Embark on a historical odyssey as Caroline Alexander, New York Times Bestselling Author and acclaimed contributor to The New Yorker and National Geographic, unveils the lesser-known sagas of World War II's China-Burma-India theatre in her new book, Skies of Thunder: The Deadly World War II Mission Over The Roof Of The World.

With a background steeped in philosophy, theology, and classics, Caroline offers a rich tapestry of stories that captures the heroism and daunting challenges faced by those who shaped pivotal moments in history. Her transition from a voracious reader to a celebrated author is a testament to the power of classical languages in enhancing narrative precision, a theme that resonates deeply throughout our conversation.

The episode traverses the rugged landscapes of the 1940s, retracing the steps of untrained civilians who sculpted the vital Burma Road with nothing but rudimentary tools. Caroline's meticulous research paints a vivid picture of their struggle and the strategic importance of the road, inviting us to view their accomplishments as more than a military feat but an enduring emblem of the human spirit. The gripping accounts of the pilots who risked their lives over the treacherous "Hump" region come to life, showcasing their bravery in the face of primitive navigation equipment, daunting weather, enemy fire, and the Himalayas.

Amid the roar of engines and the call of duty, we hear the personal story of fighter pilot Robert T. Boody and gain an intimate look at the air transport command's overlooked dangers. Caroline's narrative explores the intricate web of allied relations, highlighting the strategic and geopolitical intricacies that shaped World War II's theatre in Asia. This episode celebrates the launch of Skies of Thunder and honors the legacy of those who navigated the deadliest skies with unwavering resolve. Join us to uncover the trials and triumphs that defined an era where courage soared above the clouds.

Caroline Alexander

Skies of Thunder: The Deadly World War II Mission Over the Roof of the World, Caroline Alexander

American Airpower Comes of Age—General Henry H. Hap Arnold’s World War II Diaries, Air University Press, M.G. John W. Huston

Black Ships and Sea Raiders: The Late Bronze and Early Iron Age Context of Odysseus’ Second Cretan Lie, Jeffrey P. Emanuel

Books by Henry Williamson

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The Bookshop Podcast
Mandy Jackson-Beverly
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In this episode, I chat with Shelf Life Books owners Chris and Berkley McDaniel about the switch from corporate life to purchasing an indie bookshop, things to do and see in Richmond, Virginia, cats, and books!

Formerly known as Chop Suey Books, Shelf Life Books is the largest independent bookstore in Richmond, VA, and has served the Richmond community for over two decades. Located in the heart of Richmond’s Carytown district and owned by Chris and Berkley McDaniel, the store is staffed by long-time patrons and is a hub for local authors and book lovers alike. They offer new books on their lower level and five rooms of used books upstairs, along with their two cats, Page and Mylar.

Shelf Life Books

The Bitter Southerner Read Banned Books T-shirts

The House is on Fire, Rachel Beanland

Books by Seishi Yokomizo

Fathomfolk, Eliza Chen

Navola, Paolo Bacigalupi

All The Colors of the Dark, Chris Whitaker

Memory for Forgetfulness: August, Beirut, 1982, Mahmoud Darwish

Martyr! Kaveh Akbar

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The Bookshop Podcast
Mandy Jackson-Beverly
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In this episode, I chat with Edward Humes about his latest book, Total Garbage: How We Can Fix Our Waste and Heal Our World. Humes reveals the surprising depths of waste permeation in everyday life and the power we hold to rectify these issues. By reimagining waste as an opportunity rather than an obstacle, Humes provides a blueprint for collective action toward a cleaner, more responsible future.

EDWARD HUMES is a Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and author whose sixteen previous books include Garbology: Our Dirty Love Affair With Trash, The Forever Witness, Mississippi Mud, and the PEN Award– winning No Matter How Loud I Shout. Ed and his family, including their rescued racing greyhounds and collie, live in Southern California.

Edward Humes

Total Garbage, Edward Humes

The Covenant of Water, Abraham Verghese

The Teachers, Alexandra Robbins

A Mountain of Used Clothes Appeared in Chile’s Desert. Then it Went Up in Flames. Julia Shipley, Muriel Alarcon

Bite Toothpaste Bits

Literless.com

Jimmy Rees, The Man Who Decides Packaging

Eco Roots (Shampoo Bars)

Who Gives A Crap TP

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The Bookshop Podcast
Mandy Jackson-Beverly
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