Books matching: american success
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A sweeping, well-researched, and surprisingly gripping account of one of history's greatest engineering feats - worth the time for anyone curious about history, even if you never thought you'd care about a canal!
David McCullough's 'The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914' delves into the intricate history of the Panama Canal construction with a focus on the challenges faced by both the French and American efforts. The book provides a detailed narrative of the political, economic, and engineering obstacles encountered during the building of the canal. Readers are taken on a journey through the failed French attempts, the successful American intervention, and the triumphs and setbacks that characterized this monumental project. McCullough's writing style immerses the reader in the time period, offering a blend of historical facts, personal anecdotes, and vivid descriptions of the key players involved in the creation of the Panama Canal.
The letter, several pages in length and signed by Secretary of the Navy George M. Robeson, was addressed to Commander Thomas O. Selfridge. It was an eminently clear, altogether formal document, as exp...1977•700 pages- #2
Save:Gain is a smart, ambitious read - part corporate chronicle, part intimate tragedy - that digs deep into the costs of progress. Not your typical novel, but a memorable journey for readers who like their fiction with substance and scope.
Gain by Richard Powers is a novel that intertwines two main storylines - the rise of the Clare corporation from a family-run business to a multinational conglomerate, and the personal journey of Laura Bodey, a woman facing ovarian cancer. The book alternates between detailing the history of the corporation's growth, including its innovations and marketing strategies, and Laura's emotional battle with her illness, depicting the impact of corporate actions on individual lives. Powers' writing style is described as detailed and immersive, providing a poignant exploration of the intersection between personal struggles and corporate influence.
Forever, for anyone who would listen, Lacewood liked to trot out the tale of how it tricked its way into fortune. At its deciding moment, when the town had to choose between the sleepy past and the ti...1998•407 pages - #3
Save:An absorbing, well-written history that goes beyond the science to tell a deeply human story - perfect for anyone curious about medical innovation and American culture. Definitely deserving of its Pulitzer Prize!
'Polio: An American Story' by David M. Oshinsky is a detailed account of the history of the polio epidemic in 20th-century America, focusing on the rivalry between scientists as they raced to develop a vaccine. The narrative provides insights into the challenges faced by researchers like Dr. Albert Sabin, Dr. Jonas Salk, and Dr. Hilary Koprowski, and the fierce competition that ensued in their quest to conquer polio through vaccination. also delves into the differences between the approaches taken by Sabin and Salk, shedding light on the political and scientific landscape of the time.
The author, David Oshinsky, skillfully weaves together a rich and engaging narrative that transports readers to a bygone era when polio was a prevalent concern. Through meticulous research and storytelling, Oshinsky paints a vivid picture of the efforts to combat polio, the personal rivalries among researchers, and the societal impact of the disease. not only chronicles the scientific advancements in polio research but also explores the political and social dynamics that shaped the development and distribution of the polio vaccine, making it a compelling read for those interested in medical history and public health.
April 2005•351 pages - #4
Save:An outrageous, sexy, and unputdownable ride through the world of the filthy rich - definitely not for the faint of heart, but perfect for lovers of dark, twisty romance who don't mind pushing boundaries.
'The Initiation' in the series 'Filthy Rich Americans' by Nikki Sloane follows the story of Marist, the youngest daughter of a wealthy family, and Royce, the eldest son of the richest banking family in America. To join the board of his father's bank, Royce and his fiance must complete a secretive and twisted initiation. The plot delves into the dark romance intertwined with themes of Greek mythology, control, power, and status, revolving around the manipulative Macalister Hale and the challenges faced by Marist and Royce in their arranged relationship.
RAIN STREAKED ACROSS THE WINDOW,blurring the view of the landscape out the back seat of the car as it hurried my sister Emily and me past the front gate. The drive leading up to the Hale estate was lo...May 2019•284 pages A bold, bittersweet journey full of grit, wit, and unexpected flavors - it's not always pretty, but it will stick with you. Worth a try if you like your historical fiction with bite!
'The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street' by Susan Jane Gilman is a captivating novel that follows the life of Malka Treynovsky, a young Jewish Russian immigrant who overcomes poverty, abandonment, and a crippling accident to become a successful ice cream magnate. The story spans over 70 years, detailing Malka's journey from a struggling immigrant to the renowned Ice Cream Queen. Told in a first-person narrative, the book explores themes of resilience, ambition, and the pursuit of the American dream against the backdrop of major historical events.
The narrative alternates between past and present, providing a detailed account of Malka's life struggles, triumphs, and the complexities of her character. The author skillfully weaves together elements of immigrant life, the ice cream business, and family dynamics to create a rich and engaging story that offers insights into the human experience and the pursuit of success.
June 2014•578 pages- #6
Save:Bold, brutally honest, and totally unique - Eat a Peach is equal parts chef tell-all and hard look at ambition, culture, and mental health. Not perfect, but definitely tasty for fans of chef memoirs and stories about resilience.
Eat a Peach by David Chang is a memoir that delves into the personal journey of the renowned Korean American chef, focusing on his struggles with mental health, his culinary career, and the challenges he faced in the restaurant industry. The book offers a candid look at Chang's upbringing, his experiences with bipolar disorder, and his reflections on race and Asian identity. Through a mix of humor, raw honesty, and engaging storytelling, Chang shares his highs and lows, from his childhood to the establishment of his successful restaurants, providing insights into the world of food and the inner workings of the restaurant business.
We used to get a lot more snow in Northern Virginia. When it was especially heavy, my older brothers and Thomas, their Finnish friend from up the street, would build a makeshift luge course and ride a...September 2020•302 pages - #7
Save:'Red Birds' by Mohammed Hanif is a satirical novel that delves into the consequences of war, particularly focusing on the American Foreign Policy and its impact on individuals caught in the midst of conflict. The story follows a US military pilot who crashes in a desert in a Muslim country, leading to encounters with local characters like a teenage boy named Momo and a talking dog named Mutt. Through alternating first-person narrations, the book explores themes of loss, cultural misunderstandings, and the absurdity of war, all set against the backdrop of a refugee camp.
The plot of 'Red Birds' is characterized by its multiple narrators, each offering a unique perspective on the unfolding events. The writing style is described as engaging and humorous on a sentence level, with a touch of dark satire that provides a critical commentary on the destructive nature of war and the complexities of human relationships. However, the story takes unexpected turns towards the end, leaving readers perplexed and questioning the author's intentions.
2018•305 pages 'Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War' by Robert Coram is a biography that delves into the life of Colonel John Boyd, a fighter pilot and military strategist who developed revolutionary theories on warfare. The book explores Boyd's personal and professional life, detailing his contributions to military strategy, including the concept of the OODA Loop. Through engaging storytelling and insightful analysis, the author provides a comprehensive look at Boyd's impact on modern warfare and his relentless pursuit of excellence in his field.
The narrative of 'Boyd' not only chronicles Colonel Boyd's achievements in the military but also sheds light on his complex personality and the challenges he faced, both professionally and personally. From his early days as a fighter pilot to his strategic insights that influenced military tactics, the book paints a vivid portrait of a visionary individual who sought to transform the art of war. With a blend of historical context, personal anecdotes, and theoretical discussions, Robert Coram captures the essence of Boyd's legacy and the enduring relevance of his ideas in various fields beyond the military.
ERIE, Pennsylvania, is a hard town, a blue-collar town, a grubby and decrepit town that has more in common with its fellow Great Lakes rust-belt towns of Buffalo and Cleveland than it has with Pennsyl...November 2002•500 pages'American Ulysses: A Life of Ulysses S. Grant' by Ronald C. White Jr. delves into the life of Ulysses S. Grant, offering a comprehensive and well-researched look at a man who is often misunderstood in history. Through detailed accounts of Grant's military successes, presidency, and personal life, the author paints a picture of a complex individual who rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent American leader. White's writing style is engaging and informative, providing readers with a deeper understanding of Grant's character and contributions to American history.
Filled with both anticipation and misgiving, Ulysses prepared to leave Georgetown for West Point in May 1839. His spirits soared as he imagined the adventure of the travel that lay ahead, but he felt...October 2016•864 pages- #10
Save:'Ragged Dick' by Horatio Alger Jr. is a classic novel that follows the story of a young boy named Dick who rises from poverty to success in New York City. The book portrays Dick's journey from being a bootblack on the streets to becoming a respectable and successful young man. The plot of the book is centered around themes of hard work, honesty, perseverance, and the pursuit of the American dream. The writing style is described as simple, easy to read, and engaging, with a focus on moral lessons and positive thinking.
"You went to the Old Bowery? Where'd you get your money?" asked the man, who was a porter in the employ of a firm doing business on Spruce Street. "Made it by shines, in course. My guardian don't allo...1868•215 pages
