Books most popular in the United States●United States

Release date: 2017-06-06 $2.99

Release date: 2004-02-10 $14.99

Comments

1. Entrancing - The book is two stories, told in mostly alternating chapters. It is well researched and grippingly told. I had little knowledge of the Chicago Columbian Exposition. I was amazed at the great feat of its creation as well as the tremendous influence it had on everything from snack food to theme parks to architecture in the century to follow. Of course the real life murder story adds an additional dimension that will keep you glued to the pages.
2022-02-17

2. Chicago’s Fair - There was a lot more to the book than a story about Holmes. This may attract you to the book or not. I loved the story of the engineers and architects fighting out the Worlds Fair in Chicago. After reading this book, I went to Central Park and saw Olmsted in its current design. The desires of great men both good and evil was laid before you.
2020-02-26

3. An ok book - I enjoyed the book, but was very disappointed with how much they talked about the fair and not enough about Holmes at all. Even the section about him wasn’t interesting at all. The history part was neat learned some new things but all in all not worth the money I would recommend borrowing it.
2019-06-21

4. Surprisingly slow and boring! - I thought it would be a murder mystery almost or at least fairly suspenseful. It is not! It’s incredibly SLOW and very boring. Unnecessarily long, he describes EVERY SINGLE DETAIL, including such stupidity of menu items! I has so many stories and other crap going on that it’s easy to loose track of what is even going on. Has barely anything to do with Holmes. It was way more about the fair. It’s ONLY redeeming factor is that it’s very well written. I’m shocked by the amount of people who “couldn’t put it down.”
2017-12-08

5. A very thorough trip through old Chicago - The writer put a large amount of work in to this book, and it really shows. Although I was hoping for more on Holmes (at least a fifty fifty split between him and the Worlds fair) I was not disappointed and learned quite a lot about the Worlds fair and the architects who made it happen. For a book about a man who we know almost nothing about, I agree with the writer's decisions when assuming what actions Holmes took in certain situations. Overall a very good read, a bit slow, but worth it.
2016-11-03

6. Not what I expected - There is much more in the story about the World's Fair and architecture than about Holmes. Those parts dragged at times and it was hard to get through the book. Some of it was very interesting but not really my cup of tea. If you are looking for a murder mystery I would keep looking.
2016-08-25

7. Page-turning non-fiction - THE DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY is a page-turning narrative, made all the more compelling by the fact that is a work of non-fiction. While an engrossing read, I was frequently left wanting more. The prose is very mechanical—not particularly evocative, but easy and quick to read. The book focuses a whole lot more on the marvels of the World Fair than it does on its true crime tale, which is a pity. As fascinating as Burnham's story is and as curious as it is to lean about the Fair's tremendous impact in the final decade of the th century, HH Holmes is by far the most interesting figure, and he often wasn't featured as largely as I hoped he would. One thing is for certain, however—this will make a terrific film, especially in the hands of Scorsese and DiCaprio.
2016-07-19

8. Too little; too late - The history of the fair was interesting--I didn't know that the Ferris wheel was developed there, but I agree w/ others that there are too many details, such as the menus of some dinners. Then, the author wraps up the Holmes saga rather hurriedly and without development. Why did the search for the children become nationwide front page news? No idea. What made the police think there was reason to search? No real discussion. Just as in Thunderstruck, the author is too busy telling two tales that have the most tenuous connection.
2016-06-23

9. Monotonous to the Point of Painful - I was looking forward to this book, especially when I heard DiCaprio and Scorsese were trying to adapt it into a movie. The sample was good so I felt comfortable paying the $ to complete it. After the first few chapters however, it became really monotonous and just hard to keep focused on. I agree with the other reviews which state they were disappointed with how little the book had to do with Holmes. The alternating chapters between the story of the fair and Holmes' activities was a solid idea, but the chapters about the fair were usually x as long as the ones about Holmes. To make this book even remotely enjoyable that's the format that had to be taken because the story became so repetitious that pages of Holmes was needed to stop me from reading altogether. "Oh, the fair grounds were huge and required a lot of work which seemed to NEVER get done. The plants didn't arrive, a storm hits and ruins a building, the workers go on strike, etc etc." Just when I was getting ready to close the book a chapter on Holmes would come up and regain my attention, but only slightly because that became RIDICULOUSLY monotonous as well. "Holmes was a charmer and ran up debts all over town but always avoided the law because he was so charming." It hardly even makes sense but you don't want to stop too long to think about what you're reading because you know you will come across basically the same passage and situation again in another pages. Holmes gets another mistress that he bamboozles, then kills her, etc etc. More creditors come knocking, but oh! He does it again and charms his way out of it! Listen, I enjoy history and there is some interesting stories in this book, but wait for your friend who buys it to become bored with it and then borrow it from them. If you're looking for a book about Holmes, or even semi-related to Holmes, DO NOT BUY. That's another gripe I had. The title is Devil in the White City. About the same amount of time was spent on Holmes as the never ending illnesses that fell on Olmstead throughout the book.
2016-03-18

10. Mind-blowing - I first chose this book two years ago for an AP English Language assignment, thinking it would be an easy read with minimal meanings; something that I could easily write an essay on. I was way in over my head. Of course I was intrigued by the book when I first picked it out, especially since it's based on actual historical events. Never did I expect it to be a hair-gripping thriller that got me glued to every page. The vivid imagery and detail is eye-opening. The characters engulf you into their stories and minds, making you feel every thought, moment, emotion, and sense as if they were your own. The story is gripping and striking, leaving you wanting more and more until there's nothing left.... And you read it all over again. I couldn't keep my eyes or my hands off this book. I definitely suggest this excelling, exciting, fascinating novel, especially to those of you who love to dive into a magical realistic realm - such a paradox! - or a historical-fictional read.
2013-10-08

11. Disappointed - I bought this book thinking there would be much more time given to H. H. Holmes. This was not the case. I learned more about the Fair, and while it is fascinating, it is not what I signed up for. I also do not like Larson's style of writing. He kept alluding to the future murders, which I found to be unnecessary. We know there will be murder. There were punctuation issues that sometime made the book hard to read. I would not read this book again
2013-09-09

12. Amazing dual stories - I have read this over and over. I have recommended it numerous times. A true historical story. Filled with lots of details, which some may think boring. One story based on HH Holmes, another based on the construction and sights of the Expo, linked by lovely ladies visiting the Fair. This is an educational read. Those who like it, LOVE it.
2012-08-11

13. Bad and disappointing. - This book was long winded and ended up being a bitter disappointment. Zero character development, this book is bogged down in endless details about the fair that add nothing to the story, if there really is one. If you're aim is to read a dark tail about the mind of a murderer, this is not your book. I ended up leafing through tens of pages just to get to unsatisfying passages about HH Holmes. In the end, most of this book reads like a dry highschool textbook. Seriously, skip this one, your time is better spent elsewhere....
2012-07-29

14. Words or Less - I rarely read nonfiction – okay, this is the only NF book I’ve read in years. But it reads like a novel; all the more terrifying because it is history. The style, the real people involved, the grandiose plans and murderous intentions … it is intertwine with skill and talent. Much of what happened is fascinating, sort of like gawking at a car wreck. Yet it is also beautiful, especially the chapters of the world fair. Seems surreal at times, which makes the book that much more amazing.
2012-06-07

Release date: 2011-02-03 $19.99

Release date: 2023-01-17 Genre:History $14.99

Release date: 2021-11-16 $10.99

Comments

1. Affirmative action - The removal meritocratic systems which stem from the beginnings of mans evolution into political units leads to trash like this. I am not defender of America or any tyrannical State but it does not help to have dunces put out creative history. Read Lysander Spooner if you want an indictment of the American system.
2023-02-05

2. The Project is essential reading - This is such an important book to take in at this point in our country’s history. The contributors are incredible authors, bringing viewpoints, not taught in our standard American history class. The book is well researched, with an extensive bibliography, and important themes that all Americans need to read and digest. And, ultimately, we must act. I feel that if Americans forward to read this book, and if we could have conversations and put this into our national consciousness and discussion, our country would progress towards true enlightenment with equality and justice for all.
2022-11-16

3. Enlightening American History - This book tells the untold stories and under-told stories of researched and documented historical fact through narrative, pictures and verse. I appreciated the books use of different voices to reconstruct aspects of historical truth that were intentionally omitted and suppressed to this day. I now have a new respect for those who continue to fight for equality in the face of overwhelming resistance from those in politics and those who are sadly resigned to apathy.
2022-11-15

4. Project - A book all should read and more importantly discuss with others. The concepts should be taught in high schools and in higher educational institutions despite what laws are passed by state legislators. I hope these ideas and concepts will find their way into the and election discussions and debates.
2022-08-24

5. A must read! - Wow. This should be required reading for every high school student in America. Why was I not taught so much of what I read in this book in high school, even college? Well, the answer is obvious and the author did a masterful job in making her case with facts, research and how we can move this country forward to a true democracy. Kudos to Ms. Jones !
2022-04-24

6. Required reading - Every American schoolchild should read this book. Essential history we must all learn from so we can move forward. As a federal government contractor I have seen government programs that actually work, like a. There is so much more we can do. I read somewhere that the cost of institutional / historical racism on stultifying entrepreneurship and impeding the building of wealth for black people has been estimated to have cost this nation billions in GNP. Please read this towering act of scholarship
2022-03-19

7. If the research was factual. - Make no mistake. At the founding of this nation was a collaboration of differences that needed to gel to become a nation. In it was the legality of slavery right from the start. The colonies in the north said no. The ones in the south said yes and unless it was allowed they would not sign on as the United States. Aaron Burr stated that this would send the US in their own internal conflict which it did with our civil war in . For a large far reaching task as becoming a new nation there would be sacrifices. Slavery was one. But what would you do? Belong to England? Do any of you know how they treated minorities in Canada? Or India? Horribly! Read those historical books and see if you would have fared better. Does what our country make it right? Nope. But you can’t fix something when there are others opposing it. You wait for the right opportunity. So….This book is tripe and narrow minded. It takes a small portion of history to fit what they want to portray. And it’s name is bigotry. Yes folks. Anyone can be a bigot. We come in all colors of the rainbow.
2022-03-16

8. Great Book! - For years certain people have been comfortable with the one sided narrative that's been taught in schools across America. Sure, no one wants to believe they come from heartless, lazy, murderous savages who enslaved humans solely because they were too lazy to do there own work. I get it, but ask yourself, would you be happy if you were sold to someone as a piece of property and forced to work in fields and in homes as servants while being abused and disrespected... I don't think so. So for the people who says this history didn't happen, I hope denial is helping you sleep better.
2022-02-27

9. Worth reading! - A book to read and learn from, the stories and facts are well presented and discussed. Learning how brutal some people were treated for a long time is heartbreaking. However, despite all the negative comment, the bottom line and the message of the book is worthwhile and positive if one can read it not with the glasses of race. In eyes of people who want to ignore history to bury their shame of the past, this book is fiction as you can see when one reads the comments. But from a factual point of view and historic events, this book has a lot to offer and one can learn a great deal if he/she can pass their implicit bias.
2022-02-25

10. A Truth Built on a Lie is a Lie - I feel compelled to comment as some of the reviews here have obviously not read the book. There is a backlash against the project based on lies and misunderstanding. This book is a collection of essays by noted historians. Wish the exception of the first one, so far (I’m essay’s in) there has been no opinion offered. It is a relation of facts and many of them we already know but then they go deeper into the facts beyond what is commonly known and tell us more about the historical record. I find it terribly interesting. There is a saying, “knowledge is power.” When we condemn the gaining of truthful knowledge, ban books, and prevent open discussion with one another, what have we really created? I believe in a fundamental right to education including a free library card that open’s up worlds of information that we otherwise would never have known. Suppose that any of us only knew what we experienced within a mile radius of our home? How sad would that be? Expand your mind. Read the book. It’s awesome!
2022-02-17

11. Denial and Bias - I can only be left with the belief that many, if not all of the bad reviews are coming from white people or indoctrinated black people. There is no denying the facts presented in this book. Arbiters of hate and lies can only deny the authenticity and accuracy of this book and all of it’s inglorious detail and condemnation of evils which black people suffered at the hands of whites-from every level of society/politics there is within this country from a historical and factual standpoint. Hate it as much as you wish but hating the truth doesn’t make it a lie.
2022-01-22

12. The book is verifiably accurate and compelling - I appreciate the author’s exhaustive investigation into the many questions that surround the history of enslavement in the Americas. It details how enslavement itself, and whether or not humans are equally endowed with the same basic rights, was the question that fired the American revolution. As a nation, we are all individually responsible for taking forward the answer that Americans are still struggling to embody. All humans are created equal in their humanity, and enslavement through ownership or creation of a caste system is a crime against all of humanity. If the US wants to heal, it must first acknowledge the wound and the septic rot that failure to treat that wound continues to harm us as a society. My family enslaved people. They participated in a civil war to sustain what they saw as their right to do so, in a nation that claimed the inalienable human right of liberty was central to its own rebellion. Their words tell their story, and as their descendant I can recognize their error and do all in my power to work with those we harmed to restore what we took from them and their heirs. Any other path is just compounding that error. It is beyond my understanding how anyone who reads this book and follows the investigative path of the author can call it a lie. I recommend it as a book that must be read. Apple, you need to figure out how to block obvious bots from posting in this space.
2022-01-02

13. A thought experiment gone wrong - This book tries to argue the verifiably false point of view that all inequality, at the end of the day, comes down to some form of oppression. It preaches against individual responsibility. It is a horrible warped view of history and in my opinion does more harm than good. This book feeds into the idea that labeling yourself as a victim is not only necessary, but of great value to understand your situation in life. It is incredibly disempowering to the American ideal, and I believe that was the authors purpose. It is a good read only in the sense that you will be able to see just how wrong the authors world view is in the face of reality.
2021-12-28

14. The Project - Historians and curators of history use facts to “tell a story”. This time “the story” has the benefit of a diverse group of scholars, and a wide variety of perspectives versus just white males. So this is probably the MOST accurate telling of our collective history ever. No family secrets to keep, no concern about “perception”. Just data, artifacts, scholarly research of printed records and works, scholarly interpretation and honest conversation and connections to people, places and things. Thank you for this work. It should be required reading for all Americans. Knowledge is power. Knowledge sets you free. When you “know things” it can help you to avoid repeating the sins of the past.
2021-12-27

15. Delusional - This is just fan fiction. There is no concrete evidence to back up their false claims. This piece of “literature” has been discredited by historians who are experts in the subject. Keep in mind that the author has no expertise in the American history. You can’t interpret history with a modern point of view. Sure this book can be enjoyed to pass time. You’d be stupid to consider these claims as facts.
2021-12-18

16. Brilliance!!!! - Don’t believe all the racists that are leaving one stars. This is a phenomenal work. Our country has an incredible history, rich and beautiful but also bittersweet as we still struggle with the scourge of white supremacy, showcased by some of the other reviews here. This book is beautiful and brilliant and an important work for all children to read at the appropriate time, especially if you have prejudiced people in your family. Also, important read for any immigrant families. Love this book!
2021-12-15

17. A great truth that everyone should read!!! - I bought the hardcover. A wonderful look at the truth about American history. US history has long been taught from the perspective of racists who wanted to cosign Black people to the lowest rung of society. This work shows the truth about the founders and gives readers great perspective in American history and its racial origins.
2021-11-29

Release date: 2016-03-08 $1.99

Release date: 2010-09-07 $9.99

Comments

1. Blown Away - The Warmth of Other Suns is, perhaps, one of the best books that I have ever read. It contextualizes The Great Migration by providing specific details of different people, living in different parts of the Jim Crow South, making the decision to leave that life in different decades. This book made me reflect on the inevitable push and pull factors that influenced my ancestors decisions to either stay or leave. It left me wondering how the impact of those negotiations sit with the descendants who are left to wonder how their lives might have turned out if their forbears made a different decision. This was a rich and enduring masterpiece that forced me to experience a broad range of emotions whether I wanted to experience them or not. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed and cried so much from reading a book. More to the point, it made me think more critically about how decisions can influence outcomes. A brilliant work of art!
2022-04-03

2. Required reading - Everyone needs to read this book. We’ve all known, at least I hope we do, the history of slavery and the still, all too common brutality of racists. However, to understand what it took to actually leave, to start fresh in what were akin to foreign territories hammers home how I’ve taken my easy, stable, simple and most definitely privileged status in life for granted.
2020-11-28

3. Excellent story of survival - This book is excellently written. It includes the story of four people who moved from the south where living was hard and violence against individuals occurred daily for no reason. To living in the North with its set of life challenges and the consequences of these decisions. It also includes horrifying statistics and and real life stories of those who died at the hand of very evil people. It was an enjoyable read yet very sad. I would recommend it to any who really wants to understand the history of the African American great migration.
2016-05-27

4. The Warmth of Other Suns - An Incredible written display of history. Now I understand what the Great Migration was all about. Nothing like what my high school history teacher taught. I loved the blending of real people with historical facts. My elder relatives died with their stories and were reluctant to ever share them. I now know they were either too afraid, too tired, or sadly believed that the worst was over and it was better to look forward. Thank you Ms. Wilkerson for sharing the stories. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
2014-02-26

5. Great Book - This book is one of the best books I have ever read. This book should be used in history classes. I would like to see this book made into a movie and should be seen by all these young people who take life for granite. I downloaded this book on my iPad, and listen to it audible. Now I want to buy the book just to add to my library. I hope some day to meet this author to have it signed by her. I am going to listen to this book again. I can tell a lot of research was put into this book she did a GREAT job.
2013-08-21

6. The Warmth of Other Suns - My wife and I listened to the audio book. What a book. One of the persons, Robert Foster, lived a few blocks from where I grew up. It was in the Country Club area. I grew up at Gramercy Place & th Street. Another migrant, Philip Ahn, lived at Country Club and Gramercy Place. Her book brought back many memories as well as giving us a better idea of these changes. We liked the interspersing of their life histories as we could keep track of their lives at various points. The history for me was real as I was growing up as the Great Migration was beginning to wind down.
2013-05-19

7. An excellent read - I lived in the deep South as a child and again as an adult in the late s. The book reflects my experiences as a white child during the segregated South and as an adult living through integration. I highly recommend it to those who have never lived in the South and wonder if what they heard was really true and to those of both races who know the truth; however, painful.
2012-10-04

8. Wonderful book - One of the best books I've read in years. I grew up in Nashville where black school students still could not play on fields or in gyms of Nashville Interscholastic League schools when I was graduated from high school in . A year later, I watched black college students protest and sit-in at downtown lunch counters at W.T. Grant and Woolworth. I read the powerful stories in this great book but I cannot imagine being subjected to the treatment of blacks described in it. I am giving the book to my grandson for his birthday.
2012-07-10

9. The Warmth of Other Sons - This is a page turner. I am a year old caucasian man that grew up in rural Illinois. I never did understand the plight of black person in this country, until now. I had many good experiences with black Army draftees during the Vietnam Nam war, but no contact after that. This book gives a tragic view of the brutal treatment of blacks in our year history. I feel embarrassed but happy to learn the truth of the Great Migration as depicted in this book.
2012-03-27

Release date: 2011-09-27 $9.99

Comments

1. VERY disappointing - Way too long...more like a fictional story than a historical documentary account, which is what I was hoping for...I hate when authors try to re-create things that happened way in the past with stories as if they were there in person, crossing over the line between fact and fiction, describing dialogue as if they knew how it happened...I couldn’t get through the entire thing, basically read through the first line of each paragraph after the first few chapters...the only interesting parts were right before and right after the assassination...will not read any more books from this series, a big waste of time and money.
2021-04-10

2. Great read - I have read all of the Killing books. My opinion this is one of the best. Left one wondering about inter circle conspiracy . I don’t believe that Booth was sneaked out to the south to live out his life. The book lead me to believe that Booth was an arrogant loud mouth wanting attention and recognition. Don’t think he could spend a lifetime not bragging about what he did.
2019-05-29

3. More errors than a FOX news report - I wrote my masters thesis in college on the Lincoln assassination and so when I saw this book on the topic I was excited (and feeling nostalgic for my college days.) This book is a shame to the memory of Lincoln, and you shouldn't bother wasting your time with such rubbish. I would recommend reading a book written by a real historian and pray that journalist keep to what they know best, screwing up the current news.
2016-05-21

4. Realtorretired - An interesting and thought provoking synnopsis of the last days of Lincoln’s presidency and subsequent events leading to the capture and prosecution of the perpetrators of the assassination. In addition, this was an excellent description of the terminal events leading up the the victory of Union over the Confederacy, Overall and enjoyable read.
2013-11-27

5. Good but not perfect - In , Abraham Lincoln was a loved and hated man in America. At this time, Abraham Lincoln was the president of the United States of America. He along with his general in chief, Ulysses S. Grant, ran the union. The Union and the Confederates fought against each other in the Civil War. The Confederates were run by Robert E. Lee, whom Lincoln despised. He may have been Lincon's enemy, however, Robert E. Lee wasn't his only enemy. Throughout the course of this novel the Civil War is currently taking place. Abraham Lincoln needs to win this war for his presedency's sake. However, one wrong move by Lincoln and his guard on April , changed America forever. On this date, at about : P.M. President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in Ford's Theatre by John Wilkes Booth. That day John Wilkes Booth becomes the most wanted man in America along with Lewis Powell and David Herold, his assistants. John Wilkes Booth was eventually killed by a rookie marksman. This novel was a very well written, captivating book. It put me on my toes at times and was very discripticve and detailed in its explanations. For example, "Booth squeezes the trigger. Unlike the crazed Richard Lawrence, whose pistol misfired when he attempted to assassinate Andrew Jackson, Booth feels his gun kick. The ball launches down the barrel as the audience guffaws at the play." (, Reilly). Bill O' Reilly and Martin Dugard wrote this novel based on facts and conspiracy. They don't know what actually happened but no one really does. Only John Wilkes Booth knows what truly happened while and after he shot and killed Abraham Lincoln. Overall this was a great book that is really exciting and fun to read even if you are not a big fan of non-fiction history novels.
2013-11-13

6. Fantastic read! - This is very well written. As someone who doesn't read "history" oriented novels, I found this book gripping! The factual details are included in a way that keeps your interest and triggers emotion. The photos and maps that are included help those of us who are visual and help with understanding and tying it all together. This book includes all sides of the killing and the point of view from everyone involved.
2013-05-31

7. Killing Lincoln - Bill did it again, wrote a book that you don't want to put down. It's a easy read for most students from th grade up. Kids should read it to learn more about the past history of this great country. It would be nice to see Bill write small books on each and every U.S. President. Keep up the great work Bill, I loved it and did learn a few things from the read. J.Adams, Caro, MI.
2013-04-10

8. not histography - O'Reilly represents the far-right disney-fication of reality for the less discerning reader. It's interesting to see reviews of so many gullible readers who accept the premise that O'Reilly offers a true, non-biased, historical account of the s. Many of his arguments are taken out of the true context, and manipulated to suite his political agenda.
2013-02-13

9. Outstanding! - I wasn't sure what to expect at first. I haven't read much nonfiction in the past and was worried that this book would be too analytical and boring. It is far from that! Killing Lincoln tells the story in exciting fashion of the events surrounding Lincoln's death. I felt as though I was there as Booth snuck his way into the state box at Ford's to assassinate Lincoln. Anyone looking for a history book type of read, this is not for you. If you want to be thoroughly entertained by a book you can't put down then BUY THIS BOOK!
2013-01-05

10. To VerbalQuips... - It was not my intention to upset O'Reilly fans or those who enjoyed the book. I would just like to add that Doris Kearns Goodwin is discredited in my opinion and I was a huge fan of hers. Even paid good money to attend a lecture of hers, pre-plagiarism. As I stated, my beef is not with the authors: it's with the characterization of the book as history. I have since read the book, because--as you so eloquently pointed out--I shouldn't review a book I haven't read. It's quite foolish to do so. It is certainly well-written, informative and, to my surprise, engrossing. Still, the limited notes and appendix do not qualify this book as history. It is a WONDERFUL work of historical fiction in the vein of Caleb Carr (The Alienist). I don't agree with Mr. O'Reilly politically or feel his show displays his intellectual ability. I think he could--if he so desired--be a true intellectual force for the conservative point of view. But who would turn down $m a year to do what he does at Fox?!? I just feel that the Right needs a reasonable, rational standard bearer (as does the Left!) and feel he has the intellectual capacity and persona to be that standard bearer. I saw you wrote your response to my review on Christmas Day and I apologize for upsetting you to the point of taking time out of your holiday to write that response. I hope you had a great Christmas nevertheless. No hard feelings?
2012-12-29

Release date: 2023-02-14 Genre:History $16.99

Release date: 2008-06-03 $14.99

Release date: 2021-05-04 $11.99

Comments

1. Loaded with facts… - Lots of facts in this book, I’ve read all books this far in the killing series. The issue I had with this one is it jumps around quite a bit to short tangents of different individuals and their particular stories, but I can also understand why. It’s kind of like trying to cram an entire novel into a feature film.
2022-01-28

2. Killing the Mob - Have come not to expect too much from the “Killing” series. Though there is a lot of made up dialogue, I suppose conversations of that manner could have taken place. Book is written at maybe a junior high level. Nonetheless the effort was better than most of the books in this series and I did learn stuff I was not aware of, assuming the authors have their facts correct. Worth a read.
2021-05-05

Release date: 2005-10-18 Genre:History $12.99

Comments

1. River of Doubts - An incredible expedition occurring in one of the most inhospitable jungles of the world by a fearless legend who by that time had achieved significant political successes. Instead of being content with writing his memoirs, he undertook what most would consider an impossible human endeavor.
2012-09-13

Release date: 2019-08-06 $4.99

Comments

1. Warms up Slow but Decadent - This is the second Abbot book I have read, and it didn’t disappoint. True to her style, the words on each page are vibrant and paint a vivid picture of the characters and the times. My only criticism isn’t if the writing but if the content. By nature of what the story is there is a lot of character development required. There are many important characters introduced early and in quick succession in the book, which made my head spin a little as I tried to keep them separate and learn their nuances for the first % of the pages or so. That said, having all those richly developed characters is what makes this book so good and a decadent find for those who devour well written history and good story telling.
2020-05-17

Release date: 2022-04-01 $5.99

Release date: 1996-12-27 $9.99

Release date: 2000-07-11 $12.99

Comments

1. Breathtaking - Today when we can all look at our smartphones and get an hour by hour prediction of pending weather it's hard to imagine a time when you could be surprised by something as devastating as a hurricane. In Isaac's Storm, Erik Larson gives you a front row seat to one of the most destructive hurricanes in Texas history and and an authentic view into the lives & times of the bustling city of Galveston Texas at the turn of the century. Fast passed and highly readable Larson hits it out of the park with this one.
2015-11-08

2. My favorite author and favorite book! - This book is phenomenal, I just discovered Erik Larsen the summer of and he is my favorite author, he puts a fiction spin on non-fiction books. I would recommend this book to anyone along with, Devil in The White City, Thunderstruck, Garden of Beast and Lethal Passage!!!
2012-02-15

Release date: 2022-03-22 Genre:History $14.99

Release date: 2016-10-25 $12.99

Release date: 2019-05-14 $11.99

Release date: 2002-11-14 $13.99

Release date: 2013-05-07 $14.99

Comments

1. Emerald Mile - The first time our family went to Lake Powell was in May of . We rented one of the largest houseboats available and were there for a week. My wife and I, friends and family have gone back time and time again. In we bought into a house boat called the ‘Escalante Escape’. And traveled Lake Powell during the last weeks of September for years in a row. What a pleasure! What a centering experience it was staying in the wilderness with all the comforts of home! But slowly, day after day, the wilderness unwound you. Our first trip in was the most eye opening however. The size and expanse of the lake was astonishing. Every late afternoon we would find an area to camp. Place the retractable walkway from the boat to shore and anchor the boat for the evening. Next morning the level of water had come up overnight and the boat’s pontoons were no longer touching the shore and the ramp would be under an inch or two under water. I remember thinking to myself “ … how much water does it take to raise a Goliath like this a couple inches???” This book explains all those wonders and brings me back to a place and time of such beauty and awe. I will read this again and again. Age may take its toll on my ability to remember, but the trip back to the Southwestern wilderness is but a few pages away.
2022-11-21

2. An educational adventure! - Having done the Colorado for two weeks during the late ‘s, in hair raising high water through Crystal and Lava Falls, I was anxious to revisit one of my life’s most breathtaking adventures; riding the rapids in a -man raft. And, along with that familiarity came a wealth of knowledge about the Canyon, the dams, the geology, politics and the history of this uniquely American treasure, including its discovery and exploration. All I can say is that it’s a helluva great read. I enjoyed every moment of this journey that I’ve urged so many others to take.
2022-04-27

3. Awesome book! - We rafted down the Colorado a few years ago and had an amazing experience. We also toured and rafted Glen Canyon with the AICF. With this background, this book is truly an amazing read as we "know " where the events are taking plane and can only imagine the power with a water level of this magnitude. We love this book and have so much respect for the "river people" and their passion for the canyon!
2015-07-26

4. Great book!!! - The author did a great job informing you and creating the scene perfectly. The story keeps you wanting more and making it harder to put the book down. Very good story and having grown up in Salt Lake City and visited lake Powell many times, this book hits home, I really enjoyed learning the history of the Colorado river, and the Grand Canyon. If your looking for a good book don't let this one pass you by. Well done.
2014-02-16

5. Once I started reading, I could not put it down - I heard about "The Emerald Mile" through OAR's Facebook page. I downloaded the sample on IBooks and quickly realized that I would devour this book. In some ways, I feel like I piloted through the book like Grua, Petschek and Wren piloted that legendary Dory down the swollen Colorado in . Now more than ever, I am committed to one day, take that trip from Lee's Ferry. This is the best book I have read in quite some time.
2013-08-14

6. Hidden Gem - What to say, I read the sample of this book expecting it to be a decent outdoor. Adventure book about river running, but instead was hooked by end of sample finding book to be so much more than just that. It covers the history of the canyon going back to its first sighting by Spanish explorers, it covers the first exploratory trip down the river in the 's, it covers in amazing details the building of dams I. This country, not Just the big ones along the Grand Canyon, but all throughout the country, it covers the personality and mindset of river guides in general, it goes into politics and environmentalism, it goes into engineering of the worlds largest "machines", dams.... You get the idea, this book is amazingly well researched and written and keeps moving through so much! I highly recommend it!!
2013-06-05

7. Great Adventure(s) - Written in the vein of many educational adventure stories such as "The Mapmakers Wife" and Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods". The story tells not the just main adventure of the storyline regarding a group of renegades tackling the Colorado at the highest flow possible, but also the stories of the many adventures of history it took to get to that point. Educational and interesting. I wish all adventure stories were like this!
2013-05-27

Release date: 2001-08-14 Genre:History $15.99

Comments

1. Books like this should be standard issue in school! - The author is excellent, he has the gift of drawing mental images that are so vivid you truly feel the emotions within the text. As far as the content, truly humbling. WWII provides countless stories of unimaginable adversity, courage, luck, grit, mental fortitude,terror and honor (to name a few concepts). This book provides a masterful illustration of the reality of Bomber Crews over Europe that are mostly unknown by the American Citizen. After reading this book, you will no doubt have a greater appreciation for the sacrifices these men made for us, and for the freedom they provided. Hopefully, it provides a reference of the true terror of war that is not glamorous as Hollywood depicts. It is pure hell and unnecessary. Great read for anyone, but especially brilliant for those interested in war stories.
2019-12-14

Release date: 2016-03-29 $11.99

Release date: 2021-06-08 Genre:History $9.99

Comments

1. Excellent, A Must Read - While slightly repetitive to make a point, this beautifully written book draws you in to its story of family survival through simple objects. All that remains of the sack creator are simple words that prove she and her offspring existed at all, more than most who did all they could to survive the horrors of slavery. An important meditation on family, the meaning of objects, and the importance of storytelling. A must read.
2021-06-28

Release date: 2012-06-29 $25.99

Comments

1. Ordinary Courage - Little did I realize that such a narrative existed, enjoyed very much. As a combat enlisted Marine in Vietnam - one could see the comparison ( not as dreadful as Martin) as to to the needs of lower ranked personnel. How certain supplies were diverted by higher ranked officials and sold to Vietnamese officials, which in turn some sold back to us at a huge profit. I travel around Maine, New Hampshire and may look up the location of JPM's grave.
2017-06-20

Release date: 2023-09-26 $15.99

Release date: 2023-03-21 $15.99

Release date: 2015-11-17 $15.99

Comments

1. American’s American History - Zinn takes the history you learned in school, and flips it on its head by simply telling the rest of the story. You’ve been taught about how great leaders like Columbus, Jefferson, Washington, or Lincoln shaped American history through their convictions and decisions. Here, Zinn shows how the leadership of everyday Americans shaped both the “great leaders” and American history. He likewise includes the stories of the oppressed and downtrodden, showing how decisions that shaped modern America weren’t always good for everyone. Zinn provides a more complete treatment of the historical forces that created the America of the late th century. With an approachable writing style, the book shows that history is more subtle and complex than most texts allow for. Well worth your time.
2018-11-14

Release date: 2022-10-04 $15.99

Release date: 2017-09-19 $17.99

Comments

1. Amazing - Great book just like the rest of “The Killing” series. It is amazing to read the in depth story of everything that went in to forming this great nation. It is very evident that these founding fathers would be appalled at the clown show currently occupying the White House, but at least they did the hard work initially. This book brings great hope that we can one day get back to the amazing country we were at its founding.
2022-12-25

2. Charging for a sample is bad business - Charging people to read a sample of the “thug” cursed language is like charging a potential buyer for a look at the outside of the new car they plan to buy. Maybe one recipe or something would be worth $ but even that seems like a rip off. I planned to buy this book but after being charged for reading through trashy language, I will find my recipes elsewhere.
2018-08-15

3. Excellent Book, Brought the Revolutionary WarAlive - My first read of a “killing series” book, and it is excellent. A historian myself, I wanted to see how the book compared, especially on George Washington, to other historical renditions—it was excellent. In fact, I learned some new facts by reading this book, both on Washington, but also on the Revolution itself. For that, I am grateful. A good and fast read for all!
2018-03-16

4. Fascinating! - This was a fascinating, book that you will have to pry yourself from, if you want to keep commitments (like going to work, ha ha). This book is a little different because I am used to copious footnotes and references in history books, while this one is written more like a novel. There are notes on each chapter in the back of the book, which add a little more detail. On the other hand, I would appreciate it if those who pan the book would explain WHY they did so. To say it is “inaccurate” without giving verifiable facts, makes me wonder if they are writers for CNN .
2017-12-15

5. Killing England - Killing England by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard should be read by every American. The book places you in the thick of the action to from the signing of the Declaration Of Independence, to the frigid weather of Valley Forge, and finally the victory at Yorktown, Virginia. The book has special significance for me because I live in Central Virginia not far from Monticello. A fantastic read. It’s book that you wish did not end.
2017-09-29

Release date: 2014-09-23 Genre:History $9.99

Comments

1. An American Soldier - Patton was the greatest wartime General of all time. This book really gives the reader terrific insight into the man, his understanding of warfare and the enemy. It’s too bad his bosses didn’t let him do what needed to be done; it would be a very different and safer world today if they had let him win the war(s). Great read, very well written. -Brad
2021-09-08

2. MAGA GK - What a great book! How concurrent is the story of Patton as a military genius and a establishment disruptor to that of US President . Fearing Patton’s ability to act and accomplish, the WW II military political infrastructure defaulted to equivocation and political correctness, thus neutering one of the great American heroes. The swamp/media treatment of Prez is strikingly similar. But what could one expect from the people Patton would would describe as cowards.
2021-01-16

3. Fact not speculation - I enjoyed the book immensely. The writings, the interviews, and the Hollywood treatment could't begin to provide the narrative presented here. The only area detracting from my enjoyment was the "conspiracy" element. It was certainly spun that way. I understand the repeated close calls would have led anyone to question why. O'Reilly took it several steps beyond that. Was it a conspiracy or simply not researched deeply enough?
2017-05-02

4. Riveting Read About the End of WWII - I couldn't put down this enjoyable and easy to read account of the conclusion of World War II. While the title suggests a singular focus on the colorful and beloved George S. Patton, the authors provide interesting context on every major figure in the war effort. Am I the only one that envisions George C. Scott's face when I read about Patton?
2015-07-07

5. A book that all Americans need to read! - Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard do it again, tell a great story with facts as a thriller. Very hard to put this one down. I've considered myself well versed in history and about General Patton, but this book opened my eyes. Every American needs to read this book, our schools do not teach history anymore so it's up to us to know the facts.
2015-06-21

6. Killing Patton: Authentically Awesome - Killing Patton, the book by O'Reilly and Dugard: Simply Awesome! - Read as an iBook since Christmas. Available as a Kindle book and in print. - My Dad and Mom used to talk about some of the nuances of WWII, which they knew of first hand while Dad served on General Eisenhower's Headquarters staff in Europe, which are captured in this book. - Writing style riveting and easy to read. Many thanks to Wife for gifting this iBook from her Apple account to me for Christmas! Enjoy!
2015-01-12

7. Killing Patton - This book is a collection of weakly written accounts of the battles of WWII with only the end section devoted to the conspiracy theory about Patton's death. I enjoyed Killing Lincoln but the formula being used is being diluted as each Killing book comes out. It is worth a read I suppose but may be the last book of O'Reilly's that I buy. I enjoy Bill on television but I studied history and this book asks more questions than it answers.
2015-01-09

8. The General himself would approve! - Superb book, I couldn't put it down. This book was so much more than a book about the circumstances surrounding General Patton's untimely death. Everything was extremely well researched and brilliantly tied together. I highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in history.
2015-01-06

Release date: 2019-05-07 $13.99

Release date: 2014-09-30 $15.99

Comments

1. Great Insight into Stonewall Jackson - This is an excellent biography written by an excellent historian and story teller. The narration was well done. I discovered many details about the life and military engagements of this major leader of the Confederate Army. Not only was he a brilliant strategist but a strong, disciplined leader and devout man of faith. I recommend it to anyone interested in American history.
2021-01-30

2. J lewiss - I am a history enthusiast of the first order and rarely find history written with this kind passion, color and in depth details. Captures The absolute essence of the man in every way, and paints him accurately as the most effective combat general of the war. I would count this as one of the best history books I have ever read. Do not miss out on the opportunity to read this book.
2020-11-17

3. Outstanding and Refreshing Viewpoint - This book is incredibly engaging. The author has written it from the perspective that Jackson himself would’ve utilized. It is a refreshing Civil War read in the sense that it is an unapologetic look at the war from the Confederate perspective. At the same time, the descriptive language does justice to the carnage brought on by the war. I could not recommend this book enough.
2019-02-24

4. Awesome Book - S.C. Gwynne did a masterful job of bringing Stonewall Jackson to life. His historically researched narrative of Jackson's formative years and his depiction of his stellar Civil War career make this book a must read. Gwynne's writing style captures the imagination and takes the reader back in time to the s.
2015-08-29

5. Stonewall Jackson Revealed - Gwynne has produced an insightful look at the life of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. This wonderful book made me aware of many of Jackson's foibles as well as his brilliance as a tactician and leader of men. The author has created fully rounded descriptions of many of the leaders of the Confederacy. As close to a "page turner" as a work of nonfiction gets.
2014-12-14

Release date: 2015-05-05 $13.99

Comments

1. The Wright Brothers - A well crafted book with solid research. David McCullough looked into the lives of the two brothers as well as their competitors. I was amazed by the tenacity of the brothers as well as their competitors. Every great acheiement comes at a cost. That cost comes in many forms. Some of the competitors were great inventors in their own right and heroes to all of us, but they had their greedy side when it came to competition. Truth can be a disheartening revelation.
2018-06-01

2. Captivating and fulfilling. Real food for our lives. - I am so grateful for this book. The work is incredible! I have been fulfilled with information and a story that not only motivated me, but brought excitement and real depth to what I thought I knew about these inventors. What I was taught in school or heard as stories during my life told less than a paragraph of what I learned in these pages. I feel fulfilled and hungry to learn more. My only challenge is finding a way to get my children to appreciate this story and what went into the style, work and life of the Wright Brothers. Thank you.
2015-09-03

3. Wright Brothers - This is as good as it gets when it comes to a historical biography and accounting of an important part of our history. Everyone could learn from this work put together by one of the premier authors of our time. The research was deep and uncompromising. It was hard to put this book down for even a minute.
2015-06-24

4. A LAZY BOOK - I so wanted to like this book as I love the author and expected new insights into a fascinating part of our history. Sadly, this book did not deliver. The most I learned beyond what is already known is what the brothers ate in Paris, their views of Europe, their quibbling and on and on. This book is lazily written. No new info and rather dull. Stay away.
2015-05-30

5. Good - David McCullough has written many informative books, of which this is one. It's most interesting to understand the determination and perseverance displayed by the Wright Brothers. There were many pursuing the challenge of flight but the Wrights sought their own solutions, discarding many of the theories put forth by others. It is also interesting to understand the worldwide excitement generated by man's attempt at flight. Very well done!
2015-05-19

6. Buy the iBooks version - I started reading this book on my Kindle. It was frustrating and unpleasant. On the Kindle there are no page numbers, only locations. (However, page numbers are not true print page numbers.) I downloaded the sample on iBooks and felt comfortable back in a good Apple app. In both versions photos are at the end of the book. As always, McCullough is a great read.
2015-05-11

Release date: 2019-10-22 $18.99

Release date: 2007-10-30 Genre:History $11.99

Release date: 2003-11-10 $4.99

Comments

1. Excellent - Great read about a major sailing adventure in the early 's. I was not aware of U.S. Exploration in this time frame and the long term benefit to science. The main characters are skillfully described and all possess stamina beyond the average person. You will not be disappointed if you like the sea and boats.
2010-09-11

Release date: 2012-10-02 $9.99

Comments

1. Excellent - O’Reilly continues to impress with untold historical vignettes that practically no one knows — until now. He’s a thousand times more substantive and creative than his detractors think. I always watched him on Fox with a dose of skeptical bemusement, but he’s far better in objective print than he ever was on TV. Five stars. Exceptionally researched and recorded.
2021-04-27

2. Killing Kennedy - This is the first book by Bill O'reilly that I have read and it was mind blowing. The main thing I love about the book is how much you begin to feel for these characters and how much you feel invested in what happens to them. There came a point in the book where I really didn't want the killing to happen because you care about Kennedy and Jackie. Very well written and perfectly paced. I would highly recommend it.
2017-04-07

3. A Must Read for Fans of Kennedy and of American History - I would recommend reading this if you are a fan of Kennedy! It's a great narrative of not only his Assassination, but also of his Administration and his Personal Scandals. It truly shows everyone's character when they're not in the Public Eye! An Excellent Read!
2016-07-01

4. Nothing New - The specifics of the assassination appear /ths of the way through the book. The last part should have been the first part. This was not about the killing of Kenneday, it was a broad overview of his time in office. More accurately, his time in the bedroom. I would have guessed that, with all the available resources these days, and all of Mr. O’Reilly’s connections, there actually would have been something new to learn in this book. The only new information I got was the depth of the President’s philandering, and the promiscuity of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and I wouldn’t say I know all that much about the Kennedy assassination. (Actually, Stephen King’s // probably gave me more insight into the event than this book did.) What MLK’s personal exploits have to do with killing Kennedy, I have no idea. However there is a full chapter devoted to them, with only a couple paragraphs about all the assassination conspiracy theories. I understand that, if it truly came down to a lone gunman, there’s no point in trying to substantiate other theories. However, Mr. O’Reilly could have given us some new irrefutable evidence that Lee undoubtedly acted alone. Everything about killing Kennedy in this book is stale. The only “end of Camelot” portrayed here is possibly Mr. O’Reilly’s hope that, after reading about Kennedy’s sordid affairs, Jackie’s thoughts of cheating, and MLK’s alleged orgies, we might conclude that there was no Camelot to begin with.
2014-01-13

5. Great book! Wonderful journey of storytelling - I would recommend this book to anyone who loves history, especially presidential history. Of course the Kennedy family is so interesting that this book would be a great read for anyone who wants to learn more about JFK and the Kennedy family in the White House in the early 's.
2014-01-10

6. Killing Kennedy - While this book is very well done, I don't think there is a single bit of new information. I read the Warren Commission report when it first came out and there was much information in there that should have been included in this book. How can one write this book and not mention the autopsy or the Zapruder film?
2013-10-23

7. KILLING KENNEDY - Brilliantly done. At the time of Kennedy's assination I was a Marine stationed in Okinawa and in the "Ready Battallion". We were put on alert and ready to respond to any order if it was determined that a foreign power was involved. As a result I was no exposed to the media coverage at the time, This book made it all alive and even made me cry in a number of places.
2013-08-27

8. Killing Kennedy - Very disappointing! O'Reilly writes that Oswald finally decided to assassinate Kennedy essentially because his estranged wife, Marina, refused to take him back the night before the murder and that Jack Ruby killed Oswald as an act of patriotism mostly to the Democratic Party. Whether or not you believe that Oswald acted alone, this simplistic theory is utterly unsupported by the author and defies both logic and history. Otherwise, though an interesting read and well written, there is very little new information here.
2013-06-02

Release date: 2019-09-10 $13.99

Release date: 2013-11-15 $22.99

Release date: 2008-03-18 Genre:History $2.99

Release date: 2023-01-24 $14.99

Release date: 2019-04-02 $4.99

Comments

1. The Clash between Reconstruction policy & Refemption - This book tells the story of the clash between the policies of Reconstruction and White Redemption that curtailed the progress of African Americans. Reconstruction was a perfect idea to incorporate African Americans into American society but White Redemption killed the idea.
2022-06-22

Release date: 2023-03-07 $17.99

Release date: 2010-09-07 $7.99

Comments

1. A beautiful look into an ugly past - I’m not going to lie it’s a tough read. As a black woman hearing in detail some of the acts that were done to black, I found it hard to not feel angry after every chapter. But I was still compelled to finish this book because it was written beautifully and because these women’s stories need to be heard. At the end when they talk about Recy Taylor having a hard life, I broke down and cried. Recy Taylor is an unsung hero and who led us to our fight for civil rights. A very important book!
2020-12-15

Release date: 2008-09-23 $12.99

Release date: 2009-04-28 $1.99

Release date: 2016-03-01 $1.99

Release date: 2014-08-26 $11.99

Release date: 2017-10-24 $13.99