Confronting the Presidents by O’Reilly & Dugard: Book Overview

Collage of US presidents Washington, Jackson, Lincoln, Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, FDR, JFK, Nixon, George W. Bush, and Obama

Every US president leaves their mark on history—some as heroes, others as cautionary tales. Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard’s Confronting the Presidents: No Spin Assessments From Washington to Biden examines the personal lives and political legacies of the American presidents. The book reveals how the decisions, relationships, and character traits of these leaders shaped the country we know today. Read more to explore how various presidents navigated the pressures of the highest office and what their stories teach us about America as a nation.

Unbroken: Book Discussion Questions & Activities (Hillenbrand)

A painting-style image of two men and three women in a book club discussion

We’ve put together discussion questions for Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand that you can use with a book club, a class at school, or a team at work. We include sample answers, book club activities that will help you get more out of what you’ve read, and recommendations for more reading if you like this book. Book Synopsis Unbroken tells the extraordinary true story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner turned World War II bombardier. After his B-24 plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean in 1943, Zamperini and two crewmates survived 47 harrowing days adrift on a life raft, enduring starvation,

Bill Gates’s Source Code: My Beginnings (Book Overview)

Young Bill Gates with a thoughtful expression sitting in a chair by a window

What childhood experiences shaped Bill Gates into the tech visionary we know today? How did a rebellious middle child from Seattle end up founding one of the world’s most influential technology companies? Bill Gates’s Source Code: My Beginnings reveals these formative moments. The book traces his journey from an energetic troublemaker to a pioneering entrepreneur. Gates shares stories about family influences, early computer encounters, and the friendships that changed everything. Continue reading for an overview of this autobiography.

Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams—Book Overview

The Facebook logo on a plain blue background

Can tech leaders be trusted to shape our future? What happens when profit and power trump ethics and accountability? In Careless People, Sarah Wynn-Williams—Facebook’s Director of Global Policy from 2011-2017—offers an insider account of her time working at Facebook. In this memoir and tell-all, Wynn-Williams alleges that Facebook’s top leaders were dangerously reckless people who caused great harm in the world. Keep reading to learn more about the dark side of Facebook, as told by an insider.

Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam: Book Overview & Takeaways

A woman with long, dark hair reading a book alone at a table in a bowling alley

What’s happened to social bonds in America over the past century? How do these connections impact our individual lives and society as a whole? Robert Putnam’s Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community traces the rise and fall of social capital. Putnam shows how American civic engagement peaked in the 1950s before steadily declining, threatening not just our social lives but our collective well-being. Continue reading for an overview of this groundbreaking book.

How Generational Attitudes Shape Social Capital (Robert Putnam)

People of different ages (young woman, middle-aged man, elderly woman) illustrate various generational attitudes

What causes entire generations to become less interested in civic life? How did major historical events and technological changes impact America’s social capital? In his book Bowling Alone, Robert Putnam identifies generational attitudes as the primary driver behind America’s declining civic participation. The unique experiences of different generations created distinct perspectives on social responsibility. Read on reading to see how these generational shifts occurred, why social capital flourished after World War II, and what patterns offer hope for rebuilding our connections.

The Decline of Social Capital & What’s to Blame (Robert Putnam)

A man bowling alone in a bowling alley illustrates the decline of social capital

What’s caused Americans to become increasingly isolated from one another over the last several decades? How does this disconnection impact our communities and political landscape? In his book Bowling Alone, Robert Putnam tracks how America’s social connections have steadily weakened since the 1960s. He documents the decline of social capital across various aspects of society, from church attendance and bowling leagues to family dinners and political participation. Read on to understand how and why meaningful community bonds have deteriorated.

The Evolution of Houses: The Home as a Record of Human History

A house in the 17th century illustrates the evolution of houses

How did our ancestors make the shift from nomadic life to permanent homes? What can we learn about human history by exploring the changing form and function of houses throughout time? The evolution of houses tells us more about our past than just architectural preferences. In his book At Home, Bill Bryson reveals how homes transformed from basic shelters into comfortable living spaces, with changing building materials, room layouts, and garden designs reflecting broader societal shifts. Keep reading to discover how chimneys created privacy, why the middle class revolutionized comfort, and how technological innovations transformed both indoor and outdoor living

A History of Food Preservation: 3 Life-Changing Innovations

Food stored in Mason jars on shelves in a pantry illustrates the history of food preservation

How did our ancestors keep food from spoiling before refrigeration? What surprising methods and materials were used throughout the history of food preservation? In his book At Home, Bill Bryson explores how humans transitioned from consuming local foods immediately to preserving them for extended periods. The history of food preservation reveals several fascinating innovations—alongside a few disturbing practices. Read on to learn how these preservation breakthroughs transformed the way we eat.