A 3-star review of Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Team of Rivals, reflecting on Abraham Lincoln’s cabinet, political rivalry, Civil War leadership, and whether the book offers a balanced portrait of Lincoln and his ambitious advisers.
Team of Rivals
Tag: nonfiction
Eden Undone
Abbott Kahler’s Eden Undone revisits the infamous Galápagos Affair, a true-crime story of ambition, jealousy, betrayal, and mysterious deaths on the remote island of Floreana. Blending vivid setting, historical research, and suspenseful storytelling, Kahler explores how a dream of paradise unraveled into rivalry and tragedy.
The Trial of Patty Hearst
Celine Fitzmaurice’s The Trial of Patty Hearst revisits one of the 20th century’s most infamous criminal cases, exploring the blurred lines between victimhood, coercion, celebrity, and culpability. This audiobook offers a concise, accessible introduction to the Patty Hearst case, with dramatic production that brings the events to life. While it works best for listeners new to the story, those seeking deeper historical analysis may want a more expansive account.
Lincoln’s Autocrat
William Marvel’s Lincoln’s Autocrat offers a sharp, critical look at Edwin Stanton, Lincoln’s powerful secretary of war. Blending Civil War history, Reconstruction politics, political biography, and true crime, the book explores Stanton’s role in preserving the Union, prosecuting Lincoln’s assassination conspirators, and testing the limits of federal power. A compelling pick for readers interested in morally complex history and the men who shaped America from behind the scenes.
The Last Murder
George R. Dekle, Sr.’s The Last Murder offers a compelling legal true-crime account of the final prosecution of Ted Bundy in the Kimberly Leach case. Blending courtroom drama, investigative detail, forensic history, and firsthand prosecutorial insight, Dekle examines one of America’s most notorious murder trials with restraint and clarity. This review recommends the book for mature true crime readers, legal students, prosecutors, and fans of Ann Rule’s The Stranger Beside Me and Vincent Bugliosi’s Helter Skelter.
Killing Lincoln
In this review of Killing Lincoln by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard, I share why this fast-paced nonfiction account of Abraham Lincoln’s final days earns 5 out of 5 stars. Blending presidential history, Civil War drama, John Wilkes Booth’s assassination plot, and the manhunt that followed, Killing Lincoln makes one of America’s most familiar historical events feel fresh and immediate. Readers who enjoy narrative nonfiction, American history, or books by Brian Kilmeade and David McCullough will find this gripping, accessible, and highly readable.
This Week: May 3rd
What a week it’s been in the book world! From Library Week and Independent Bookstore Day to Free Comic Book Day, there’s no better time to celebrate reading—and this month’s reading challenge is keeping that momentum going. Our latest prompt dives into the enchanting world of magical realism, where everyday life is infused with subtle magic and wonder. We’re highlighting a must-read novel from Heather Webber, a standout voice in the genre known for weaving beauty into the smallest details. Plus, don’t miss our featured new book releases, including the highly anticipated The Calamity Club from the author of The Help and a compelling memoir from Patricia Cornwell that gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at the real-life experiences shaping her iconic thrillers. Whether you’re looking for your next immersive read or fresh book recommendations, we’ve got something you’re sure to love.
This Week: April 16th
This week’s prompt is centered on family history fiction — a genre that can be deeply moving because it so often explores buried secrets, generational relationships, and the parts of family stories that still echo in the present. These books can be beautiful and meaningful, but they can also feel especially personal, so please feel free to skip this prompt if needed.
This Week: April 19th
In honor of National Library Week and Independent Bookstore Day, this week’s theme spotlights books set in bookshops and celebrates the spaces—public, independent, and fictional—that connect readers to stories.
This Week: April 12th
News and Updates We’ve officially reached the midpoint of the month, which always feels like a good moment to check in. How are you doing with April’s reading prompts—have you found a favorite yet, or is there one you’re quietly sidestepping? I love historical fiction, but found myself enthralled with western fiction a few years … Continue reading This Week: April 12th
