Top 9 David Grann Books
Welcome to our roundup of David Grann’s captivating books! Delve into the thrilling world of journalism, forensic science, and intriguing human mysteries as we guide you through Grann’s critically acclaimed works. From his mind-boggling investigations to his gripping narratives, you’ll find yourself engrossed in these unputdownable reads. Get ready to explore the depths of human nature and uncover the mysteries that keep us hooked.
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1. J. Edgar Hoover: The Man and the Secrets
Dive into a captivating tale of political intrigue and power with “J. Edgar Hoover: The Man and the Secrets. “ This masterful portrait by Curt Gentry provides a chilling exploration of America’s top policeman and his influence over the nation. With insights gleaned from more than 300 interviews and over 100,000 pages of previously classified documents, this biography reveals the secretive world of Hoover and his tireless pursuit of power.
Discover how Hoover’s FBI became an American Gestapo, as he held near-unchecked public power for almost five decades, manipulating every president from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Richard Nixon. Unveil the truth behind his extensive blackmail files, illegal wiretaps, and hidden microphones as he ruthlessly targeted opponents. This gripping book sheds light on the creation of McCarthyism, the blackmailing of the Kennedy brothers, and the influence Hoover had on the Supreme Court.
Furthermore, delve into the impact of Hoover on civil rights, as well as his alliances with mobsters. Get an in-depth understanding of the Watergate scandal and Hoover’s role in the investigations into President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.
“J. Edgar Hoover: The Man and the Secrets” is a riveting, 852-page tale that will keep you hooked as you unravel the intricacies of Hoover’s life and legacy. With an average rating of 3.5, this unique political biography is a must-read for anyone interested in the mysteries of American history.
- Authors: Curt Gentry
- Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
- Published Date: February 17, 2001
- Page Count: 852
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Biography & Autobiography
- Average Rating: 3.5
- Ratings Count: 4.0
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
2. The Americano
Fighting with Castro for Cuba’s Freedom
In “The Americano, “ journalist Aran Shetterly revisits an era where democracy could have flourished in Cuba, as the country fought to overthrow its corrupt president, Fulgencio Batista. Told from the perspective of William Morgan, an American who joined the Cuban Revolutionary Army, this riveting book explores the experiences that led Morgan to become one of Castro’s most trusted commanders. With vivid accounts of vicious battles and triumphant victories, Shetterly tells the story of a man who found himself in a world he thought he would never fit into, but one where he could finally make a difference.
As Morgan’s war becomes personal, he not only leads the fight for Cuban freedom but also battles his own inner demons. In the end, his story is one of sacrifice, loyalty, and the unrelenting pursuit of justice.
- Authors: Aran Shetterly
- Publisher: Algonquin Books
- Published Date: August 10, 2007
- Page Count: 337
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Biography & Autobiography
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
3. The Lost City of Z
A Legendary British Explorer’s Deadly Quest to Uncover the Secrets of the Amazon
**NOW A MAJOR FILM STARRING ROBERT PATTINSON, CHARLIE HUNNAM, AND SIENNA MILLER**
Immerse yourself in the thrilling, true story of Colonel Percy Harrison Fawcett — an extraordinary British explorer obsessed with unearthing the secrets of the Amazon. In ‘The Lost City of Z’, author David Grann brings Fawcett’s extraordinary journey to life.
Fawcett was a pioneer among the last breed of unyielding British explorers. His obsession with the Amazon jungle led him to believe that it hid an advanced, hidden civilization, which he christened ‘City of Z’. He set off in 1925 for his greatest expedition, accompanied by his son Jack, vowing to discover the lost city. However, they disappeared without a trace.
Following in Fawcett and his son’s footsteps, David Grann retraces their steps and uncovers the truth about the quest. Over the next eighty years, numerous explorers plunged into the jungle hoping to find Fawcett’s party or the illusive ‘City of Z’. Many succumbed to diseases or starvation, while others simply vanished.
Grann’s spellbinding narrative unravels the greatest mystery of exploration. This riveting tale of lethal obsession will keep you at the edge of your seat as it recounts the real-life adventures of an explorer who could outperform Indiana Jones.
‘The Lost City of Z’ is a fantastic journey, a riveting story of a lost age of heroic exploration told masterfully by David Grann.
- Authors: David Grann
- Publisher: Simon and Schuster
- Published Date: August 10, 2009
- Page Count: 291
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: History
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
4. The Lost City of Z
A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon
The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon by David Grann is an enthralling masterpiece of narrative nonfiction that delves into the thrilling exploration mystery of the twentieth century. In 1925, British explorer Percy Fawcett ventured into the Amazon jungle, seeking a fabled civilization which he named “The Lost City of Z. “ The relentless pursuit for evidence of Fawcett’s party and the uncharted city claimed countless lives over the years. David Grann, an accomplished journalist, intertwines the captivating stories of Fawcett’s quest for “Z” and his own journey into the perilous jungle.
The book is not only a thrilling account of adventure but also a vivid portrayal of the human obsession with discovering the unknown. Grann’s compelling narrative is characterized by its suspense, pace, and excitement, reminiscent of a movie thriller. With 450 pages of riveting content, The Lost City of Z is a must-read for history enthusiasts and anyone seeking an unforgettable blend of suspense, exploration, and survival. As David Grann’s reputation precedes him with books like Killers of the Flower Moon and The Wager, readers are guaranteed an enlightening and unforgettable experience.
- Authors: David Grann
- Publisher: Vintage
- Published Date: January 26, 2010
- Page Count: 450
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: History
- Average Rating: 5.0
- Ratings Count: 1.0
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
5. The Long Walk
A Story of War and the Life That Follows
“The Long Walk: A Story of War and the Life That Follows” is a captivating and heart-wrenching account of war, survival, and the human spirit written by Brian Castner. Castner, a decorated veteran of the Iraq War, masterfully weaves together two compelling narratives — the intense, harrowing experience of war and the equally challenging journey of readjusting to life at home.
The book takes readers on a nerve-wracking expedition through the arduous work of disarming improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Iraq. Castner’s powerful storytelling transports readers to the battlefield, showcasing the adrenaline, camaraderie, and fear that comes with the daily risk of life and limb. Yet, “The Long Walk” is more than just a recounting of war; it delves deep into the emotional and psychological impacts of conflict on service members.
Upon returning home, Castner grapples with an overwhelming feeling of fear and guilt, a feeling he terms “The Crazy. “ His vivid portrayal of this inner war offers a sobering look at the unseen toll of war on soldiers and their families. The book’s poignant exploration of the soldier’s experience will leave readers with a profound understanding of the challenges faced by those who have served and the sacrifices that have been made.
With a gripping narrative and raw honesty, “The Long Walk” is a must-read for anyone interested in the human experience of war. This powerful and deeply moving memoir will undoubtedly resonate with readers long after the final page is turned.
- Authors: Brian Castner
- Publisher: Anchor
- Published Date: July 10, 2012
- Page Count: 240
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Biography & Autobiography
- Average Rating: 5.0
- Ratings Count: 1.0
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
6. Killers of the Flower Moon
The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI
In the 1920s, the Osage Nation in Oklahoma became the wealthiest people per capita in the world, thanks to oil discovered beneath their land. But their fortune turned into a nightmare when a series of gruesome murders targeted the Osage people. Among them were the relatives of Mollie Burkhart, who found herself caught up in a chilling conspiracy.
As the body count rose, the newly formed FBI stepped in, headed by a young J. Edgar Hoover. He recruited a former Texas Ranger named Tom White to help solve the mystery. Together with an undercover team and the help of the Osage Nation, White began to unravel a terrifying web of deception.
“Killers of the Flower Moon” takes readers on an unforgettable journey into the hearts of a people besieged by their own prosperity. The horrifying true story of greed, power, and betrayal will keep you on the edge of your seat, as you uncover the chilling secrets buried beneath the wealth of the Osage Nation.
Don’t miss this stunning work of literary journalism from David Grann, the author of “The Wager” and “The Lost City of Z. “ The haunting tale of “Killers of the Flower Moon” will leave you breathless and eager for more.
- Authors: David Grann
- Publisher: Vintage
- Published Date: April 03, 2018
- Page Count: 417
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: True Crime
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
7. Boom Town
The Fantastical Saga of Oklahoma City, Its Chaotic Founding… Its Purloined Basketball Team, and the Dream of Becoming a World-class Metropolis
Venture into the mesmerizing world of Oklahoma City with Boom Town, a dazzling saga penned by Sam Anderson, an award-winning journalist. This book is a vibrant mix of civics, sports, and destiny, offering an engaging look at the transformation of a city as seen through the lens of Oklahoma City Thunder basketball team’s gripping 2012–13 season.
Boom Town traces the captivating tale of a city born among chaos, the momentous “Land Run” in 1889, which kickstarted the city’s tumultuous relationship with ambition and progress. Through a remarkable and unique blend of American history, sports reporting, urban studies, gonzo memoir, and more, Anderson skillfully creates a vivid portrait of Oklahoma City as a microcosm of the democratic experiment.
Discover a thrilling cast of characters, from NBA legends Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, to the quirky frontman of the Flaming Lips, Wayne Coyne, and noteworthy figures like Stanley Draper, civil rights advocate Clara Luper, and the city’s resilient first responders who endured the tragic 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah federal building.
With a total of 513 exhilarating pages, Boom Town will leave you enthralled, questioning the delicate balance between control and chaos, and how both sports and civic responsibility converge in Oklahoma City to craft this fascinating American metropolis.
- Authors: Sam Anderson
- Publisher: Crown
- Published Date: August 21, 2018
- Page Count: 513
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Social Science
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
8. Scoundrel
How a Convicted Murderer Persuaded the Women Who Loved Him, the Conservative Establishment, and the Courts to Set Him Free
“Scoundrel: How a Convicted Murderer Persuaded the Women Who Loved Him, the Conservative Establishment, and the Courts to Set Him Free” is a compelling exploration of mid-century America that delves into the story of Edgar Smith, a murderer who managed to manipulate and deceive some of the most influential figures of his time. From his correspondence with conservative thinker William F. Buckley to his eventual attempts to murder again, the book paints a vivid picture of a psychopath who slipped through society’s cracks.
Sarah Weinman, the author of “The Real Lolita” and editor of “Unspeakable Acts, “ masterfully weaves together the threads of this bizarre and tragic tale. “Scoundrel” sheds light on the complex web of lies and deceit that ensnared not only Buckley but also Edgar Smith’s other acquaintances, including friends, book editors, and lovers.
In this thrilling narrative, Weinman probes the question of who in our world is accorded innocence, and how the public becomes complicit in the stories we tell one another. The book offers a unique perspective on the ways in which the American criminal justice system has been shaped by the very people it aims to protect.
As Weinman uncovers the forgotten part of American history at the nexus of justice, prison reform, and civil rights, readers are left with a poignant reminder of the stark realities faced by Edgar Smith’s victims. “Scoundrel” is a must-read for anyone interested in the intricate interplay between true crime, psychology, and the history of our time.
- Authors: Sarah Weinman
- Publisher: HarperCollins
- Published Date: February 22, 2022
- Page Count: 464
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: True Crime
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
9. Exploration Fawcett
Journey to the Lost City of Z
“Exploration Fawcett: Journey to the Lost City of Z” is a thrilling and untamed exploration of the lost city of Z. Mystic and legendary British explorer Colonel Percy Harrison Fawcett led a perilous adventure in Brazil, seeking the fabled secret city for ten years. Compiled by his younger son, who was his companion on these arduous journeys, the book features manuscripts, letters, and logbooks from the heart of the deadly jungles and forests.
First published in 1953 to great acclaim from literary giants like Graham Greene and Harold Nicolson, this remarkable tale was later discovered among the bookshelf of Ernest Hemingway. An international phenomenon, “Exploration Fawcett” offers a mesmerizing account of Fawcett’s risk-filled pursuits for the lost city, filled with courage, fortitude, and a touch of doom. To this day, the enigmatic disappearance of Colonel Fawcett remains an unsolved mystery.
This enthralling biography will captivate readers with its harrowing accounts, setting the stage for the major motion picture “The Lost City of Z. “ Get ready to embark on a journey unlike any other, where reality intertwines with mystery, and mythic exploration meets the harsh reality of nature. Will you uncover the secrets of the lost city of Z?
- Authors: Percy Harrison Fawcett
- Publisher: Sanzani Edizioni
- Published Date: January 02, 2024
- Page Count: 523
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Biography & Autobiography
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
