War

It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still.By her brother's graveside, Liesel Meminger's life is changed when she picks up a single object, partially hidden in the snow. It is The Grave Digger's Handbook, left there by accident, and it is her first act of book thievery. So begins a love affair with books and words, as Liesel, with the help of her accordion-playing foster father, learns to read. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library, wherever there are books to be found.But these are dangerous times. When Liesel's foster family hides a Jew in their basement, Liesel's world is both opened up and closed down.In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time.

If you're captivated by stories where strong women conquer adversity, "The Alice Network" is a perfect match. It offers a dual narrative that explores the raw courage of wartime spies and the quest for truth in the aftermath of chaos. The intertwining of past and present in this tale promises a gripping journey through sacrifice and triumph.

Recommendation: - If you love historical fiction with a focus on political intrigue and dramatic power struggles, "Iron and Rust" is a must-read. Set in the chaotic period of third-century Rome, this book vividly portrays the brutal rise of Emperor Maximinus Thrax and the challenges he faces in consolidating his power. With its compelling characters and meticulously researched historical backdrop, this epic tale will transport you to a world of ambition, betrayal, and the quest for dominance. Get ready for a thrilling journey through the corridors of power in ancient Rome.

Ahoy matey! If you crave a thrilling journey on the high seas, look no further than "Pirate Latitudes" by Michael Crichton. Set in 1665 Jamaica, Captain Charles Hunter and his crew of daring buccaneers embark on a daring mission to attack a heavily fortified Spanish stronghold. With heart-stopping battles, treacherous storms, and even cannibal tribes, this action-packed tale will transport you to a world of danger and fortune. So, hoist the sails and immerse yourself in this captivating high-seas adventure!

If you're drawn to the raw and unvarnished truth-telling of history—especially one told through the innocent eyes of a child—then "Surviving the Angel of Death" may resonate deeply with you. Eva's story isn't just about the past; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of forgiveness that speaks volumes, even today. It offers a profound lesson on the endurance of hope amidst the darkest chapters of human history.

This book is recommended to those who love reading about the biographies of famous dancers and those who love reading about people who go on to redefine their destiny. The book focuses on the life of Rudolf Nureyev, one of the greatest dancers of the century who redefined dance and his own life. McCann's writing is so beautiful and seamless that it keeps the reader engaged throughout the book. This book will make the reader feel like they are experiencing Nureyev's life and enjoying his dance performances.

If you're drawn to understanding complex socio-political issues, "El Narco" will fascinate you. Ioan Grillo provides a visceral depiction of the Mexican drug cartels and the indelible impact they've had on society. Meticulously researched and compellingly written, it'll give you an insider's view on a conflict that shapes not only Mexico but also its neighbors to the north.

A beautiful new limited edition paperback of Fugitive Pieces, published as part of the Bloomsbury Modern Classics list."Athos and I stood together on deck and looked across the water at the bright city. From this distance no one would guess the turmoil that had torn apart Greece... The sea began to darken, and Athens, glowing in the distance, seemed to float on the horizon like a bright ship." Jakob Beer is seven years old when he is rescued from the ruins of a buried village in Nazi-occupied Poland. He is the only one of his family to have survived the invasion. Adopted by his saviour, the Greek geologist Athos, Jakob must steel himself to excavate the horrors of his own history. A novel of astounding beauty and wisdom, Fugitive Pieces is a profound meditation on the resilience of the human spirit and love's ability to restore even the most damaged of hearts.

If you're concerned about global freedom and democracy, "Today Hong Kong, Tomorrow the World" might strike a chord with you. Mark L. Clifford provides an eye-opening account of China's crackdown in Hong Source, framing it as a cautionary tale for the world. It's a narrative that's as educational as it is disturbing, compelling readers to think deeply about the international implications of China's actions.

A remarkable tale of the island of Guernsey during the German Occupation, and of a society as extraordinary as its name.“Treat yourself to this book, please - I can’t recommend it highly enough.” (Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love)“I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.” January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she’s never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb.... As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends - and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island - boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all. Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society’s members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever. Written with warmth and humor as a series of letters, this novel is a celebration of the written word in all its guises and of finding connection in the most surprising ways.Praise for The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society“A jewel... Poignant and keenly observed, Guernsey is a small masterpiece about love, war, and the immeasurable sustenance to be found in good books and good friends.” (People)“A book-lover’s delight, an implicit and sometimes explicit paean to all things literary.” (Chicago Sun-Times)“A sparkling epistolary novel radiating wit, lightly worn erudition and written with great assurance and aplomb.” (The Sunday Times [London]) “Cooked perfectly à point: subtle and elegant in flavour, yet emotionally satisfying to the finish.” (The Times [London])

"Some stories live forever . . . "Sage Singer is a baker. She works through the night, preparing the day's breads and pastries, trying to escape a reality of loneliness, bad memories, and the shadow of her mother's death. When Josef Weber, an elderly man in Sage's grief support group, begins stopping by the bakery, they strike up an unlikely friendship. Despite their differences, they see in each other the hidden scars that others can't, and they become companions.Everything changes on the day that Josef confesses a long-buried and shameful secret--one that nobody else in town would ever suspect--and asks Sage for an extraordinary favor. If she says yes, she faces not only moral repercussions, but potentially legal ones as well. With her own identity suddenly challenged, and the integrity of the closest friend she's ever had clouded, Sage begins to question the assumptions and expectations she's made about her life and her family. When does a moral choice become a moral imperative? And where does one draw the line between punishment and justice, forgiveness and mercy?In this searingly honest novel, Jodi Picoult gracefully explores the lengths we will go in order to protect our families and to keep the past from dictating the future.

Nemesis could be a good read for fans of the Horus Heresy series who enjoy action-packed stories with intricate plots. The book features a thrilling battle of wits between assassins from both loyalist and traitor factions, and offers a unique perspective on the wider conflict. The attention to detail and descriptive writing make for an immersive reading experience that will keep fans of the series engaged from beginning to end.

You might appreciate "Oroonoko, the Rover and Other Works" if you're interested in historical narratives that delve deep into the complexities of human rights and injustice, all while wrapped up in a poignant love story. Aphra Behn, a woman ahead of her time, critiques and explores the cruelty of slavery while also unfolding a tragic romance that showcases the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a classic that speaks to the enlightenment and horrors of its era, through a narrative that's both compelling and enlightening.

The Navy SEALs have been fighting terrorists around the world for over a decade. And for all that time, the Bandito Platoon SEALS from SEAL Team Seven have been on continuous combat rotation. Now they have drawn a shipboard assignment off Central America—an easy day. But for a Navy SEAL, the only easy day was yesterday. In a powerful story of global anti-terrorism inspired by real life missions, Act of Valor combines stunning combat scenes, up-to-the minute battlefield technology, and heart-pumping emotion for the ultimate action adventure. Act of Valor takes you deep into the secretive world of today’s most elite, highly trained group of warriors. When the rescue of a kidnapped CIA operative leads to the discovery of a deadly terrorist plot against the United States, a team of SEALs is dispatched on a worldwide manhunt. As the men of Bandito Platoon race to stop a coordinated attack that could kill and wound thousands of American civilians, they must balance their commitments to country, team, and their families back home. But each time they accomplish their mission, a new piece of intelligence reveals another shocking twist to the plot, which stretches from Chechnya to the Philippines and from Ukraine to Somalia. The widening operation sends the SEALs across the globe as they track the terrorist ring to the U.S.-Mexico border—where they engage in an epic firefight with potentially unimaginable consequences for America…

In Never Enough , Mike Hayes―former Commander of SEAL Team TWO―helps readers apply high-stakes lessons about excellence, agility, and meaning across their personal and professional lives.Mike Hayes has lived a lifetime of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. He has been held at gunpoint and threatened with execution. He’s jumped out of a building rigged to explode, helped amputate a teammate’s leg, and made countless split-second life-and-death decisions. He’s written countless emails to his family, telling them how much he loves them, just in case those were the last words of his they’d ever read. Outside of the SEALs, he’s run meetings in the White House Situation Room, negotiated international arms treaties, and developed high-impact corporate strategies.Over his many years of leadership, he has always strived to be better, to contribute more, and to put others first. That’s what makes him an effective leader, and it’s the quality that he’s identified in all of the great leaders he’s encountered. That continual striving to lift those around him has filled Mike’s life with meaning and purpose, has made him secure in the knowledge that he brings his best to everything he does, and has made him someone others can rely on.In Never Enough , Mike Hayes recounts dramatic stories and offers battle- and boardroom-tested advice that will motivate readers to do work of value, live lives of purpose, and stretch themselves to reach their highest potential.

Victor Baxter is a young boy when a secretive stranger known simply as “the Captain” brings him from his boarding school to London. Victor becomes the surrogate son and companion of a woman named Liza, who renames him “Jim” and depends on him for any news about the world outside their door. Raised in these odd yet touching circumstances, Jim is never quite sure of Liza’s relationship to the Captain, who is often away on mysterious errands. It is not until Jim reaches manhood that he confronts the Captain and learns the shocking truth about the man, his allegiances, and the nature of love.