War

From the former secretary of defense, a strikingly candid, vividly written account of his experience serving Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.Before Robert M. Gates received a call from the White House in 2006, he thought he’d left Washington politics behind: after working for six presidents in both the CIA and the National Security Council, he was happy in his role as president of Texas A&M University. But when he was asked to help a nation mired in two wars and to aid the troops doing the fighting, he answered what he felt was the call of duty. Now, in this unsparing memoir, meticulously fair in its assessments, he takes us behind the scenes of his nearly five years as a secretary at war: the battles with Congress, the two presidents he served, the military itself, and the vast Pentagon bureaucracy; his efforts to help Bush turn the tide in Iraq; his role as a guiding, and often dissenting, voice for Obama; the ardent devotion to and love for American soldiers—his “heroes”—he developed on the job.In relating his personal journey as secretary, Gates draws us into the innermost sanctums of government and military power during the height of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, illuminating iconic figures, vital negotiations, and critical situations in revealing, intimate detail. Offering unvarnished appraisals of Dick Cheney, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, and Presidents Bush and Obama among other key players, Gates exposes the full spectrum of behind-closed-doors politicking within both the Bush and Obama administrations.He discusses the great controversies of his tenure—surges in both Iraq and Afghanistan,  how to deal with Iran and Syria, “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,” Guantánamo Bay, WikiLeaks—as they played out behind the television cameras. He brings to life the Situation Room during the Bin Laden raid. And, searingly, he shows how congressional debate and action or inaction on everything from equipment budgeting to troop withdrawals was often motivated, to his increasing despair and anger, more by party politics and media impact than by members’ desires to protect our soldiers and ensure their success.However embroiled he became in the trials of Washington, Gates makes clear that his heart was always in the most important theater of his tenure as secretary: the front lines. We journey with him to both war zones as he meets with active-duty troops and their commanders, awed by their courage, and also witness him greet coffin after flag-draped coffin returned to U.S. soil, heartbreakingly aware that he signed every deployment order. In frank and poignant vignettes, Gates conveys the human cost of war, and his admiration for those brave enough to undertake it when necessary.Duty tells a powerful and deeply personal story that allows us an unprecedented look at two administrations and the wars that have defined them.

You might find "The Kite Runner" incredibly moving if you're interested in stories that weave personal redemption with the vivid backdrop of a nation's turbulent history. Khaled Hosseini's rich narrative reveals not just the bond and betrayal between two boys, but it also opens a window into Afghanistan's soul. It's one of those rare novels that captures heartbreak and hope, with characters that linger with you well after the last page.

If classic tales of rebellion and camaraderie intrigue you, "Outlaws of the Marsh" will transport you to feudal China, where honor among thieves isn't just a saying—it's a survival strategy. This tome isn't just a story; it's a cultural journey through intricate plots and vivid battles that have inspired readers for centuries. Just imagine each page turning like a dive into a different aspect of an ancient world, where friendships are as important as the fights for justice.

This novel would be a great read for people who enjoy romance and time-travel plots. The unique feature of the book is how the protagonist, Lord Nicholas Falcott, is able to time-travel and experiences life in different centuries. The book has a compelling storyline and is written in a descriptive and engaging manner, making it a page-turner. Users have reviewed the book positively, highlighting the author's ability to make the readers feel a strong connection with the characters.

In the once beautiful city of Aleppo, one Syrian family collapses into tragedy and ruin. The mother, abandoned by her husband, struggles to raise her children alone. Her daughter Sawsan flirts with the militias, the ruling party, and finally religion, seeking but never finding salvation. All are slowly choked in the fog of violence and decay, as their lives are plundered and their dreams wrecked by the brutal Assad regime. Set between the 1960s and 2000s, No Knives in the Kitchens of this City is a graceful and profound depiction of life under tyranny. Through the story of a single family, we read the disintegration of a whole society over half a century. This novel teaches us about grief, fear, and the end of beauty.

"Birdsong" by Sebastian Faulks is a compelling read if you're fascinated by the human aspects of history, particularly World War I. The intricate portrayal of a young Englishman entwined in a forbidden romance juxtaposed with the brutal reality of war offers a poignant and deep dive into the emotional landscapes shaped by love and conflict. It's a novel that's not only rich in historical detail but also in exploring the resilience of the human spirit.

This book would be a good read for someone who is looking for a powerful and emotionally charged story. Trafalgar Sunrise takes you on a journey through time, exploring themes of love, grief, and the indomitable spirit of the human soul. As you follow Grace Hwang's battle against the SARS virus and her quest to reunite a mother with her long-lost daughter, you'll be captivated by the depth of the characters and the intricate interweaving of past and present. Through elegant prose and vivid storytelling, this novel will immerse you in a world where choices have consequences, and where redemption can be found even in the darkest of times. It is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of connection.

This pocket edition of Sun Tzu's Original Art of War is perfect for anyone looking to gain insights into the subtle art of strategy. With timeless wisdom that is still applicable to modern life, this book can help readers learn how to overcome obstacles without resorting to brute force. It presents the original Chinese text without the unnecessary wordiness and inaccurate abstractions of other English translations, making it a highly accessible rendering of this influential work of military theory. Whether you're in business, politics, sports, or any other competitive endeavor, this book can help you learn how to be more successful by cultivating a strategic mindset.

Recommended for lovers of historical fiction and action-packed novels. The Last of the Mohicans combines the thrill of adventure, the complexity of relationships between different cultures and peoples, and the intensity of a wartime setting, making for a gripping and informative read.

Jung Chang's "Wild Swans" was an extraordinary bestseller throughout the world, selling more than 10 million copies and reaching a wider readership than any other book about China. Now she and her husband Jon Halliday have written a groundbreaking biography of Mao Tse-tung. Based on a decade of research, and on interviews with many of Mao's close circle in China who have never talked before - and with virtually everyone outside China who had significant dealings with him - this is the most authoritative life of Mao ever written. It is full of startling revelations, exploding the myth of the Long March, and showing a completely unknown he was not driven by idealism or ideology; his intimate and intricate relationship with Stalin went back to the 1920s, ultimately bringing him to power; he welcomed Japanese occupation of much of China; and he schemed, poisoned and blackmailed to get his way. After Mao conquered China in 1949, his secret goal was to dominate the world. In chasing this dream he caused the deaths of 38 million people in the greatest famine in history. Combining meticulous history with the story-telling style of "Wild Swans", this biography makes immediate Mao's roller-coaster life, as he intrigued and fought every step of the way to force through his unpopular decisions. The reader enters the shadowy chambers of Mao's court, and eavesdrops on the drama in its hidden recesses. Mao's character and the enormity of his behaviour towards his wives, mistresses and children are unveiled for the first time. This is an entirely fresh look at Mao in both content and approach. It will astonish historians and the general reader alike.

The book offers a harrowing account of three women's lives intertwined amidst the civil war in Somalia. It paints an immersive portrait of everyday trials and tribulations in war-torn Somalia, depicting the courage and resilience of ordinary people in extraordinary times. It is a poignant tale of struggle, love, and hope in the face of unspeakable atrocities. Highly recommended for readers interested in historical fiction and stories of resilience in the face of adversity.

"The Good Earth" speaks volumes about resilience and the human spirit entrenched in the agricultural rhythms of China. Pearl S. Buck's rich narrative immerses you in the life of a simple farmer facing the complexities of survival and family dynamics as dynasties change. It's a classic that offers far more than a historical snapshot; it's a dive into a way of life that narrates universal human experiences through the lens of another culture. The added scholarly insights help contextualize this masterpiece, amplifying its depth and significance for a contemporary reader.

If you're into stories that delve into deep social issues with a light yet gripping touch, "Help" is an excellent choice. Kathryn Stockett masterfully gives voice to characters that are usually left voiceless, creating an empathetic and thought-provoking narrative that challenges the status quo. It's a moving tribute to friendship and bravery in the face of injustice.

From one of the most daring voices in European fiction, this is a story of the twentieth century traced through the various possible lives of one woman. She is a baby who suffocates in the cradle. Or she lives to become a woman and dies beloved. Or she dies betrayed. Or her memory is honored. Or she is forgotten by everyone. Moving from a small Galician town at the turn of the century through pre-war Vienna and Stalin's Moscow to present-day Berlin, Jenny Erpenbeck homes in on the moments when life follows a particular branch and 'fate' suddenly emerges from the sly interplay between history, character and pure chance.

Night offers a deeply emotional and poignant account of Elie Wiesel's survival as a teenager in the Nazi death camps. It is a must-read book for everyone, especially those interested in history and the Holocaust. This book is an eye-opener, giving readers a detailed insight of the horrific experiences that people underwent in the concentration camps. The book's most unique feature is its depiction of emotional trauma and the human spirit's resilience.

Daughter of the Tigris explores the human cost of war and how violence can twist people beyond recognition. Muhsin Al-Ramli pens a gripping portrait of Qisma as she makes her way through the chaos of war-torn Iraq to find her father's remains. This novel teaches us that even in the midst of violence, love and mercy can still survive.