Theory of War tells the story of Jonathan Carrick, a white child sold into slavery after the American Civil War. The novel explores the psychological consequences of his experiences and how they affect his family across generations. It is based on the true story of the author's grandfather and delves into themes of slavery, revenge, and the lasting impact of historical trauma.
In this novel, Stephen L. Carter imagines a scenario where Abraham Lincoln survives the assassination attempt in 1865 and two years later faces an impeachment trial for his wartime actions and policies during Reconstruction. The story follows Abigail Canner, a young black woman who becomes involved in Lincoln's defense, as she navigates a complex web of political intrigue and conspiracy. The book delves into themes of presidential authority, racial tensions, and the moral complexities of post-Civil War America.
Ernst Jünger's "Storm of Steel" is a firsthand account of his experiences as a German soldier on the Western Front during World War I. The book offers a unique perspective, focusing on the soldier's daily life, the brutality of trench warfare, and the psychological impact of the conflict. Jünger's writing style is characterized by its stark realism and unflinching portrayal of violence. The book explores themes of camaraderie, survival, and the dehumanizing effects of war. It remains a significant work of war literature, offering a valuable insight into the experiences of those who fought in the Great War.
A Stillness at Appomattox is the final volume of Bruce Catton's Army of the Potomac trilogy, detailing the final year of the Civil War. The book vividly recounts the battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, and the eventual surrender at Appomattox. Catton's narrative brings to life key figures such as Grant, Meade, Sheridan, and Lee, offering a compelling and historically accurate portrayal of the war's conclusion.
Andrew Roberts’s 'Napoleon: A Life' is the first one-volume biography to fully utilize Napoleon’s 33,000 recently published letters, offering a radical transformation in our understanding of his character and motivation. The book portrays Napoleon as a protean multitasker, decisive, and surprisingly willing to forgive his enemies and his wife Josephine. Roberts, an award-winning historian, traveled to fifty-three of Napoleon’s sixty battle sites and discovered crucial new documents in archives, including a trip to St. Helena. The biography is praised for its magisterial, insightful, and beautifully written narrative, providing a deep and nuanced look at Napoleon’s life, successes, and failures.
This book combines insights from clinical practice, educational coaching, and cutting-edge brain science to address the chronic stress and lack of motivation many children face. Stixrud and Johnson argue that giving children more control over their lives is crucial for their development, as it enhances their motivation, resilience, and overall well-being. The authors provide practical advice on how parents can act as consultants rather than controllers, helping children develop inner drive and intrinsic motivation through autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The book also discusses the negative effects of excessive parental control and external motivators, and offers actionable steps for parents to implement in their daily lives[2][3][5].
2034: A Novel of the Next World War is a cautionary tale that explores the dangerous realities of geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China. The novel depicts a future where a miscalculation leads to a catastrophic war, highlighting themes of human folly and miscalculation. It received positive reviews for its realistic portrayal and engaging characters.
Green on Blue is a gripping debut novel by Elliot Ackerman, set in modern-day Afghanistan. It follows Aziz, a young boy who joins a U.S.-funded militia to save his injured brother. The novel explores themes of loyalty, revenge, and the brutality of war, offering a nuanced perspective on the Afghan conflict. Ackerman's work is praised for its authentic portrayal of Afghan culture and its shift in perspective from typical American war literature.
Ryan reads today’s daily meditation and talks to Elliot Ackerman about his book Green on Blue, how he became a writer, his tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, the problems of radicalization and polarization, and more.
Elliot Ackerman is the author of the novels 2034, Red Dress In Black and White, Waiting for Eden, Dark at the Crossing, and Green on Blue, as well as the memoir Places and Names: On War, Revolution and Returning. His books have been nominated for the National Book Award, the Andrew Carnegie Medal in both fiction and non-fiction, and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize among others. His writing often appears in Esquire, The New Yorker, and The New York Times where he is a contributing opinion writer, and his stories have been included in The Best American Short Stories and The Best American Travel Writing. He is both a former White House Fellow and Marine, and served five tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star for Valor, and the Purple Heart. He divides his time between New York City and Washington, D.C.
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