Citizens of London

By Lynne Olson,

Book cover of Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood with Britain in Its Darkest, Finest Hour

Book description

“Engaging and original, rich in anecdote and analysis, this is a terrific work of history.”—Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of American Lion

The acclaimed author of Troublesome Young Men reveals the behind-the-scenes story of how the United States forged its wartime alliance with Britain, told from the perspective of three…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Citizens of London as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Peter Shinkle Author Of Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood with Britain in Its Darkest, Finest Hour
Peter Shinkle
Author

In the 1930s, Republicans across America heaped criticism on President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs, which they claimed would wither free enterprise and damage the economy. They labeled him a “socialist”—or worse.

Among the Republicans who broke with this broad Republican assault on FDR was John G. Winant, the Republican governor of New Hampshire. Winant gave up state politics to establish FDR’s Social Security program, and after the start of World War II Winant became FDR’s ambassador to London.

Winant’s courage, first in breaking with his party to join FDR, and then helping Winston Churchill and the British people…

From Peter's list on American leaders who broke the rules during WWII.

Harriet Segal Author Of Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood with Britain in Its Darkest, Finest Hour
Harriet Segal
Author

Did you know John Gilbert Winant was an American ambassador to Great Britain during World War II? I didn’t, until I read this engaging chronicle about three Americans’ tireless efforts to gain U.S. support for England during the bleak years preceding the attack on Pearl Harbor. Edward R. Murrow, urbane international radio correspondent, was better known; as was W. Averell Harriman, suave, wealthy head of Lend-Lease. Steadfast in their commitment to the brave island nation and her sturdy people, they championed England’s cause when America Firsters held FDR at bay. My favorite was idealistic Gil Winant, endearing himself to…

From Harriet's list on commitment, courage, and perseverance against odds.

American Flygirl

By Susan Tate Ankeny,

Book cover of American Flygirl

Susan Tate Ankeny Author Of The Girl and the Bombardier: A True Story of Resistance and Rescue in Nazi-Occupied France

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Sponsored by Susan Tate Ankeny Author

Why am I passionate about this?

Susan Tate Ankeny left a career in teaching to write the story of her father’s escape from Nazi-occupied France. In 2011, after being led on his path through France by the same Resistance fighters who guided him in 1944, she felt inspired to tell the story of these brave French patriots, especially the 17-year-old- girl who risked her own life to save her father’s. Susan is a member of the 8th Air Force Historical Society, the Air Force Escape and Evasion Society, and the Association des Sauveteurs d’Aviateurs Alliés. 

Susan's book list on women during WW2

Book cover of War Brides: A Novel Book cover of Lilac Girls Book cover of Madame Fourcade's Secret War: The Daring Young Woman Who Led France's Largest Spy Network Against Hitler Book cover of Suite Française Book cover of A Train in Winter: An Extraordinary Story of Women, Friendship, and Resistance in Occupied France

What is my book about?

The first and only full-length biography of Hazel Ying Lee, an unrecognized pioneer and unsung World War II hero who fought for a country that actively discriminated against her gender, race, and ambition.

This unique hidden figure defied countless stereotypes to become the first Asian American woman in United States history to earn a pilot's license, and the first female Asian American pilot to fly for the military.

Her achievements, passionate drive, and resistance in the face of oppression as a daughter of Chinese immigrants and a female aviator changed the course of history. Now the remarkable story of a fearless underdog finally surfaces to inspire anyone to reach toward the sky.

American Flygirl

By Susan Tate Ankeny,

What is this book about?

One of WWII’s most uniquely hidden figures, Hazel Ying Lee was the first Asian American woman to earn a pilot’s license, join the WASPs, and fly for the United States military amid widespread anti-Asian sentiment and policies.

Her singular story of patriotism, barrier breaking, and fearless sacrifice is told for the first time in full for readers of The Women with Silver Wings by Katherine Sharp Landdeck, A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell, The Last Boat Out of Shanghai by Helen Zia, Facing the Mountain by Daniel James Brown and all Asian American, women’s and WWII history books.…

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