Reviewed by Kristen A. Peters for Readers' Favorite

Andrei Romanov’s book, Masters of the Ocean Sea, is a massive deep dive into how Portugal basically redrew the world map during the Age of Discovery. It avoids being just a dry list of dates, instead focusing on the lives of people like Prince Henry the Navigator and Vasco da Gama. The chapters trace the evolution of ship design, showing how these small technical changes were the only reason explorers could eventually travel so far into the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. From the early days in Madeira to the huge naval battles led by Afonso de Albuquerque, the book covers how a tiny nation built a global empire. It walks you through the navigation problems, the political pressure, and the first-time encounters with cultures in Africa and the Americas.

The research in Andrei Romanov's Masters of the Ocean Sea is what really stands out. It’s so refreshing to see a history book that gives a voice to people like Gil Eanes and Duarte Pacheco Pereira, rather than letting the mainstream historical figures hog the spotlight. The author clearly put in a huge amount of work to bring these different perspectives to light, making the 500-year-old voyages feel like high-stakes adventures. I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it makes the technical side of maritime history feel so personal and grounded. It’s a great, impressive piece of work for anyone who wants a more complete picture of how the modern world was actually put together.

Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite

The Boy In The Back by Fern Lebo: A True Story of Survival in Auschwitz and Mauthausen tells the story of Jan Blumenstein. Jan was born in Nové Zámky, just like his father and his grandfather before him. Growing up, things were not rough for Jan even as the Nazis took power in Germany. His father made sure the kids were shielded from the horrors happening for as long as possible, even as Kristallnacht happened. This event caused the Jews to be harassed and evicted from their properties. The Jews were then moved into ghettos and later on into concentration camps. Jan was taken to Auschwitz, which marked the darkest chapter of Jewish history. The conditions at the camps were horrific, which resulted in many deaths, but with sheer determination, Jan survived. Later, he was moved to a labor camp in Mauthausen. At the labor camp, things got worse because the Germans became more brutal when the liberation by Allied forces was imminent. How will things unfold as Jan and others seek to start a new life after all the trauma they have experienced?

I have read many books about the Holocaust, but The Boy in the Back by Fern Lebo offered a unique perspective on many issues, such as how the Hungarians were involved and the complacency of civilians even as the harassment of their neighbors went on for years. The work also covers the dangers of staying silent as minorities suffer under oppressive regimes. This thought-provoking work also covers current events like the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, and how various sentiments can lead to a rise in anti-Semitism. All the points and events were well articulated, which ensured the intended message was delivered effectively. Readers will also appreciate the easy-to-understand language used, which makes the work accessible to all readers. I look forward to reading something else by Fern Lebo.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Austrian Again: Reclaiming a Lost Legacy by Anne Hand is a deeply introspective and poignant memoir that explores the complexities of identity, history, and belonging. The book chronicles Hand's journey to reclaim Austrian citizenship, a process that is a gateway to uncovering her family's past and grappling with the intergenerational trauma of the Holocaust. The narrative weaves historical context with the author's emotional journey. The writing is thoughtful and evocative, capturing the weight of her discoveries while maintaining a sense of hope and renewal. Her exploration of what it means to belong to a country, a culture, and a family is moving and thought-provoking. The book also touches on broader themes of migration, identity, and the importance of remembering history, making it relevant to readers beyond those with direct ties to the Holocaust.

Anne Hand's detailed recounting of her family's experiences is complemented by her reflections on modern-day Austria and the implications of reclaiming citizenship. Her candid discussions about the bureaucratic hurdles, emotional challenges, and moments of connection add depth to the narrative. The memoir also explores the power of memory, the significance of understanding one's roots, and how history influences identity. Austrian Again: Reclaiming a Lost Legacy is a fascinating read for anyone interested in Holocaust history, family narratives, or the complexities of identity. It is a heartfelt and beautifully written memoir that invites readers to reflect on their connections to the past and how history continues to shape the present. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Little Edna’s War by Janet Bond Brill recounts the extraordinary life of Edna Stefania Brill, a Holocaust survivor who faced incredible hardships during World War II. The book traces Edna’s journey from her childhood in the Warsaw ghetto, where she experienced the horrors of the Holocaust, to her transformation into Stefania Skółkowska, a Catholic orphan and a young soldier in the Polish Home Army. Her story is one of survival, bravery, and change, as she copes with the devastating effects of the Nazi occupation while hiding her Jewish identity. Brill’s narrative is filled with historical details, vividly portraying the atrocities of the Holocaust, including the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and the Warsaw Uprising, and highlighting the bravery of those who resisted.

The memoir also explores themes of identity and survival, as Edna adopts multiple personas to evade capture, ultimately becoming a decorated soldier in the Polish Home Army. Her courage and determination are evident throughout the narrative, as she faces loss, betrayal, and the constant threat of discovery. The complexities of her identity are thoughtfully examined as Edna struggles to reconcile her Jewish heritage with the Catholic faith she adopted for survival. Janet Bond Brill’s writing allows readers to connect with Edna’s experiences on a personal level, while the inclusion of historical events adds context to the story. The epilogue and tribute from Edna’s granddaughter provide a touching conclusion to her journey, illustrating how her legacy continues through her family. Little Edna’s War is an inspiring story of endurance, identity, and hope. It honors the memories of those who were lost while celebrating the resilience of those who survived, making it a valuable addition to Holocaust literature.

Reviewed by Diana Helentjaris for Readers' Favorite

In January 1879, thirty Ponca set off on a six-hundred-mile journey. Earlier, the United States government had forced the Ponca to leave their Nebraska homeland and move to the so-called “Indian Territory,” or what would become Oklahoma. There, with inadequate government support, the Ponca suffered. Within eighteen months, more than one quarter of them died of malnutrition, disease, and exposure, including Chief Standing Bear’s son. Now, Chief Standing Bear was attempting to honor his promise to bury him back home. In I Am a Man, Joe Starita tells the true story of this trek, what led up to it, and, more importantly, its aftermath. Chief Standing Bear’s decision to face nineteen-below temperatures, snow, and wind to keep his promise would lead to a legal showdown over human rights. Did Chief Standing Bear have personhood?

Joe Starita’s book, I Am a Man: Chief Standing Bear's Journey for Justice, recounts an important, yet under-celebrated, moment in civil rights history. The author has transformed his extensive research into a fascinating, easy-to-read book. The pace is lively, sparked by vignettes of the oral history handed down to present-day Poncas. In I Am a Man, Starita teases out the threads of the players’ personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. He is especially skilled at shining a literary flashlight into the backrooms of power. The revelation of the true role played by Chief Standing Bear’s legal opposition was, for me, particularly satisfying. A good courtroom drama can be rousing, and Starita does not disappoint. I don’t recall a book bringing tears to my eyes before, but Starita’s potent storytelling did just that.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

The Definitive Israel-Palestine Reader by BD Publishing is a comprehensive anthology that spans the history, politics, and cultural dynamics of one of the world’s most enduring conflicts. This meticulously compiled work is a historical and educational resource, offering a balanced presentation of the multifaceted issues surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The anthology is organized into structured sections that cover various periods and themes, ranging from early Zionist movements to contemporary debates on statehood and sovereignty. It includes a variety of perspectives, featuring writings from influential figures, pivotal historical documents, and insightful analyses, which collectively trace the evolution of the region’s political landscape.

One of the standout qualities of this book is its impartiality. BD Publishing has gone to great lengths to include diverse voices, featuring Israeli and Palestinian writers alongside international commentators, ensuring readers grasp the complexities of the conflict without bias. This approach enhances readers’ understanding and underscores the importance of dialogue in tackling such deeply rooted issues. The anthology doesn’t shy away from the conflict’s contentious and often painful realities. It presents a candid examination of the violent upheavals, the diplomatic struggles, and the human costs involved. However, it also emphasizes instances of cooperation and continuous efforts toward peace, providing a ray of hope in the frequently grim narrative. Educators, students, and anyone interested in Middle Eastern politics will find The Definitive Israel-Palestine Reader an invaluable resource. Its exhaustive scope makes it an essential scholarly reference for understanding the past and present of this complex conflict. It is a reminder of the multifaceted nature of historical narratives. Whether used as an academic resource or a personal study guide, this anthology represents the enduring search for peace in a region marked by turmoil.

Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

Our modern world was shaped by the Industrial Revolution, a phenomenon that emerged during the late 18th century. Productivity increased due to the use of machinery and the investment of capital, holding the promise of a better life for all. Dr. Peter Brews examines the events that followed in detail in Lead, Follow, or Fail. The listed subtitle summarizes the subject matter perfectly, and the book broadly divides the analysis into three periods: pre-Industrial Revolution (before 1800), the industrial era (1800 to 1950), and post-Industrial Revolution (after 1950). Previously, the feudal system had prevailed, characterized by disease, serfdom, slavery, short life expectancy, colonization, and corruption. The churches, royalty, landlords, and rich merchants dominated it. The Dark Ages showed almost no growth in production. Living standards remained largely unchanged, but the post-Renaissance period provided new hope. The early leaders were Britain, Western Europe, and North America, which built infrastructure such as factories, power generation, roads, and railways. Peasant farmers moved from subsistence agriculture to find paid work in the factories of the growing cities. The role of agriculture diminished, machines eventually replaced labor, and a service-based economy emerged. Nation-building took place, leading to stability and higher living standards. Politics and business became uneasy bedfellows. A new age had dawned, but with it came new challenges.

Lead, Follow, or Fail records how a few countries pioneered economic development through industrialization. These were followed by emerging economies, notably in the east and more recently in the southern hemisphere. The followers could learn from the leaders. The rest remained in the failure category. The role of entrepreneurs like Christopher Columbus, Henry Ford, and Bill Gates is reviewed and reveals a sharp divergence in motivation and style. The unequal spread of global production is stark, and the distribution of income among individuals is more so. Growth declines as an economy matures. Sustaining the struggle for increased productivity is difficult, and there is a growing gap. Threats are outlined and vary from meteor strikes to climate change, energy use and pollution, increasingly scarce resources, a rise in national debt, dollar weakness, rising labor costs, changing demographics, to the challenge posed by robots or AI taking over jobs. It is becoming harder to predict the future, and recent political developments in America have added uncertainty. Dr. Peter Brews is a noted academic who has conducted detailed and insightful research into this defining period, which is presented with statistical data from selected countries to illustrate his analysis. He highlights trends and asks searching questions. Are the majority of humans better off now, as half of the world’s population still lives in a pre-industrial world? This incisive look into economic history will be a textbook for students and provide a wider understanding to a broader audience. I enjoyed the book and its insights.

Reviewed by C.R. Hurst for Readers' Favorite

Nikola Tesla is perhaps best known as an inventor, having created many of the technologies that have helped make the modern world, such as the alternating current power system, the Tesla coil, and many other inventions in radio, fluorescent lights, and wireless communication. However, author Barbara Daddino’s Tesla’s Cottage takes a decidedly more personal approach to the inventor. In it, she shows readers an intimate perspective of the great Serbian known as “The Wizard” by combining research about his time on Long Island Sound with her acquisition of a cottage that he reportedly owned during the early 20th century. Part biography, part personal narrative, and part investigative journalism, Tesla’s Cottage offers an engaging and affecting look at one of history’s most misunderstood geniuses.

What I appreciated the most about the book is Barbara Daddino’s ability to recreate America’s Gilded Age and its preoccupation with wealth, with which Tesla, a man of science, often finds himself at odds, despite his need to acquire funds from robber barons such as J.P. Morgan. I also loved the descriptions of the Wardenclyffe retreat, where Tesla and other prominent intellectuals (women’s suffrage leader, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, for one) spent summers. There, Tesla hoped to establish a community of like-minded progressives and to create a laboratory where he could develop his radio communication system. In Tesla’s Cottage, Daddino herself creates a wonderful profile of a complex man in a magical place where he still inspires others with his intelligence, integrity, and creative energy. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Captain Kidd by Samuel Marquis takes a fresh look at the man behind the legend, showing that William Kidd wasn’t just some ruthless pirate—he was actually a respected privateer who got tangled up in political games that ruined his life. Marquis dives deep into Kidd’s world, exploring his impressive naval career, his powerful connections, and how he went from being a hero to a scapegoat. With many details and great storytelling, this book challenges the myths and makes you see Kidd as a real person stuck in the chaos of 17th-century politics, trying to do the right thing but being crushed by forces beyond his control.

Samuel Marquis makes history feel like a thrilling drama rather than a dry textbook lesson, and it completely changed how I see William Kidd. His research digs up fresh details that make you question everything you thought you knew about this so-called pirate. The writing pulls you in, making you feel like you’re right there on a creaky old ship or in a smoky colonial office where powerful people are making shady deals. Marquis mixes historical records, court documents, and firsthand accounts to tell a bigger story about justice, reputation, and how history is often shaped by the people in power. It’s packed with fascinating details but never feels overwhelming or slow. The way the author shows how a political spin can turn someone into a villain feels surprisingly relevant today. Overall, Captain Kidd is a great read for anyone who loves history, adventure, or just a great true story about how easily someone’s legacy can be rewritten, and I would certainly recommend it.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Beyond the Border: A Korean’s Journey between North and South is a heart-rending and horrific, yet ultimately triumphant tale of one man’s struggle to leave North Korea, seek education, and begin a new life in the democratic and free South. This is the personal memoir of Tae-hyok Kim transcribed by his granddaughter Nicole Kim Rogers based on journals, notes, and personal memories. The memoir spans from his early days on his family farm in North Korea to his daring trips across the 38th parallel, always at risk from North Korean border guards, to his years in the Republic of Korean Army (South) in the “forgotten war”, the United Nations action to stop the spread of communism on the Korean peninsula and ultimately the rest of Asia, to his attempts to seek an education at South Korea’s top universities, and ultimately his emigration to the United States and his attainment of his dream of an education and a new, free, democratic life. Tae-hyok Kim was just fifteen years old when he first made the perilous journey across the 38th parallel to seek work and education in the South Korean city of Seoul. Little did he realize, at the time, that eventually the 38th parallel and later the Demilitarized Zone would become an impassable barrier that would separate him from his parents and siblings forever. This story chronicles the amazing life and struggles of a young man seeking nothing more than freedom and the right to learn and grow without interference from ideologies and politics.

Beyond the Border is a uniquely personal story that chronicles the day-to-day struggles, dreams, and aspirations of an entire nation. Author Nicole Kim Rogers has done an amazingly empathetic and relatable job of bringing her grandfather’s fascinating and heroic story to life. So much of Tae-hyok Kim’s story evokes amazement at his courage, perseverance, indomitable spirit, and sheer determination to succeed against all the odds thrown at him. What came through in this incredible story is the disbelief of ordinary Korean people that a civilization that had lived on the peninsula unbroken for over two thousand years--the same people, culture, language, and shared history--could be split asunder by power-hungry rulers and political ideologies. I appreciated the early school days under Japanese rule when Tae-hyok Kim began to show glimpses of the determination and common sense that would serve him so well in future years, especially during his time in the South Korean Army. The portions that focused on the war years demonstrated the horrors of war, especially a war that pitted brother fighting against brother. That he was able to not only survive the privations, dangers, and horrors of this conflict plus his ensuing health issues and still retain his optimism and humanity are a real testimony to his character and his attitude. His meeting and subsequent marriage to Miss Lee was a sweet and innocent portion of what is a tough, uncompromising story and softened the narrative beautifully. Few stories have made such a deep impact on me. It has not only greatly expanded my understanding and knowledge of the history of the North vs South Korean conflict and the political machinations that led to the divide but it has filled me with understanding and hope, reminding me that all humanity is the same, with the same aspirations and dreams. This is a truly wonderful story that I cannot recommend highly enough.