Several members of The Warning community have asked me for book recommendations. I thought I would put together a list of 10 books that I would suggest as gifts and/or for you to enjoy over the holiday season. Here it goes:
Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne: This book tells the astounding story of Quanah Parker, the last great Comanche war chief, the final battles of the American West and the rise of the Texas Rangers.
Citizens of London by Lynne Olsen: The author tells the story of the wartime alliance between the United States and Britain through the personal journeys of three men: Edward R. Murrow, Averell Harriman and John Gilbert Winant. 1942 London was a wild time. All three men were sleeping with the prime minister’s daughter…
FDR at War trilogy by Nigel Hamilton: Hamilton lays out in a masterful way how FDR led the Allied war effort. FDR is the only American president who is a legitimate peer of Abraham Lincoln. He saved the world.
The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman: Over the past month, I’ve begun my days by reading this book about wisdom, perseverance and the art of living. It offers the translation of selections from several stoic philosophers, including Marcus Aurelius, Rufus and Seneca. Its goal is to provide lessons about personal growth and practicing mindfulness. Ryan Holiday’s Daily Stoic Podcast is the only one that I’ve listened to from start to finish.
John Adams by David McCullough: This biography of the founding father and second president of the United States won the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography. In my view, it is one of the most fascinating reads about one of the most interesting men in American history.
Night by Elie Wiesel: I recently read this extremely powerful book with my daughter that tells the harrowing autobiographical tale of a teenager surviving at Auschwitz and Buchenwald. This is one of the most important books ever written.
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou: This autobiography captures the early years of this American poet and writer. It is a story that demonstrates how the human spirit can soar above racism and hate.
The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson: This is an incredible account of how Nobel Prize winner Jennifer Doudna and her colleagues launched a revolution that will allow us to cure diseases, fend off viruses, and have healthier children. It speaks to the most profound wonders of nature — from the origins of life to the future of our species.
Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard: This is an exceptional account of the rise of James Garfield from poverty to American president, as well as his assassination and legacy. Garfield was one of the most interesting people to ever become president — a Civil War hero, a distinguished Congressman, and someone who took on the country’s amoral political establishment.
JFK by Fredrik Logevall: The author’s Pulitzer prize-winning biography of the 35th president provides an up close look at the “real” JFK. He offers a compelling portrait of a man who to this day is iconic, yet elusive. I think this is the presidency that is essential to understand in this moment in time.
What books would you recommend? What are the books on your holiday wish list?
Happy reading,
Steve
Holiday reading recommendations
Regarding John Adams, there was an excellent TV miniseries (2008) on HBO that I watched a few years ago based on the biography (if TV is more of your thing): https://www.hbo.com/john-adams
How applicable today! My favorite quote by John Adams at the end was:
“Oh posterity, you will never know how much it cost us to preserve your freedom. I hope that you will make a good use of it, for if you do not, I shall repent in Heaven that I ever took half the pains to preserve it.”
I wonder what he would think now with today’s events.
A holiday gift to me from Elon Musk is that I have more time to read.