DK Biography: Abraham Lincoln: A Photographic Story of a Life by Tanya Lee Stone

 DK Biography: Abraham Lincoln: A Photographic Story of a Life by Tanya Lee Stone-128 pages

This is a short, but informative biography of the 16th President of the United States. I already knew some about his life, especially his time as President. However, I did learn a few new things, especially about his childhood and life before his Presidency. For example, Lincoln worked many different odd jobs including working at general stores and co-owning a general store. He did a lot of things before becoming a lawyer and then politician. His positions on issues evolved over time. For most of his life up until the time he issued the Emancipation Proclamation he simply didn't want to allow slavery to extend. It could continue to exist where it was already legal. Lincoln was against slavery but was not a staunch abolitionist. Some may not realize that he used a lot of executive powers during the Civil War, including suspending the writ of Habeas Corpus to have southern sympathizers (especially in Maryland, so that they wouldn't secede and Washington wouldn't be surrounded) arrested. Also, income tax was instituted during the Civil War as a way to pay for the growing costs of the war. Lincoln is considered by many to be one of the greatest presidents (and I agree). He didn't have much formal schooling. He mostly taught himself to read and write and law, among other subjects. This was a pretty light, easy read and I would recommend it to anyone wanting a basic knowledge of Lincoln. I would give it 4 out of 5 stars. 

Malcolm X: A Graphic Biography by Andrew Helfer and Randy DuBurke

Malcolm X: A Graphic Biography by Andrew Helfer and Randy DuBurke-112 pages

I had not read much on Malcolm X, but was intrigued when I saw this graphic biography. I have heard some about his life, but wanted to read and know more. It was definitely an interesting and somber read. He had a tough upbringing and childhood/young adulthood. He spent years in prison and converted to the Nation of Islam while in prison. He became an outspoken and, at first, liked leader of the NOI, but soon ran afoul of the leader Elijah Muhammad and was thrown out of the NOI. He created his own new group(s) and was assassinated by members of the NOI at a speaking event for one of his groups. He was much more revered after his death that while living and to this day many still hold him in high regard. He was a Civil Rights leader, albeit a controversial one. It is sad that many of the Civil Rights leaders were assassinated.

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas -- 608 pages

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a Pastor, wholly dedicated to the true church, enough to stand up against the German Christian movement that Hitler instituted.
He was a Prophet who saw Hitler's mad and sadistic nature before anyone else could, and warned the Germans of the path that they were headed on.
He was a Spy and a critical part of the conspiracy to assassinate Hitler.
And lastly, he was a Martyr, executed for his actions only days before Hitler committed suicide and the war ended.
This biography is quite long and can be a bit dry, but the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer is a great one.

Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson

Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson  386 pages

Ten years ago, Calamity came. It was a burst in the sky that gave ordinary men and women extraordinary powers. The awed public started calling them Epics.
But Epics are no friend of man. With incredible gifts came the desire to rule. And to rule man you must crush his will.  Nobody fights the Epics . . . nobody but the Reckoners. A shadowy group of ordinary humans, they spend their lives studying Epics, finding their weaknesses, and then assassinating them.  And David wants in. He wants Steelheart - the Epic who is said to be invincible. The Epic who killed David's father. For years, like the Reckoners, David's been studying, and planning - and he has something they need. Not an object, but an experience.  He's seen Steelheart bleed. And he wants revenge.