Gwendolyn C. Shealy’s Booklist

Through the years, I have found that certain books were “keepers.”  As I’ve often stated, if I were down to my last dollar, I’d spend it on a book.  This list is somewhat eclectic with no particular theme throughout, save for the singular commonality of resonation in that each has contributed to my world view.  You will also see that most of them are historical; after all, that’s what I do.  This is an evolving list, but also one of permanence; once a book has been placed here, it stays.  These are also all nonfiction – not that I’m opposed to novels –  (I do read one, occasionally.)  This list is not all-inclusive.  I will add as I recall others, or read new ones.  Many of these books are not recently published, but they can all be found on used books websites.  Enjoy this list, and use it to begin your own collection.

Bradley, John R.  Saudi Arabia Exposed  (an indispensable guide to the Saudi culture, royal family, and politics; interesting on all accounts)

Conquest, Robert  Harvest of Sorrow
Conquest, Robert  Stalin’s Purges
Conquest, Robert  The Great Terror: A Reassesment   (Read anything by Robert Conquest; his specialty is Russia and the Soviet Union.)

D’Este, Carlo  Warlord: Life of Churchill  (I have not read this one yet, but it’s in my library waiting for me to have a moment.)

Diamond, Jared  The Third Chimpanzee  (Why do we behave like animals?  Because that’s what we are.  Fascinating insight into human behavior)

Dyer, Joel  Harvest of Rage  (a discussion of the separatist mentality in the U.S., beginning with the plight of farmers)

Edgar, Dr. Walter  History of South Carolina  (should be in every South Carolinian’s library)

Hackett, David  Washington’s Crossing  (Those of you who know me, know that George Washington is my hero.  Read this, and you will see why.)

Kurlansky, Mark  Salt, a World History  (Who would have thought that this rather simple spice weakened or strengthened cultures throughout time?)

Mackey, Sandra   Passion and Politics (The Middle East explained in terms of cultural and historical roots – a fascinating read.  I recommend anything written by this author.)

Margonelli, Lisa  Oil on the Brain  (the story of oil, beginning with your gas tank and back-tracking from there)

Massie, Robert K.  Nicholas and Alexandria  (the story of Russia’s tsarist family, the last of the Romanovs)

May, Rollo  The Cry for Myth  (the emotional stability that belief in myths brings to humanity)
McCullough, David 1776  (anything by this author who has a real grasp of this nation’s history and its Founding Fathers)

McNeal, Shay The Secret Plot to Save the Tsar  (attempted effort to rescue the Romanov family prior to their execution)

Meacham, Jon  Franklin and Winston  (the story of the World War II relationship between Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill)

Phillips, Jonathan The Fourth Crusade: The Sack of Constantinople (the title explains it all)

Rarick, Ethan Desperate Passage:  Donner Party’s Perilous Journey West  (a remarkable story, but also a metaphor for the failure to plan ahead and stay motivated)

Salisbury, Harrison  Black Night, White Snow (Read anything by Salisbury, but this book offers an excellent discussion of the end of tsarism and beginning of Bolshevism, then Communism.)

Stern, Jessica  Terror in the Name of God:  Why Religious Militants Kill  (an attempt to explain the psychology of terrorist acts, domestic and foreign, and yes, well-done)