History Books

Molly Ivins' sharp wit slices through the political facade of the early '90s, making "Nothin' but Good Times Ahead" a delightful read for those interested in a candid look at American politics. If you enjoy a blend of satire and earnest critique, Ivins' commentary on figures like Ross Perot and Bill Clinton will feel both refreshing and insightful. Her Texas charm adds a unique flavor to the national conversation, promising good times indeed.

If you're intrigued by the rich tapestry that makes up modern Singapore, this book is a treasure trove. It delivers the unfolding of an entire nation's story—a living history presented in a unique newspaper format that breathes life into the past. Each real-life account adds depth to the understanding of Singapore's heart and soul. It's history experienced through the eyes of those who lived it, making it a compelling read for history enthusiasts and those interested in the cultural evolution of nations.

Recommendation: This book is an eye-opening account of the life and work of Edward L. Bernays, the pioneer of modern public relations. Readers interested in the history of advertising, marketing, and politics will appreciate this engaging narrative that exposes the techniques Bernays used to shape public opinion and bring about change.

If you're feeling disillusioned with politics, Greider's "Who Will Tell the People" will speak to your concerns. It's a deep dive into the American political system, revealing the intricate ways in which it has been rigged by powerful interests. It's not just an analysis; it's a call to awareness and change, perfect for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes mechanics that steer democracy.

Imagine reading the actual news from the Revolutionary War as it unfolded. This book puts you in the shoes of an 18th-century reader, offering an immersion that's hard to find. Historians chip in, providing insight, but the real draw is the eyewitness vibe—it's history coming alive, straight from the source. You're not just learning; you're experiencing.

This book is recommended for those interested in understanding the complex relationships between politics and business. Through in-depth research and interviews with high-profile figures, Unger sheds light on the murky connections between the Bush family and the House of Saud, and the impact it had on American foreign policy, national security, and business. It provides a different perspective to official explanations, making it a must-read for those seeking to unravel the hidden power dynamics behind world events.

This book is a gripping exposé that sheds light on the alarming state of Japanese media. It uncovers the dangerous collusion between the government and the press, highlighting how truth is continually distorted in favor of propaganda. Through real-life stories of persecuted citizens, it exposes the shocking betrayal by the very institution people trust for accurate information. A must-read for those seeking a deep understanding of media manipulation and its potential consequences.

Betrayal taps into a vein of real-world intrigue with the utmost authenticity. The story of Aldrich Ames isn't just a tale of espionage; it's a deep dive into the shadows of the CIA and a revealing account of a historic breach of trust. Anybody interested in spy games, cold hard facts, and a narrative that unpacks a complex web of deception will find this book gripping. For those fascinated by espionage or the mechanics of intelligence agencies, it's a sobering lesson in vulnerability and the dark side of loyalty.

Recommended for those interested in financial scandals and international conspiracies, The Outlaw Bank takes readers on a thrilling ride through the murky world of corrupt banking. Drawing from their first-hand experiences, Beaty and Gwynne pull back the curtain on BCCI's web of deceitful transactions, involving everything from political bribes to arms sales to terrorist organizations. A must-read for anyone fascinated by the intersection of money and power.

This is the generation that will change China. The youth, over 320 million of them in their teens and twenties, more than the population of the USA. Born after Mao, with no memory of Tiananmen, they are destined to transform both their nation and the world.These millennials, offspring of the one-child policy, face fierce competition to succeed. Pressure starts young, and their road isn't easy. Their stories are also like those of young people all over the world: moving out of home, starting a career, falling in love.Wish Lanterns follows the lives of six young Chinese. Dahai is a military child and netizen; 'Fred' is a daughter of the Party. Lucifer is an aspiring superstar; Snail a country migrant addicted to online games. Xiaoxiao is a hipster from the freezing north; Mia a rebel from Xinjiang in the far west.Alec Ash, a writer in Beijing of the same generation, has given us a vivid, gripping account of young China as it comes of age. Through individual stories, Wish Lanterns shows with empathy and insight the challenges and dreams that will define China's future global impact.

"The Big Short" isn't just an economics lesson; it's a riveting human drama. Michael Lewis puts a face to the financial crisis, sharing stories of those who predicted the collapse. With his signature wit, Lewis makes a complex world understandable and, against all odds, highly entertaining. If you're at all curious about how financial disasters unfold, this book is a gripping narrative that brings clarity to chaos.

Bunker could be a good read for individuals interested in exploring the global movement of "prepping" for social and environmental collapse. The author, Bradley Garrett, takes the readers on a journey to explore different types of bunkers and prepping strategies for doomsday events such as pandemics, climate change, and nuclear war. It is a gripping and deeply disturbing story that reflects the current state of our age of disquiet and dread. The book sheds light on the extreme expression of our greatest fears and the measures people are taking to survive in such situations.

One of Us is a powerful and sobering account of the 2011 terrorist attacks in Norway. Asne Seierstad's journalistic approach provides a deeply insightful perspective into the tragedy, examining both the killer and the victims. While the subject matter is heavy, the book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of modern-day violence and its impact on communities.

If you're curious about the inner workings of the Trump White House and love scandalous revelations, Fire and Fury is an absolute must-read. Michael Wolff's explosive insider account provides unprecedented access to the chaos and controversy of the Trump presidency, revealing shocking details about Trump's staff, his firing of James Comey, the power struggles within his administration, and much more. This book is like a behind-the-scenes tell-all that will leave you amazed and astounded by the inner workings of American politics at its most divisive.

A Very Stable Genius would be a good read for anyone interested in American politics and the inner workings of the Trump administration. This book provides an in-depth look into Trump's presidency, including the scandals and chaos that surrounded it. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the impact of Trump's presidency on America's democracy and its people. The book's most unique feature is the unprecedented access the authors had to insiders who witnessed Trump's behavior firsthand, providing a gripping and authentic insider's view of his presidency.

"The Firm provides a fascinating look at the inner workings of McKinsey & Company, the consulting firm behind some of the biggest and best American organizations. Author Duff McDonald delves into the successes and failures of McKinsey, exposing its powerful influence on American business. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of management consulting and its impact on the corporate world."

For anyone interested in understanding the true Africa, Richard Dowden's 'Africa: Altered States, Ordinary Miracles' is a must-read. Dowden's extensive experience as an African journalist has enabled him to view the continent as its own entity in its own right with its own problems, hopes and dreams. The book expertly blends historical analysis with first-hand experiences of African life, giving readers a rich and nuanced view of the continent. Dowden's writing style paints vivid pictures of scenes in Africa, making this book a remarkable account of the continent's challenges, yet also an awe-inspiring one, with the positive stories of resilience and hope shown as well.

This book is a gripping account of the controversial figure, Julian Assange, and his trailblazing platform, WikiLeaks. Filled with suspense, it explores the unprecedented leak of classified documents, delving into the debate surrounding Assange's motives and actions. As the authors, David Leigh and Luke Harding, draw you into their own involvement in the publishing drama, you'll be captivated by the inside story of a man who challenged the powerful and sparked global debate on information freedom and transparency. A must-read for those intrigued by the enigmatic world of hacktivism and the ripple effects of whistleblowing.

Boom! provides valuable insights into how the '60s changed American institutions from politics to social values. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the impact of the cultural upheaval that defined this pivotal era in our nation's history.

This book is a gripping memoir that takes readers on a whirlwind journey through some of the world's most dangerous crises. Anderson Cooper's personal experiences as a journalist provide a unique perspective, making this book an intense and captivating read. From covering political battles to natural disasters, Cooper's emotional storytelling will leave readers on the edge of their seats, gaining a rare insight into the chaos and conflict that shapes our world. Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled adventure unlike any other.

Recommendation: For those interested in the history of Singapore media and journalism as seen through the eyes of an experienced veteran journalist. This book offers a compelling narrative filled with anecdotes of how editors of the past grappled with government authority and made tough decisions. The author provides an alternative perspective on how some editors managed to hold their ground in challenging times, offering a glimpse into the drama that played out behind the scenes. A must-read for those interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of journalism in Singapore.

If you're intrigued by the intricate crossroads of free expression and cultural sensitivity, "The Tyranny of Silence" is a thought-provoking exploration that demands your attention. Rose's personal experiences provide a unique lens on the global debate, enriching your understanding of democracy’s delicate dance with diversity. It's especially timely in a world where the boundaries of speech are constantly tested and redefined.

If you have a thirst for understanding pivotal moments in recent history through the eyes of seasoned reporters, "Time: 85 Years Of Great Writing" could be your cup of tea. These curated articles aren't just news; they're snapshots of the world's psyche during times of upheaval and triumph, written by some of the most skilled journalists of the past century. It promises to be an immersive dive into the events that have shaped our modern era, with storytelling that brings those events to life once more.

The book is a must-read for those interested in understanding the intricate workings of terrorist organizations, which the author has detailed through his extensive experience and connections with the FBI, CIA, and local law enforcement agencies. It provides a detailed account of extremist organizations' structure and working, helping readers understand the root cause behind the rise of terrorism.

The Lexus and the Olive Tree is a thought-provoking book that walks its readers through a complex topic, making it easy to understand. Thomas L. Friedman, in his signature style, blends his experiences, stories and insights to give an account of how globalization shapes the world we live in. The book challenges readers to find the balance between working towards common goals and preserving culture, tradition, and heritage, as the international system replaces Cold War divisions. It is a must-read for anyone looking to be enlightened on economics, world affairs, and the impacts of globalization.

In exploring the methods and manifestations of propaganda, A.P. Foulkes draws upon a wide range of examples from children's literature, contemporary fiction, Soviet cultural politics and newspaper reviews.

Recommendation: "Them" is an eye-opening journey into the obscure world of extremists who are convinced that a shadowy elite secretly control the world. Jon Ronson's investigation takes him across the globe and introduces him to various kinds of extremists, revealing their bizarre beliefs and rituals. If you are interested in learning about the beliefs of fringe groups, and how they view the world, this book is for you. Jon's entertaining writing style makes this book an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.

The One Percent Doctrine provides readers a unique look into the United States' response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. With exclusive insights from senior officials, this book sheds light on decisions that shaped American foreign policy during this time. The book answers some hotly debated questions, such as who was running foreign policy during that period and whether or not there were terrorist cells inside the United States armed with weapons of mass destruction. A must-read for anyone interested in American history and politics.

Can we trust France? Apparently not. After more than 200 years of shared history and interests, the U.S.-France marriage looks as if it's ending in an acrimonious divorce. Here is the shocking insider account.In the wake of French behavior at the United Nations, where Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin systematically undermined the efforts of Secretary of State Colin Powell to convince the Security Council to authorize force against Iraq, Americans have at best come to suspect our ally of double dealing, and at worst come to view them as the enemy. Almost daily over the past year, new stories have emerged of how the government of French President Jacques Chirac has sought to undermine the U.S. war on terror, publicly sniping at America and inciting other countries to do the same. What's wrong with France? What's behind their recent perfidy? According to bestselling author Kenneth R. Timmerman, the American public doesn't know half the story. After they read The French Betrayal of America , American anger at France will turn to outrage.Timmerman, who worked as a journalist in France for eighteen years and knows the players on both sides, lifts the veil of Jacques Chirac's scandalous love affair with Saddam Hussein, beginning in 1975, when he took him on a tour of top-secret French nuclear facilities. The French attitude toward the dictator, which seemed to baffle American politicians, was in fact entirely predictable. Put bluntly, it was all about money, oil, and guns. Chirac needed Saddam's oil and Saddam's money, and Saddam needed French weapons and French nuclear technology.Despite this, the relationship between France and America was not only amicable but at times very mutually beneficial. That was until the most recent war on Iraq, where France turned the tables, engaging in dirty diplomacy and helping to sway other European countries to their side. French war coverage was not merely It was viciously inaccurate, skewed, and openly anti-American. Timmerman also presents incredible new evidence of France's duplicity, including the fact that the French stood to gain $100 billion from secret oil contracts they had concluded with Saddam Hussein.The French Betrayal of America raises questions of whether the nuclear cooperation agreements still in force with the French today should be canceled in light of France's behavior. Our security interests no longer converge, and our economic systems increasingly appear to be at loggerheads. The war in Iraq harshly exposed French treachery and their desire to do business with the worst of international tyrants, putting their economy, their international standing, and their relationship with a 200-year-old friend in severe jeopardy.Shocking new revelations in The French Betrayal of AmericaThe French president lied to Bush and to the public about the war in Iraq.President Jacques Chirac had personally told President George W. Bush well ahead of time that France would be at America's side.France urged Saddam to commit genocide.Saddam launched his genocidal campaign against the Marsh Arabs in southern Iraq to make their region "safe" for French oil engineers.France helped build Saddam's long-range missiles and nukes.Based on exclusive access to new documents, provided by Iraq to the United Nations -- that French defense companies were key partners in helping Saddam Hussein perfect the long-range missiles that killed U.S. soldiers in Saudi Arabia in 1991 and rained terror onto Israel.Chirac has blocked cooperation on a high-profile terrorism case.France's top counter-terrorism judge was ordered to stop cooperating with the United States in the prosecution of Zacarias Moussaoui despite mounds of documents that would have helped the United States to convict Moussaoui of conspiracy to commit mass murder.France illegally sold U.S. military secrets to Saddam Hussein.A prominent French defense company shipped U.S.-designed laser designator pods to Iraq in the 1980s that compromised the most high-tech weapons in the U.S. arsenal.President Mitterrand, a Socialist, became Ronald Reagan's best ally in Europe.The French Betrayal of America reveals the extent of French strategic and intelligence cooperation with the United States at the peak of the Cold War, in areas that will surprise readers on both sides of the Atlantic. The French ran a key agent inside the KGB, whose "cosmic" reach -- right up to the general secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union -- hastened the collapse of the Soviet Union.President Chirac almost went to jail for corruption.Chirac was on the verge of getting indicted on corruption charges in 1999 until he cooked up an immunity deal with the head of the French Supreme Court, former Socialist foreign minister Roland Dumas. While the French corruption scandals are well known in France, they have rarely been reported in the United States and will alternately shock and amuse American readers.The Bush administration is now offering France the secrets of our national missile defense.The French Betrayal of America reveals the hitherto top secret missile defense cooperation between the United States and France that has taken off at precisely the same time the Chirac government was undermining the United States on Iraq. Meanwhile, United States and French nuclear weapons designers continue to meet to exchange secrets of maintaining our respective nuclear arsenals.

This book offers a unique perspective on daily life under the Milosevic regime and in post-Milosevic Serbia. It focuses on the individual stories of Serbs from various walks of life, giving readers a glimpse into the complex hopes, dreams, and viewpoints of a nation in transition. If you're interested in understanding the human impact of political turmoil, this book is for you.

This book is perfect for anyone who is passionate about democracy and wants to understand why it often seems to fail us. Greider masterfully exposes the harsh reality of decision making in Washington, explaining how the concentration of power in political elites leads to profound betrayals of democracy. He provides a nuanced insight into the workings of democracy, articulating with clarity the challenges that we face in creating more equitable and just systems of governance.