Tag: #non-fiction

Posted in #History

Cuba (Winner of the Pulitzer Prize): An American History

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE IN HISTORY
WINNER OF THE LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE IN HISTORY

“Full of…lively insights and lucid prose” (The Wall Street Journal) an epic, sweeping history of Cuba and its complex ties to the United States—from before the arrival of Columbus to the present day—written by one of the world’s leading historians of Cuba.

In 1961, during the Cold War, the United States stopped diplomatic relations with Cuba. A momentous revolution had taken power in Cuba three years earlier. The stand-off continued for more than half a century. It endured through the tenure of ten American presidents. It also lasted through the fifty-year rule of Fidel Castro. Fidel Castro died in 2016. His brother and successor, Raúl Castro, retired in 2021. This has spurred questions about the country’s future. Meanwhile, politics in Washington have evolved. Barack Obama opened relations to the island. Then, Donald Trump reversed that policy. The election of Joe Biden has made the relationship between the two nations a subject of debate once more.

Now, award-winning historian Ada Ferrer delivers an “important” (The Guardian) chronicle. It demands a new reckoning with the island’s past. It also reassesses its relationship with the United States. Spanning more than five centuries, Cuba: An American History provides us with a front-row seat. We witness the modern nation’s evolution. It has a dramatic record of conquest and colonization. It also shows slavery and freedom. We see its struggle for independence and revolutions made and unmade.

Along the way, Ferrer examines the sometimes surprising intimacy between the two countries. She often finds it troubled. Her documentation highlights the influence of the United States on Cuba. It also shows the many ways the island has been a recurring presence in US affairs. This story offers Americans unexpected insights into the history of their nation. It helps them imagine a new relationship with Cuba. “Readers will close [this] fascinating book with a sense of hope” (The Economist).

Filled with rousing stories and characters, this book draws on more than thirty years of research in Cuba, Spain, and the United States. The author’s extensive travel to the island over the same period further enriches it. This results in a stunning and monumental account like no other.

Posted in #History

History of Ohio

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

A Captivating Guide to the People and Events That Shaped the History of the Buckeye State (U.S. States)

The history of Ohio is so much more than farms and factories.

Do you think there isn’t much to know about the US state of Ohio? Or do you think you already know everything there is to know? Prepare to be amazed. Ohio is quite possibly the most important state in the United States. It has a history as varied and as interesting as any ancient kingdom. Ohio’s history includes the remains of ancient civilizations. It is the home of some of the richest human beings to ever live. There have been grisly wars for domination and epic struggles for freedom. Ohio’s history has it all.

Ohioans have been at the center of progress for many years. This began with the first humans in Ohio. It continued through the development of great systems of canals and railroads. It extends to the development of space travel.

Did you know that Ohio and Michigan were once at war? Did you know that the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth US presidents were all from Ohio? Did you know that ancient Ohioans built massive effigy mounds and that we’re only now discovering what they mean?

Ohio has an amazing story to tell the world; you just have to listen. Delve into this book on the history of Ohio and learn more about:

  • The home to many well-known companies and brands, like Goodyear, Tide, Dawn, and Standard Oil;
  • The birthplace of eight US presidents;
  • Great Native American leaders like Tecumseh, Blue Jacket, and Little Turtle;
  • American generals like “Mad” Anthony Wayne, William Henry Harrison, and Ulysses S. Grant;
  • John D. Rockefeller’s rise to power;
  • The first flights of the Wright Brothers;
  • The home of astronauts John Glenn and Neil Armstrong;
  • The bravery of conductors on the Underground Railroad;
  • Revolutionary new findings about the sacred mounds of ancient Ohioans;
  • And so much more!
Posted in #non-fiction

Suck Less: Where There’s a Willam, There’s a Way

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Hilarious life lessons from the drag queen and reality TV star.

With a foreword from Neil Patrick Harris.

“No, that looks totally cute on you” and “I got AIDS through oral” are common lies. But “It gets better” is told even more often. Well, a lotta times it don’t. Sometimes it just sucks less. But I promise you: where there’s a Willam, there’s a way.

But this isn’t all about me (for once). It’s about you and how you can Suck Less at a variety of things drag queens are so much better at than the average person. I’ve got clap backs and life hacks and tips on classing up a simple grab-and-run lifting spree to the much more dignified act of larceny. Super-important life stuff with my own special, secret fag-swag sauce. So welcome to Willam’s School of Bitchcraft and Wiggotry. Class is in session.

Posted in #History

History of Hawaii

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

A Captivating Guide to Hawaiian History (U.S. States)

You hear its name all the time, but how much do you really know about the island nation of Hawaiʻi?

How did the ancient Hawaiians sail thousands of miles of open ocean without modern methods? How did they avoid getting lost and somehow find new islands? How did such a rich culture even come to exist on perhaps the most isolated archipelago in the world? Does the nickname of a “beach island paradise” properly describe the diverse and beautiful topographies of Hawaiʻi? Are these topographies intriguing and sometimes even dangerous natural phenomena?

Learn the true answers to all these questions and much more in this book of the history of Hawaiʻi. Visualize your way through Hawaiʻi’s history with oral accounts and detailed descriptions. Various dates, facts, names, images, and events are all woven into this one book!

The relatively short history of Hawaiʻi and its people has produced a cultural impact. This impact punches way above the weight of its land size compared to many other civilizations and peoples. Despite the global presence of their name and influence, the history of Hawaiʻi remains fairly unknown to most people. This book seeks to remedy that problem.

This book has been constructed and curated with deep consideration built into each chapter. It offers a comprehensive overview of how Hawaiʻi came to be, including:

  • Looking through the lenses of archaeological evidence, linguistic clues, and oceanic legacies to unveil ancient Hawaiʻi
  • Diving deep into ancient Hawaiian mythology, lore, and life
  • Tracing the steps and developments of the Hawaiian kings and queens
  • Building a great arc of the story behind this island nation’s historical trajectory
  • Visualizing and understanding the challenges, tragedies, and triumphs of Hawaiʻi leading up to and through World War II
  • Incorporating multifaceted modern sources to build a coherent and insightful take on modern Hawaiʻi
  • Breakdowns of famous artifacts and people from the islands of Hawaiʻi
  • And many other fresh and unknown facts of Hawaiʻi presented through a narrative designed to intrigue and engage.
Posted in #non-fiction

What to Expect When You’re Expecting: (Updated in 2025)

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Updated multiple times every year, America’s pregnancy bible answers all your questions. When can I take an at-home a pregnancy test? How can I eat for two if I’m too queasy to eat for one? Can I keep up my spinning classes? Is fish safe to eat? And what’s this I hear about soft cheese? Can I work until I deliver? What are my rights on the job? I’m blotchy and broken out—where’s the glow? Should we do a gender reveal? What about a 4-D ultrasound? Will I know labor when I feel it? Your pregnancy is clearly explained. Your pregnant body is demystified from head to feet. Learn what to do about headaches to why your feet are so swollen. Understand how to stop backaches and why you can’t tell a baby by mom’s bump. This book is filled with must-have information and practical advice. It offers realistic insight and easy-to-use tips. You’ll also find lots of reassurance. Discover the very latest on prenatal screenings and which medications are safe. Learn about the most current birthing options, from water birth to gentle c-sections. Your pregnancy lifestyle gets equal attention. Topics include eating (including food trends) to coffee drinking. You will also find information on working out (and work) to sex, travel to beauty, skin care, and more. Have pregnancy symptoms? You will—and you’ll find solutions for them all. Expecting multiples? There’s a chapter for you. Expecting to become a dad? This book has you covered, too.