The Boy Who Dared

The Boy Who Dared
by Susan Bartoletti
Scholastic Press, 2008, 202 pg., Youth Historical Fiction

Helmuth does not want to die. He had known the risk he was taking with the radio. He had known how dangerous it was to write his pamphlets. He does not want to die. But he did what was right. He will not apologize for that.


This story is - incredible, shocking, unbelievable - but it is based on a real boy. Helmuth was born in Germany and grew up in during Hitler's rise to power. He was a talented boy, but he was also just a boy. He used his talents to think for himself and found he did not agree with what the Nazi party preached. Even though his was taught to obey the laws of his country, even if he did not like them, he was also taught to do what was right. It is difficult to imagine what to do in moments such as that. It is even harder to realize that for Helmuth his choice came at a price. This is a fantastic book about what courage, forgiveness, and truth looks like in life's darkest moments. This is a great book for anyone who likes history, WWII, or true stories. Sensitive readers should be aware that this books deals with the harsh realities of Hitler's regime. Those who like The Dairy of Anne Frank may be particularly interested in the book.

Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game that Made a Nation

Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game that Made a Nation
by John Carlin
Penguin Press, 2008, Nonfiction, 274 p.
This engaging nonfiction book follows Nelson Mandela's political path for ten years, from the time he was in prison to the triumphant win of the South African rugby team of the world cup in 1995.  Carlin shows how Nelson's charisma and political genius kept South Africa out of civil war and how he used rugby to unite a nation.  I have read Invictus before and enjoyed it, but I think I enjoyed this one more.  Invictus was more about the players, but this focuses more on Mandela and how his gentle but powerful personality won over one opponent after another.  The message of the book is so timely: forgiveness and trust can do more than hate and force to build a strong country. This is a great read to celebrate Black History Month.

The Library Book

 

The Library Book
By Susan Orlean
Simon & Schuster, 2018, Nonfiction, 319 p.

In 1986 there was a terrible fire in the Los Angeles Central Library.  Over 400,000 books either burned or were destroyed by water and over $2,000,000 of damage was done to the building.  Fire investigators thought the fire was the result of arson, and believed that a man, Harry Peal, was the one that held the match, but there was never enough evidence to convict him.  Thirty years later the library has been rebuilt and expanded, but the mystery remains. In this engaging nonfiction Ms Orlean has done an amazing amount of research to lay all the evidence before the reader.  She also gives an fascinating history of one of the US's most innovative libraries, and a peek into what life at the LA Library is like today. Part mystery, part love song to public libraries, this is a great choice for anyone who ever felt at home with a library book in their hand.

Becoming

Becoming
by Michelle Obama
Crown Publishing, 2018, Auto-Biography, 448 p.
This is a candid and engaging memoir of America's first African American first lady. Michelle Robinson grew up in an apartment above her aunt's house in the south side of Chicago.  Her parents were working class, but sacrificed to give her and her brother the best education they could manage.  Michelle worked hard at school, and got good enough grades to be accepted at Princeton and then at Harvard Law School. Soon after she started her career as a corporate lawyer, she was assigned to mentor a young law student with an unusual name, Barack Obama.  The rest is, as they say, is history.

Ms Obama's story is engaging, inspiring and well written.  Her candor, high ideals, and good humor come through in every chapter.  I loved how she described in detail what life in the White House was really like, but the heart of the story is her own journey from being an insecure girl to being a confident and powerful woman. Not only has this book been a huge hit nationally, but also locally.  It has been one of the top 10 most read e-books/audio-books of Highland residents ever since it came out. 

Bushnell's Submarine: The Best Kept Secret of the American Revolution

Bushnell's Submarine: The Best Kept Secret of the American Revolution
By Arthur S. Lefkowitz
Scholastic Nonfiction, 2006, Nonfiction, 125pg.


David Bushnell is a little known American inventor. At the age of 31 he entered Yale College in 1771 and graduated just as the American Revolution began. His invention is considered one of the earliest submarines, and was one of the first to be used in combat. Designed with the intention of helping the rebel American's fight off the British Navy (the most powerful Navy in the world at that time), Bushnell's submarine was a example not only of advanced scientific engineering, but of American patriotism. Though his submarine never succeeded in blowing up a British ship, it's tale is one of heroism and the fascinating question of "What if it had worked?"

This really is a interesting story of history and Lefkowitz does an excellent job of telling it. Though his writing is steeped in research, it does not take on the erudite tone that can make a nonfiction history books terribly boring. It is told in a simple easy to read language. It is also not incredibly long. However, readers are able to walk away feeling like they have learned a great deal about the war, the people, science, and what the early patriots were will up against in their battle against Britain. This is a great book for history fans in general, but especially early American history buffs. This would also be a great title for anyone who want's to read a nonfiction book, but doesn't want to get bogged down in a large tome filled with unfamiliar terminology.

Victoria and Abdul: The True Story of the Queen's Closest Confident

Victoria and Abdul: The True Story of the Queen's Closest Confident
By Shrabani Basu
Penguin Random House, 2017, Nonfiction. 334 p.

During Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, she arranged for some men from India to be hired to work as servants in her household.  One of the men was Abdul Karim, a 25-year-old office clerk from Agra. Something clicked between Karim and the Queen, and soon she asked him to give her Urdu lessons.  Karim didn't know much English, but as they learned each other's languages, they became dear friends.  The other members of court were worried about the closeness of the Queen and this dark Indian man of low birth and did everything they could to discredit him in the Queen's eyes, but she stayed faithful to him to the end.  He, in turn, helped her understand India, the land that she ruled but that she would never be able to see. 

 

If you are a history buff, this is the book for you. Basu's account is based entirely on historical documents including letters, journals and newspaper articles that give a 360 degree look at the inside of Queen Victoria's life and household.  Basu is very careful not to add to much from her own imagination. and lets the reader make their own judgement on the most fascinating questions, such as what was Karim really like? Was he a opportunist, playing on the sympathies of an old and lonely woman as the court thought, or was he an enlightened and wise companion that helped Victoria understand the people over whom she ruled as the Queen herself thought? This is an intriguing story and a glimpse into real life history on a very human level.

The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up

The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up 
by Marie Kondo
Ten Speed Press, 2014, nonfiction, 213 p.
Kondo is a de-cluttering and organizing consultant from Japan.  In this book she shares her attitudes and secrets for bringing your life in to beautiful order.  Her main suggestion is to keep only the things that give you joy and that by eliminating a large proportion of your possessions you will have a more orderly life.  Kondo is what someone might call an animist, or someone that believes all things have a spirit and feelings. She advocates greeting your home with a cheery hello when you get back from work, and thanking  your possessions and clothes for all their hard work during the day etc.  It was a bit weird, but I did feel like I got a lot of good ideas from the book.  Since reading the book I have already thrown out some clothes that I didn't like and reorganized my underwear drawer, following her folding technique. I remember when this book first swept through the US as a New York Times Best Seller.  Several of my friends starting giving away stuff on Facebook trying to de-clutter.  Although its initial popularity has died down, this is still a good choice for those looking for motivation to put their house, or life, in order.

The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington

The First Conspiracy

by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch

Flatiron Books, 2019. Nonfiction, 413 p.

George Washington was waiting tensely in New York City for the British troops to arrive in June 1776 when John Jay and others of his intelligence officers uncovered a plot to overthrow the army and betray Washington to the British. In a forward Meltzer states that he saw the plot mentioned in a footnote of a history he was reading. He was intrigued and went to talk with a Washington historian about it.  The historian said that it was an interesting side note, but that, because of its clandestine nature, there were probably not enough original sources about it to put together a clear picture of what really happened.  Meltzer and Mensch were determined to prove him wrong.

The result is a fast paced story that feels like one of Meltzer's action adventure novels but is based on historical evidence.  As the authors tell the story of the one specific plot, they also recount how Washington, a new commander of the Continental Army, learns the importance of military intelligence and counter-intelligence and develops the framework of operatives that are the forerunners of the modern CIA.  Meltzer and Mensch don't hesitate to add a little extra drama here and there, but are careful to explain which of there assertions are based on primary sources, and which are his own educated suppositions. This is a great choice for both history buffs and those who like Meltzer's fiction but want to take a bite out of a more meaty, nonfiction topic.

The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Tale of the Last True Hermit

The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit
By: Michael Finkel
Vintage Books, 2018, 203 pg., Nonfiction

Perhaps at some point you have considered abandoning modern society? About leaving all of the hubbub behind to live simply in nature? Would be as simple as we imagine? Furthermore, would you do it alone? When was the last time you were truly alone, away from the world? No phone, no computer, no internet, no car, no lights, maybe a book or some music, but no contact with anyone? How long did this last? Maybe you have never experienced this before at all. But if you were able to live like this, how long would you last before you become lonely or depressed? Hours? Days? Months?

What if it was years? 27 years. Many of us may not be able to cope with that much distance from others humans. Perhaps we would loose our minds, but one man did live on his own. For 27 years in the woods of Maine he lived all alone, with no contact and no help. One day in 198- Christopher Knight willingly left behind his entire life and walked into the woods. He wasn't even sure why he did, he just did. When he emerged 27 years later people were shocked by his story. Some believed him, others said it was a lie. Some people felt he should be left alone, others were furious at him(there had been legends of a hermit around the pond where Knight lived that frightened locals), some believed he had a disorder, others were afraid to be around him. This is a fascinating biography a man who left his whole world behind him, in favor of home in woods.

The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World

The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World
by Steve Brusatte
William Morrow, 2018, 404 pg., Nonfiction

Mind-bogglingly big and endlessly fascinating the dinosaurs have been a mystery since the first fossil was discovered. In the most recent decades Paleontology has become a busy and exciting field of science. It is estimated that a new species of dinosaurs in named every week and with each new dinosaur Paleontologists solve unanswered questions and discover unexpected facts about this ancient world.

This is a fascinating book for anyone who has ever liked dinosaurs. Steve Brusatte has been in a position to witness and be a part of this fast paced and exciting part of Paleontology history. He has met and worked with leading and famous Paleontologists. His book recounts some of his and other experts experiences in the field, but also narrates the long history of the dinosaurs. Far from dry this book tells the incredible story of these ancient creatures; how they lived, how they died, which species were related, and how each dinosaur was uniquely suited to it's environment. Brusatte's book leaves the reader feeling like they really understand the world of dinosaurs and the field of modern Paleontology(even if you can't remember all of those dino's names.)

Originals: How Non-conformists Move the World

Originals: How Non-conformists  Move the World

by Adam M Grant

Viking Press, 2016, 322 p. Nonfiction

Adam Grant is a social scientist who has studied people who are famous for being innovators and summarizes his finding in this interesting and readable offering.  Grant supports his main observations with both case studies and research results.  I was impressed with how often he referred to different studies.  He seems to have done a fairly extensive survey of the research in this area.  His examples about well known companies and individuals make the book engaging. This is a good choice for those who are looking for inspiration to step outside of the box. 

Smart Trust: Creating Prosperity, Energy and Joy in a Low-Trust World

 

Smart Trust: Creating Prosperity, Energy and Joy in a Low-Trust World
By Steven M. R. Covey and Greg Link
Free Press, 2012, Adult Nonfiction, 296 p.
Covey's book, The Speed of Trust has sold over two million copies and the "Speed of Trust" program has been implemented in major companies throughout the world.  This book is a follow-up of that program.  Covey and Link begin with talking about the twin pitfalls of distrust and blind trust.  Then they discuss five elements of "Smart Trust" and give lots of interesting real-world examples of each one.  The principles are good and as I read the book the thought of how they could be applied not only in my work life, but in my personal life as well.  The book is best read in conjunction with the Speed of Trust program but also works fine on its own. Both informational and motivational, this is a good choice for those who would like to boost the level of trust in their important relationships.

The Gifts of Imperfection

The Gifts of Imperfection
by Brené Brown
Hazelton Publishing, 2010, nonfiction. 137 p.
Brené Brown is a research social worker and a Ted Talk superstar.  In this book she focuses on learning to be "wholehearted" by letting go of self criticism and accepting who you are. Her suggestions are based on a series of interviews she conducted as part of a clinical research about the causes and effects of shame. She explains her main terms in the beginning chapters, and then talks about ten "guideposts" or strategies for embracing authenticity like "Self Compassion" and "Cultivating Creativity". This is a very readable self-help book that is a good choice for someone looking for a life pick-me-up.

Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Footbal Team

 

Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team
by Steve Sheinkin
Roaring Book Press, 2017. Nonfiction. 280 p.

Jim Thorpe was the son two mixed American Indian/European parents. He attended the Carlisle Indian School which had as its purpose to eradicate the "Indian" part of its students. Jim hated school and often ran away, until he was recruited to be on the school's track team.  From there he joined the football team and under the coaching of Pop Warner, the team became one of the best collegiate teams in the country. Recognizing Jim's amazing athletic talent, Warner encouraged Jim to try out for the 1912 Olympic team.  He made it onto the team and ended up winning the gold in the pentathlon and decathlon.

Here is a great nonfiction book for football fans and non-fans alike. Sheinkin shows how Warner helped football evolve from an unrestrained brawn brawl to the complex and much safer game it is today. He also explores the complicated relationship between the Carlisle School, the coach, and the students like Thorpe in relation to the cultural annihilation practiced at the Indian schools at the time.  Although this is in the adult nonfiction section, it will also appeal to sports or history loving teens.

Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea

Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea
by Barbara Demik
Spiegel & Grau, 2010, 316 p. Nonfiction
This is a fascinating collection of stories about people who defected from North Korea. Many of the stories focus on the time of the great famine in the 1990's. Although official sources were telling the populous how wonderful their lives were, food was scarce, and regular citizens watched their loved ones wither and die.  It is sobering to hear how carefully people had to avoid saying or doing anything that would bring them under suspicion of government officials.  Each of the featured people slowly came to distrust the indoctrination they had received their whole lives about their "Beloved Leader" and realize that life really would be better outside of their homeland.  The book reads like a novel and is utterly engaging.  Though the subject is somber, it is also inspirational to hear how the human spirit can persevere and eventually overcome. 

The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact

 

The Power of Moments
by Chip & Dan Heath
Simon and Schuster, 2017, 307 p. Nonfiction
Two brothers, one a professor at Stanford, the other a professor at Duke, explain how stand-out moments can change the course of a business transaction, a company, or a life. Many of these moments happen surreptitiously, but the authors argue that by understanding the elements of these kinds of experiences business owners and other individuals can engineer them to produce dramatic positive outcomes. After the introduction, the book has four main sections, each one talking about one of the aspects of a impactful moment: Elevation, Insight, Pride and Connection.  Each of these sections starts with an extended story of a life changing moment, and then goes on to elaborate the idea it demonstrates with other research and case studies. 

There are a lot of "self help" business books out there, but this one is better than most.  The case studies are interesting and the writing style is informal and engaging.  Heath's main ideas are simple to understand, and easy to apply to a variety of situations. This is a great choice for a business leader who is looking for a way to jump-start a new project, or for anyone who needs to find new sparkle in their life.