Ambush in the Hai Lang Forest, Letters from the Carpathia, and a Book Title You Can't Unread

by Doyle Glass

Doyle Glass follows Lance Corporal Kevin Cahill and 166 men of Charlie Company into the Hai Lang Forest, where they run into roughly 2,000 NVA soldiers. That's about ten to one. It sits at 4.43 with nearly 1,300 ratings, which is a lot of agreement for a military history book. One reader found the opening overwhelming because so many names show up at once, so keep a loose scorecard in your head and it settles down.

“A well-told story of the Battle of Medina. I found the beginning a bit overwhelming, as a lot of characters were introduced right away. Many of them weren’t directly involved in the battle itself, but they played important roles in training the Marines or were part of the command structure. As the b”

by Kathryn Kuhlman

Kathryn Kuhlman's theme song gives this one its title, and the book collects stories of twenty-one ordinary people who say they were healed. It's squarely faith-based, so know that going in. Readers are clearly responding, though, with a 4.46 from almost 500 ratings, and one reviewer says the testimonies led people into a relationship with God for the first time.

“The book is filled with testimonies of many who were not only physically restored to health but who entered into a relationship with God for the first time by being spiritually reborn. Kathryn Kuhlman, who always credited these wonderful miracles to the Holy Spirit, was not only an instrument of God”

by T.C. Hale

Yes, the title is a lot. Even a reviewer who grabbed it free through BookBub admitted the title and cover are bad, but they kept reading because they love self-help. The author covers pH balance, carbs, gluten and whole foods, with jokes along the way. It's the lowest rated of the week at 3.33 across 850 ratings, so this one is not for everyone. If you want a quirky, jokey take on weight loss and don't mind the packaging, it costs nothing to try.

“I got this as a free book through BookBub, and despite the horrible title and bad cover, I picked it up because I am a sucker for self-help books, especially self-help books for problems I don't have. I also love non-fiction books about science, and anything about food. I'm not a dieter. I may possi”

by David S. Hale

David S. Hale spent 23 years as a professional day trader, and this is his look at the rules, the ups and the painful downs. A reader called it a decent book that sticks to the brutal reality of the job. Another compared it to Gary Stevenson's The Trading Game, which came out around the same time. It holds a 4.0 from just under 100 ratings. I'd hand it to anyone who's tempted by trading and wants the unglamorous version first.

“A decent book, which focuses on the brutal reality of day trading. Given the subtitle, it’s perhaps not accidental that the book has similar vibes to Reminiscences of a Stock Operator, though the somewhat tumultuous personal journey of the author reminds me more of Depression, Oil Trading & A Mi”

by Orsen Murphy

This anthology pulls together firsthand Titanic accounts, including letters written aboard the Carpathia. Both heroism and cowardice show up, according to the blurb. One reader loved the bit where Boxhall tells a woman to shut up and she admits he was right, which is the kind of small human moment that makes disaster history stick. It's at 4.25 from 73 ratings, and a reviewer called it haunting and emotional. Good for a quick read if you're a lifelong Titanic nerd.

“Love the story of Boxhall telling a woman to shut up and she's like yeah he was right to do so lol”

by Graham Field

Graham Field turned 50, felt that low fuel warning light flashing, and rode off on a motorcycle on Midsummer's Day to chase early retirement somewhere new. It's another entry in what one reader calls the Tiger Coward Adventure Motorcycle Library, and fans say it's his best yet. Its 4.52 from 48 ratings is the highest on this list. Perfect for anyone daydreaming about quitting the fast lane, even if the closest you'll get is the passenger seat.

“Near Varna Hello friends, There’s a new addition to the Tiger Coward Adventure Motorcycle Library: Near Varna by Graham Field—and I loved it. This book has everything: continent-crossing motorcycle journeys, mechanical breakdowns, internal and external struggles, plenty of laughs, and even a touch o”