My most enduring fantasy is to become an author of books people will actually read. Along with that, the study of history is another of my passions. A few years ago, when I was working on a master’s degree in history, I spent many fulfilling hours researching and writing about historical events and personalities. Today, I want to introduce you to five books I wish I had written.

"The Great Plains during World War II" by R. Douglas Hurt is the book I most wish I had written. I am extremely interested in this topic because I wrote my master’s thesis about Hastings and the Naval Ammunition Depot during World War II. R. Douglas Hurt is head of the Department of History at Purdue University and has written extensively on the Great Plains and American West. "The Great Plains during World War II" examines the effects of the war on the region, and how its residents responded to the war.

"Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: An American Controversy" by Annette Gordon-Reed of course looks at the impact of the relationship between a master and his slave. The master in this case just happened to be the writer of the Declaration of Independence and the third American president. Annette Gordon-Reed, a Professor of Law at New York Law School, has updated her earlier work in light of new DNA evidence that supports the Jefferson-Hemings liaison.

"World War I: The African Front" by Edward Paige studies the often forgotten World War I Africa campaign between the Europe’s colonial forces. Over 100,000 Allied troops died as did hundreds of thousands of civilians in this butchery. This is that war’s front that inspired C. S. Forester’s "The African Queen".

"1960: LBJ vs. JFK vs. Nixon" by David Pietrusza analyzes the presidential campaign that involved three future presidents. This campaign marked the end of backroom politics and the ascendance of presidential primaries. Pietrusza offers insights into the character of three flawed men, including Kennedy’s self-destructive behavior, Johnson’s insecurities and Nixon’s antagonism toward the press.

If all you know about Nathan Hale is his famous last words, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country," then "Nathan Hale: The Life and Death of America’s First Spy" by M. William Phelps is your opportunity to learn more. This well-researched biography by Phelps separates fact from myth to reveal a young man who deserves to be remembered as an American patriot.

I may need to take a leave-of-absence to write my own book; however, in the meantime, I will satisfy myself by reading these fine histories.

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