Peak Picks & Reviews

A professional does not act out of fervour, and is therefore more calm and less likely to make elementary errors. Not being idealistic he is not likely to have second thoughts at the last minute about who else might get hurt in the explosion, or whatever method, and being a professional he has calculated the risks to the last contingency. Introduction  Frederick Forsyth's The Day of the Jackal, first published in 1971, is widely considered one of the greatest political thrillers of all time. Its combination of meticulous research, gripping tension, and masterful storytelling has cemented it as a classic in the genre. The novel revolves around a professional assassin, known only by his codename "The Jackal," hired to kill Charles de Gaulle, the President of France, in the 1960s. Forsyth's experience as a journalist covering international politics during a turbulent period in European history lends authenticity and depth to his portrayal of espionage and political intri...

There is no reason in the world why the Negro is not entitled to all the natural rights enumerated in the Declaration of Independence, the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I hold that he is as much entitled to these as the white man. Introduction  "Lincoln: A Photobiography" by Russell Freedman is a compelling and accessible biography that brings the life of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, into vivid focus through a combination of narrative text and historical photographs. Published in 1987, the book won the Newbery Medal in 1988 and has since been lauded for its ability to engage readers of all ages with its clear prose and evocative imagery. Freedman's work is a remarkable example of how visual elements can complement and enhance historical storytelling, making the complexities of Lincoln's life and times more tangible and relatable to modern audiences. Synopsis  "Lincoln: A Photobiography" is structured chron...

In fact, candidates from either party could run today on the same issues and champion the same causes that Kennedy had in 1968, since little has been done since to address them. Introduction  "The Last Campaign: Robert F. Kennedy and 82 Days That Inspired America" by Thurston Clarke offers a detailed and poignant recount of Robert F. Kennedy's (RFK) last political crusade before his assassination. Clarke, a distinguished historian and author, brings his meticulous research and narrative prowess to illuminate not only the events of the campaign but also the social and political landscape of 1968 America. The book digs into RFK’s motivations, his connection with the American populace, and the profound impact his campaign had on the nation. Clarke’s portrayal of RFK’s campaign is both a historical document and a piece of reflective writing on what could have been, had RFK lived to see his vision through. Synopsis  The book is structured chronologically, covering the 82 days ...