Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond

Very impressive. It not only covers human history, but also covers why things played out the way they did. I can see why it received the Pulitzer Prize.

The Ancien Regime In Europe by E N Williams

This was basically a good, interesting book about a regime that before I knew very little about. Recommended.

Generations of Captivity: A History of African-American Slaves by Ira Berlin

It's a decent primer if you're not familiar with the subject, but if you know quite a bit about the history of slavery already, you'll get bored with the general subject matter very quickly.

Desertion And the American Soldier: 1776-2006 by Robert Fantina

This book started off promising, discussing desertion during America's early history when the military was just being formed and everything was in chaos. But it quickly becomes a book that pretty much says that you can join the military, they'll spend tons of money on your ass to do what it is you chose to do, and then you just decide that it's not for you because you weren't coddled and your hand wasn't held the entire time, so you're just gonna leave. Now, don't get me wrong. When you're drafted against your will, I think a little more sympathy should be thrown your way. But when you make a willing decision to enter into an agreement to train in an environment that is common knowledge will train you to kill others and possibly go to war, and then you just decide right after that it's against your principles, I have no sympathy for you. This book was a piece of crap that called anyone who deserted and walked away from their responsibilities a hero.

Bound for Canaan: The Epic Story of the Underground Railroad, America's First Civil Rights Movement by Fergus M. Bordewich

Wow. I don't think I could say enough great things about this book. I'll admit I didn't know much about this subject before picking up this book, but he goes into great detail about all those that helped make the Underground Railroad what it was, whether they were black or white, slave or free, or Northerners or Southerners. I've read other books by Mr. Bordewich and he just has a really great writing style that draws you in. Must read!

Washington: The Making of the American Capital by Fergus Bordewich

This was an awesome book. Shady characters, messed up deals; it's amusing (and kind of disappointing) to think just how little things have changed.

China Modernizes: Threat to the West or Model for the Rest? by Randall Peerenboom

I liked this book a lot, even though I didn't agree with everything. He describes the China that is trying to become a superpower, and the China that is known for it's poor record of civil and human rights. I like how he described two contrasting views, without ever really agreeing with either one. This book made me think differently about how I view China in comparison to other first, second, and third-world countries.

The Nuremberg Legacy: How the Nazi War Crimes Trials Changed the Course of History by Norbert Ehrenfreund

This was a really fascinating, detailed book, and I'd recommend it to anyone interested in history or law, but after a while it gets old. You were there (it shows), it's important, we get it! Move on.

China Wakes: The Struggle for the Soul of a Rising Power by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl Wudunn

Kinda dated, written during the last years of Deng Xiaoping, but highly recommended.

Navy Seals: The Complete History Kevin Dockery

Awesome history of the SEALS, mainly in first person accounts.

To Shining Sea: A History of the United States Navy, 1775-1998 by Stephen Howarth

Informative, interesting book. A great starting point for anyone developing an interest in the subject.

Monturiol's Dream: The Submarine Inventor Who Wanted to Save the World by Matthew Stewart

Awesome book! No review, just read it.

The Final Crucible: U.S. Marines in Korea 1953 by Lee Ballenger

You can read it as a stand-alone book, but I recommend you read The Outpost War first. This is the second book.

The Outpost War: The U.S. Marine Corps in Korea Volume I: 1952 by Lee Ballenger

I cannot stress enough how much I loved this book. Descriptive, interesting, and you get the overwhelming feeling of being at the outpost with them. A must read.

Friendly Fire in the Civil War: More Than 100 True Stories of Comrade Killing Comrade by Webb Garrison

I love this particular subject, but this author has a terrible writing style. I've read other books that were written in a much more interesting fashion, and I don't personally recommend this book.

War Without End: Israelis, Palestinians, and the Struggle for a Promised Land by Anton LaGuardia

Very interesting book about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, looking at the subject from both sides.

The History of the Ancient World by Susan Wise Bauer

I loved this book. It's written in a very readable format, almost like an enjoyable textbook. At the end of each small chapter is a table so you know where you're at in the timeline, making it easy to remember and keep track.

The History of Landmines by Mike Croll

All that you ever wanted to know about landmines.

The Fall of Japan by William Craig

A very good, suspensful read. Countdown to the final moments when Japan finally surrenders, and all that was happening around it.

For the Soul of Mankind: The United States, the Soviet Union, and the Cold War by Melvyn P. Leffler

I found this book really interesting. It's not a detailed history about the Cold War, but instead discusses in detail a few instances when there was a real chance to end it, and what went wrong.

Secrets of the Samauri by Oscar Ratti and Adele Westbrook

Not really sure what to say about this one. I recommend it because it contains a lot of valuable information that is hard to find. I don't recommend it because it's a struggle to force yourself just to finish the book, and keep in mind this is coming from someone who's read an encyclopedia for fun.

Ten Days to D-Day: Citizens and Soldiers on the Eve of the Invasion by David Stafford

This is a great book for those who have a desire to know about D-Day, and a great book for those who just want a good read. Reading it, it comes across like a really great thriller, building up to the main event. Maybe it could get the casual reader more interested in the subject on an intellectual level.

Hitler, the Germans, and the Final Solution by Ian Kershaw

A collection of essays about Hitler, his style of dictating, his influence on what happened to the Jews, and also a few about just how responsible the German people were for what was going on at the time . I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone wanting to know more about this subject.

General George Washington - A Military Life by Edward G. Lengel

Loves this book! He goes into detail about Washington's ability, and sometimes lack thereof, to direct troops. Also touches upon his influence upon the way the military is administered today. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to learn more about George Washinton's military career.

The Rape of Nanking by Iris Chang

Excellent book. Goes into a lot of detail that I wasn't aware of before. While reading it, kinda gives you the shudders the way reading a book about Austwitz does. The pictures also add to that feeling.