{"title":"15 History Books That Read Like Fiction","description":"\u003cp\u003eWant to learn more about history but prefer the pace and storytelling of a great novel? These are 15 history books that read like fiction! From Cold War spies and wartime resistance fighters to political assassinations, disasters, NZ history and remarkable lives, these history books are every bit as exciting as fiction, except they really happened!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"endurance-shackletons-incredible-voyage","title":"Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eEndurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage\u003c\/i\u003e by Alfred Lansing is one of the most remarkable tales of human courage and determination ever told. Set against the backdrop of one of the harshest environments on Earth, this narrative offers a riveting depiction of true adventure and fortitude. In 1914, Sir Ernest Shackleton, along with his crew of 27 men, embarked on an ambitious expedition to traverse the Antarctic continent aboard a ship aptly named the Endurance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe journey took a dire turn in October 1915 when the Endurance became trapped in the unforgiving pack ice and was eventually crushed, leaving the crew stranded miles from their intended destination. For five grueling months, Shackleton and his men survived on drifting ice floes, enduring extreme cold, dwindling supplies, and the constant threat of predators like sea leopards. The crew faced treacherous conditions with incredible resilience and unyielding teamwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrawing on first-hand accounts and extensive interviews with survivors, Lansing vividly recounts the crew's harrowing experiences. Readers are immersed in the day-to-day challenges faced by the men— from battling disease and maintaining their sanity to sustaining their civility and morale in unimaginably adverse conditions. The narrative explores the psychological and physical trials they overcame, illustrating the depth of human endurance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eEndurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage\u003c\/i\u003e is more than a survival story; it’s a testament to leadership, the spirit of exploration, and the unbreakable human will. Lansing's meticulous research and engaging prose ensure that the story is not only a historical account but also an inspiring epic that resonates with readers long after the last page is turned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"To this day, a book called Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing remains my favourite book of all time. Of course there’s a lot more reading to be done in my life – and these days, it’s mostly Cabinet papers – but that book moved me in a way that none other has, perhaps because it was true. \" - Jacinda Ardern. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Alliance Distribution Services Pty Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45647232958700,"sku":"9780753809877","price":24.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780753809877.jpg?v=1724711286"},{"product_id":"killers-of-the-flower-moon","title":"Killers of the Flower Moon","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWINNER OF THE EDGAR AWARD FOR BEST FACT CRIME\u003cbr\u003e SHORTLISTED FOR THE ANDREW CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE IN NON-FICTION\u003cbr\u003e SHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA ALCS GOLD DAGGER FOR NON-FICTION\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eNOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE DIRECTED BY MARTIN SCORSESE STARRING LEONARDO DICAPRIO AND ROBERT DE NIRO\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA riveting true story\u003c\/strong\u003e of greed, serial murder and racial injustice’ \u003cstrong\u003eJON KRAKAUER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA fiercely entertaining mystery\u003c\/strong\u003e story and a wrenching exploration of evil’ \u003cstrong\u003eKATE ATKINSON\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA fascinating account\u003c\/strong\u003e of a tragic and forgotten chapter in the history of the American West’ \u003cstrong\u003eJOHN GRISHAM\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eThe Lost City of Z,\u003c\/em\u003e now a major film starring Charlie Hunnam, Sienna Miller, Robert Pattinson and Tom Holland, \u003cem\u003eand the Number One international bestseller The Wager,\u003c\/em\u003e comes a true-life murder story which became one of the FBI’s first major homicide investigations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn the 1920s, the richest people per capita in the world were members of the Osage Indian nation in Oklahoma. 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In \u003cem\u003eKilling Thatcher\u003c\/em\u003e, veteran journalist Rory Carroll meticulously reconstructs the series of events that nearly altered the course of British politics forever. This riveting account unveils the story behind the IRA's meticulous plan to assassinate Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and decimate the British Cabinet, an endeavour rooted deep within the Northern Ireland Troubles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eStarting with the cold-blooded execution of Lord Mountbatten in 1979—a harrowing act for which the IRA claimed responsibility—Carroll sets the stage for the political turbulence that followed. The narrative traces Margaret Thatcher's ascent to power, her staunch and controversial stance on the Northern Ireland issue, and the consequential hunger strikes of 1981 that claimed the lives of 10 republican prisoners, including Bobby Sands. These deaths ignited a fierce enmity between Thatcher and the IRA, culminating in the organisation's vow for revenge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe story propels forward with a gripping prologue featuring Patrick Magee, the orchestrator of the Brighton bombing, as tensions build towards the climactic attack. Carroll masterfully paints a vivid picture, leading readers through pubs, palaces, safe houses, interrogation rooms, hotels, and military barracks across three continents. It’s an intricate dance involving elite IRA operatives supported by US-raised funds, Libya's Qaddafi, and a renegade priest, juxtaposed against the relentless efforts of intelligence officers, police detectives, informers and bomb disposal experts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eKilling Thatcher\u003c\/em\u003e goes beyond a simple recounting of events. It delves into the psychological and emotional landscapes of those involved, delivering a narrative that reads as taut and thrilling as any piece of fiction. Carroll's exhaustive research and deft storytelling lay bare the fragile fibres of loyalty, betrayal, and fear that wove together this dramatic chapter in British history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis masterfully crafted book has earned its place on prestigious lists, such as The Sunday Times Bestseller and The Irish Times No.1 Bestseller, echoing through accolades like 'A Sunday Times History Book of the Year' and 'A Spectator Book of the Year'. Critics have lauded it for its gripping detail and richly layered prose, with the \u003cem\u003eMail on Sunday\u003c\/em\u003e likening it to 'a fictional thriller' and the \u003cem\u003eGuardian\u003c\/em\u003e hailing it as 'detailed and richly layered'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're a history aficionado, a student of political intrigue, or simply a reader in search of a compelling true crime saga, \u003cem\u003eKilling Thatcher\u003c\/em\u003e offers an unparalleled window into the heart of one of modern history’s most sensational assassination plots. 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The narrative weaves together stories of the Churchill family, his closest advisers, and ordinary citizens, capturing the resilience and spirit of a country under siege.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e On Winston Churchill’s first day as prime minister, Hitler invaded Holland and Belgium. Poland and Czechoslovakia had already fallen, and the Dunkirk evacuation was just two weeks away. For the next twelve months, the Nazis waged a relentless bombing campaign, killing 45,000 Britons and destroying two million homes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Drawing on once-secret intelligence reports and diaries, Larson takes readers from the shelled streets of London to Churchill’s own chambers, offering a vivid vision of true leadership when – in the face of unrelenting horror – a leader of eloquence, strategic brilliance, and perseverance bound a country, and a family, together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eThe Splendid and the Vile\u003c\/em\u003e provides a beautifully crafted portrayal of Churchill’s character, blending his moments of vulnerability and unwavering determination. Readers get a front-seat view of his private and public life, the strategic decisions he wrestled with, and the comfort he sought within his family amidst the chaos. The book paints a compelling picture of what it was like to live through the Blitz, making history come alive with intricate details and personal anecdotes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Larson’s narrative is both fresh and deeply moving, depicting how Churchill’s speeches injected courage directly into the British people. His storytelling brings to life the tension and drama of wartime Britain, drawing the reader into the era with a cinematic sweep. More than just a historical account, \u003cem\u003eThe Splendid and the Vile\u003c\/em\u003e offers insightful lessons on leadership and the power of resilience, making it a must-read for history enthusiasts and those interested in the timeless qualities of true leadership.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Experience the gripping saga of Britain’s enduring resistance and Churchill’s inspirational leadership, as told by one of today's most talented historical authors. \u003cem\u003eThe Splendid and the Vile\u003c\/em\u003e will leave you with a profound understanding of a pivotal moment in history and an enduring admiration for those who faced an unimaginable crisis with courage and defiance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45687114924268,"sku":"9780008274986","price":24.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780008274986.jpg?v=1725473382"},{"product_id":"chickenhawk","title":"Chickenhawk","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobert Mason's \u003cem\u003eChickenhawk\u003c\/em\u003e takes readers on a visceral and harrowing journey through the Vietnam War, as seen from the cockpit of a Huey helicopter. Mason, who dreamed of flying from a young age, is given the opportunity by the U.S. Army, leading him to pilot more than 1,000 assault missions between August 1965 and July 1966. Through his eyes, we experience the relentless intensity, chaos, and horror of this conflict in vivid and unforgettable detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis seminal work offers an unparalleled bird's-eye view of the war, capturing the accelerating terror and the increasingly desperate courage of soldiers caught in an insane and brutal conflict. Mason's narrative, recounting the intense realities of combat, lends this memoir its raw and gripping authenticity. The book's power lies not only in its detailed descriptions of aerial warfare but also in its exploration of the emotional and psychological toll on those who were there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBritish astronaut Tim Peake reflects, \"I read this as a young pilot about to embark on a career flying military helicopters. It should have put me off for life. Robert Mason tells a gripping account of the relentless courage and heroism amidst the insanity of the Vietnam War. The final few pages are the most shocking I have read in any book.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eChickenhawk\u003c\/em\u003e stands out for its unflinching honesty and the vivid, astoundingly intense descriptions of flying that have captivated readers for decades. The narrative details the lives of men at war, capturing moments of courage and cowardice, boredom and exhilaration, enduring friendship and sudden death. It's a book filled with powerful scenes that remain etched in memory long after the last page is turned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNot for the faint-hearted, \u003cem\u003eChickenhawk\u003c\/em\u003e conveys a powerful, lasting message about the true nature of war and the profound impact it has on those who engage in it. 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In meticulously researched detail, Macintyre paints a vivid portrait of espionage, double-crossing, and unparalleled bravery, giving readers a riveting glimpse into a clandestine world where deception is the norm and the stakes are sky-high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn a warm July evening in 1985, a conspicuous figure stood on the pavement of a bustling Moscow street, clutching a plastic carrier bag emblazoned with the red logo of Safeway, a British supermarket. Despite his otherwise nondescript appearance—grey suit and tie—this man was anything but ordinary. He was Oleg Gordievsky, a high-ranking KGB officer who had spent over a decade covertly supplying his British handlers with some of the most sensitive and damaging intelligence about the Soviet Union.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Safeway bag was no random accessory; it was a signal, a desperate cry for help to initiate his escape from Soviet clutches. 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Despite the wooden leg she acquired from a hunting accident, she manoeuvred through the treacherous landscape of war-torn France with a determined gait and captivating beauty. Her mission: to ignite the flames of resistance against the Nazi regime.\n\nBy 1942, Hall had become the Gestapo's most urgent target. She had successfully infiltrated Vichy command, trained civilians in guerrilla warfare tactics, and orchestrated daring escapes from Nazi prison camps. As the first woman to go undercover for the British Special Operations Executive (SOE), her intelligence gathering and covert operations significantly altered the course of the war. However, her battle against tyranny did not end there.\n\nPurnell’s narrative deftly explores the myriad obstacles Hall faced, including the sexism and discrimination that challenged her at every turn. 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This book is an extraordinary account of bravery and intelligence that will leave readers enthralled.\n\n\u003cstrong\u003e'A rousing tale of derring-do' \u003c\/strong\u003e— THE TIMES \u003cbr\u003e \n\u003cstrong\u003e'Riveting' \u003c\/strong\u003e— MICK HERRON \u003cbr\u003e \n\u003cstrong\u003e'Superb' \u003c\/strong\u003e— IRISH TIMES\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eTHE \u003ci\u003eNEW YORK TIMES\u003c\/i\u003e BESTSELLER\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\nPurnell's work offers a unique perspective on the life of a woman whose contributions to history have long been overlooked. 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At the heart of this gripping historical narrative are two intersecting sagas: the rise and eventual fall of the Comanches, known as the most powerful Indian tribe in American history, and the epic journey of Cynthia Ann Parker and her remarkable son, Quanah Parker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe first story unveils the Comanche tribe's unyielding grip on their land and their unmatched prowess in warfare. Known for their extraordinary horse-riding skills, Comanche boys were adept bareback riders by the age of six and full-fledged braves were recognised as the best horsemen to have ever ridden. Their mastery in battle and their expertise with arrows and lances enabled them to halt the northern advance of colonial Spain from Mexico and impede the westward push of the French from Louisiana. 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I can't recommend it more' \u003c\/b\u003eLady Anne Glenconner, bestselling author of \u003ci\u003eLady in Waiting\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDuring Pamela Churchill Harriman's life and even after her death, in 1997, her glamorous social life and infamous erotic adventures overshadowed her true accomplishments. She was one of the most powerful women of the 20th century and there is practically no-one in 20th century politics, culture and fashion whose lives she did not touch: from her father-in-law Winston Churchill, to the Kennedys and Gloria Steinem, to Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela. Now, for the first time and with a wealth of fresh research, Sonia Purnell unveils the spectacular story of how Harriman left an indelible mark on the world today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Rigorous but rollicking' \u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Fascinating and revelatory. 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