I read mostly non-fiction: true crime, WWI and WWI history, and random history. Bonus points if it's narrative non-fiction, regardless of the topic. I really love history to get an understanding of what happened before us that helped shape our lives today. What I'm looking for now to switch it up a little is:
- History on older companies that are household staples such as Folgers, Pillsbury, etcetera. (those books don't exist, I already looked, but giving you an idea of the theme I'm after.) I already have read a book about the Kellogg brothers.
- Books about interesting stories from the late 1800s/early 1900s, perhaps formative aristocrats that helped shape America. (I already read Anderson Cooper's books about Vanderbilt and the Astors, but again, to give you an idea of the theme I'm after.)
- Wholesome history in general – I have a book about the history of how American bookshops got started. (Again, to give you the kind of theme I desire.)
- Any suggestions of history books you loved, regardless of the topic would be appreciated.
Thank you for taking time to offer suggestions! 😃
by katerbug11824
6 Comments
No Picnic on Mount Kenya by Felice Benuzzi.
The author was interned by the British in Kenya during WW2, where he and his friends decide to escape in order to climb Mount Kenya, since they realise an escape back to Italy is basically impossible. They escape, leaving a note for the British explaining that they will return.
A really unusual and fun non-fiction book!
Books I liked that kind of fit this vibe:
*Troublemakers* by Leslie Berlin – Follows key figures in early Silicon Valley who helped shaped the tech industry. Some of them worked in companies you’re familiar with, but all of them are figures who are generally less well known to the public.
*Game Over* by David Sheff – Covers the history of Nintendo from the 1960s until it became a household name in the late 80s / early 90s. Includes lots of interesting anecdotes about those years.
**Sweet and Low: A Family Story** by Rich Cohen. Chronicles the rise of Sweet’N Low, founded by Cohen’s grandfather, exploring family dynamics, and America’s obsession with sugar.
The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel — Douglas Brunt
Hawai’i’s Story by Hawaii’s Queen.
The Paper Trail by Alexander Monro – literally the history of paper!