Category: Books/Museum Reviews
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The Oracle’s Daughter by Harrison Hill
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The Oracle’s Daughter: The name kinda gives it away. Quick synopsis: The story of the Aggressive Christianity Missions Training Corps. Yes, that’s actually the name. Fact for Non-History People: There are estimated to be about 10,000 cults in the U.S. Fact for History Nerds: California has the highest concentration of cults…
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London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for London Falling: It’s a long way down. Quick synopsis: The mysterious death of a teenager in London. Fact for Non-History People: London is the world’s largest urban forest. Fact for History Nerds: Over 300 different languages are spoken in London. My Take on London Falling: Sorry, dear reader, this might be…
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Arsenio by Arsenio Hall
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Arsenio: For God’s sake, do not take his pocket money. Quick synopsis: It’s Arsenio Hall’s memoir. Duh. Fact for Non-History People: The iconic “woof, woof” is actually based off the Cleveland Browns. Fact for History Nerds: Jay Leno and Arsenio are actually great friends. My Take on Arsenio: I love memoirs…
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The Crown’s Silence by Brooke Newman
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The Crown’s Silence: It’s kind of their favorite move. Quick synopsis: The history of the British monarchy and the slave trade. Fact for Non-History People: The British slave trade enslaved and transported approximately 3.1 to 3.4 million Africans between 1640 and 1807. Fact for History Nerds: The UK government finished paying…
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These Divided Isles by Philip Stephens
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for These Divided Isles: I know where I place the blame. Quick synopsis: The story of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and how the British government kept mucking it up. Fact for Non-History People: Approximately one million Irish died during the Great Famine. Fact for History Nerds: The population of Ireland has still not…
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Seven Sisters by Veronica Buckley
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Seven Sisters: Maria Theresa didn’t raise wallflowers. Quick synopsis: The story of the seven surviving daughters of Empress Maria Theresa. Fact for Non-History People: Maria Theresa had 16 children in total but only 10 survived to adulthood. Fact for History Nerds: Maria Theresa is the only woman to hold the title…
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Small Earthquakes by Shafik Meghi
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Small Earthquakes: Not everyone forgot. Quick synopsis: A look at the forgotten connections of Great Britain and South America. Fact for Non-History People: The 1982 Falklands War was a 74-day undeclared war. Fact for History Nerds: Valparaiso, Chile was known as the “Jewel of the Pacific” in the 19th century. My…
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Rough House by Alison Lyn Miller
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Rough House: I got two words for ya. Read this! Quick synopsis: The story of Hunter James as he tries to climb the ladder of professional wrestling. Fact for Non-History People: World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) generated $1.71 billion in revenue during 2025. Fact for History Nerds: There are hundreds of independent…
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Until the Last Gun is Silent by Matthew Delmont
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Until the Last Gun is Silent: Sometimes they aren’t even silent at home. Quick synopsis: The stories of Coretta Scott King and Skip Johnson during the Vietnam War. Fact for Non-History People: There are 96 recognized African American Medal of Honor recipients. Fact for History Nerds: Coretta Scott King was a…