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Gifts for History Buffs: Civil War Books to Gift in 2015

Gifts for history buffs can be a challenge. We're admittedly based, but we love to buy books as gifts for history buffs (since lovers of history are lovers of information). We pulled together some of the best new Civil War books from Fall 2015 to give you some gift ideas for the Civil War buff in your life!

 

Gifts for History Buffs: Civil War Books to Gift in 2015


After the Civil War: The Heroes, Villains, Soldiers, and Civilians Who Changed America

James Robertson

After the Civil War follows the stories of 70 people who shaped Reconstruction-era America (and set the foundation for the modern-day United States). Readers will recognize some household names, like William Tecumseh Sherman, and learn about some people who aren't as well known (but were vitally important).

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A Just and Generous Nation: Abraham Lincoln and the Fight for American Opportunity

Harold Holzer, Norton Garfinkle

A Just and Generous Nation was written by a historian and an economist. The two academics blended their fields in this work, which explores Civil War-era America from an economic and historic perspective. Lincoln is best-known for the war, but also implemented infrastructure that is vital to our current economy.

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The Memoirs of Colonel John S. Mosby

John S. Mosby

The 'Gray Ghost' John S Mosby led a cavalry unit for the Confederates in the Civil War. He was one of the most effective military leaders and was famous for blending in with townspeople right after raids to avoid detection. His memoirs were first publoshed in 1917 and are now available for Kindle.

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Let Us Die Like Men: The Battle of Franklin, November 30, 1864

William Lee While

Let Us Die Like Men explores The Battle of Franklin, a battle that took place outside Nashville in 1864. Sherman's forces had been tearing down Georgia (almost literally), and Hood needed a different tactic. He decided to head to Tennesee to root out Federal soldiers therein. This book tells the story of what happened there.

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Men of War: The American Soldier in Combat at Bunker Hill, Gettysburg, and Iwo Jima

Alexander Rose

This isn't strictly a Civil War book. It touches on the men who fought in three iconic and deadly battles in America's past: Bunker Hill (Revolutionary War), Gettysburg (Civil War) and Iwo Jima (WWII). These three battles were some of the most fatal. Men of War tells the stories of the men who fought bravely during those horrible days.

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Looking for more gifts for book lovers? Check out our entire collection here.

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Best New Fantasy Books | November 10

There are plenty of new books for fantasy readers this week. Triple Moon by Melissa de la Cruz has double the trouble. Follow witchy twins as they are sent up to East End to live with their mysterious "aunt" who is tasked with helping them control their magical powers.



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New Thriller & Mystery Books | November 10

New books to read for mystery and thriller fans include Robert Crais' new release, The Promise. Looking for some sexy suspense? Pick up Sidney Sheldon's Reckless.





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Gifts for History Buffs: US History Books To Gift in 2015

One great thing about history buffs? They're easy to buy gifts for. History gifts run the gamut of presents, from artifacts to tomes. We think books are great gifts for history buffs, since to love history is to love information. We pulled together some of the best new US History books from Fall 2015 - all of them make great gifts for history lovers, and they're brand new. We pulled nonfiction for this set of recommendations, but you can check out our historical fiction picks here.

Gifts for History Buffs: US History Books To Gift in 2015


Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates: The Forgotten War That Changed American History

Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger

Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates reads like an edge-of-your-seat thriller, but is the true story of a little-known war. Thomas Jefferson's presidency began in 1801 amidst turmoil in the Barbary states. American soldiers were being captured in the North African seas and being help for ransom at exhorbitant costs.

Buy it for: the history buff whose bookshelves are filled with Vince Flynn and Brad Thor.

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The Devil's Chessboard: Allen Dulles, the CIA, and the Rise of America's Secret Government

David Talbot

Allen Dulles was the longest-standing director of the CIA. He is painted with espionage, conspiracy, and corruption in The Devil's Chessboard. This new release is highly critical of Dulles and the CIA's rise as a powerful agency in the United States in the 20th century.

Buy it for: the modern history buff and national security critic.

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Lafayette in the Somewhat United States

Sarah Vowell

The Marquis de Lafayette was George Washington's highly-decorated general. Sarah Vowell tackles the dense topic of a general in the Revolutionary War with humor and irreverence in Lafayette in the Somewhat United States, a must-read for fans of war stories.

Buy it for: the Revolutionary War history buff.

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War of Two: Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and the Duel that Stunned the Nation

John Sedgwick

Alexander Hamilton's infamous duel is stuff of legend. John Sedgwick brings the true story to life in War of Two, digging into the motives and rivalry of Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton. It's a compelling tale of competition and a feud that lasted decades.

Buy it for: the founding father enthusiast.

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Humans of New York: Stories

Brandon Stanton

Humans of New York blends modern history and modern anthropology in a beautiful and compelling book. Photographer Brandon Stanton tells the stories of real people in New York, touching on every major issue that has shaped America in the past several decades. Note: we recommend the hardcover - this book is full of pictures!

Buy it for: the person who loves to hear the stories of others.

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Looking for more gifts for book lovers? Check out our entire collection here.

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Interview with Sandra Block, author of The Girl Without a Name


Tell us a little bit about your new release, The Girl Without a Name.

Here's the elevator pitch: Zoe Goldman, our intrepid psychiatrist-in-training, is back in action. When a teenage girl is brought in off the streets in a catatonic state, Zoe must find out Jane Doe's identity before it's too late. Because someone wants to make sure she never remembers.
I don't give away any spoilers, so you can read this before Little Black Lies (the first Zoe Goldman book). But some readers have recommended reading them in order. Either way is fine, just as long as you buy both books. 🙂

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A writer - I'm mean it! I took a little doctor detour along the way, but eventually got back to my middle school dreams.

Which books would we be surprised to find on your shelves?

I own every book written about the Red Hot Chili Peppers. And I feel no shame.

How does your career as a neurologist affect your writing?

My current day-to-day work as a sleep doctor doesn't play much into the books. But my memories of my neurology residency and psych cases certainly do. Those were formative years for me, as well as Zoe.

If you had an extra hour each day, how would you spend it?

I would exercise every single day, not just when I had the chance. I love this Barre class, but only have two days a week to fit it in.

What's on your writing desk?

This is a trick question, because I have no writing desk. I write on my iPad, anywhere and everywhere - parking lot, coffee shop, kid's piano lesson or my kitchen table.

What's rocking your world this month?

The SABRES!!!! Yes, yes, yesssss! They're back!

What's your favorite quote or scene from The Girl Without a Name?

My favorite quote is from Leonard Cohen: "There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." As Dr. Berringer (one of the main characters) explains, we are all broken, but that's what makes us human, and beautiful.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

'You're never too old, never too bad, never too late and never too sick to start from the scratch once again.'
- Bikram Choudry
I actually wrote a post on this quote. If you're feeling inspired - check it out!

Screen Shot 2015-10-13 at 10.43.04 AM
Sandra Block is the author of the new book The Girl Without a Name.

Connect with Sandra
Author Website
 Twitter

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Realistic Fiction Books to Gift to Book Lovers in 2015

Having a book lover in your life can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes time for gift giving. Books make great gifts, but finding something that your bibliophile hasn't already read but will still love is a big challenge. We're here to help you choose the perfect gift for book lovers who love realistic fiction books.

The basic characteristics of realistic fiction books are a basis in the current world, with believable characters that don't have any appetites for dark nights and human blood, or don't brew recipes in their cauldron at night. Basically, books about modern life in a realistic setting! And we've got you covered for recommendations.

Realistic Fiction Books to Gift to Book Lovers in 2015


His Whole Life

Elizabeth Hay

His Whole Life is a coming of age novel that explores the complex relationship between mother and son, past and present, and place and self. Set in Quebec in the mid 1990s, His Whole Life charts several decades with son Jim and his mother amidst sadness, growth, and the struggle for togetherness agains the backdrop of Quebec's struggle for secession from Canada. Realistic fictions readers will love following Jim and his family's struggles over several years, and how Quebec's political struggle affects and reflects their own personal narratives and relationships.

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Smoke

Catherine McKenzie

In Smoke, protagonists Elizabeth and Mindy are forced to choose what to keep and what to lose in the face of natural disaster. As a forest fire rages through their small town in the Rockies, each woman must face their own relationships, marriages, lives, and desires. Realistic fiction readers will love this relatable struggle, set against an exceptional situation.

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Carrying Albert Home: The Somewhat True Story of a Man, His Wife, and Her Alligator

Homer Hickman

Carrying Albert Home is perfect for the realistic fiction book lover who appreciates how fantastical life can be, even in a realistic setting. Hickman tracks the relationship of Homer and Elsie through the comical and also tragic setting of their struggle with a most unusual wedding gift: an alligator.

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And West Is West

Ron Childress

And West Is West is a great gift for the technophile. Ron Childress' new release tackles the topic of how technology is engrained in our everyday lives. Technology can bring us together, but it can also isolate us. This novel is terrifyingly real and powerfully political.

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Pretending to Dance

Diane Chamberlain

Pretending to Dance deals in secrets - secrets that could destroy a marriage, an adoption, and a woman's life as she knows it. Molly Arnette is trying to make peace with a past that haunts her, all while lying to the man she loves (and the adoption agency that's running countless background checks).

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Looking for more gifts for book lovers? Check out our entire collection here.

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