Book Sense and The History Channel Present the Top Ten World War II Picks

April 29, 2004

Here, Book Sense and The History Channel present the Summer 2004 Book Sense Top Ten World War II Picks, in honor of the 60th anniversary of D-Day.

This list is based on the nominations of independent booksellers nationwide and is the third time Book Sense has compiled a list in association with The History Channel. June 6, 2004, will mark the 60th anniversary of D-Day, the allied assault on Normandy that marked a pivotal moment in World War II. From May 29 to June 6, The History Channel will be airing specially themed programming focusing on D-Day and the war in Europe.

In addition, The History Channel has sent related materials to 18,000 libraries and has e-mailed them a link to its Web site, www.historychannel.com/, that presents the full list -- with Book Sense and The History Channel branding. The Web page also includes links to BookSense.com.

The ongoing initiatives with The History Channel have proved to be significant opportunities for independent booksellers nationwide, and the D-Day list should be a potent marketing tool for booksellers during what will be a period of keen consumer interest for titles related to D-Day and World War II.

Stores with Book Sense will be receiving the World War II Picks pad in the May Red Box. For a downloadable PDF of the list, click here.

1. THE BEDFORD BOYS, by Alex Kershaw (Da Capo, $14.95 paper, 0306813556) "Kershaw relates the single worst day in the history of a small town. On D-Day, Bedford, Virginia -- with a population of approximately 3,000 -- lost 19 young men on the beaches of Normandy. The impact of this loss of brothers, husbands, and sons is told poignantly, and the story is not soon forgotten." --Stephanie Hedge, Chatham Books, Chatham, VA

2. ACROSS THE DARK ISLANDS: The War in The Pacific, by Floyd W. Radike (Ballantine, $24.95, 0891417745) "This book speaks with power and eloquence about the war in the Pacific. The writing is filled with everyday, ordinary heroes, and their sacrifices in the name of freedom." --Emery Pinter, Chapter 11, Atlanta, GA

3. FRANKLIN AND WINSTON: An Intimate Portrait of an Epic Friendship, by Jon Meacham (Random House, $29.95, 0375505008) "This is the story of the friendship and dramatic power of two of the greatest leaders of the free world during World War II. A must for every student of the era." --Jane Stroh, The Bookstore, Glen Ellyn, IL

4. GHOST SOLDIERS: The Epic Account of World War II's Greatest Rescue Mission, by Hampton Sides (Anchor $14.95 paper, 038549565X) "This well-written story of a daring rescue of American POWs from a Japanese prison camp in the Philippines is my favorite World War II book. Highly recommended, even to those who might not read war books, because of the excellence of the writing." --Laura Ziock, Altamont Books, Livermore, CA

5. GREAT PHOTOGRAPHS OF WORLD WAR II, edited by Neil Kagan (Oxmoor House, $39.95, 0848728181) "This is a collector's edition of black-and-white photographs taken during World War II. There are images that depict both sides of the war and suffering and triumph in several countries, as well as quotations from leaders and soldiers. It would make a great Father's Day present or just a good coffee-table book for a WW II history buff." --Leslie Christman, Horton's Books & Gifts, Carrollton, GA

6. OUR MOTHERS' WAR: American Women at Home and at the Front During World War II, by Emily Yellin (Free Press, $26, 0743245148) "By drawing on diaries, letters, and other unpublished manuscripts, Yellin offers a rare, personal look into the American woman's World War II experience. With anecdotes on everything from the creation of Betty Crocker to a Hawaiian prostitute protest, this engaging history delivers a wealth of lesser-known facts to the history buff, but remains accessible for the general reader, as well." --Michelle DiMeo, Women & Children First, Chicago, IL

7. A QUESTION OF HONOR: The Kosciuszko Squadron: Forgotten Heroes of World War II, by Lynne Olson and Stanley Cloud (Knopf, $27.95, 0375411976) "For lovers of accounts of the Battle of Britain, this book describes in detail the contributions of Polish pilots who joined the RAF after fleeing their country. At first treated coolly by the top brass, these dashing and brave men went on to become aces in the air battles over Britain." --Pat Kehde, The Raven Bookstore, Lawrence, KS

8. SECRET SOLDIERS: How a Troupe of American Artists, Designers, and Sonic Wizards Won World War II's Battles of Deception Against the Germans, by Philip Gerard (Plume, $15 paper, 0452283884) "In one of the great 'back stories' of D-Day, Gerard has written a fascinating account of how an elite troupe of artists, actors, sound engineers, stage designers, and innovative craftsmen created the deceptions that masked the realities of the D-Day invasion -- an effort that saved countless lives and ensured allied success." --Joe Drabyak, Chester County Book & Music Company, West Chester, PA

9. THE WRONG STUFF: The Adventures and Misadventures of an 8th Air Force Aviator, by Truman Smith (University of Oklahoma Press, $17.95 paper, 0806134224) "Truman Smith, a gifted writer, provides an account of his own experience as a B-17 pilot, who faced danger and death all around him during the war. He writes about the harsh realities with wit and good humor. This exceptional memoir is on the reading list for history classes at the U.S. Air Force Academy." --Jean Brace, Brace Books & More, Ponca City, OK

10. THE DISTANCE FROM NORMANDY, by Jonathan Hull (St. Martin's, $24.95, 0312314116) "Hull's novel -- with a backdrop of memories of D-Day and some of the most brutal fighting of WWII -- presents a wonderful juxtaposition of contemporary teen issues with the major drama of young men at war." --Marian Nielsen, Orinda Books, Orinda, CA

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