Category: Books/Museum Reviews
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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…
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Kuleana by Sara Goo
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Kuleana: Even paradise has taxes. Quick synopsis: The story of a woman dealing with family, legacy, heritage, and paradise (almost) lost. Fact for Non-History People: Hawai’i is the only state completely within a tropical climate. Fact for History Nerds: Hawai’i is the most isolated population center on Earth, located over 2,000…
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The Science of Second Chances by Jennifer Doleac
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The Science of Second Chances: Better living through data. Quick synopsis: A look at some possible solutions to recidivism in the U.S. criminal justice system. Fact for Non-History People: In the U.S., approximately 70% of released prisoners are rearrested within 5 years. Fact for History Nerds: Within three years, nearly 50%…
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Heartland by Keith O’Brien
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Heartland: The legend before the legend. Quick synopsis: The story of Larry Bird’s path to a magical year at Indiana State University. Fact for Non-History People: Bird was set to play for the legendary Bobby Knight but quit before ever playing a game. Fact for History Nerds: Bird is the first…
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The Rembrandt Heist by Anthony Amore
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The Rembrandt Heist: When in a jam, make a bigger jam. Quick synopsis: The life and crimes of art thief Myles Connor. Fact for Non-History People: The largest art heist on record is the 1990 heist at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston with 13 works valued at $500 million…