Here are 100 books that Uncle John's Bathroom Reader fans have personally recommended if you like Uncle John's Bathroom Reader. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of The Smithsonian Book of Presidential Trivia

Rod Martinez Author Of Powerfully Perplexing Presidential Profiles

From my list on American history presidential fun fact trivia.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been fascinated with American Presidents since I was ten and visited the Hall of Presidents attraction at Disney World years ago. That one visit opened my mind to American History and sealed my fate as a collector of American History facts. Later in life, I turned into an author of middle grade and young adult, but I knew I’d have to write a book on Presidential facts. I am glad to say that it was a well-received book in libraries and schools and I encourage young readers and hopeful writers in schools to consider writing as a passion and to teach others in the written word about that one thing they are into more than anything else. 

Rod's book list on American history presidential fun fact trivia

Rod Martinez Why Rod loves this book

If you’re going to get facts on anything American, the Smithsonian should be the 1st place you go. Having visited the museum several times, there’s always a wealth of knowledge there, but also a fun place to be wowed at how much stuff they have pertaining to Americana and what brought us from then to now. 

By Smithsonian Institution ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Smithsonian Book of Presidential Trivia as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Which president holds the record for the most vetoes? Which president had the largest shoe size? Who was the only president to serve in both World War I and World War II? Who was the tallest president? These questions and many, many more are answered in The Smithsonian Book of Presidential Trivia, which has been fully updated to 2021 to include trivia question and answers about every US president to date.

Divided into 11 chapters, The Smithsonian Book of Presidential Trivia looks at every aspect of our heads of state and presidential history: Citizens, Officers, Heroes, and Saviors; Stumping: From…


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Book cover of The High House

The High House by James Stoddard,

The Victorian mansion, Evenmere, is the mechanism that runs the universe.

The lamps must be lit, or the stars die. The clocks must be wound, or Time ceases. The Balance between Order and Chaos must be preserved, or Existence crumbles.

Appointed the Steward of Evenmere, Carter Anderson must learn the…

Book cover of The Great Book of Crazy President Trivia: Interesting Stories of American Presidents

Rod Martinez Author Of Powerfully Perplexing Presidential Profiles

From my list on American history presidential fun fact trivia.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been fascinated with American Presidents since I was ten and visited the Hall of Presidents attraction at Disney World years ago. That one visit opened my mind to American History and sealed my fate as a collector of American History facts. Later in life, I turned into an author of middle grade and young adult, but I knew I’d have to write a book on Presidential facts. I am glad to say that it was a well-received book in libraries and schools and I encourage young readers and hopeful writers in schools to consider writing as a passion and to teach others in the written word about that one thing they are into more than anything else. 

Rod's book list on American history presidential fun fact trivia

Rod Martinez Why Rod loves this book

I love trivia and I love American History and foremost, I love Presidential history. Author Bill O’Neill writes in a fun, easy-to-read manner which to me, makes it all the more fun to devour a book like this. Covering rumors and myths, this book is a fun ride through American history and before you know it, you’re at the end.

By Bill O'Neill , Dwayne Walker ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Great Book of Crazy President Trivia as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Do you love American history? Do you enjoy learning about the US Presidents? If so, then this President Trivia book is for you. The Great Book of Crazy President Trivia is filled with many lesser-known facts about the American Presidents. It is filled with great stories of the US Presidents that you will not find in any US history books.

This President Trivia book is going to let you see the Presidents of the past in a whole new light. Learn about their personal lives, the challenges they faced, and their great accomplishments. When you read this trivia book, you…


Book cover of The Essential Book of Presidential Trivia

Rod Martinez Author Of Powerfully Perplexing Presidential Profiles

From my list on American history presidential fun fact trivia.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been fascinated with American Presidents since I was ten and visited the Hall of Presidents attraction at Disney World years ago. That one visit opened my mind to American History and sealed my fate as a collector of American History facts. Later in life, I turned into an author of middle grade and young adult, but I knew I’d have to write a book on Presidential facts. I am glad to say that it was a well-received book in libraries and schools and I encourage young readers and hopeful writers in schools to consider writing as a passion and to teach others in the written word about that one thing they are into more than anything else. 

Rod's book list on American history presidential fun fact trivia

Rod Martinez Why Rod loves this book

This book was written by a ten-year-old with a severe fascination with Presidential trivia and history. His author's voice is perfect for kids his age and should inspire any kid to write a book on any subject of their liking. It is a really fun book to read and he did his homework. I highly suggest this one for kids and libraries and schools.

By Noah McCullough ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Essential Book of Presidential Trivia as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“I want everyone to know about the history of the United States and about important political events and issues and how they work.”
–Noah McCullough, age ten, 2032 presidential hopeful

Noah McCullough may just be this country’s youngest presidential historian ever–and in this delightful volume he gives us hours of entertainment with an illustrated tour of America’s forty-three presidents, from George Washington to George W. Bush. The political whiz kid famed for his appearances on “The Tonight Show” offers up brief bios and fun facts about our nation’s leaders, as well as trivia questions such as

• Which president could…


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Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

Book cover of Grover Cleveland, Again!: A Treasury of American Presidents

Rod Martinez Author Of Powerfully Perplexing Presidential Profiles

From my list on American history presidential fun fact trivia.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been fascinated with American Presidents since I was ten and visited the Hall of Presidents attraction at Disney World years ago. That one visit opened my mind to American History and sealed my fate as a collector of American History facts. Later in life, I turned into an author of middle grade and young adult, but I knew I’d have to write a book on Presidential facts. I am glad to say that it was a well-received book in libraries and schools and I encourage young readers and hopeful writers in schools to consider writing as a passion and to teach others in the written word about that one thing they are into more than anything else. 

Rod's book list on American history presidential fun fact trivia

Rod Martinez Why Rod loves this book

Author Ken Burns is great at non-fiction and this book is full of great art, anecdotes, and fun stories about the men in the oval office. The pace and feel are like that of a graphic novel, which would be great for younger readers – but chock full of great stories and facts for a book report. 

By Ken Burns , Gerald Kelley (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Grover Cleveland, Again! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 10, 11, 12, and 13.

What is this book about?

The instant New York Times bestseller that's perfect for President's Day!

A gorgeous collection of American presidents filled with fun facts and sparkling with personality, from nonfiction master Ken Burns.
 
This special treasury from America's beloved documentarian Ken Burns brings the presidents to life for our nation's children. Each president is given a lushly illustrated spread with curated stories and information to give readers of all ages a comprehensive view of the varied and fascinating characters who have led our nation (with the exception of Grover Cleveland--the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms--who gets two spreads!). A must-have for…


Book cover of The Mammoth Book of Tasteless and Outrageous Lists

John S. Croucher Author Of A Concise History of New South Wales

From my list on history books for those who like quirky statistics and facts.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always been fascinated by statistics (I’m a statistician by profession), and anything that tells a story of actual people and events has always captured my imagination. I have a particular affection for the quirky and offbeat, something that illustrates catastrophic failure, lack of common sense, a misplaced sense of entitlement and people who repeatedly tried but always fell short. I have a passion for black humour as it helps me to realise that, no matter how dark things look in my own life, there are others who have it much worse.

John's book list on history books for those who like quirky statistics and facts

John S. Croucher Why John loves this book

I was truly astonished to read a book that celebrates the dark side of life. It is full of unsavoury facts and includes many amazing lists. I found them really appalling, but at the same time was taken in by the sheer depravity of people from history.

In fact, I found myself reading this large volume twice as it was easy to forget just how nasty some of these characters were. I have recommended it to my friends, who also found it as fascinating as I did.

By Karl Shaw ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Mammoth Book of Tasteless and Outrageous Lists as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Prepare to be even more revolted, flabbergasted, appalled and entertained by this incredible follow-up collection of bizarre but absolutely true trivia. Nothing is too distasteful for this astonishing compendium, including scores of eclectic lists to amuse, astonish and appal your friends.

Entries include:
10 Road-kill Recipes
History's 10 Most Murderous Regimes
10 Historic Sex Toys
10 People who Married Their Nieces
10 Deaths by Sex
10 People Killed by Falling Animals
10 Ancient Remedies Containing Body Parts
10 Flatalogical Facts
8 Most Violent National Anthems
15 Premature Obituaries
10 Unusual Royal Deaths
10 Cruel and Unusual Punishments
10 Notable Executions…


Book cover of 1812: Napoleon’s Fatal March on Moscow

Munro Price Author Of Napoleon: The End of Glory

From my list on the French Revolution and Napoleon.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a historian who has been researching and writing on the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars for thirty-five years now. Since the age of ten I have been fascinated by these years, partly through childhood holidays in France, but also because of their sheer drama. British history in the same period has nothing to compare with the storming of the Bastille or Napoleon’s meteoric career. Specializing in this turbulent era has made me particularly interested in how regimes fall, and whether under different circumstances they could have survived.

Munro's book list on the French Revolution and Napoleon

Munro Price Why Munro loves this book

When I first read this book I found it unputdownable. It is a riveting account, based on a huge number of original sources and testimonies, of the watershed defeat of Napoleon’s career: his invasion of Russia, capture of Moscow, and the disastrous winter retreat that destroyed his army of half a million men. Its evocation of the accompanying horrors is often harrowing, but underlines one sobering and always relevant fact: the amount of human suffering the folly of one man can bring about.

By Adam Zamoyski ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked 1812 as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Adam Zamoyski's bestselling account of Napoleon's invasion of Russia and his catastrophic retreat from Moscow, events that had a profound effect on European history.

In 1812 the most powerful man in the world assembled the largest army in history and marched on Moscow with the intention of consolidating his dominion. But within months, Napoleon's invasion of Russia - history's first example of total war - had turned into an epic military disaster. Over 400,000 French and Allied troops perished and Napoleon was forced to retreat.

Adam Zamoyski's masterful work draws on the harrowing first-hand accounts of soldiers and civilians on…


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Book cover of Trusting Her Duke

Trusting Her Duke by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke with rigid opinions, a Lady whose beliefs conflict with his, a long disputed parcel of land, a conniving neighbour, a desperate collaboration, a failure of trust, a love found despite it all.

Alexander Cavendish, Duke of Ravensworth, returned from war to find that his father and brother had…

Book cover of Finding Napoleon

Michelle Cameron Author Of Beyond the Ghetto Gates

From my list on historical fiction books on the French Revolution and Napoleon that portray real life.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been fascinated by Napoleon and the French Revolution since I was a teenager. Novels that capture the essence of the struggles of the French people – and especially those that feature Napoleon as a highly layered character – have always called to me. As a Jewish author, I am particularly drawn to a fair representation of Jewish characters in these tales – which frankly, Georgette Heyer does not, as she adheres to stereotypes in describing any Jewish characters. (I only forgive her because her books are so brilliant.)

Michelle's book list on historical fiction books on the French Revolution and Napoleon that portray real life

Michelle Cameron Why Michelle loves this book

I especially treasured how the author used Napoleon’s own young writing to tell the story of his life – as well as the disappointments at the end of his life, including his defeat, imprisonment on Saint Helena, and his separation from his young son.

Margaret Rodenberg made me appreciate Napoleon’s indomitable spirit – the man refused to give up despite daunting odds!

By Margaret Rodenberg ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Finding Napoleon as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“Rodenberg inventively uses Bonaparte’s own unfinished novel to tell the story of the despot’s rise to power, which she juxtaposes against the story of his last love affair. Told creatively and with excellent research!” —Stephanie Dray, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of America's First Daughter and The Women of Chateau Lafayette

“Beautiful and poignant.” —Allison Pataki, New York Times best-selling author of The Queen’s Fortune

With its delightful adaptation of Napoleon Bonaparte’s real attempt to write romantic fiction, Finding Napoleon: A Novel offers a fresh take on Europe’s most powerful man after he’s lost everything—except his last…


Book cover of To Befriend An Emperor: Betsy Balcombe's Memoirs of Napoleon on St Helena

Margaret Rodenberg Author Of Finding Napoleon

From my list on famous leaders we thought we understood.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I lived in France as a youngster, museum portraits became friends. I could hear courtiers scheming in Versailles and gladiators clashing in coliseums. Naturally, decades later, when I learned Napoleon Bonaparte tried to write a novel of love and betrayal, I vowed to finish it for him. But to ghostwrite for Napoleon, I had to know him as personally as his great love Josephine did. I dove into research, translated his writing to capture his cadence, and became secretary of the Napoleonic Historical Society. Finally, on remote St. Helena Island in the ramshackle rooms where Napoleon died in exile, I found the intimate connection I demand from historical fiction.

Margaret's book list on famous leaders we thought we understood

Margaret Rodenberg Why Margaret loves this book

This memoir reads like historical fiction and influenced my perspective on Napoleon. As its title proclaims, it’s not so much about the writer, Betsy Balcombe, but about Napoleon himself. Upon arrival on St. Helena, the British billeted the exiled, depressed emperor on her father’s estate. Fourteen-year-old Betsy, who spoke French, treated him like a favorite uncle, teasing and playing tricks on him. Unlike other contemporaneous memoirs I’ve read, Betsy’s doesn’t demonize or glorify Napoleon. Rather, her recollections provide the most extensive, reliable account of the real Napoleon, a lonely human hiding behind the vestiges of power. Look for the version with the excellent introduction by J. David Markham who puts the history in context.

By Betsy Balcombe ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked To Befriend An Emperor as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Young Elizabeth Balcombe, or Betsy to friends and family, found life on the remote island of St Helena intolerably dull. Most fourteen-year-olds would. Her father had been posted to that unforgiving station in the Atlantic and, being a family man, he took his family with him.

Life was bleak in Balcombe's bungalow on the fringe of James Town. But then, in October 1815, the situation was transformed by the arrival of an unusual visitor. Napoleon Bonaparte, one-time master of Europe, now prisoner and exile, stepped ashore. The Balcombes, like all the islanders, were amazed. And even more so when Napoleon,…


Book cover of Napoleon

Ambrogio A. Caiani Author Of To Kidnap a Pope: Napoleon and Pius VII

From my list on Napoleon, his rise to power, and his downfall.

Why am I passionate about this?

I grew up in Catholic Ireland in the 1980s and 1990s a time of rapid change just before the advent of the Celtic tiger. Experiencing such a transformative moment in the history of that island I became fascinated by revolution. With my Italian roots, I was always outward-looking and interested in just how interconnected European history can be. My work started with a book on the downward spiral of Louis XVI’s court in 1789-1792, but recently I became interested in how Napoleon exported the culture of the French Revolution wherever he went. Now I am preparing a book on Catholicism and the politics of religion during the age of revolutions 1700-1903.

Ambrogio's book list on Napoleon, his rise to power, and his downfall

Ambrogio A. Caiani Why Ambrogio loves this book

This is by far the best single-volume history on Napoleon.

Forrest is one of the foremost experts on the French Revolution and its military in the world. He has written a readable and unromanticised account of the French Emperor’s life.

Particularly strong on the background, ideology, and wider forces impelling that man forward. A thoroughly enjoyable and captivating read.

By Alan Forrest ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Napoleon as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From Alan Forrest, a preeminent British scholar, comes an exceedingly readable account of the man and his legend

On a cold December day in 1840 Parisians turned out in force to watch as the body of Napoleon was solemnly carried on a riverboat from Courbevoie on its final journey to the Invalides. The return of their long-dead emperor's corpse from the island of St. Helena was a moment that Paris had eagerly awaited, though many feared that the memories stirred would serve to further destabilize a country that had struggled for order and direction since he had been sent into…


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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…

Book cover of Stanley Kubrick's Napoleon

Yehuda Moraly Author Of Dream Projects in Theatre, Novels and Films

From my list on dream projects in theater and film.

Why am I passionate about this?

I became fascinated by dream projects after a series of remarkable discoveries throughout my career. In 1970, I found Genet's manuscripts for his unfinished work La Mort, which proved crucial to understanding his entire artistic vision. Later, I came across Claudel's incomplete On répète Tête d'Or, which illuminated his lifelong struggle with the relationship between Judaism and Christianity. When I was given early access to Fellini's unfilmed Mastorna screenplay, I saw the same pattern emerging. These encounters led me to a profound realization: often, an artist's unfinished work—the project they struggle with but never complete—holds the key to understanding their entire creative output. This insight has guided my research ever since.

Yehuda's book list on dream projects in theater and film

Yehuda Moraly Why Yehuda loves this book

I was interested by Stanley Kubrick's book because it shows just how deeply Kubrick researched and planned his films. As someone who studies unfinished film projects, I was fascinated to see all the detailed work that went into this movie that was never made—from the costume designs to the battle plans to Kubrick's handwritten notes.

The book lets us peek into Kubrick's creative process through the thousands of photos, documents and research materials he gathered. What makes this book special is that it doesn't just tell us about the film that could have been—it helps us understand how Kubrick's mind worked when developing his projects. This is a rare look at the early stages of what might have been his greatest film.

By Alison Castle (editor) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Stanley Kubrick's Napoleon as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"The Greatest Movie Never Made" is the fascinating tale of Kubrick's unfilmed masterpiece. It is now available in an unlimited, single-volume edition! For 40 years, Kubrick fans and film buffs have wondered about the director's mysterious unmade film on Napoleon Bonaparte. Slated for production immediately following the release of "2001: A Space Odyssey", Kubrick's "Napoleon" was to be at once a character study and a sweeping epic, replete with grandiose battle scenes featuring thousands of extras. To write his original screenplay, Kubrick embarked on two years of intensive research; with the help of dozens of assistants and an Oxford Napoleon…


Book cover of The Smithsonian Book of Presidential Trivia
Book cover of The Great Book of Crazy President Trivia: Interesting Stories of American Presidents
Book cover of The Essential Book of Presidential Trivia

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