United States.

Stark's narrative weaves together a tale of exploration, hardship, heroism, and conflict, showcasing the raw hubris of Astor's vision and the personal courage and stubbornness of those involved in the venture. sheds light on a forgotten chapter in American history, where a group of diverse individuals embarked on a journey that would shape the course of American empire, paving the way for the Oregon Trail and opening up the Oregon country for white settlement.

The Big Rock Candy Mountain by Wallace Stegner is a sweeping family saga set in the early 20th century American West, exploring themes of ambition, family dynamics, and the pursuit of the American Dream. The novel follows the Mason family, particularly focusing on Bo and Elsa Mason and their two sons, as they navigate a tumultuous life marked by constant uprooting, hardships, and dashed dreams. Stegner's writing style captures the emotional depth of the characters and vividly depicts the landscapes of the western United States and Canada where the family's journey unfolds.