I’m really enjoy when authors put a lot of personality in their books. Like when someone can tell a riveting story while also opening the door to how their mind works – I’m hooked.
But I’m also going through a big history phase right now. War history. American history. Pirate history. Ancient Greek history (went down a deep colosseum rabbit hole after watching the new gladiator trailer). Im getting to that age where I wish I paid more attention in high school, ya know?
So that’s what I’m looking for. Something that’s going to teach me something but make it feel like I’m not being taught. I’d also be open to a fiction story with a true historical backdrop, but it would have to be a lot of history packed into it I think.
What do you recommend??
by ConsultingOblivion
3 Comments
Anything Erik Larson (start with The Splendid and the Vile for WWII history) is good. Doris Kearns Goodwin is also great (read No Ordinary Time for WWII). Ben Macintyre does a good job with spy nonfiction but it’s less holistic as the other two.
The best nonfiction I’ve read, specifically ones that read like stories, include the miracle of castel di sangro, the fish that ate the whale, in the garden of beasts, alive, killers of the flower moon, into thin air, brothers of the gun, and unbroken. Erik Larson and Jon Krakauer rightly get a lot of praise.
I have also read and enjoyed, but they were more difficult reads, shake hands with the devil, Stalingrad, and all the shahs men.
Candace Millard is my favorite author for this. All of her titles are good.