A list of the books I have read over the years. These books are among my favorites, tell an amazing story, or made an impact on my philosophy.

Bill Beardall

Politics & World Affairs

Atlas Shrugged - Ayn Rand

One of the books with the most impact on my political philosophy. Rand demonstrates in this novel society’s dependence on free enterprise.

Restoring the American Dream - Robert Ringer

One of the other books with the most impact on my political philosophy.  A great treatise on America, liberty, and economics.  Published in 1980 - out of print.|

The 5000 Year Leap - W. Cleon Skousen

A review of the principles upon which the American republic was established, much of it in the words of the founding fathers.  A must read for all Americans.

America Alone - Mark Steyn

Changing demographics are changing the face of the Europe and much of the world. Another must read.

Liberty and Tyranny - Mark R. Levin

Lays out basic principles of conservative thought. Excellent.

Liberal Fascism - Jonah Goldberg

A must read. A history of the American left from Woodrow Wilson to the present.

1000 Years for Revenge - Peter Lance

Investigative reporter Peter Lance tells the story of the failure of the U.S. Government to protect the nation from Islamic terrorism.

Unholy Alliance - David Horowitz

A look at those who want us to fail in the Middle East, both at home and abroad - the American left.

The Third Terrorist - Jayna Davis

Reporter Jayna Davis documents the real story behind the Oklahoma City bombing.

Smoozing With Terrorists - Aaron Klein

Klein visits and interviews modern Islamic terrorists. Provides insight into the mind set of terrorists.

The Real Global Warming Disaster - Christopher Booker

An excellent history of the global warming mania.  Well documented.

Culture of Corruption - Michelle Malkin

Malkin reviews the background of many of those involved with the Obama administration.  Makes one wonder if the people can reclaim our political institutions.

While Europe Slept - Bruce Bawer

A sobering account of how Islamic immigrants in Europe are changing the face of the continent.

The Forgotten Man - Amity Schlaes

Political history of the Great Depression. Questions the policies of the Roosevelt administration.

Dark Mission - Richard C. Hoagland and Mike Bara

Subtitle - The Secret History of NASA. What are NASA’s real motivations? Why haven’t we returned to the moon

over nearly 40 years? What is NASA covering up? A bit technical, but fascinating.

Captains and Kings - Taylor Caldwell

This fictional story, set in American history, shows the power behind political power.

Night Fall - Nelson DeMille

This novel raises serious questions about the crash of flight TWA 800.

State of Fear - Michael Crichton

This novel questions the mania over global warming.

History

America: The Last Best Hope - 2 volumes - William J. Bennett
Great survey history of the United States. Many obscure and fascinating facts.

Washington: The Indispensable Man - James Thomas Flexner
A wonderful biography and the amazing story of George Washington.

John Adams - David McCullough
Outstanding biography about one of America’s founding fathers. Full of interesting details.

Benjamin Franklin - Walter Isaacson

A biography of Benjamin Franklin in spirit of McCullough’s John Adams.

America’s Prophet - Bruce Feiler

A fascinating look at the influence of Moses and the Exodus story upon American history.

Battle Cry of Freedom - James M. McPherson

Excellent survey history of the Civil War.

Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling - Richard L. Bushman

Possibly the best, most objective biography on the life of the Mormon prophet.

Life of Heber C Kimball - Orson F. Whitney

Biography - Mormon pioneer, leader, and best friend of Brigham Young.

Ordeal By Hunger - George R. Stewart

Tragic story of the ill fated Donner Party.

The Worst Hard Time - Timothy Egan

Amazing history of the dust bowl during the Great Depression.  Unbelievable.

Modern Polygamy and Mormon Fundamentalism - Brian C. Hales

History of polygamy in the western U.S. after the LDS church dropped the practice in 1890.

Motivation and Self-Improvement

Seven Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen Covey

Possibly my favorite self-improvement book because of Covey’s practical advise for living and setting priorities.

The Survivors Club - Ben Sherwood

Accounts and information about surviving the most difficult challenges in life.

How to Win Friends & Influence People - Dale Carnegie

The classic volume on dealing with people in positive manner.

The Master Key to Riches - Napoleon Hill

Principles and ideas for success in any endeavor.

The Greatest Miracle in the World/The Choice - Og Mandino

Two of my favorite Og Mandino stories designed to motivate and inspire.

The Richest Man in Babylon - George S. Clason

Fundamental principles for attaining and retaining wealth.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull - Richard Bach

The short story of a seagull that goes beyond his limits to discover his unlimited potential.

Fiction

The Winds of War/War and Remembrance - Herman Wouk

The saga of an American family through the World War II years.

Mila 18 - Leon Uris

Takes place in the Warsaw Jewish ghetto during World War II.  The prequel to Uris’ Exodus.

The Covenant/The Source/Chesapeake
Poland/Centennial/Alaska/Caribbean - James A. Michener

Amazing saga length historical novels.  I couldn’t pick just one.

The Firm - John Grisham

I love almost all of Grisham’s writing, but this is by far his best legal thriller.

Angels and Demons/The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown

Symbologist Robert Langdon pursues the mysteries of history. Both novels may keep you up late.

Up Country - Nelson DeMille

A Vietnam vet return to the war torn country after many years and ends up in quite an adventure.

The Winds of War/War and Remembrance - Herman Wouk

The saga of an American family through the World War II years.

Patriot Games/Without Remorse/Hunt for Red October/Debt of Honor/Executive Orders - Tom Clancy

Political thrillers from the master author.

The Tales of Alvin Maker Series - Orson Scott Card

A fun and thought provoking fantasy series. Takes place in the early 19th Century America.

Prelude to Glory Series - Ron Carter

The incredible story of the founding of the United States through the eyes of the fictional Boston Dunson’s.

The Work and the Glory Series - Gerald N Lund

An inspirational view of early Mormon history through the eyes of the fictional Steed family.

Sahara/Cyclops/Shock Wave/Inca Gold - Clive Cussler

A few of the adventure filled books from author Cussler.  Romping good fun.

The Vivero Letter - Desmond Bagley

I tripped across this novel in the library. Led me to read most of Bagley’s fun adventure novels.

The Millionaires - Brad Meltzer

A fun story of two brothers who attempt to take the money of a man who died without any heirs.

Prey - Michael Crichton

I enjoy almost all of Crichton’s books, but this one is really scary.

Sons of Fortune - Jeffrey Archer

Compelling story about twins separated at birth, their life story, and their collision later in life.

Saucer - Stephen Coonts

A engineering team in the Sahara discovers a flying saucer embedded in sandstone, then the story gets fun.

Adventure

Fatu-Hiva - Thor Heyerdahl

An amazing story of living on an isolated island in the Marquesas Islands.
Kon-Tiki - Thor Heyerdahl

Heyerdahl sets out to provide that the ancients in South America could have sailed across the Pacific.

Links to Author

Websites

Brown, Dan
Card, Orson Scott
DeMille, Nelson
Grisham, John
Meltzer, Brad
Rand, Ayn