We are sharing 20 Books a History Loving Girl In Her 20’s Read In 2020.
How do you like the title “20 Books a History Loving Girl In Her 20’s Read in 2020”? It is quite the title.
I had so much trouble coming up with a title for this post. I wanted to share a list of books that my oldest daughter (not Grace) read in 2020 but didn’t know how to title it or how to describe her reading tastes.
My oldest daughter has always loved to read. She pretty much learned to read on her own when she was four years old. She has been a reader ever since.
The last few years, college took over her life as it does for many people her age, and her reading life suffered because of it. She read plenty, but they were textbooks–not books of her choosing.
She graduated from college in May of 2020. Yes, in the middle of the pandemic. It was an interesting time to graduate from college. However, with college being over and 2020 canceling so many plans, her reading life has taken off again.
When I realized how many books she read this year, I asked her if she would be willing to share a list of some of her favorites. She agreed, and today she is sharing 20 books she read in 2020. Also known as 20 Books a History Loving Girl In Her 20’s Read in 2020.
Her list is full of nonfiction history and military memoirs. This is probably not your typical reading list for a girl who is a recent college graduate.
She loves anything animals, especially dogs. She also loves to hunt and spend time outdoors. This is evident in the books she picks. I also tease her that if her life had been different, she probably would have gone into the military, which probably explains why she loves modern military history so much. My guess is that she will go back to school someday and get a degree in history just because she loves it so much.
Curious what else our family read in 2020?
Now for my daughter’s thoughts and list of 20 Books, a Girl In Her 20’s Read In 2020
The majority of books that I read are nonfiction. I rarely select a fiction book. When I do, it is just not the same as reading about what really happened to someone.
Although I read some older history, such as The Brenner Assignment: The Untold Story of the Most Daring Spy Mission of World War II, my favorite books are written while most of the subjects are still living, whether that is Simone Bile’s Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, a Life in Balance or Marcus Luttrell’s Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10. I enjoy reading about events from a year I lived so that I have a reference and know that while I was x number of years old, this was happening.
It is neat to see that even while I live my life, important historical events are occurring. As a result, my 2020 list consists mostly of modern nonfiction books.
None Braver: U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen in the Afghanistan War by Michael Hirsh
Pararescuemen (PJs) have such an important job in the military. Hirsch writes about a variety of courageous PJs. Click here to learn more about None Braver.
No Place to Hide: A Brain Surgeon’s Long Journey Home from the Iraq War by Dr. W. Lee Warren
This is my favorite read this year. Dr. Warren was an American military doctor who really helps the reader understand what he went through both physically and emotionally in his time as a doctor overseas. Click here to learn more about No Place to Hide
The Brenner Assignment: The Untold Story of the Most Daring Spy Mission of World War II by
Patrick O’Donnell
This is a fascinating WWII story where men put their lives on the line for the Allies. Click here for more information about The Brenner Assignment
I Can Only Imagine: A Memoir by Bart Millard
We often think famous people have a life full of ease. This book proves otherwise. Bart Millard had an awful start in life that only God could change for good. Click here for more information about I can Only Imagine.
13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi by Mitchell Zuckoff
Zuckoff did an excellent job narrating the chaos surrounding the attack on the U.S. State Department Special Mission Compound and a CIA station in Benghazi. Click here for more information about 13 Hours.
From Baghdad, with Love: A Dog, a Marine, and the Love That Saved Them by Lt Col Jay
Kopelman
This is a heartwarming story. An Iraqi dog broke into the hearts of marines who would do anything to keep their furry friend safe. Click here for more information about From Baghdad, with Love.
The Heart and the Fist: The Education of a Humanitarian, the Making of a Navy SEAL by Eric Greitens
Not only was Eric Greitens a SEAL, but he was also an Oxford graduate before he ever served in the military. He had a heart for helping others, which led him to become a SEAL. Click here to read more about The Heart and the Fist.
Still in the Game: Finding the Faith to Tackle Life’s Biggest Challenges by Devon Stills
Devon Stills had a rough upbringing but overcame it and became an NFL player. He then struggled to play football while also helping his young daughter win her fight against cancer. Click here for more information about Still In the Game.
Bringing Columbia Home: The Untold Story of a Lost Space Shuttle and Her Crew by Michael Leinbach and Jonathan Ward
Most Americans have heard of the Columbia accident. However, few understand the work that it took to recover the space shuttle and figure out what happened. Click here for more information about Bringing Columbia Home.
The Killing School: Inside the World’s Deadliest Sniper Program by Brandon Webb
Sniper’s do not just shoot—so much more goes into the perfect shot. Brandon Webb explains the ins and outs of sniping as well as a glimpse into his time as a sniper instructor. Click here for more information about The Killing School.
Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10 by Marcus Luttrell
A mission did not go as plan, and Marcus Luttrell was the only SEAL who survived the mission. Thanks to grit and determination, Marcus Luttrell made it home. Click here for more information about Lone Survivor.
Way of the Reaper: My Greatest Untold Missions and the Art of Being a Sniper by Nicholas Irving
Irving captures the work a sniper goes through to be able to make the perfect shot. He gives the reader a glimpse into the emotions of a sniper. Click here for more information about Way of the Reaper
Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…and Maybe the World by Admiral William McRaven
This is a great motivational book about the importance of doing the little things right and working as a team. Click here to read more about Make Your Bed.
Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, a Life in Balance by Simone Biles
Simone Biles has grandparents who have backed her all the way through her gymnastic career. Without their help, she would not have been the success she is today. Click here for more information about Courage to Soar.
This is the Day: Reclaim Your Dream. Ignite Your Passion. Live Your Purpose. by Tim Tebow
Tim Tebow is not only passionate about helping others, but he is also eager to motivate others to give people a helping hand. Click here for more information about This is the Day.
Accidental Branding: How Ordinary People Build Extraordinary Brands by David Vinjamuri
When we use our favorite products over and over again, we rarely consider the history of the brands we use. Most brands have a very interesting story behind them. Click here for more information.
Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero by Michael Hingson
Living through the chaos of 9/11 was hard enough for the average person. Having to maneuver through the chaos without sight would be even harder. However, Michael Hingson accomplished just that with the help of his service dog. Click here for more information about Thunder Dog.
Brothers Forever: The Enduring Bond Between a Marine and a Navy Seal That Transcended Their Ultimate Sacrifice by Tom Sileo and Col Tom Manion
Brendan Looney and Travis Manion entered the military as strangers but soon became close friends. Looney soon became like a son to Manion’s family. Manion’s family went through the loss of their son before also losing Brendan Looney. Click here for a full book review.
Fall and Rise: The Story of 9/11 by Mitchell Zuckoff
9/11 was more than the loss of a mass number of Americans. It was the loss of individuals, which affected coworkers, families, and friends. Click here for more information about Fall and Rise.
They Called Her Reckless: A True Story of War, Love and One Extraordinary Horse by Janet Barrett
During the Korean War, a horse named Reckless not only helped carry ammo, but she also provided Marines comfort while they were on the frontlines away from home. Click here for more information about They Called Her Reckless.
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