May Reads - Tim

Border: The U.S.-Mexico Line by Leon Claire Metz
(480 pages)
a deep dive look at the US/Mexico border. Its history, the battles fought on or near it, and the future of how these two nations will deal with the issues of immigration, drugs, etc.

The Men Who United the States: America's Explorers, Inventors, Eccentrics, and Mavericks, and the Creation of One Nation, Indivisible by Simon Winchester
(496 pages)
the prospectors, inventors, and explorers who filled in the blank spaces on the map of the US. Everything from mining, to railroads, to the laying of telegraph and telephone lines this book shows the people who’s names might not be well known but we wouldn’t have the lives we do today without their efforts.

Down the Great Unknown: John Wesley Powell's 1869 Journey of Discovery and Tragedy Through the Grand Canyon by Edward Dolnick
(400 pages)
John Wesley Powell and his crew of boatmen head off from Wyoming hoping to be the first (white) people to travel down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. A series of misadventures and white water rapids try to defeat the party.

Lost Kingdom: Hawaii's Last Queen, the Sugar Kings, and America's First Imperial Adventure by Julia Flynn Siler
(449 pages)
looking at the end of the Hawaiian monarchy and the takeover of the islands by the United States. Focusing on both the Hawaiian Royal Family and the insurrection leaders this book shows almost down to the minute the end of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

Public Enemies: America's Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, 1933-34 by Bryan Burrough
(640 pages)
a huge book that shows the history of the FBI from it’s creation to the end of the reign of J. Edgar Hoover. Focusing on agents and criminals alike, this book showcases the events that brought this agency to life and the cases that brought it into the public eye.

Incendiary: The Psychiatrist, the Mad Bomber, and the Invention of Criminal Profiling by Michael Cannell
(304 pages)
trying to capture “The Mad Bomber,” of NYC in the 1950’s this book shows how the NYPD captured this criminal. Pipebombs are placed throughout NYC in public places leads to hundreds of injuries and untold amounts of damage to the city. The creation of the Bomb Squad leads to race against time to arrest this bomber before even more destruction is levelled.

Tim Reads March

Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded: August 27, 1883 by Simon Winchester (416 pages)

A fascinating look at the earth shaking explosion of a volcano on the island of Krakatoa. This indepth look at the history of the island and the impact it’s (and more importantly its main volcano) had on the world. It shows the problems caused by the explosion, its impact on the weather, global trade, etc.

Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis (380 pages)

A look into the life of George Babbit, he lives a boring life, has a boring family, and tries and fails to add enjoyment, excitement, and class to differentiate him from his boring neighbors and coworkers. A fun book that toes the line of enjoying the characters and hoping they all fail.

The Royal Art of Poison: Fatal Cosmetics, Deadly Medicines and Murder Most Foul  by Eleanor Herman (320 pages)

Historical figures are murdered in a variety of ways, mainly poisons, and this book features a few notable examples. Looking at what was used to kill them and the impact their deaths had on their kingdoms, countries, and the entire world this book does a great job showing how just a drop can change everything.

Madam Restell: The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Old New York's Most Fabulous, Fearless, and Infamous Abortionist by Jennifer Wright (352 pages)

A biography of a woman who went from an immigrant to a self taught surgeon who became one of New York’s most well know (or reviled depending on your views of her profession). She became the target for newspaper tabloids, lawsuit happy foes, and Matthew Comstock (who as always sucks the worst)

The War that Made the Roman Empire: Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian at Actium  by Barry S. Strauss (376 pages)   

Marc Anthony & Cleopatra vs. Octavian, winner not only inherits the mantle of the recently murdered Julius Caesar but gets to decide the future of Rome. Octavian (later Caesar Augustus) wins (spoiler) and this book takes us through the gory (and snake bitey?!?) ends of Anthony and Cleopatra. 

Tim Reads - January

American Midnight: The Great War, a Violent Peace, and Democracy's Forgotten Crisis by Adam Hochschild (432 pages)

An in-depth look at America following the end of World War I. The home front was as violent as the fields of France, from race riots to the jailing of antiwar protestors the country was learning lessons on what happens when you boil everything down to, “us vs. them”

Our First Civil War: Patriots and Loyalists in the American Revolution by H.W. Brands (512 pages)

A look at what causes a person to become a rebel (or a patriot depending on how you see it) and what causes another to do the opposite. Ben Franklin was one of the nation’s founding fathers but his own son saw him as a traitorous rebel. This book breaks down the battle between Patriots and Loyalists and shows how each side came to their final decisions

The Scandalous Hamiltons: A Gilded Age Grifter, a Founding Father's Disgraced Descendant, and a Trial at the Dawn of  Tabloid Journalism by Bill Shaffer (330 pages)

I could tell you that an heir of Alexander Hamilton and his con artist wife go on trial for stabbing their nurse and that’s not the whole of this book, it’s not even the whole of the first chapter. This book and its main characters, especially Evangeline Hamilton, are outrageous. Such an interesting look at this story and the reporters that managed to make it even tawdrier.  

The People, No: A Brief History of Anti-Populism by Thomas Frank
(336 pages)

What is a populist? It seems like a simple question but the term and political movement that coalesced around it have changed. This book looks at the ever changing face of populism, the idea that the will of the people should reign supreme and shows how elites and political opposition have smeared it to make it almost unrecognizable to the people who founded the movement.

Friends, Divided: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson by Gordon S. Wood (512 pages)

A lengthy look at the creation, break up, and reformation of the friendship of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. From the earliest days, these two titans had differing views about almost everything, and finally the strain of running a nation drove them apart. A look at their letter to each other (and to others about each other) show the different personalities of these two men and how they shaped the earliest history of the United States

The War of the Three Gods: Romans, Persians, and the Rise of Islam by Peter Crawford (392 pages)

As the Roman Empire finally defeats its longtime foe the Sassanid Persians, something they’ve been trying to do for centuries. Time to kick your feet up and…here comes the newly founded Islamic army from the desserts of Arabia. A look at the three way dance of the ancient world that saw the two established empires, Rome and Persia, get absolutely trucked and pushed to the brink of extinction

City of Light, City of Poison: Murder, Magic, and the First Police Chief of Paris by Holly Tucker (353 pages)

 There’s a poisoner in the court of the King of France, they’ve been picking off high ranking officials and members of the nobility, send for the police right? Well this is happening in the Court of Louis XIV and there isn’t one, so it’s up to the Nicolas de la Reynie who is appointed as the first police chief of Rome to stop the killing (and clean up the streets if he has time).

Tim Reads November

Death in the Air: The True Story of a Serial Killer, the Great London Smog, and the Strangling of a City by Kate Winkler Dawson (368 pages)

What’s worse than a thick smog hanging over the city of London? How about a killer using this disgusting fog to murder its citizens. During 1952 the citizens of London were being hunted by a killer and poisoned by the very air they were breathing. A fast paced look at the search for a human killer and the actions (and inaction) of the government to clean up the air its citizens were breathing

Tinkers, Evers, Chance: The Chicago Cubs and the Dawn of Modern America by David Rapp (339 pages)

A look at how the game of baseball went from a club sport played by wealthy individuals to the globe spanning goliath we know it today. Showing how the legendary double play combination of Tinkers to Evers to Chance, came together in Chicago and how the three men helped bring about changes to the game and business of baseball.

A Man of Iron: The Turbulent Life and Improbable Presidency of Grover Cleveland by Troy Senik (384 pages)

A biography of the 22^nd and 24^th president of the US. Stephen (???) Grover Cleveland lived a very interesting life even before he stepped into the White House. As the sheriff and mayor of Buffalo to the governor of New York to becoming the only president to win two nonconsecutive terms as president Grover did it all it would seem. He also had surgery on a tumor in his mouth on a ship to hide it from the press, which is my favorite Grover story, this and more are used to try and get a better look at this forgotten president

October 1964 by David Halberstam (382 pages)

The definitive look at the World Series, this book showcases the Series that featured the legendary New York Yankees and the upstart St. Louis Cardinals. Providing fascinating looks of players such as Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Lou Brock, Bob Gibson, and Curt Flood this book is prime Halberstam. It’s him at his best, laser focused on a singular event yet showing all the people, games, and plays that led to one of the greatest World Series in MLB history.

Catalyst by James Luceno (496 pages)

Before Andor, Before Rogue One came Catalyst. Looking at the scientists and politicians involved with the development and creation of the Death Star. I liked this because it’s interesting to see how the rest of the universe was reacting to the rise of the Empire.

The Eighth Wonder of the World: The True Story of Andre the Giant by Bertrand Hebert (440 pages)

The legendary Andre the Giant is profiled in this epic biography. Andre is one of the most talked about wrestlers in history but what do we really know about him? This book tries to answer some of the still debated questions. How tall was the Giant? Seems simple until the liars that populate the world of professional wrestling get involved.

October Reads - Tim

When Women Played Hardball by Susan E. Johnson (320 pages)
An in-depth look at the All American Girls Baseball League at its teams, players, coaches, chaperones, etc. This book adds a lot of information to “A League of Their Own,” showing how women from all over the country (and Canada) came together to play baseball and what they did when the games were over.

The Maid and the Queen: The Secret History of Joan of Arc by Nancy Gladstone (320 pages)
A look at Joan of Arc and Yolande of Aragon, how these two women’s lives were intertwined even though they never met. While Yolande, the Queen of Sicily, championed the dauphine against his enemies in the 100 Years War, and used her money, powerful allies, and army (both soldiers and spies) to put him on the throne of France. However it took a peasant
girl, Joan, to bring the people together and complete the job.

1929 America Before the Crash by Warren Sloat (384 pages)
A look at all the highs and lows, though the biggest low was yet to come, that befell the United States on the eve of the Great Depression. Looking at the people and events that not only shaped the nation but set the ground to fall once the economy they helped to build up fell apart.

A Wicked War by Amy S. Greenberg (368 pages)
A deep dive into the Mexican-American War, a war forged probably on false pretenses for no real reason other than an expansionist government wanted to flex on a weaker neighbor. The title is a reference to a quote made following the war by U.S. Grant that was echoed before, during, and after by many critics. This book shows the action not only in Mexico but in Washington D.C. where the bullets were fewer but the battle no less destructive

Tim Reads- September

Black Joke: The True Story of one Ship's Battle Against the Slave Trade by A.E. Rooks
(400 pages)
a fascinating look at the main boat in the British West Africa Squadron that was trying to stop slave trading between Africa and the Americas. This book shows how an underfunded and underappreciated group of boats (and this one in particular) fought against slave ships and the governments that profited from their actions.

American Demon: Eliot Ness and the Hunt for America's Jack the Ripper by Daniel Stashower
(352 pages)
a look at the “Torso Killer,” a serial killer who struck Cleveland during the Great Depression. Noted lawman Elliot Ness was brought in to head the hunt for this horrific murderer. In the end the police arrested someone, and the killings stopped but did they get the right person? 

Fight Like Hell: The Untold History of American Labor by Kim Kelly
(448 pages)
a look at the world of unions and the fight for a fair wage, and safe work place. Kelly does a great job focusing on underreported unions (flight attendants, Uber drivers, sex workers, etc.) and showing how hard it is to gain union recognition when people question if what you are doing is really work. (Oh and also a global pandemic is raging)

Pappyland: A Story of Family, Fine Bourbon, and the Things That Last by Wright Thompson
(256 pages)
an in depth look at a family and their whiskey. Pappy Van Winkle the well-known, highly sought after, and expensive booze has its history and legacy looked at. Wright Thompson’s writing is always casually informative and this book is no different, you really want a drink by the time the first chapter is over.

Broadcast Hysteria: Orson Welle's War of the Worlds and the Art of Fake News by A. Brad Schwartz
(368 pages)
When Orson Wells made his historic broadcast of, “War of the Worlds,” everyone went nuts. At least that’s the story we’ve been told, but is it true? This book looks at the before, during, after, and much later of the famous radio play. From did people in New Jersey shoot a water tower thinking it was a spaceship, to what does this say about how we interact with a trending twitter story, this book is really interesting. 

Joan of Arc: A History by Helen Castor
(376 pages)
a deep dive into the life, death, and sanctification of Joan of Arc. Who was she, did she really hear voices that told her to put on armor and go to war for France. And also how did she go from a heretic burned at the stake to a martyr, saint, and symbol.

Tarkin by James Luceno
(352 pages)
a look at the life and times of a real Star Wars scumbag. This book fleshes out the backstory of Grand Moff Tarkin (yes I am watching Andor, why do you ask) a character best known for being in control of the Death Star. This book shows his rise up the ranks of the Empire and shows his interactions with the Emperor and Darth Vader. 

Tim Reads

Baseball Under the Lights: The Rise of the Night Game by Charlie Bevis (239 pages)

This first-ever comprehensive history of night baseball examines the factors, obstacles and trends that shaped this dramatic change in both the minor and major leagues between 1930 and 1990.

River of the Gods: Genius, Courage, and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile by Candice Millard (368 pages)

A look at the harrowing journey of two British explorers as they attempt to locate the source of the Nile River. Did they follow any of the instructions of their native guides who had already discovered it, dear reader they did not. The misadventures of these two is a great source of enjoyment.

The Betrayal of Anne Frank: An Investigation by Rosemary Sullivan (400 pages)

A cold case look into solving on of the enduring mysteries of WWII, who sold out Anne Frank and her family, giving away their location. This book does a great job using documents and interviews to track down the person (or persons no spoiler) that sent the Frank family to a concentration camp.

The Lindbergh Kidnapping Suspect No. 1: The Man Who Got Away by Lise Pearlman (578 pages)

This book attempts to prove that the person tried, convicted, and executed as the kidnapper/murder of Charles Lindbergh’s son wasn’t the actual criminal. They present a well-researched and far flung conspiracy involving many different people, but at the end of the day they don’t really answer any of the questions they propose and don’t really convince me, but still a good read if you are interested in this case

You Are Not American: Citizenship Stripping from Dred Scott to the Dreamers by Amanda Frost (248 pages)

A look into the cases of American’s having their citizenship questioned or in some cases revoked. From being a woman and marrying a noncitizen, to being offered the ability to give up your citizenship to be released from an internment camp. This book is infuriating and shows the lengths people in power will go to keep those they decide are “Un-American” locked out

Murder in the Garment District: The Grip of Organized Crime and the Decline of Labor in the United States by David Witwer and Catherine Rios (304 pages)

A fascinating (and heartbreaking) look at the takeover of organized labor by the mafia. Starting off with…(wait for it) a murder of a labor organizer in NY’s garment district this book shows the power and profit the mob was able to wield over workers. The government using this takeover to declare unions and organized labor as corrupt and unnecessary was really the gross cherry on top of this sundae.

Tim Reads June

 Off With My Head by Stassi Schroeder 
(288 pages)
One of my favorite people on my favorite guilty pleasure show (Vanderpump RULES!) this is the second book by reality star turned author Stassi. While this book delves a little too much into the “why me” of cancel culture it still is a hilarious look at life, marriage, and becoming a first time parent. So if you like the drama of Bravo’s reality shows this is just what you’re looking for 

Calamity Jane: The Life and Legend of Martha Jane Cannary by D.J. Herda
(225 pages)
A fascinating look at the life of one of the Wildest parts of the Wild West. Calamity Jane drinks, smokes, curses, and rambles all around the Rockies living a life that could fill 10 biographies. This book does a good job of searching for information to separate the real Martha from the fictional Jane

American Scoundrel: The Life of the Notorious Civil War General Dan Sickles by Thomas Keneally
(416 pages)
To steal a joke from SNL this book has everything: Civil War battles, sex scandals, and the murder of Francis Scott Key’s son?!? Daniel Sickles was a congressman, had an affair with the deposed Queen of Spain and led a Civil War charge that is still being debated to this day. A fascinating biography of someone who seemed to Forrest Gump their way into the major events in American History.

The Love Pirate and the Bandit’s Son by Laura James
(320 pages)
Dr. Zeo Zoe Wilkins and Jesse James Jr. came together in an explosion of sex, deceit, money, and finally murder. These two are the main characters of a true crime book that looks to answer the question of who stabbed Dr. Wilkins (spoiler the author thinks it’s James) but many wild stories happen to both before the final, violent event and keeps the reader coming back for more.

Crazy Fourth: How Jack Johnson Kept His Heavyweight Title and Put Las Vegas, New Mexico on the Map by Toby Smith
(233 pages)
This book tells (seemingly minute by minute) the story of how the legendary Jack Johnson vs. Jim Flynn heavyweight title fight came to the fight capital of the world Las Vegas,…New Mexico?? From the civic leaders of Vegas raising thousands to host the fight, to the event itself (which managed to knock the sinking of the Titanic off the front page) this book shows how a out of the way town managed to pull in the biggest event in the world.

Inventing LA: The Chandlers and Their Times by Bill Boyarsky
(208 pages)
Follows the founders of the LA Times dynasty from creation to the present. The author is able to tie in the highs and lows of the newspaper (and its owners) to the city of LA itself. A fascinating look at one of the world’s most well known papers and the stories behind the headlines.

Blood Runs Coal: The Yablonski Murders and the Battle for the United Mine Workers of America by Mark A. Bradley
(368 pages)
The story of the murder of UMWA presidential candidate Joseph Yablonski by killers working under orders from current president Tony Boyle. A corrupt union leader who employed less than capable hitmen (seriously if you got the 3 Stooges drunk on moonshine they’d be a better crew than these guys) and thought he had put an end to anyone coming after his throne.

Tim Reads--May

 Longshot into the West by Keith R. Baker (218 pages)

The sequel to Longshot this book sees the hero Rob pulling his rifle out of retirement and stopping a plan by the Confederates to take over the goldfields of the Dakotas.  A fast paced story that adds historical characters (Buffalo Bill, Allan Pinkerton, etc.) to make this story feel as though it is actual history.

Frozen Tears by J.B. King (320 pages)

An in depth look at the 70’s murders that occurred on Ft. Leonard Wood. Three teenagers were murdered, and one severely wounded by a military policeman who is later arrested, tried, and imprisoned. This book does a great job taking court documents and interviews with the investigators to fully flesh out the drama of this true crime story.

Glory Days by L. Jon Wertheim (336 pages)

Looking into the year of 1984 as a year that shook the sports world. The LA Olympics is the centerpiece that this book revolves around, but everything from the founding of ESPN to the death of the USFL this year had something that affected every sports fan.

American Demagogue by J.D. Dickey (400 pages)

The story of how the colonies in America are thrown into a religious conflict with the arrival of young George Whitefield. He helps spark the Great Awakening that led to the creation of multiple sects of Christianity. America is never quite the same following Whitefield’s departure to Europe.

Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li (384 pages)

A gang of Chinese-American student’s work together to steal back, looted Chinese artifacts from museums. An interesting look at the world of fine art and the questions that need to be asked about who actually owns art and should looted or “discovered” pieces be returned to their home countries. A very interesting and quick read.

The Napoleon of Crime by Ben Macintyre (400 pages)

The real life thief who would be transformed into Moriarity, Sherlock Holmes’ most famous villain, is shown in all of his swagger, blustery, glory in this book. Adam Worth who fancied himself a “gentleman criminal,” due to never using weapons and attempting to not harm people or property he none the less left a great deal of theft in his wake all across Europe. From faking his death in the US Civil war, to stealing a valuable painting of an ancestor of Princess Diana, Worth keeps popping up in history on multiple continents.