Tag: American history
-
The Summer of Death by Geoff Williams
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The Summer of Death: This is why I get the AC serviced regularly. Quick synopsis: A look at the deadly heat wave summer of 1936. Fact for Non-History People: It is estimated that 5,000 people died from the summer heat. Fact for History Nerds: 13 state heat records were set that…
-
American Men by Jordan Ritter Conn
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for American Men: If I can be one, anybody could pull it off. Quick synopsis: A look at four people wrestling with what masculinity is to them. Fact for Non-History People: Men make up 49% to 49.5% of the U.S. population. We’re outnumbered! Fact for History Nerds: More boys than girls are…
-
All the President’s Money by Megan Gorman
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for All the President’s Money: Just the legally obtained kind. Quick synopsis: A look at how the U.S. presidents did (or did not) make and grow their money. Fact for Non-History People: Harry Truman was probably the poorest president when he took office. Fact for History Nerds: Donald Trump is the richest…
-
Two Ships by David Reynolds
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Two Ships: Two ships but plenty of arguments. Quick synopsis: A look at American history from the view of two ships, the Mayflower and the White Lion. Fact for Non-History People: While the White Lion is credited as being the first ship to bring slavery to the American colonies, the enslaved…
-
The Lost Cities of El Norte by Peter Stark
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The Lost Cities of El Norte: “Lost” being a very relative term in this case. Quick synopsis: The expedition of Coronado into the future American West. Fact for Non-History People: Around 1500, the Pueblo population in the Southwest was estimated to be between 40,000 and 80,000. Fact for History Nerds: Coronado’s…
-
Last Branch Standing by Sarah Isgur
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Last Branch Standing: Let’s see what’s under those robes. Quick synopsis: A look at the Supreme Court and what is really going on there. Fact for Non-History People: In the current SCOTUS configuration, a 6-3 ruling along ideological lines is one of the least likely outcome for a case. Fact for…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…