BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
Highly Recommended
BOOK OF THE MONTH (FEBRUARY): Killing Lincoln, by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard Comments: History comes alive in this fascinating story of the end of the Civil War, the assassination of America’s 16th president, and the hunt for those responsible for the murder. This book reads like a novel and should be required reading for every high school history course.
HISTORY
In the President’s Secret Service: Behind the Scenes with Agents in the Line of Fire, by Ronald Kessler Comments: A fascinating look at the Secret Service, its history and its interaction with US presidents from Lincoln to Obama. Extremely informative and entertaining.
The Creature from Jekyll Island, by Edward Griffin Comments: This is the history of the Federal Reserve. Who started it and why? Where does money come from? Who makes it? What is behind it? This is a very interesting examination of the banking cartel created in order to control what we refer to as money. This book reveals what is behind the biggest con game ever devised. Your eyes will be opened once you read this book. It is probably the most important book on world affairs you will ever read.
The Men Who Wear the Star, by Charles Robinson III Comments: A well-documented history of the Texas Rangers. The author presents the story of the Rangers from their organization in 1835 until the present time. Very entertaining.
The Comanche Empire, by Pekka Hamalainen Comments: A comprehensive and informative history of the Comanche nation. The author traces the Comanches from origins among the Shoshones, moving through Colorado and becoming allied with the Utes. Later, they established control over parts of Texas, New Mexico, and northern Mexico. A fascinating look at western US history.
1421: The Year China Discovered America, by Gavin Menzies Comments: In 1421, Chinese emperor Zhu Di, builder of the Forbidden City, ordered a fleet of more than 100 ships and 28,000 men and women to journey the entire world for good will, discovery, trade, and colonization. Within a few years these brave people had traveled to every continent and had established colonies in Asia, Africa, Australia, North and South America. Many years before Columbus, Magellan, Dias, Cook, and other European explorers, there were the Chinese admirals: Zheng He, Zhou Man, Hong Bao, Zhou Wen, and Yang Qing. This incredible true story of the Chinese treasure fleets will amaze you.
Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, by Charles Goodrich Comments: This is a fantastic book about the lives of 56 very courageous men -- some of whom you may know, others of whom you may have never heard. All were willing to sacrifice their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to establish a country and a government which guarantees the basic rights of men. Every American should read this book.
The Great Upheaval: America and the Birth of the Modern World 1788-1800, by Jay Winik Comments: How tumultuous events in three countries (America, France and Russia) at the end of the 18th century gave birth to the modern world.
The Forgotten Man: A New History of the Great Depression, by Amity Shlaes Comments: What turned an economic recession into the Great Depression? Learn how the policies of two American presidents helped create and exacerbate the economic problems of the 1930's.
Blacklisted by History: The Untold Story of Senator Joe McCarthy and His Fight Against America's Enemies, by M. Stanton Evans Comments: Liberal historians and communist apologists want you to believe that Senator Joe McCarthy was a drunken, womanizing dimwit who falsely accused innocent victims of being communist operatives. In fact, as documented in this well-researched book, McCarthy was none of these things but was keenly aware of the insidious forces imbedded within the US government.
Into the Land of Bones: Alexander the Great in Afghanistan, by Frank L. Holt Comments: When Alexander the Great led his troops into Bactria (modern day Afghanistan) little did he realize the disaster that he would suffer by the hands of local warlords. Today, the United States is continuing the struggle that Alexander's army initiated more than 2,000 years ago.
Righteous Victims: A History of the Zionist-Arab Conflict, 1881-1999, by Benny Morris Comments: An excellent history, from the late 19th through the 20th centuries, of the battle for a land two people claim as theirs. A "must read" for anyone who wants to understand what's behind the ongoing battle in the Israel/Palestine region.
Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War, by Nathanial Philbrick Comments: The tragic and heroic story of how the Pilgrims traveled to America in 1620 and what they endured for the first 55 years in a new land. This is an inspirational recounting of history.
1776, by David McCullough Comments: Extremely interesting story of those who fought with General George Washington in the year of the Declaration of Independence.
POLITICS
The Battle: How the Fight Between Free Enterprise and Big Government Will Shape America’s Future, by Arthur C. Brooks Comments: How is it that a socialist, redistributionist minority (the 30% coalition) control the rest of us who believe in hard work, free enterprise and personal freedom? Brooks lays out the causes of this imbalance and proposes a battle plan to win back the soul of America.
The Roots of Obama’s Rage, by Dinesh D’Souza Comments: What makes Obama tick and why does he do many of the things he does despite the fact that the majority of Americans do not like his policies? Obama tends to see the world as oppressors versus the oppressed. D’Souza explains Obama’s anti-colonialism attitudes and how he got them from his father.
The Road to Serfdom, by F.A. Hayak Comments: First published in 1944 but as relevant today as it ever has been, this is a warning to all of us about the dangers of a large and centralized socialistic government which will take over control of our lives and our property. A must read.
Liberty and Tyranny: A Conservative Manifesto, by Mark Levin Comments: This is a terrific book. Levin clearly sets forth the philosophical and historical principles that define the conservative vision upon which America was created. A must read for anyone who wants to understand the original intent of the Founding Fathers which is embodied in the Constitution.
American Progressivism, by Ronald Pestritto and William Atto Comments: Many on the political Left, including Hillary Clinton, have described themselves as modern-day “Progressives” who want to remake America. This book presents, in their on words, the vision that early 20th-Century Progressives had for America. Is this what Americans want?
Wrong On Race: The Democratic Party's Buried Past, by Bruce Bartlett Comments: Learn about the Democratic party's history of racism, including slavery leading to the Civil War, post-Civil War Jim Crow laws, formation of the KKK, and the party's advancement of white supremacy policies. A real "eye-opener".
Liberal Fascism: The Secret History of the American Left from Mussolini to the Politics of Meaning, by Jonah Goldberg Comments: Goldberg reviews the intellectual roots of Fascism in the 20th century and shows how ardent socialists from Mussolini and Hitler to FDR and Hillary Clinton have advocated "progressive" social policies such as free health care, abortion on demand, campus speech codes, income redistribution, guaranteed jobs, and other big government programs.
The Founders' Second Amendment: Origins of the Right to Bear Arms, by Stephen Halbrook Comments: The author reveals, in their own words, the Founders' belief in the individual right to keep and bear arms and their reasons for including this in the Bill of Rights.
The 5,000 Year Leap: A Miracle That Changed the World, by W. Cleon Skousen Comments: What are the 28 Principles of Freedom incorporated into the Constitution by the Founding Fathers? This inspirational book should be included in every school curriculum. Put this on your "must read" list.
Upstream: The Ascendance of American Conservatism, by Alfred S. Regnery Comments: A very interesting recounting of the rise of the conservative movement in America during the 20th Century.
Surrender Is Not an Option: Defending America at the United Nations, by John Bolton Comments: The former US Ambassador to the United Nations gives a behind-the-scenes look at the UN and the US State Department and exposes a corrupt international organization which has purposely changed its original charter in an effort to seize power for itself.
Heaven on Earth: The Rise and Fall of Socialism, by Joshua Muravchik Comments: A history of the origins of various socialist movements and leaders, including Owen, Marx, Engels, Stalin, Atlee, Mussolini and others who were convinced that they could develop a Utopia on earth.
In Denial: Historians, Communism and Espionage, by John Haynes and Harvey Klehr Comments: The authors make the case that revisionist historians have downplayed American communists' allegiance to the Soviet Union. Recently declassified KGB documents reveal the extent of communist infiltration into the US.
MILITARY
Ride the Thunder, by Richard Botkin Comments: A terrific history about the Vietnamese Marines and their America advisors. This is a story of courage and sacrifice during and after the Vietnam war by those who served and fought despite overwhelming odds against them.
Inside Gitmo: The True Story Behind The Myths of Guantanamo Bay, by Lt. Col. Gordon Cucullu Comments: You must read this book to understand what actually takes place at the Guantanamo detention facility, why it is necessary, and the evil intentions of all who are held prisoner there.
Kill Bin Laden: A Delta Force Commander's Account of the Hunt for the World's Most Wanted Man, by Dalton Fury Comments: What really happened in the Tora Bora Mountains of Afghanistan and how did Osama bin Laden escape to Pakistan? This book reveals all. A great read!
Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10, by Marcus Luttrell Comments: The amazing true story of Marcus Luttrell, the sole survivor of Operation Redwing in Afghanistan, and his Navy SEAL teammates. A powerful tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
The Interrogators: Inside the Secret War Against Al Qaeda, by Chris MacKey and Greg Miller Comments: A firsthand account of an Army interrogator in Afghanistan illustrates the challenges for American intelligence operations in the war against Al Qaeda.
The Bridge at Dong Ha, by John Grider Miller Comments: The true story of USMC Captain John Ripley who was responsible for stopping the Easter Offensive of the North Vietnamese Army at Dong Ha, Viet Nam in 1972. Put this on your "must read" list.
The Coldest War: A Memoir of Korea, by James Brady Comments: The author recounts his time in Korea where he served as a Marine rifle platoon leader during the "Forgotten War". A very intriguing narrative about a war which claimed in 3 years almost as many American lives as the Vietnam war did in ten years.
Raid On the Sun, by Rodger W. Claire Comments: The extraordinary true story of Israel's 1981 military air strike which destroyed Saddam Hussein's nuclear reactor and denied him the bomb. A must read!
Stolen Valor: How the Vietnam Generation Was Robbed of Its Heroes and Its History, by B.G. Burkett Comments: Burkett exposes frauds and myths about the Vietnam War.
Six Days of War: June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle East, by Michael B. Oren Comments: Very detailed and interesting recounting of the 1967 Arab/Israel war.
AMERICAN CULTURE
The Book of Man: Readings On the Path to Manhood, by William J. Bennett Comments: What does it take to be a man? It seems that parents today do not know what it takes to raise a boy to become a man. That is, for the few families that have two parents. Bill Bennett has compiled an extraordinary collection of stories, poems, and historical essays to illustrate what it means to be a man. A very important book for today’s American culture war.
Primetime Propaganda: The True Hollywood Story of How the Left Took Over Your TV, by Ben Shapiro Comments: An enlightening expose of how liberal politics have taken over television programming and content. Liberal messages now dominate most of today’s television shows but most people are unaware of the hidden propaganda. This book will open your eyes.
The Mirror Effect: How Celebrity Narcissism Is Seducing America, by Dr. Drew Pinsky and Dr. S. Mark Young Comments: The authors explain how the widely publicized behavior of narcissistic celebrities is spreading throughout American culture causing wide spread psychological dysfunction for many Americans, especially the young.
Gross National Happiness: Why Happiness Matters for America and How We Can Get More of It, by Arthur C. Brooks Comments: The Founding Fathers wrote in the Declaration of Independence that one of man's unalienable rights is "the pursuit of happiness". What makes us happy and who are the happiest people in America? A fascinating book!
The Dumbest Generation: How the Digital Age Stupefies Young Americans and Jeopardizes Our Future, by Mark Bauerlein Comments: The digital age was supposed to spawn a generation of intelligent, highly educated and competent young Americans. Instead, we have a generation of immature, uneducated slackers who do not have basic math or reading skills and spend the majority of their time exchanging gossip, tunes, and puerile banter on YouTube, FaceBook and other self-promoting web sites.
Bias: A CBS Insider Exposes How the Media Distort the News, by Bernard Goldberg Comments: The clear case about media bias from a CBS insider. You won't ever see the news in the same way after reading this book.
Brainwashed: How Universities Indoctrinate America's Youth, by Ben Shapiro Comments: Tuition-paying parents must read to understand that American universities are simply forums for extremely liberal social indoctrination. A very frightening expose of what takes place on college campuses.
Welcome To the Ivory Tower of Babel: Confessions of a Conservative College Professor, by Mike Adams Comments: Professor Adams lampoons the liberal college agenda with tongue-in-cheek attacks against affirmative action, ethnocentrism, women's studies, homosexuality, cultural insensitivity training, multiculturalism and academic censorship.
CURRENT EVENTS
After America: Get Ready for Armageddon, by Mark Steyn Comments: Steyn has written another fantastic book which gives the reader a frightening preview of the future. A combination of wit and wisdom, this summary of America’s standing in the world today and the road of decline we seemed destined to follow will alarm and educate you at the same time. What will a world without America’s leadership look like? Here’s a glimpse of the future you don’t want to miss.
Aftershock: Protect Yourself and Profit in the Next Global Financial Meltdown, by David Wiedermer, Robert Weidermer, and Cindy Spitzer Comments: The authors were in the minority when they predicted the subprime credit meltdown well in advance. Now they discuss the next global meltdown and what you can do to protect yourself for what will be an increasingly volatile economic future. A must read!
The Grand Jihad: How Islam and the Left Sabotage America, by Andrew McCarthy Comments: Islamic Jihadists and Progressive Alynskyites are attacking America both externally and internally. Their goal is to destroy the American Constitution and our freedom and liberties.
The End of Prosperity: How Higher Taxes Will Doom the Economy - If We Let It Happen, by Arthur Laffer, Stephen Moore, and Peter Tanous Comments: The title of this book says it all. The authors explain in easy-to-understand language how lower taxes increase revenue and vitalize our economy.
A Slobbering Love Affair: Starring Barack Obama, by Bernard Goldberg Comments: How the mainstream media conducted an unapologetic propaganda campaign to ensure the election of their chosen candidate, the One, Barack Obama.
Climate Confusion, by Roy W. Spencer Comments: Dr. Spencer, former Senior Scientist for Climate Studies at NASA, explains in easy-to-understand terms how weather works. He also debunks the global warming hysteria that has cost taxpayers billions of dollars in federal grants to support the environmentalist movement's claim that man is responsible for catastrophic climate changes.
Meltdown: A Free-Market Look at Why the Stock Market Collapsed, the Economy Tanked, and Government Bailouts Will Make Things Worse, by Thomas E. Woods, Jr. Comments: Want to know why the economy is such a mess right now and what can be done about it? This book identifies the problems, causes, and solutions to today's economic woes.
America Alone: The End of the World As We Know It, by Mark Steyn Comments: Will Western Civilization survive? Steyn explains how only America can save the world from the spread of Islamic fascism.
Mexifornia: A State of Becoming, by Victor Davis Hanson Comments: A must read about the problems with illegal immigration.
BIOGRAPHY
John Adams, by David McCullough Comments: The powerful, Pulitzer prize winning biography of one of America's most important historical figures. Wonderfully written!
Icon of Evil: Hitler's Mufti and the Rise of Radical Islam, by David Dalin and John Rothman Comments: The story of Haj Amin al-Husseini, Mufti of Jerusalem, his role in the Holocaust, and the birth of 20th-Century Islamic terrorism in the Middle East.
Samuel Adams: A Life, by Ira Stoll Comments: The biography of the man who was probably the most influential in calling for independence from England before and during the American Revolution. Adams was a truly religious man who believed that God had intervened on behalf of the United States of America.
The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill, ALONE (1932-1940), by William Manchester Comments: In the 1930's, Winston Churchill stood almost alone against Nazi aggression and European appeasement. This is the second of the three-volume William Manchester biography of Churchill. A great read.
Mao: The Unknown Story, by Jung Chang and Jon Halliday Comments: The complete biography of Mao Tse Tung, dictator of China, who was responsible for the deaths of more than 70 million Chinese during his reign of terror.
Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar, by Simon Sebag Montefiore Comments: This is the definitive biography of Joseph Vissarionovich Djugashvili (Stalin) and his evil dictatorship. From his birth in 1878 through his rise to power in the 1920's, the "Great Terror" of the late 1930's, the conflict of World War II, the horrific post-war period to his death in 1953, Stalin's evil nature is documented in terrifying detail. Fascinating!
Grant: Memoirs and Selected Letters, by Ulysses S. Grant Comments: The autobiography of the Union's greatest general is clearly written and easy to read. A fascinating look at a very unique man.
Caesar: Life of a Colossus, by Adrian Goldsworthy Comments: The biography of Caius Julius Caesar, written by one of today's leading military historians. Detailed, highly readable, and well-documented.
The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism, by Paul Kengor Comments: How Ronald Reagan accomplished his greatest triumph - the downfall of the Soviet Union.
Exposing the Real Che Guevara: And the Useful Idiots Who Idolize Him, by Humberto Fontova Comments: Hollywood, the mainstream media, university professors and America-haters idolize him as a humanitarian freedom fighter. In reality, Ernesto "Che" Guevara was nothing more than a sadistic, cold-blooded mass murderer. Fontova documents the truth about this power-hungry terrorist and the "useful idiots" who idolize him.
RELIGION
We Don't Die: George Anderson's Conversations With the Other Side, By Joel Martin & Patricia Romanowski Comments: The amazing true story of psychic medium George Anderson that will change the way you look at life and the afterlife. Life's most precious truth: "No one you are close to ever dies..."
No One Sees God: The Dark Night of Atheists and Believers, by Michael Novak Comments: The author explores what it is that separates the atheist from the believer - and what they have in common.
Render Unto Caesar, by Charles Chaput. Comments: The Archbishop of Denver argues that American Christians, especially Catholics, must fight for their religious beliefs in the public arena and cannot put aside these beliefs for the sake of public policy.
The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades), by Robert Spencer Comments: Spencer reveals truths about the "religion of peace" which show that it is not what the apologists for Islamic jihadists want you to believe it is. Not much has changed since the 11th Century.
There Is a God: How the World's Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind, by Anthony Flew Comments: The extraordinary story of how a distinguished philosopher and atheist came to believe in the intelligent design of the universe and the existence of God. Once I started reading, I could not put it down.
The Truth About Mohammad: Founder of the World's Most Intolerant Religion, by Robert Spencer Comments: New York Times bestselling author and Islam expert Robert Spencer offers an honest and telling portrait of the founder of Islam. This is not a politically-correct recounting of Mohammad's life and teachings.
The Hidden Face of God: Science Reveals the Ultimate Truth, by Gerald L. Schroeder Comments: Dr. Schroeder reviews the intricate complexity of biological phenomena which can only be understood by realizing that there is an ultimate designer of the universe.
"Freedom is one of the deepest and noblest aspirations of the human spirit." Ronald Reagan
