Books Like...

'102 Minutes: The Untold Story of the Fight to Survive Inside the Twin Towers' by Jim Dwyer is a deeply detailed and sensitive account of the events that transpired on September 11th, delving into the experiences of individuals inside the Twin Towers before, during, and after the impact of the flights. The book provides a fresh perspective on the tragedy, focusing on the personal stories of both survivors and those who lost their lives, offering a human perspective on the events of 9/11.

The narrative of the book unfolds minute by minute, recounting the harrowing moments from the first plane strike to the collapse of the North Tower, using witness accounts, 911 calls, and emails to reconstruct the experiences of those present in the Trade Centers. '102 Minutes' is commended for its respectful and sensitively written approach in portraying the chaos and tragedy that unfolded inside the towers, shedding light on the individual struggles and acts of selflessness amidst the devastation.

'The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland' by Jim DeFede tells a heartwarming and inspiring story about the town of Gander, Newfoundland, which showed incredible generosity and compassion towards thousands of stranded passengers on 9/11. portrays the events from various perspectives, including that of a chairman of Hugo Boss, Werner Baldessarini, who was traveling to NYC for Fashion Week. Readers are taken through a journey of tears, grief, joy, and laughter as they witness the touching and compassionate spirit of the people of Newfoundland during a difficult time of tragedy.

The narrative style of the book is described as detailed, engaging, and emotional, capturing the reader's attention from the very beginning. It offers a unique perspective on the aftermath of 9/11, focusing on the unexpected visitors who found refuge in a small Canadian town and the extraordinary kindness and care shown by the residents of Gander towards their temporary guests. not only highlights the tragic events of that day but also showcases the resilience, strength, and generosity of human nature in the face of adversity.

'Forgotten Ally: China's World War II, 1937-1945' by Rana Mitter delves into the complex history of China during World War II, focusing on key figures like Chiang Kai Shek and Mao Zedong, as well as the interactions with Western powers like the US and the Soviet Union. The narrative covers the early years of the war, highlighting events such as the Sino-Japanese conflict, the Rape of Nanking, and the involvement of various factions within China's political landscape. The author weaves together personal accounts, historical events, and political strategies to provide a comprehensive understanding of China's role in the global conflict.

'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.

The Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright is a non-fiction book that delves into the history and events leading up to the tragic events of 9/11. It is described as a definitive history of the attack, providing a detailed account of how American influence in the Middle East contributed to the rise of Al Qaeda. The book is praised for its narrative structure, which reads like a story rather than a dry historical account, making it both informative and engaging for readers interested in understanding the background of 9/11.

"The Impossible State: North Korea, Past and Future" by Victor Cha is an in-depth analysis of North Korea, exploring its past and potential future. Cha draws on his personal experiences visiting North Korea and negotiating with its officials to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the authoritarian regime. The book delves into the dysfunctional nature of North Korea, its survival tactics of brutalizing citizens and bullying neighbors, and the implications of its nuclear ambitions on global politics.

"In Our Image: America's Empire in the Philippines" by Stanley Karnow is a comprehensive exploration of the intertwined histories of the United States and the Philippines. The book delves into the period from the Spanish American war to the Marcos regime, providing detailed insights into U.S colonial history, Filipino history, and the complex relationships between the two nations. Karnow's writing style captivates readers, offering a deep dive into the cultural nuances, political intrigues, and historical events that shaped the Philippines throughout the years.

Fredrik Logevall has produced an excellent history of Indochina that takes the reader through World War II, and then those years from 1945 when the Japanese who had occupied the country pulled out, and the French tried to return. The base could only be supplied by air, which seems to me to be such a stupid place to establish a base. Logevall narrates in colorful detail how the French generals planned and built this base. The author also relates the Viet Minh side as to how they marched their troops down to surround the base, and the tremendous loss of human life on both sides. Logevall introduces us to Ho Chi Minh, who is a young man when he travels to Paris at the peace conference after World War I in 1919. Dressed in his best suit, this young Vietnamese hopes to have a visit with Woodrow Wilson, and acquaint him with the plight of Indochina under the harsh rule of the French. But Wilson won't see him.

This is a great revelatory book describing how the US involvement in Vietnam started very early on and served multiple purposes. The 'domino theory' was just the latest in grand arguments underpinning the reasoning to stay. Perhaps more important was the US decision to support the French and relieve them of pressure to enable them to contribute to European Defence. On the great debate whether Vietnam was 'necessary', this book places itself in the No camp. It drives home its argument well but could have benefitted from a broader analytical framework and considered other viewpoints on the war's significance. For example, it should have included Lee Kuan Yew's comments that the US support to South Vietnam, enabled the Asian Tiger economies to rise in the decades afterward.

'9-11' by Noam Chomsky is a collection of interviews conducted with the author after the September 11th terrorist attacks, providing historical and political context for the events. Chomsky offers alternative narratives surrounding the discourse of 9/11, discussing the impact on the world and the US. presents a concise and impactful account of Chomsky's opinions on the events and politics leading up to and following the attacks, challenging mainstream perspectives.

'House to House: An Epic Memoir of War' by David Bellavia is a raw and visceral account of the horrors of war, focusing on the close combat experiences of US troops against Muslim fighters. Bellavia's writing style captures the in-your-face reality of the battlefield, showcasing the bravery, camaraderie, and gallows humor that develop in such life-threatening environments. provides a thorough and realistic description of the battlefield, highlighting the sacrifices and challenges faced by soldiers in day-to-day encounters, from door-to-door fighting to dodging house bombs.

The narrative delves into the human aspect of war, portraying the author's respect for his enemies and his own moments of doubt and resilience. Bellavia's memoir is fast-paced, emotionally engaging, and offers a unique perspective on the hazards of the war zone. Readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster ride, experiencing the fatigue, fear, loss, and dedication of the soldiers as if it were their own, making it a compelling and gripping read.