Biographies & Memoirs > Ethnic & National - Best Rated Books

Companion book to the PBS documentary series on the American Civil War.

"A Life on the Road" by Charles Kuralt is a memoir that chronicles the author's experiences and adventures during his years as a journalist and travel correspondent. Kuralt shares stories from the road, capturing the essence of the places he visited and the people he encountered. The memoir reflects on the joys and challenges of a life dedicated to exploration and storytelling.

"Iron John" by Robert Bly is a non-fiction book that explores masculine psychology and the concept of the Wild Man archetype. Bly delves into myths, fairy tales, and Jungian psychology to examine the challenges and opportunities of the masculine journey. The book addresses themes of initiation, self-discovery, and the importance of embracing both light and shadow aspects of the psyche.

The private detective Holly Gibney investigates whether a married pair of octogenarian academics had anything to do with Bonnie Dahl\'s disappearance.

The book is about a woman who is being stalked by a man with psychic powers

A novel by Danielle Steel, exploring the glamorous world of Hollywood and the challenges faced by a young actress in pursuit of fame and success.

"The Russia House" by John le Carré is a spy thriller set against the backdrop of the Cold War. The novel follows British publisher Barley Blair, who becomes entangled in an espionage plot involving Soviet secrets. Le Carré's intricate storytelling, realistic characters, and deep understanding of the world of espionage contribute to the novel's acclaim.

"Clear and Present Danger" by Tom Clancy is a political thriller featuring Jack Ryan, a CIA analyst. The novel explores the complex world of international politics, drug cartels, and the consequences of covert operations. Clancy's meticulous research and detailed storytelling contribute to the novel's realism and suspense. The book is part of the Jack Ryan series, which became highly popular.

A writer's pseudonym takes on a murderous life of its own, leading to a psychological and supernatural battle.

Daddy is a 1989 novel by Danielle Steel. It is Steel's fifty-second novel. The novel is about a successful fashion designer who is raped and has to raise her child alone.

A story of love and loss

Wall Street\'s tumultuous 1980s, as witnessed by a young bond trader.

A Woman Named Jackie is a biography of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, written by C. David Heymann and published in 1989. The book was a New York Times bestseller.

"Summer of '49" by David Halberstam is a non-fiction book that chronicles the 1949 American League pennant race between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. The narrative captures the drama, rivalries, and personalities that defined the historic baseball season. Halberstam's meticulous research and storytelling bring to life the excitement and significance of a pivotal moment in baseball history.

A memoir by the beloved comedian Gilda Radner, sharing her experiences, humor, and the challenges she faced during her life.

The memoir of Nancy Reagan, the former First Lady of the United States, providing insights into her life, marriage, and experiences in the White House.

A detailed account of the leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco in the late 1980s

"The Icarus Agenda" by Robert Ludlum is a thriller that follows an American ambassador who becomes entangled in a complex conspiracy involving political intrigue and global threats. Ludlum's intricate plotting and fast-paced narrative contribute to the book's status as a gripping thriller.

A romantic novel set against the backdrop of World War II, telling the story of a young Russian countess named Zoya.

Alaska is a historical novel by James Michener. The book chronicles the history of Alaska, from its Native American inhabitants to the arrival of the first European explorers. The book also follows the lives of various characters as they navigate the challenges of life in Alaska.

"The Cardinal of the Kremlin" by Tom Clancy is a political thriller that follows Jack Ryan as he navigates the complexities of Cold War espionage and confronts a high-stakes crisis involving Soviet technology. Clancy's detailed knowledge of military and intelligence operations contributes to the authenticity and suspense of the novel.

A gothic horror novel continuing the "The Vampire Chronicles" series

"The Sands of Time" by Sidney Sheldon is a suspenseful novel that weaves together the lives of four nuns, a wealthy industrialist, and a charismatic terrorist. The story spans continents and decades, involving themes of love, intrigue, and political unrest. Sheldon's narrative skill and knack for creating page-turning plots make "The Sands of Time" a captivating and thrilling read.

"The Satanic Verses" by Salman Rushdie is a novel that blends elements of magical realism with social and political commentary. The book explores themes of religious faith, identity, and the clash between tradition and modernity. The novel's publication sparked controversy and discussions about freedom of expression. "The Satanic Verses" remains a significant work in contemporary literature.

The British cosmologist reviews efforts to create a unified theory of the universe; first published in 1988.

A re­issue of a best-selling 1988 autobiography.

The memoir of Donald T. Regan, who served as the Secretary of the Treasury and Chief of Staff in the Reagan administration, providing insights into his experiences.

"A Brief History of Time" by Stephen Hawking is a landmark work that explores complex scientific concepts in a accessible manner. The book delves into topics such as the nature of the universe, black holes, and the origins of time. Hawking's ability to communicate profound ideas to a general audience has made the book a bestseller and a popular choice for readers interested in understanding the mysteries of the cosmos.

An autobiographical work by George Burns, the legendary comedian, offering humorous anecdotes and reflections on his life and career.

The classic novel of love and war from the bestselling author of The Pillars of the Earth

"Fine Things" by Danielle Steel is a romance novel that follows the life of a successful architect, Bernie Fine. The story explores themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness. As Bernie faces various challenges, the novel delves into the complexities of relationships and the resilience of the human spirit. Danielle Steel's storytelling is known for its emotional depth and exploration of human emotions.

"The Haunted Mesa" by Louis L'Amour is a western novel with elements of fantasy and adventure. The story follows a modern-day archaeologist who discovers a portal to another dimension, leading to encounters with ancient civilizations and supernatural forces. L'Amour's blend of western themes with speculative elements creates a unique and engaging narrative that transports readers across time and landscapes.

Misery is a 1987 novel by Stephen King. The novel's narrator, Paul Sheldon, is a successful writer who is rescued from a car crash by his "number one fan", Annie Wilkes. Annie takes Paul to her home, where she nurses him back to health and holds him captive.

"Presumed Innocent" by Scott Turow is a legal thriller that follows prosecutor Rusty Sabich,

Jack Ryan is back, facing an IRA splinter group in a high-stakes international thriller.

Kaleidoscope is a novel by Danielle Steel. The book follows the lives of three women who are connected by a tragedy. The women must grapple with grief, love, and loss as they try to rebuild their lives.

"The Tommyknockers" by Stephen King is a science fiction horror novel that explores the consequences of discovering an otherworldly object buried in the woods. As the townspeople uncover its power, they experience physical and mental transformations. King's storytelling prowess and ability to blend horror with speculative elements contribute to the novel's eerie and compelling narrative.

"The Bonfire of the Vanities" by Tom Wolfe is a satirical novel that explores the excesses and social dynamics of 1980s New York City. The story follows a wealthy bond trader, Sherman McCoy, whose life unravels after a car accident in the Bronx. Wolfe's sharp wit and keen observations provide a scathing critique of societal values and class divisions.

Willie Miller is on death row, convicted of the brutal murder of his family. When his appeals have all been exhausted, his lawyer, Julia Rutledge, visits him one last time. Willie is certain that he will be exonerated, and Julia wants to believe him. But as she reviews the evidence, she realizes that everything points to his guilt. Just before his execution, Willie tells Julia that there is a key hidden in the wainscoting of his cell. He asks her to find it and use it to unlock the truth. Julia is certain that Willie is innocent, but she has no idea where to begin.

Slade, a Montana sheriff, has suddenly inherited half of Whisper Creek Ranch. This doesn\'t sit well with his half brother.