SAM&PAM's Book Radar

The Star Rover, Jack London's captivating and deeply philosophical novel, was first published in 1915. This unique work transcends genre, blending elements of prison narrative, speculative fiction, and profound social commentary.

Set largely within the brutal confines of San Quentin and Folsom prisons, the story follows Darrell Standing, a university professor serving a life sentence, who is unjustly condemned to death row.... Facing unimaginable torture, including the notorious "straightjacket", Standing discovers a remarkable ability: through self-hypnosis and astral projection, he can transcend his physical body and embark on extraordinary "star-roving" journeys through time and space....

As...

A Government of Wolves: The Emerging American Police State by John W. Whitehead, published in 2013, is a chilling and expertly documented non-fiction exposé that reveals the alarming trajectory of civil liberties in the United States.

This powerful book argues that America is subtly but swiftly transforming into a police state, not through external invasion, but through an insidious internal erosion of fundamental freedoms. Whitehead lays bare how creeping government overreach, the proliferation of pervasive surveillance technologies, and the militarization of domestic law enforcement are dismantling the constitutional protections once considered sacrosanct....

The author m...

Explore the enduring cultural phenomenon of Princess Diana through a unique lens. In Dianaworld: The People's Princess and Her People by Edward White, a cultural history/non-fiction book published in 2025, Available on Amazon:

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Dive into the sprawling, ever-evolving world Diana inhabited – both real and imagined1.... This isn't just a biography; it's a captivating cultural history drawing on never-before-used sources like private diaries and oral histories to reveal how ordinary people, from fan club members and satirists to those touched by her humanitarian work, shaped her po...

Title: Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant Authors: W. Chan Kim, Renée Mauborgne Genre: Business / Strategy Publication Date: Copyright 2005 available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kgo1Qd

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Escape the bloodbath of head-to-head competition and discover how to create uncontested market space with Blue Ocean Strategy. This groundbreaking book challenges companies to break out of the red ocean of bloody competition by making the competition irrelevant. Instead of fighting for shrinking demand, learn how to grow demand a...

Title: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance Author: Angela Duckworth Genre: Psychology / Self-Help / Business Publication Date: 2016 available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dG7wKJ

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Unlock the secrets to outstanding achievement with Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by psychologist and MacArthur Fellow Angela Duckworth.... This essential read shatters the myth of innate talent..., revealing that true success comes not from genius, but from a unique combination of passion and long-term perseverance.... Drawing on compelling research, inspiring stories, and personal experience, Duckworth shows why...

Title: Nexus Author: Yuval Noah Harari Genre: Non-fiction / History / Technology / Philosophy Publication Date: 2024 available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/43x7ul3

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From the bestselling author of Sapiens and Homo Deus comes Nexus, a groundbreaking examination of how humanity has built and been shaped by information networks throughout history, and the unprecedented challenges posed by the rise of Artificial Intelligence. Yuval Noah Harari surveys historical information networks, revealing the core dilemmas people have always faced and how these choices molded societies and political conflicts. He then...

Introducing: The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology Tried to Destroy Paulette Cooper by Tony Ortega, a work of Nonfiction published in 2015 available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4j4vRuP

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This compelling book delves into the incredible true story of journalist Paulette Cooper, who became a prime target of the Church of Scientology after publishing her critical book, "The Scandal of Scientology," in 1971. The sources describe how Cooper's work, which set out to investigate and expose the organization, triggered a notorious and elaborate...

Presenting All of Us Atoms: A Memoir by Holly Dawson, a captivating Memoir first published in 2025 available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4klJUxb

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Dive into a beautifully written memoir that explores the fragility of memory and the enduring power of human connection. Author Holly Dawson navigates her personal journey through illness, including epilepsy and memory loss, prompting an urgent need to record the stories of her life and the lives intertwined with hers. This book is more than just a personal account; it's an exploration...

Biology Bias: The Real Reasons Behind Our Decisions by Gill Merrill, published in 2025, delves into the complex interplay of biological and psychological factors that shape our decisions. Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4j7fyNY

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This insightful book, drawing on the cutting edge fields of evolutionary psychology and consumer neuroscience, uncovers the hidden impulses and unconscious and biological biases that often challenge rational thinking in the decision-making process.

Traditional marketing and business theories frequently fall short in explaining consumer behavior, partly because methods...

Title: I WILL COME BACK FOR YOU Author: Daniel Huhn, translated by Rachel Stanyon Genre: Historical Biography / Narrative Non-Fiction available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mcBOsF

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Discover the incredible true story of Manfred Gans, a young German Jew forced to flee his homeland in 1938. This gripping narrative, based on a wealth of personal documents including over 1,000 pages of letters and intimate diaries, follows Manfred's journey from his youth in Borken to a daring new life. After emigrating to England and enduring internment as an "enemy...

Discover The Neverending Empire by Aldo Cazzullo, a captivating work of historical non-fiction/cultural history, first published in English in 2025 available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GNZ1B8

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Forget everything you thought you knew about the "fall" of Rome. Aldo Cazzullo argues that the Roman Empire never truly fell and continues to shape our world today.... This insightful book explores Rome not just as a historical era, but as a vibrant political culture, a powerful military force, and a complex social system that still resonates...

Dive into THE TENANT, a propulsive thriller from bestselling author Freida McFadden, published in 2025! Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/43nstXi

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When Blake Porter loses his job, he and his fiancée, Krista, decide to rent out a room in their Manhattan brownstone to make ends meet. Their new tenant, Whitney Cross, seems perfect, but soon unsettling events begin to plague their home. Blake suffers strange allergic reactions, finds bizarre objects, and watches as his relationship with Krista crumbles.

Convinced Whitney is responsible f...

Title: Our Dollar, Your Problem: An Insider's View of Seven Turbulent Decades of Global Finance, and the Road Ahead Author: Kenneth Rogoff Genre: Economics, Global Finance, History Publication Date: 2025 available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/438r5a0

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Dive into the fascinating world of global finance with Kenneth Rogoff's "Our Dollar, Your Problem." This book offers a unique insider's view of how the U.S. dollar became the dominant global currency and what the future might hold. Rogoff takes you on a journey through seven turbulent...

Unpunished Murder by Lawrence Goldstone is a work of Historical Non-Fiction, first published in September 2018 available on Amazon:

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This powerful book delves into the tragic 1873 Colfax Massacre in Louisiana, where over one hundred African-American men were brutally slaughtered by white supremacists. Described by the author as "the story of Colfax, then, is the story of America," Goldstone uses this little-known event as a critical lens to examine how the U.S. political system, especially the Supreme Court, repeatedly failed to protect the rights of African-Americans...

Title: Live Free Or Die: America and the World on the Brink Author: Sean Hannity Genre: Political Commentary / Non-Fiction Publication Date: August 2020 available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4iUYSJB

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In "Live Free Or Die," acclaimed author and host Sean Hannity issues a powerful and urgent warning to his fellow patriots. Drawing on America's foundational history and principles, the book sounds an alarm about the left’s undying commitment to transform America into a nation unrecognizable from its founding ideals. It highlights the critical importance of un...

Title: The Shooting Salvationist: J. Frank Norris and the Murder Trial That Captivated America Author: David R. Stokes Genre: True Crime / History / Biography Publication available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4k2LNPg

Step into the tumultuous Roaring Twenties with The Shooting Salvationist, David R. Stokes' gripping account of a true story that was once page-one news across America. This book chronicles the life and trial of J. Frank Norris, a fiery fundamentalist pastor known for his controversial sermons and sensational style. Norris was a man of immense ambition and charisma, building one of America's first megachurches in...

"The Valachi Papers" by Peter Maas is a groundbreaking True Crime/Non-Fiction book, first published in 1968 available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4iQ3FvI

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It tells the unprecedented, uncensored story of Joseph Valachi, the first insider to unmask the secret world of the American Mafia, revealing its true name, the Cosa Nostra, and its intricate structure. Based on Valachi's extensive personal writings, candid interviews, and official records, this book plunges you deep into the day-to-day reality of organized crime life over three decades. Discover the...

Title: Morgan: American Financier Author: Jean Strouse Genre: Biography Publication Date: 1999 available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Z2xdz9

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Delve into the life of J. Pierpont Morgan, widely regarded as the most powerful banker in the world at the time of his death in 1913. Jean Strouse's "Morgan: American Financier" draws on vast archives of previously uncatalogued documents, including personal diaries, letters, and business correspondence, offering a nuanced portrait that challenges conventional wisdom about the man often depicted as a "robber baron" or "boss croupier".

Title: American Patriot: The Life and Wars of Colonel Bud Author: Robert Coram Genre: Biography / Military History Publication Date: 2007 available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4iDCR1I

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Summary: Discover the extraordinary life of Colonel Bud Day in American Patriot, a powerful biography by Robert Coram [Preface]. Follow Day's journey from the heartland of Siouxland, through his "wild-rabbit days" and academic pursuits, to his decorated career as a fighter pilot and commander. The narrative takes you into the intense reality of the Vietnam War, where Day...

Discover the true story of one of history's most misunderstood rulers in Rudolf II: The Life and Legend of the Mad Emperor by Thomas DaCosta Kaufmann. This insightful historical biography, first published in 2025, delves into the complex world of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II, a figure long shrouded in the "Black Legend" of madness available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YT02xR

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Often portrayed as an eccentric ruler whose passions for art and science distracted him from governing, Kaufmann's work draws on historical sources to...

Title: Henry James Comes Home: Rediscovering America in the Gilded Age Author: Peter Brooks Genre: Literary Biography / Cultural Criticism / Travel Literature Publication Date: 2025 available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GF7A0U

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Step back in time with Henry James Comes Home, a captivating exploration of legendary novelist Henry James's return to America after two decades abroad. In 1904-1905, at the height of his fame as "the master," the 61-year-old James embarked on a bold, continental adventure across the United States, from Florida to California, the...

Explore the tumultuous final years of the English Republic. This compelling historical account, "The Fall" by Henry Reece, published in 2024, delves into the dramatic events that led to the collapse of the English republic and the return of the monarchy. Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4izJfH4

Drawing on granular detail, the book is an inquiry into the reasons for this downfall. It challenges traditional narratives that suggest the Interregnum regimes were inherently unstable and doomed to fail. Instead, "The Fall" argues for the potential durability of regimes like Richard Cromwell's Protectorate and the restored Rump Parliament...

Dive into the intriguing world of rare books with The Bookseller by Tim Sullivan, a gripping crime fiction novel published in 2025 available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kb1dkL

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When a well-known rare and antiquarian bookseller, Edward Squire, is found murdered in his Bristol shop, Detective Sergeant George Cross and his team are plunged into a case where centuries of literary secrets and modern-day greed collide. Explore the dusty shelves and clandestine deals of the book trade as Cross navigates a cast of eccentric characters...

Discover Conquering Crisis by Admiral William H. McRaven, a powerful memoir and practical guide to crisis leadership, set for publication in April 2025 available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4jNCPFs

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Drawing on a lifetime of experience, from the battlefield as a Navy SEAL Admiral to leading a major university system, Admiral McRaven shares stories and lessons designed to help you survive and thrive when facing the unexpected. This book goes beyond mere summaries to provide concrete steps for understanding and navigating crisis. Explore the five phases...

Uncover the untold story of a king forgotten by history!

Henry III by Matthew Lewis (First published 2016) available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4jQhFXq

Step back into the tumultuous 13th century and rediscover the reign of King Henry III of England, a monarch often overshadowed by the dramatic events and powerful personalities of his time. Author Matthew Lewis delves into the intriguing life of this "elusive man", who ascended to the throne as a mere boy amidst civil war and went on to rule for an astonishing fifty-six years.

This captivating biography challenges...

Discover the untold stories of courage and change in "The Women on Platform Two" by Laura Anthony, a captivating work of fiction published in March 2025 available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4lEnpFj

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Based on a real-life event in early 1970s Ireland, this novel weaves together the lives of seemingly ordinary women who, with immense fortitude and determination, took extraordinary actions to bring safe and legal contraception to the women of Ireland. Journey between present-day Dublin in 2023 with Saoirse, and the compelling narratives of Maura starting...

Are you tired of the endless division and polarization in our society? In The Certainty Trap by Ilana Redstone, published in 2024 available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4io7zLW

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You'll discover a groundbreaking approach to understanding why we've become so entrenched in our beliefs and how we can break free. This insightful non-fiction book delves into the core problem driving our contentious times: our addiction to certainty.

Ilana Redstone, a sociology professor, doesn't just call for open minds; she expertly unpacks why our...

Dive into the tumultuous origins of early England with The Birth of the Anglo-Saxons by Max Adams, a compelling work of history published in April 2025 available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/42no9qP

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Uncover a captivating portrait of power in post-Roman Britain, as celebrated historian Max Adams explores how authority was wielded from the humblest households to the grandest warrior kings. This insightful book goes beyond mere dates and names, delving into the tangible expressions of power in the landscape, architecture, weaponry, and even the...

Dive beneath the buckskin and uncover the true story of the legendary Davy Crockett in Crockett by Buddy Levy. This gripping biography, originally published as American Legend in 2005 and now available in this Diversion Books edition from March 2025, masterfully blends meticulous research with lively prose to reveal the fascinating man behind the myth. Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ExrdaH

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Explore Crockett's journey from a hardscrabble life on the frontier to his surprising career as a statesman who championed the rights of Native Americans and...

Get ready to dive into the high-stakes drama of America's first truly contested presidential election with "A Magnificent Catastrophe: The Tumultuous Election of 1800: America’s First Presidential Campaign" by Edward J. Larson, published in 2007 available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4lEatzd

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Witness the nation's founders, once united, now bitterly divided as John Adams and Thomas Jefferson battle for the presidency in a contest rife with personal animosity, political intrigue, and ideological clashes. Explore how the burgeoning partisan press fueled intense debates over liberty, order, religion, an...

Discover the heart of America in by , a captivating work available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4jdkz8w

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Step into the charming world of Batavia, a small town in western New York, and experience the enduring power of community through the lens of its beloved baseball team, the Muckdogs.... In "Homestand," Will Bardenwerper takes readers beyond the diamond to explore the deep connections between a town and its team, revealing how the local ballpark serves as a vital gathering place, transcending social distinctions and fostering...

Dive into the captivating world of Not Another Rockstar by Kate Callaghan, a novel that blends contemporary romance with threads of suspense and emotional depth avaailable on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4jMaBLr

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Follow the journey of Phoebe Fletcher, a talented visual artist on the cusp of major success, as her personal and professional life intertwine with that of her fiancé, Cillian Hunt, the charismatic frontman of a world-famous rock band. From the exhilarating highs of Phoebe's first sold-out gallery exhibition... to the complexities of navigating a...

Get ready for a raw and powerful journey through music, addiction, and redemption in "From the Shadow of the Blues - My Story of Music, Addiction, and Redemption" by John Lee Hooker Jr. with Julia Simon (Publication Date: 2025) available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Ehx8AH

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As the son of the legendary bluesman John Lee Hooker..., John Lee Hooker Jr. had a front-row seat to musical history, even performing live with his father.... But beneath the surface of fame lay a turbulent world of drug...

Get ready for a thrilling adventure into the wilds of New Mexico with The Vanishing Kind by Alice Henderson, a captivating novel published in March 2025 available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GiQOVl

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Wildlife biologist Alex Carter ventures to a remote sanctuary on a crucial mission: to track and study the elusive jaguar, a species on the brink in the United States.... Amidst stunning landscapes and the challenges of rugged terrain..., Alex employs her expertise, even using unexpected methods like Calvin Klein's Obsession to lure the...

Discover the breathtaking story of resilience and daring in 1930s New York!

Grace of the Empire State by Gemma Tizzard, a captivating work of historical fiction, published in January 2025 available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4joYMuU

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When faced with family hardship during the tumultuous era of the Great Depression, one courageous woman takes an extraordinary risk. Meet Grace, a young woman in bustling New York City who makes an audacious decision to help her family survive. With her twin brother Patrick injured and...

Discover the real story behind the legend! Dive into Henry V: The Astonishing Triumph of England’s Greatest Warrior King by acclaimed historian Dan Jones, a captivating nonfiction biography first published in the US in 2024 available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GaWUH9

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Forget the simplified tales – this book unveils the complex journey of Henry V, from his formative years as a politically and militarily active prince to his astonishing reign as king.... Explore the long and eventful apprenticeship that shaped him, his relationships, and the ambi...

Dive into the vibrant world of K-pop with I’ll Love You Forever: Notes from a K-Pop Fan by Giaae Kwon, a captivating non-fiction collection of essays set to release in 2025 available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GfOyhC

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Journey alongside the author as she navigates decades of K-pop fandom, from the pioneering days of H.O.T. to the global phenomenon of BTS and beyond. More than just a nostalgic trip, this book offers an intimate and insightful exploration of K-pop's cultural impact, the fervent in...

Get ready for a deep dive into a gripping case with The Taking of Maggie Marshall by the acclaimed true-crime author available on Amazon; https://amzn.to/4jcTD8P

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In The Taking of Maggie Marshall, renowned true-crime writer Denise Morrow tackles a chilling investigation into the disappearance and tragic end of a young girl, Maggie Marshall.... Delve into the intricacies of the police work, as Morrow meticulously examines every detail of the case. Prepare to question everything you thought you knew about justice and the...

Money, Lies, and God by Katherine Stewart, a non-fiction work in the genres of political science and current affairs, published in 2025 available on Amazon;

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Dive into the alarming rise of an antidemocratic movement in the United States with Katherine Stewart's incisive investigation, Money, Lies, and God. Journey through the hidden currents uniting seemingly disparate groups—from religious nationalists and atheistic billionaires to reactionary theologians and "spirit warriors"—in their profound rejection of Enlightenment ideals and the foundations of American democracy.... Drawing on years of reporting from...

Discover a powerful and unforgettable story in A Girl Is Lost in Her Century, Looking for Her Father by the acclaimed author Gonçalo M. Tavares, published in 2025 available on Amazon;

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Embark on a poignant journey with Hanna, a distinctive young woman searching for her father in a world shaped by the currents of the 20th century. When Marius, a man with his own secrets to keep, encounters Hanna, he finds himself unexpectedly drawn into her quest.... Their path through the city leads them to e...