RaveLibrary JournalThis astonishing history, based on thousands of recently declassified documents, tells a bold story of how gay Americans, against great odds, made a lasting impact on the U.S. government ... Kirchick’s writing is compelling throughout, and the fast pace of his story makes a lengthy book accessible for a wide audience. The \'cast of characters\' at the beginning of the book is a bonus ... Readers who enjoy inside-the-Beltway thrillers or American history, particularly regarding civil rights, will have a common interest in this fascinating and comprehensive work.
Julia Sweig
PositiveLibrary JournalSweig successfully illustrates how Lady Bird strongly influenced her husband on topics ranging from the environment to civil rights, all the while remaking the position of First Lady, shaping how we view it today. This portrait of Lady Bird focuses primarily on her time as First Lady, making ample use of her own recorded diaries along with other primary sources to show how she was both essential to Lyndon Johnson’s triumphs and deeply supportive in his failures. Insight is also given to relationships with other First Ladies, such as Jackie Kennedy and Pat Nixon ... A perceptive consideration of an often-understudied First Lady and her lasting legacy. For public and academic libraries everywhere.
Rick Perlstein
RaveLibrary Journal\"Perlstein casts a broad net, riffing on everything from Ted Bundy to New York Mayor Ed Koch, but that is part of the package here; by the end readers have more insight on the rising tide of conservative politics.\
Steve Olson
PositiveLibrary Journal... those looking for a digestible and humanistic version of events will find Olson’s book fascinating and thought provoking. The rare crossover nonfiction for history and science readers to enjoy and ponder.
Susan Berfield
PositiveLibrary JournalWhile diving into the inner thoughts of her subjects, Berfield simultaneously encompasses the political and social revolt of the moment, examining the anthracite coal strike ... It’s no easy task to write a dual biography while also incorporating the feelings and emotions of the historical moment, yet Berfield accomplishes all of this. An extremely readable work that will engage American history and business readers everywhere.
David Zucchino
PositiveLibrary JournalZucchino uses personal diaries and testimonies from those present to engage readers. He also aims to illustrate the context of the coup and its repercussions on the following century of disenfranchisement; his account is extremely compelling and convincing ... Even astute readers of history and civil rights will be alarmed by this story, which is why it should be read. For fans of American history, politics, and civil rights.
Tom Segev trans. by Haim Watzman
RaveLibrary JournalUsing newly available archives as well as an incredible eye for characterization, the author presents a definitive biography of Israel’s former prime minister. While Ben-Gurion’s legacy still weighs heavily, even in modern-day Israel, Segev sets out to reanalyze that legacy with fresh interpretations. Few would question Ben-Gurion’s drive, but Segev illustrates moments of the leader’s ambivalence to native Palestinians, all the while pushing forth with a Jewish Nation State. Segev masterfully displays Ben-Gurion’s political and military strengths throughout, from his secret 1948 negotiations with the British to the 1956 Suez crisis, while also delving into personal opinions on family, friends, and rivals. Featuring many characters and nuances, this translation from Watzman will at times cause even the most devoted history buff to pause and do some brief online research before proceeding ... Scholars and devoted readers of political history, notably of the Middle East, will turn to Segev’s majestic analysis of this pivotal leader for decades to come.
Gregory Crouch
PositiveLibrary JournalIn following Mackay\'s journey, Crouch takes readers on a tour of the American West in the mid-1800s, where fortunes were made, particularly in mining, at the expense of Native American communities. Extensive footnotes are appended. Crouch excels in documenting the life of a 19th-century capitalist who wished to find success, treat his workers fairly, and make advancements in science and technology ... Fans of American history, the American West, or business will find Mackay\'s life story inspiring
