Book cover of Triangle: The Fire That Changed America

Book description

Describes the devastating 1911 fire that destroyed the Triangle Shirtwaist factory in New York's Greenwich Village, the deaths of 146 workers in the fire, the Jewish and Italian immigrants, mostly women, who made up the majority of the victims, and the implications of the catastrophe on twentieth-ce

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Triangle as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

In its detailed, minute by minute descriptions of the unfolding fire, the book felt as tense and action-packed as an Irwin Allen disaster movie. Von Drehle also dispels many of the myths surrounding the tragedy and depicts a class conflict that feels disturbingly modern.

This gripping, cinematic tale of a watershed workplace disaster immerses you in the grueling, gritty world of young immigrant – Jewish and Italian – women workers in early-20th century New York City. The horrific fire in a shirt-waist factory saw workers jumping to their deaths, revealing that “a huge and vulnerable world existed far above the street.” It created a cauldron of outrage and empathy, bare-knuckle politics, and leftist ideology leading to reform. You most remember the gumption and survival instinct of these young women, far from home without even the right to vote, coming together in the Ladies’ Garment…

If you love Triangle...

Ad

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Want books like Triangle?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Triangle.

Browse books like Triangle

Book cover of Three Strikes: Labor's Heartland Losses and What They Mean for Working Americans
Book cover of Making a Real Killing: Rocky Flats and the Nuclear West
Book cover of Detroit: I Do Mind Dying: A Study in Urban Revolution

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,276

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like Triangle, you might also like...

My Book Boyfriend by Kathy Strobos,

Book cover of My Book Boyfriend

Lily loves her community garden. Rupert wants to bulldoze it. When feelings grow, will they blossom or turn to rubble?

"It literally had everything! - Bookworm Characters - Humor - Banter - Swoon-worthy lines."  - Book Reviewer.

Everyday Medical Miracles by Joseph S. Sanfilippo (editor),

Book cover of Everyday Medical Miracles: True Stories from the Frontlines in Women’s Health Care

Frontiers of Women from the healthcare perspective. A compilation of 60 true short stories written by an extensive array of healthcare providers, physicians, and advanced practice providers.

All designed to give you, the reader, a glimpse into the day-to-day activities of all of us who provide your health care. Come…

5 book lists we think you will like!