Goodreads Books and Letterboxd Movies

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My 5 Star Reads:

• Presidential Grave Hunter: One Kid’s Quest to Visit the Tombs of Every President and Vice President by Kurt Deion
  A wholesome story of what began as a child’s goal and developed into a young adult’s passion. Join Kurt Deion as he regales in his endeavors to visit the final resting places of every president and vice president – and test your knowledge along the way!

  Kurt’s unique way of teaching history through story is on display prominently throughout this book, and his attention to detail hilariously borders on the fanatical. This book is well-researched, organized, and full of comedy.

  Perhaps, though, its greatest attribute is heart. And not just the love for history and adventure that Kurt clearly possesses. Often accompanying Kurt on his adventures is his greatest cheerleader; his father. The book reads from Kurt’s point of view but any parent will agree: there is a proud father who has no place he would rather be than front row, watching his son’s dreams come true.

You can also visit his site at http://www.kurtshistoricsites.com

• Return With Honor by George E. Day

I just finished this today and learned Day’s wife, Doris, passed away last week, which makes this book somehow more special. She was an important source of strength for Bud as he endured six years of brutal treatment in captivity. Let that sink in. Six years! The book is less than 300 pages and it was difficult at times to read. It makes you wonder if you have what it takes to survive like he did. And Day took it all in stride, with no regrets and no looking back.

The war in Vietnam will be no less confusing or clouded in controversy after reading this. Its simply one man’s story – mostly in solitary confinement at that. But it is powerful. Day is still considered one of the nation’s most decorated warriors of all time and he does not keep his opinions to himself.

• Defend Us in Battle: The True Story of MA2 Navy SEAL Medal of Honor Recipient Michael A. Monsoor

Its a quick read, but difficult in that it tugs at the heartstrings. Monsoon by all accounts was just a genuinely good dude.

• About Face: Odyssey Of An American Warrior by David H. Hackworth, Julie Sherman
• Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt
• Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War by Nathaniel Philbrick
• In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick
• Sons and Brothers: The Days of Jack and Bobby Kennedy by Richard D. Mahoney