The Killer Angels

"Everybody should read this phenomenal novel. Here is Joshua Chamberlain, a professor of rhetoric-turned-Union Army colonel, standing there on the edge of Little Round Top at Gettysburg, unable to retreat, almost out of ammunition, in danger of being outflanked, and where does his fear go? Into the mission and taking care of the people around him. That's what great leaders do--channel fear, because fear is a form of motivation and ambition, too."--Michael Shaara

1776 by David McCullough

"George Washington was a leader with extraordinary Return on Luck. He basically failed his way to success. I define a great leader as one who has superior results, makes a distinctive impact, and has an enduring legacy. Washington's legacy was not just leading the Continental Army and serving as the first President. It was also his decision to step down after two terms. Yes, he was personally ambitious and proud, but in the end, it wasn't about him. It was about the country."

American Caesar: Douglas MacArthur 1880-1964 and Goodbye, Darkness: A Memoir of the Pacific War

"These books, together, are a spectacular combination. MacArthur lacked humility, but he was a strategic genius, no question about it. Goodbye, Darkness is Manchester's autobiography. As a Marine in the Pacific War, he was severely wounded on Okinawa, and as a middle-aged man suffered from nightmares. Eventually, Manchester goes back to Okinawa. He writes that, in the end, you fight for each other."--both by William Manchester

Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne From Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest