Help with books

[TellerMorrow34]

I like to read and go through these spells where I really read all the time but here in the last couple of years those times have come less and less.

So the last few days I've been thinking about how it's likely because practically the only thing I ever read are fiction books and while I really like those I'm starting to really grow tired of them.

So what I'm wanting to do is start reading not just for pleasure but to learn stuff from what I'm reading.

So basically what I've decided is that I want to start reading some history type stuff, things on war and whatever topics, just so long as its interesting and I am learning some quality stuff. I also want to start reading more self help type stuff or books of that nature and autobiographies be it on sports figures or whoever.

So what I'm wanting help with here is if all you good folks in the Zone could pop in here and just jott down 3 or 4 book suggestions that fall under those topics that you've read and would highly recommend.

I'd appreciate the help.

 

[Chief]

I love biographies.

Just go to the library and scan that section, and you'll come across a person that interests you. My favorites were ones on Buddy Holly, Gary Cooper, and Robert Kennedy.

Two recent WWII books I've read that were really good are: "In Harm's Way," by Doug Stanton, and "Shockwave," by Stephen Walker.

Right now, I'm reading "The Real All Americans," about American Indians at Carlisle School that became a great football team when the game was just getting started in the early 1900s.

 

[hairic]

BookTV on c-span2 is good exposure to non-fiction books.

It's on every weekend all weekend long or just http://www.booktv.org/

 

[dcdallaschick]

I tend to read a lot of historical narrative stuff--which I think is sort of what you're after. It's not so much straight-up biography or history, but an attempt to flesh out the facts and figures so you get a real feel for what those things/times/people were really like.

Shelby Foote's three volumes on the Civil War are an outstanding read, as is Simon Schama's History of Britain. I also liked 1776 by David McCullough.

The Great Influenza by John Barry is a really interesting picture of both the 1918 influenza and the state of medicine/medical education at the time. I got a lot of odd looks reading that one on our cruise. : )

 

[Bob Sacamano]

I tend to read a lot of historical narrative stuff--which I think is sort of what you're after. It's not so much straight-up biography or history, but an attempt to flesh out the facts and figures so you get a real feel for what those things/times/people were really like.

Shelby Foote's three volumes on the Civil War are an outstanding read, as is Simon Schama's History of Britain. I also liked 1776 by David McCullough.

The Great Influenza by John Barry is a really interesting picture of both the 1918 influenza and the state of medicine/medical education at the time. I got a lot of odd looks reading that one on our cruise. : )

Great book. But damn, you read all 3 volumes of the Civil War? That's a lot of reading. I think my Dad has them.

 

[jem88]

Blood and Vengeance by Chuck Sudetic is an excellent book about the Bosnian war, particularly one family's involvement in it. The retelling is of the Srebrenica massacre is heart-wrenching.

The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein is also worth reading.

 

[Dawgs0916]

I love biographies.

Just go to the library and scan that section, and you'll come across a person that interests you. My favorites were ones on Buddy Holly, Gary Cooper, and Robert Kennedy.

Two recent WWII books I've read that were really good are: "In Harm's Way," by Doug Stanton, and "Shockwave," by Stephen Walker.

Right now, I'm reading "The Real All Americans," about American Indians at Carlisle School that became a great football team when the game was just getting started in the early 1900s.

Good man, Chief. Good man.

 

[Kangaroo]

I like to read and go through these spells where I really read all the time but here in the last couple of years those times have come less and less.

So the last few days I've been thinking about how it's likely because practically the only thing I ever read are fiction books and while I really like those I'm starting to really grow tired of them.

So what I'm wanting to do is start reading not just for pleasure but to learn stuff from what I'm reading.

So basically what I've decided is that I want to start reading some history type stuff, things on war and whatever topics, just so long as its interesting and I am learning some quality stuff. I also want to start reading more self help type stuff or books of that nature and autobiographies be it on sports figures or whoever.

So what I'm wanting help with here is if all you good folks in the Zone could pop in here and just jott down 3 or 4 book suggestions that fall under those topics that you've read and would highly recommend.

I'd appreciate the help.

About Face by David Hackworth He covers Korea to Vietnam. Some may know him from his time with Newsweek he past away about 4 years ago

Texas History: The Bugles Are Silent (Funny thing is after I bought and read the book many years ago this last year I happen to go to Alamo and I meet the Author of the book)

Diary of An Airborne Ranger (A LRRP in the Combat Zone) is interesting. On a personal note the book contains pictures in the middle of it some of the pictures are of a brother of my Aunt's (my fathers side) Husband

There are two other books I read I am trying to remember the names I will post them when I find the names.

One is about a Battlefield Surgeon in Vietnam and the other one was about a pilot that made two daring escapes after being capture and had a 3rd planned escape. he spent time in the Hanoi Hilton the books mention Scottsdale the guy that ran with Ross Perot and the same place John McCain also spent time.

Ok I found the Book about the Pilot Code of Honor by John A. Dramesi

On a side note

My Wife and Dad give toons of Props to Band of Brothers (yes it is suppose to be better than the TV mini series done by HBO)

 

[arglebargle]

I loved reading Hackworth too, though I haven't read that book. Thanks Kangaroo! My personal suggestion would be to check out The Good War by Studs Terkel. Top notch Chicago journalist who interviewed a ton of WWII veterans and presented some compelling stories both large and small. Really covered a lot of ground and reading all the stories together helped.

 

[Phoenix]

All I can say is (a) use the library for books for free, and if you insist on buying them, use www.addall.com you won't regret it.

 

[SaltwaterServr]

"Generation Kill" by Evan Wright focuses on the first push into Iraq in which the author was at the VERY tip of the spear. He was at times in the vehicle that was the farthest into Iraq. Good read.

I've got Thunder Run and Heavy Metal both on order from Amazon. They detail Thunder Run 1 and 2 into Baghdad by the M1A1 Abrams and LAV's. Supposedly both are great.

 

[ethiostar]

You might want to browse through the thread on "Rate the last book you read"

http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=177673

I know some zoners have discussed books that are in line with what you're looking for.