The book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor African American tobacco farmer whose cells, taken without her knowledge in 1951, became one of the most important tools in medicine, vital for developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, and more. Henrietta's cells have been bought and sold by the billions, yet she remains virtually unknown, and her family can't afford health insurance. The book explores the collision between ethics, race, and medicine; of scientific discovery and faith healing; and of a daughter consumed with questions about the mother she never knew.

"The Warmth of Other Suns" is a powerful and deeply moving narrative that chronicles the Great Migration, a significant event in American history that saw millions of African Americans leave the South in search of better opportunities and freedom from racial oppression. Through the compelling stories of three individuals, the book explores the challenges, triumphs, and sacrifices made by these courageous migrants as they embarked on a journey to find a new life in the North and West, ultimately reshaping the social and cultural landscape of America.

This book intertwines the true tales of two men during the 1893 Chicago World's Fair: Daniel H. Burnham, the architect responsible for the fair's construction, and H.H. Holmes, a serial killer masquerading as a charming doctor. The narrative alternates between the story of Burnham, his challenges and successes in building the fair, and the chilling story of Holmes, who used the fair to lure his victims to their death. It's a vivid portrayal of the Gilded Age and a chilling exploration of one of America's first known serial killers.

"Up in the Old Hotel" is a collection of essays that paints a vivid picture of New York City from the 1930s to the 1960s. The stories introduce a rich tapestry of characters, from street preachers and gypsies to oystermen and bar regulars, each with their own unique history and perspective. The book captures the essence of the city and its inhabitants in a way that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, providing an intimate look at a bygone era.

This book explores the political acumen of Abraham Lincoln, focusing on how he assembled his cabinet from political adversaries, many of whom initially dismissed him for his perceived lack of experience and ungainly appearance. The narrative delves into how Lincoln used his rivals' talents to navigate the tumultuous times of the Civil War, maintaining unity and leading the nation towards the abolition of slavery. It underscores Lincoln's extraordinary ability to turn rivals into allies, demonstrating his leadership and his profound impact on American history.

"The Looming Tower" is a comprehensive historical examination of the events leading up to the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States. It delves into the origins of Al-Qaeda, the rise of Osama bin Laden, and the failure of U.S. intelligence agencies to prevent the attacks. The narrative is extensively researched and provides a detailed account of Islamic fundamentalism, the complex politics of the Middle East, and the role of the United States in the region. The book also explores the personal stories of key figures on both sides of the conflict.

This historical narrative tells the true story of the 19th-century whaleship Essex, which was rammed and sunk by a sperm whale in the South Pacific. Stranded thousands of miles from land, the crew of the Essex was pushed to their limits and forced to do the unthinkable to stay alive. The tale explores the harrowing ordeal of these men through their long journey at sea, their encounters with nature's fury, hunger, disease, and their own fear and despair.

"Rising Tide" is a historical account that explores the impact of the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 on American society. The narrative details the catastrophic event and the subsequent political and social changes that occurred, including the shift in African American voting patterns from the Republican to the Democratic party. The book also delves into the engineering efforts to control the Mississippi River and the environmental consequences of such efforts.

"A Midwife's Tale" is a historical account of a midwife's life in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, based on her detailed diary entries. The book offers a unique perspective on the daily life, medical practices, and social and economic conditions of the time, while highlighting the significant role that women played in the community, despite their limited rights and opportunities. The narrative also provides a rare insight into the realities of childbirth and women's health during this period.

This book is a comprehensive, detailed account of the events leading up to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, the attacks themselves, and the immediate aftermath. It was compiled by a bipartisan commission and offers an in-depth analysis of the systemic failures that allowed these attacks to occur. The report also provides recommendations for preventing future terrorist attacks, emphasizing the need for improved intelligence and security measures.

This book chronicles the inspiring life of a pioneering female physician who, in the early 20th century, left her comfortable city life to practice medicine in the harsh, unforgiving environment of the Colorado Rockies. Facing the challenges of isolation, gender bias, and limited medical resources, she earned the trust and respect of the rugged community through her tireless dedication, compassion, and medical skill. Her story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of an extraordinary woman who overcame societal constraints and personal adversities to serve the needs of her rural patients.

This historical work delves into the vibrant era of early 20th-century America, exploring the close friendship and eventual political rivalry between two presidents, Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft. It also highlights the crucial role of muckraking journalists who, with the support of Roosevelt's bully pulpit, exposed corruption and galvanized public opinion. The narrative weaves together the personal and political dynamics that shaped the Progressive Era, showcasing how these leaders and the press collectively brought about significant reforms and forever transformed the American political landscape.

This book provides an analysis of the Gettysburg Address, delivered by President Abraham Lincoln, in the context of its historical and cultural significance. The author dissects the speech, its influences, and its enduring impact on American society and ideals. The book also delves into the circumstances surrounding the address, the political climate of the time, and the role it played in shaping the nation's understanding of the Civil War and the principles of democracy.

"The Passage of Power: The Years of Lyndon Johnson" by Robert Caro is the fourth volume in his acclaimed biography of the 36th President of the United States. This book covers the years from 1958 to 1964, including Johnson's ascent to the presidency following the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Caro explores Johnson's struggles to pass civil rights legislation, his relationship with Kennedy's family, and his efforts to establish his own presidential legacy. The book also delves into Johnson's personal life, including his marriage to Lady Bird Johnson and his health issues. Overall, "The Passage of Power" provides a comprehensive and insightful look into one of the most complex and consequential figures in American political history.

This book celebrates the remarkable artistic legacy of a small, isolated African American community in Alabama, known for its unique and vibrant quilts that have been crafted by generations of women. It delves into the history, culture, and aesthetics of these quilts, which are characterized by bold patterns, improvisational designs, and a resourceful use of materials. The publication accompanies an exhibition and serves as a comprehensive examination of these works, exploring their visual affinities with modern art and their embodiment of a rich tradition of craftsmanship and creativity within the context of the American South's social and political landscape.

The book is a non-fiction account of a Syrian-American contractor named Zeitoun who decides to stay in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. Despite the chaos, he paddles around the city in a canoe, helping those he can. However, he is arrested and accused of looting, leading to a harrowing experience in prison. The narrative explores themes of family, survival, and the breakdown of civil liberties in times of crisis.

The book is a personal journey of a journalist who, while covering a murder trial of a snake-handling preacher, becomes deeply involved in the culture of snake handling in Southern Appalachia. He explores the history and religious significance of snake handling, while also wrestling with his own faith and the nature of religious ecstasy. The narrative is a blend of true crime, personal memoir, and religious exploration.

"Alexander Hamilton" by Ron Chernow is a comprehensive biography of one of America's founding fathers. The book chronicles Hamilton's life from his impoverished childhood in the Caribbean to his rise as a key figure in the American Revolution and his role in shaping the country's early government. Chernow delves into Hamilton's complex personality, his political and economic philosophies, and his tumultuous personal life, including his infamous affair with Maria Reynolds. The biography sheds light on Hamilton's lasting impact on American politics and economics, and his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the nation's history.

"The Yellow House" is a memoir that tells the story of a hundred years of the author's family and their relationship to home in a neglected area of one of America's most mythologized cities, New Orleans. The narrative follows the author's journey from growing up in the titular house in New Orleans East, a largely ignored part of the city, to her pursuit of education and a career as a journalist, and her eventual return to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. The book explores themes of race, poverty, and inequity in America, while also being a deeply personal exploration of family, identity, and place.

The book chronicles the epic relocation of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North of the United States between World War I and the 1970s. This transformative movement, known as the Great Migration, is examined through the lens of its profound impact on American society, politics, and culture. The narrative delves into the hopes, struggles, and aspirations of the migrants as they sought better opportunities and faced the challenges of racism, economic hardship, and cultural adaptation in their new communities. The author provides a comprehensive analysis of how this demographic shift reshaped the urban landscape, influenced the civil rights movement, and ultimately altered the fabric of the nation.

"Arc of Justice" is a riveting and complex story that unfolds in the racially tense backdrop of 1920s Detroit. The narrative follows an African American physician who moves his family into a predominantly white neighborhood, resulting in a chain of violent events. The doctor stands trial for murder, and the case garners national attention. The book delves into the doctor's fight for justice and the broader societal implications of racial tension, prejudice, and civil rights in America.

This book offers a sweeping overview of Western cultural life from the Renaissance to the early 21st century. It delves into the pivotal events, ideas, and personalities that have shaped the modern world, exploring how cultural movements and the evolution of thought have influenced society's development. The narrative weaves through various disciplines, including art, music, politics, and science, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the forces that have led to both the achievements and challenges of Western civilization. Through a rich tapestry of historical analysis, the work invites readers to reflect on the complexity and dynamism of the human experience over the last five centuries.

This historical work delves into the pivotal event of George Washington crossing the Delaware River during the American Revolutionary War. It provides an in-depth analysis of the strategic decision-making, the hardships faced by the troops in the brutal winter, and the subsequent battles of Trenton and Princeton. The book also explores the impact of these events on the morale of the American forces and the ultimate outcome of the war, painting a vivid picture of this crucial period in American history.

"Nature's Metropolis" explores the dynamic relationship between Chicago and its surrounding rural hinterland in the 19th century, illustrating how the city served as a pivotal hub in the development of the American West. The book delves into the economic and ecological transformations driven by Chicago's rise, examining how it became a central market and transit point for commodities like lumber, grain, and meat. Through detailed analysis, the work reveals the complex interdependencies between urban and rural environments, showing how the city's growth was intrinsically linked to the exploitation and management of natural resources, ultimately shaping the broader American landscape and economy.

This book examines how the Civil War's unprecedented death toll changed American society, politics, and culture. It explores how the nation grappled with the sheer mass of the dead, the logistics of their burial and mourning, and the profound impact on religious beliefs and practices. It also discusses how the war shaped the nation's understanding of life insurance, pensions, and the role of the federal government in citizens' lives. The book argues that the Civil War transformed how Americans understand death and the value of a human life.