Moral Combat: Good and Evil in World War II by Michael Burleigh

Investigation of the moral aspects of WWII, from the strategic bombing campaigns to collaboration in occupied France.

Shattered Sword by Parshall and Tully

This is a thorough and somewhat revisionist history of the Battle of Midway. The authors don't challenge the conventional history - a glorious American victory based on superior intelligence, planning, tactical flexibility, individual initiative and a good bit of luck - but they do reveal many fascinating details that expose some unsung heroes and also overturn a few well-known but false truisms concerning the American triumph. Among the former is Lt. Dick Best, perhaps the most accurate dive-bombing aviator in the U.S. Navy. It turns out that only three dive-bombers attacked the Japanese carrier Akagi in the critical attack that sank three flattops. Best and his element were winging over to attack the Kaga when he noticed that it was also being attacked by the more famous C. Wade McCluskey and his planes. At the last second, Best changed his target to the Akagi and, among the three planes attacking, scored the only hit. But that hit was enough to turn the Akagi into an inferno. Had Best gone after the Kaga, the Akagi would have been left unscathed and capable of delivering a possibly devastating counterattack on the U.S. fleet. Best also scored a hit on the Hiryu in a later attack. Among the false notions concerning the battle is the claim that the Japanese carriers were caught with flight decks full of planes being refueled and rearmed. By analyzing the timeline of events the authors show that this cannot be true. In fact, the origin of the notion was probably as a means for the Japanese commanders to save face, as they could blame the disaster on unfortunate circumstance rather than poor planning and tactical performance. Highly recommended.

The Longest Winter by Alex Kershaw

Riveting account of an I&R platoon in the 99th Division during the Battle of the Bulge and afterwards in captivity. I knew remotely the story of a platoon that held up the entire northern German thrust for a day, but this book provides the first hand account details of how 18 men more or less ruined Wacht Am Rhein the first day of the operation.

Churchill by Paul Johnson

Short biography of Churchill from Johnson, who is a fan, and who could blame him? As usual, Johnson gives a different perspective on events that you thought were settled history, like the Gallipoli misadventure in WW1.

We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver

Outstanding novel about a teenage killer, told from the point of view of his mother. Shriver is a perceptive psychologist.

Empires of the Sea by Roger Crowley

Outstanding work of narrative history concerning the contest for control of the Mediterranean Sea in the 16th century. From the conquest of Rhodes, to the Siege of Malta, to the Battle of Lepanto, it's all here, told in thrilling style. One of the most enthralling history books I've ever read.

Socrates by Paul Johnson

Johnson is an historian (maybe the greatest living historian), and he takes an historians approach to an introduction to Socrates. Excellent. (audiobook)