March 28, 2016 
Jane 
I have always had a healthy appetite for military books because they sell. Books—both fiction and non-fiction—about the Civil War, and the two world wars sell particularly well.
This weekend, I had the opportunity to browse in a bookstore in Quantico, Virginia—where the FBI is based and where marine officers receive their first qualification and training. I found the range of titles they carry very interesting.
I was at Quantico because my son was graduating from Officer Candidate School in the Marines and, in fact, he and his classmates had read many of the books (though obviously not all) that I found below:
There were books like this one about policy: 
Reference books: 
Children’s books: 
Related titles for women: 
Books by bestselling authors: 
Books about leadership: 
Books to improve our intellect and make us think: 
And bestselling fiction: 
(Interestingly Battle Cry is a book that my father both edited and published.)
All of this underlines the fact that books about military subjects hold a real fascination for the reading public. Now that my son is an officer, it’s a category I will follow more closely. What are your favorite military titles?
Jane,
The Guns of August by Barbara Tuchman is my favorite non-fiction military read, largely because it is so detailed and engaging. In fiction, I like All Quiet on the Western Front.
More than anything, I like war-related books that speak less of the battle maneuvers and strategy and more about the human impact, both on those mired in battle, and those not at the front. Another favorite of mine is Erik Larson’s book In The Garden of Beasts. It’s a chilling look at the Nazi buildup through the eyes of the first U.S. ambassador to the Third Reich. Plus, there’s Laura Hillenbrand’s Unbroken, which is about one man’s story of survival and redemption.
War and military is a really rich field of books and potential books. No wonder you’re so keen on it!
Jane, congratulations and best wishes to your son! My eldest daughter is an Army officer with nine years’ service.
I think some of the “popularity” of military-related works — at least among folks age 60 and younger — is due to war and military service being unknown territory for most people. Absent a draft, how do people learn what it’s really all about? Many Americans don’t personally know any veterans, let alone understand the challenges and expectations and rewards (and costs) of a military career, be it ever so short. I remember, shortly before my own commissioning as an officer, a professor asking me, “Why are you throwing your life away?” She had no clue.
Maybe people who don’t have a clue are looking for one.
Hands down, “Patton: A Genius for War” by Carlo D’Este is one of my all time favorite military biographies. I am an Army brat, and in our house, Patton was practically another family member! D’Este’s writing is spectacular, and he makes this very complex (and often unlikable) character someone you actually adore!
The FIRST book I actually remember reading was Ethan Allen And The Green Mountain Boys – no, don’t ask,I think I was 6! Been hooked ever since. But the most moving book that I have ever read is All Quiet On The Western Front. It taught me all about becoming a doctor…..all!
Hi Jane,I\\’m a former infantry officer. Congratulations to your son. I remember my voracious appetite for war stories as a young officer. I was desperate for tactical and leadership wisdom. My favorite military novel is The Short Timers, which was the basis for the classic movie Full Metal Jacket; although, it may not be the best reading for young officers like your son. The Killer Angels, set in the civil war, is another fantastic novel. And last, on the nonfiction side, I love The Bear Trap. Its about the Soviets in Afghanistan; wonderful reading for any young officer interested in guerrilla warfare. I recently submitted a query to John Rudolph for my Afghan war novel. Now that I see your interest in military books, perhaps I will resubmit to you if he\\’s not interested.