40 books like A Message to Garcia and Other Essays

This book made me want to visit Antarctica, and when I finally did, I read it again.

There are a few things going on here:  an insane adventure with a daring mission that defies the odds through incredible hardships; an introduction to that sparse, frozen continent that has long captivated the imagination; and a cosmic dissonance knowing modern travellers can visit such a harsh, unforgiving place today with the comfort of hot tubs, cocktail bars, and gourmet buffets.

Learning about the history of polar exploration makes your own journey that much more meaningful. 

I was absolutely blown away by the late Paul Kalanithi’s memoir about his life and cancer struggle because of his beautiful writing and the philosophical thinking behind that writing. The author reviews and comes to terms with his life’s meaning and value for himself and, ultimately, for the reader.

So many parts of this book made me ponder my life’s meaning and worth and how I would have dealt with what Kalanithi was going through. As a physician, he relates his situation to the inherent vulnerability of the human form and the shortcomings of modern medicine. This makes his story so moving, as he is denied blissful ignorance.

I love that this tragic story of a life cut short contains humor, beauty, and Kalanithi’s final satisfaction with the life he lived. 

I loved this book because it teaches by example by employing illustrative conversation scenarios. Some scenarios were successful, while others were not. I learned from both.

I gained incredible insight into communication and interpersonal interactions. As a coach, I used this book to help others with communication difficulties. Perhaps most importantly, I used it to help myself become a better communicator. I frequently recommend this book to others.

This book truly resonated with me in my quest to craft a better version of myself.  

For me, this book was a complete "eye-opener." I was impressed by the risks taken, the fortitude and strength to move forward against massive odds, and the unlikely players (African American individuals with no prior training creating the first paramedic team in the world).

It all happened in Pittsburgh in the early ’70s. I was moved by the desire to succeed, which was in clear display. I was also very impressed by the lack of need for self-recognition. They did what they did because they knew it was the right thing to do. I truly admire that human characteristic.

It is the captivating story of the five Wilson brothers from Iowa. Leora was their mother—Joy’s delightful grandmother. All five of these brave young men enlisted. Only two came home. All served their country during WWII, two in the Navy, and three in the Army Air Corps. Kidney provides her readers with a genuine and heartfelt glimpse into the life of an American family during one of our nation's most difficult times. It is so well-crafted, combining letters, photographs, and narratives that touch your heart. Joy Neal Kidney makes you feel like a member of her family. I hoped that all men would make it back safely. Unfortunately, war is never that compassionate and affects many lives in the process. It is an absorbing read and well worth the endeavor.

This book is one of the finest resources presenting the unusual experience of midshipmen life at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. In a conversational, informative, and warmly-written style, AN Shine helps parents and family members to learn—and admire—the military, institutional, cultural, academic, and social traditions their midshipmen follow for four years. The author certainly knows. Her father and also two of her children are Naval Academy graduates. This outstanding book about one of America's historic service academies is a pleasure to read. I had the privilege to work with her as a fellow Naval Academy author.

When I was a first-year student at the U.S. Naval Academy in 1972, every “plebe,” as we were called, was required to take a full-year course called simply Sea Power. It is in a sense four books in one: a history of the United States Navy and of American naval power; a history of the world’s navies; a study of the evolution of naval warfare; and a study of the part that sea power has played in the exercise of national power. It is also full of dozens of maps, charts, and, above all, detailed tactical depictions of individual battles, the latter ranging from the Bay of Salamis, where the Greeks and Persians fought 2,500 years ago, through Trafalgar at the height of the Napoleonic Wars, to the pivotal battles of Midway and Leyte Gulf in World War II.

While the outcome of the naval war was a foregone conclusion, the United States Navy and a swarm of privateers punched well above their weight, humiliating the world’s preeminent navy early in the conflict and boosting American national morale. There are a number of excellent books on the naval history of the conflict, but, carefully researched and accessibly written, Perilous Fight is my favorite telling of this critical aspect of the War of 1812.

This manual belonged to me. It may seem like an odd recommendation. However, whenever my memory was fuzzy on some detail, such as the various boatswain’s calls, I consulted my well-worn bluejacket’s manual and found the answer.

This book is a thoughtful, in-depth expose of a US Navy aviator that set me thinking about Middle East conflicts and politics. I absolutely loved how the main character grasped an opportunity to prove his theories about how to train aviators for aerial combat.

I enjoyed the skillful narrative on flying, personal relationships, and inevitable politics. The author’s unmatched depth of subject-matter knowledge made the book eminently readable. I couldn’t put it down. This book has a prominent place in my collection.