Here's what I've read and what I think.
Thunderstruck by Eric Larson
A. Lincoln by Ronald C. White, Jr.
If you like very interesting, yet very disturbing books, then this one is perfect. This tells two interwoven stories, one about Guglielmo Marconi, the inventor of the "wireless," and Hawley Crippen, a soft-spoken, gentle man who becomes a murderer. It is a true story, but one that I had never heard before, so it was very interesting to see the story unfold.
I have a love/hate relationship with how the author is heavy on details, because they can be both boring and fascinating. That is one reason for the lower rating, the other is that I was just so disturbed by the actual murder that I had a hard time sleeping for the next couple of days. It didn't help that Dave was out of town the night I finished the book, so I was all alone with my imagination . . . sitting here in the daylight it isn't quite as scary. Truly, a fascinating book.
A. Lincoln by Ronald C. White, Jr.
An absolute must-read. I've read quite a bit about Lincoln, including another biography, but this book completely captures the man. I have to admit, the beginning gives a lot of Lincoln's background and is a bit slow. But I was enraptured by how White, Jr. makes Lincoln an accessible political figure, simultaneously portraying his very human traits while honoring his greatest accomplishments and affirming why we esteem him as one of the greatest American presidents. I also love how candidly he depicts Lincoln for what he was at the time, and what people back then thought of him, rather than just the glorified view we have of him with the hindsight we enjoy.
One other thing I'll add is that this book helped me to understand Lincoln's character and the great sense of patience, forgiveness, and compassion which he possessed. I came away from this book wanting to be a better person. I will definitely read this book every few years.
