Tag: American history

  • Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Destiny of the Republic: Sometimes you should just leave the bullet alone. Quick synopsis: The story of how President James Garfield came to power and then was assassinated. Also, how a bunch of doctors screwed up a lot. Fun Fact Non-History People Will Like: Thomas Edison makes an appearance. Yeah, the…

  • Elizabeth Seton by Catherine O’Donnell

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Elizabeth Seton: I have no idea why this woman is a saint. Quick synopsis: A biography of Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American born saint. For some reason. Fun Fact Non-History People Will Like: Seton was a terrible babysitter! She was constantly trying to convert kids against their parents wishes! Even…

  • Museum Review: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

    Museum Focus: This is the annex of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Where is it: 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly, VA 20151. Just outside of Washington D.C. to the west. What does it cost: Free! Well, sort of. It’s $15 for parking although every time I go there is no one at…

  • Murder Aboard by C. Michael Hiam

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Murder Aboard: Of course, they blamed the minority and not the previously incarcerated crazy dude. Quick synopsis: A true crime story about murders aboard a ship in 1896. Fun Fact Non-History People Will Like: Canadians used to call New England the “Boston States.” I feel like everywhere but Boston would find…

  • The Killer Across the Table – J. Douglas/M. Olshaker

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The Killer Across the Table: You won’t want to be a criminal profiler after this. You may want to be Dirty Harry, though. Is that reference too old? Ok, you’ll want to be the Punisher. Quick synopsis: John Douglas (the guy who made criminal profiling a “thing”) recounts four scum he…

  • The Mirage Factory by Gary Krist

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The Mirage Factory: L.A. was full of crazy people from the beginning. Quick synopsis: The story of the origins and early years of L.A. as it was becoming the city we know today. Fun Fact Non-History People Will Like: In trying to bring enough water to the fast-growing population of L.A.,…

  • The Children’s Blizzard by David Laskin

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The Children’s Blizzard: If this book doesn’t make you cry then you are a sociopath. Quick synopsis: The story of the blizzard of 1888 in the Midwest which surprised the heartland and caused massive sadness. Fun Fact Non-History People Will Like: Weather forecasting used to be much worse! And in the…

  • Close to Shore by Michael Capuzzo

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Close to Shore: Here’s another reason never to go to New Jersey. Quick synopsis: The story of a rogue shark which terrified the New Jersey Shore in 1916. Fun Fact Non-History People Will Like: Ever wonder why when you watch an old movie all the telephone operators are ladies? Turns out,…

  • Marooned by Joseph Kelly

    Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Marooned: I would’ve stayed in Bermuda. Quick synopsis: The founding of Jamestown and the absolutely crazy set of circumstances and difficult people that made it last. Also, a lot of Joseph Kelly philosophy. Fun Fact Non-History People Will Like: Stephen Hopkins was sentenced to death for mutiny in Bermuda. Years later…