RaveLibrary JournalA deep dive ... Geanacopoulos dispels many of the myths surrounding piracy ... Engaging and well-paced. While geared toward a general audience, this work is well-grounded in scholarly research and will likely appeal to many.
David a Price
RaveLibrary JournalPrice puts his expertise in history and technology to excellent use in his latest book ... Incredibly well-written and well-researched, this fast-paced book reads like a novel. Highly recommended to readers with an interest in World War II and 20th-century history, as well as anyone looking for an exciting story of code breaking and intrigue.
Rosecrans Baldwin
MixedLibrary JournalThe writing is engaging, and the author argues for the city-state label in a variety of ways, but the book seems like a rather disjointed series of essays and quotes that happen to have a loose association to Los Angeles and its surroundings. The somewhat sprawling narrative takes detours to explore LA’s relation to California in general, and the wide-ranging effects of the city’s ongoing gentrification and its impact on Black and Latinx residents ... Was the city-state argument convincing? Unfortunately, no. Was the book interesting to read? Undoubtedly, yes. This book would appeal to readers who enjoy narrative nonfiction, essays, or life in Los Angeles.
Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
RaveLibrary JournalHandling difficult topics with adroit respect and care, Lemmon offers a story that’s eminently relatable and speaks to the ongoing fight for women’s rights the world over. This is a story that needed to be told and needs to be heard. Highly recommended to anyone with an interest in current events and women’s history.
Geraldine Schwarz
RaveLibrary Journal... a powerful and unflinching look at Germany during World War II and Europe’s postwar reckoning with far-right nationalism ... In searing yet engaging prose, Schwarz makes her case for the need for memory work in this highly recommended read for fans of memoirs and World War II history.
Peter Lunenfeld
PositiveLibrary JournalReaders with an interest in modern U.S. history, pop culture, and art and architecture should find this to be engaging.
Robert J Mrazek
PositiveLibrary JournalMrazek’s work showcases a wealth of primary-source material, and skillfully invites readers into Florence’s remarkable life. An engaging read for all interested in women’s or 20th-century history.
Kathy Peiss
RaveLibrary JournalPeiss argues that the work of the LCM advanced the practice of library science, creating new techniques, technologies, and processes to improve the field. The author is not, however, uncritical of the LCM’s ethical and privacy practices ... This well-written and astutely researched book makes the wartime work of librarians engaging and engrossing. Those fascinated by intelligence missions or keen on the history of library science will appreciate this excellent read.
William Rosenau
PositiveLibrary JournalUsing extensive primary source material, Rosenau expertly weaves together court records, newspaper interviews, law enforcement reports, and interviews with retired FBI agents who worked on the case to put together a compelling narrative of the rise and fall of M19 ... This multifaceted work will appeal to readers with an interest in U.S. national security, U.S. domestic terrorism, radical left-wing militancy, and U.S. law enforcement.
Lynne Olson
RaveLibrary Journal\"Though not covered with the same depth as Fourcade\'s activities, the experiences of several key members in her Resistance cell are also chronicled, fleshing out the larger scope of this group. The organizational genius of Fourcade shines through tales of her cat-and-mouse game with the Gestapo, including multiple daring escapes from Nazi captivity ... As well researched and engrossing as her previous books, showcasing her adroit ability to weave personal narratives, political intrigue, and wartime developments to tell a riveting story, Olson\'s latest is highly recommended to readers interested in World War II, the history of espionage, women\'s history, and European history.\
Miriam Pawel
PositiveLibrary JournalWhile clearly sympathetic to the Browns, Pawel is not an apologist for some of their less-popular actions or less-effective policies. She notes both the good and the bad, which makes for a refreshing read ... Well researched, with an extensive bibliography of primary sources, this work will appeal to both scholarly and armchair historians, as well as readers with an interest in contemporary politics, California history, modern history, family history, and biography.