Are you ready to embark on a literary journey that will ignite your imagination and deepen your love for reading? In honor of National Read A Book Day, we’ve teamed up with some of the brilliant minds at Master Wings Publishing to curate a list of their all-time favorite titles. These aren’t just books; they’re stories that have captured their hearts and minds. Here are their book recommendations.
Jean Marie McNamara, co-author of Lita & Jean: Two Generations of Military Women, shares, “These are all books I’d read again or give to a friend.” It’s time to unveil these literary gems and open up a world of words and wonders for you!
HW Coyle, acclaimed author of The Other Side of the Wire, brings you two gripping book recommendations:
“Everything We Had: A Novel of the Southwest Pacific Air War, Nov – Dec 1941” by Tom Burkhalter
Step into the shoes of Jack and Charlie Davis, who become pivotal figures in the Far Eastern Air Force during the intense air defense of the Philippines. Burkhalter weaves an exhilarating, action-packed tale that thrusts you into the heart of the US Army Air Forces during 1941. This author knows his history and is here to make it come alive!
“Rising Sun, Falling Skies: The Disastrous Java Sea Campaign of World War II” by Jeffrey R. Cox Prepare for an uncharted journey into the overlooked pages of history – the Java Sea Campaign of WWII. Cox unveils the forgotten battles, untold stories, and pivotal mistakes that sealed the fates of Allied forces. It’s a spellbinding exploration that will leave you awestruck by the twists of fate that shaped the course of history.
Jean Marie McNamara, co-author of Lita & Jean: Two Generations of Military Women, shares her two captivating picks:
“Lafayette in the Somewhat United States” by Sarah Vowell
Wander through the history of the American Revolution and its aftermath as Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, commonly known as the Marquis de Lafayette, explores in his 1824 travels. NPR describes the book as one “gilded with snark and buoyant on charm,” definitely comprehensive but never too much.
“Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War” by Mary Roach Ever
Why are shrimp more dangerous to sailors than sharks? How is a wedding gown like a bomb suit? Mary Roach, whom the Washington Post calls “America’s funniest science writer,” answers these questions and more in this accessible but thorough look at how humans are kept intact, awake, sane, uninfected, and uninfested in the bizarre and extreme circumstances of war.
Bob Hartnett, author of Frank Lloyd Wright’s $10,000 Home, unveils two architectural wonders:
“The Prairie School: Frank Lloyd Wright and His Midwest Contemporaries” by H. Allen Brooks
Explore the revolutionary Prairie School movement, where architectural angles meet artistic precision. H. Allen Brooks discusses the entire phenomenon of the Prairie School – not just the masters but also the work of their contemporaries. Drawing from unpublished material, original documentation, and interviews, he assesses each architect’s contribution. Brooks also traces the course of the movement itself: how and why it came into existence, what it achieved, and what caused its abrupt end.
“The Bootleg Homes of Frank Lloyd Wright: His Clandestine Work Revealed” by Bob Hartnett
Before Frank Lloyd Wright officially launched America’s most famous architectural career, he was designing the building blocks of his legendary prairie style on the side and violating his contract with his employers, Adler and Sullivan. From 1892 through the spring of 1893, he experimented with the elements that would become his Prairie Style signature in houses in Chicago, La Grange and Oak Park. The full roster of these “bootleg homes” has remained a matter of mystery and debate. Still, in this book, Robert Hartnett seeks to provide the first definitive account of the hidden artifacts of Wright’s storied legacy.
These recommended titles are a testament to our authors’ diverse tastes and interests. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply seeking a captivating read, there’s a book here waiting to whisk you away. As National Read A Book Day approaches, let’s celebrate the power of storytelling and the joy of getting lost in the pages. And remember, if you can’t catch the celebration on September 6th, don’t fret – the entire month of October awaits as National Read a Book Month. Happy reading!
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