Best Military History Books of 2025

Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win (New Edition) by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin is a groundbreaking leadership book that teaches how to apply principles from the battlefield to business and life. The authors share their firsthand accounts of heroism, tragic loss, and hard-won victories, revealing that leadership is the most important factor in whether a team succeeds or fails. They also offer SEAL leadership training to pass on their lessons of self-discipline, mental toughness, and self-defense to help forge the next generation of SEAL leaders. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to develop their leadership skills and create high-performance teams.

The Watchmaker's Daughter by Larry Loftis is a compelling biography of Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch watchmaker who saved the lives of hundreds of Jews during World War II by turning her family's house into a hiding place for refugees. Despite losing most of her family and being sent to a concentration camp, Corrie managed to survive, forgive her captors and live the rest of her life as a Christian missionary. The book is a remarkable journey of faith and forgiveness, and it holds myriad lessons for readers today. This book is highly recommended for those interested in women's biographies and World War II nonfiction.

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank is a powerful and moving account of a young Jewish girl's life during the Nazi occupation of Holland. Anne and her family lived in hiding for two years, until they were betrayed and captured by the Gestapo. Through her diary, Anne offers a unique perspective on the horrors of war, human courage, and the frailty of the human spirit. The new edition of the book reveals even more depth to Anne's dreams, hardships, and passions. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in history, women's biographies, and human resilience.

The graphic novel "Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History" by Art Spiegelman is a Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece that tells the story of the author's father's experiences during the Holocaust. The Jews are portrayed as mice, while the Nazis are depicted as menacing cats. The book weaves the author's relationship with his father into an unforgettable tale of survival and the lasting legacy of trauma. It is a haunting and disarming look at one of history's most unspeakable tragedies. The unusual comic-book format and skillful graphics make it an engaging read for young adults and a must-read for everyone.

The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom is a riveting account of a Dutch watchmaker who became a Resistance heroine, a survivor of Hitler's concentration camps, and one of the most remarkable evangelists of the twentieth century. In World War II, Corrie and her family risked their lives to help Jews and underground workers escape from the Nazis, and for their work, they were tested in the infamous Nazi death camps. The book is a classic that continues to declare that God's love will overcome, heal, and restore. It is a must-read for those seeking inspiration and courage in the face of adversity.

The NKJV Value Thinline Bible, Large Print, Leathersoft, Charcoal, Red Letter Edition is perfect for those who want to carry their Bible with them throughout the day. It is lightweight, portable, and features Thomas Nelson's custom NKJV font in large print, making it easy to read. The Bible also includes a helpful reading plan, words of Christ in red, and full-color maps. The ribbon marker makes it easy to keep track of where you left off. The 10.5-point print size is ideal for those who need larger text. Overall, this Bible is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a portable and easy-to-read Bible.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham's latest work, "And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle," is a captivating and illuminating portrait of one of America's most revered leaders. Meacham chronicles Lincoln's life, from his humble beginnings on the Kentucky frontier to his presidency during the Civil War and tragic assassination. Through Meacham's lens, Lincoln emerges as a complex and imperfect man driven by a moral commitment to end slavery and do what was right. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in American history and politics.

The Blazing World: A New History of Revolutionary England, 1603-1689 is a captivating and informative read that sheds light on a lesser-known period of English history. It explores the seventeenth century, a time of revolution, when society underwent significant changes that helped shape the modern world. The author, Healy, presents a convincing argument that the era was truly revolutionary in terms of far-reaching changes within society. The book is well-written, wryly humorous, and occasionally bawdy. It is a fresh and exciting take on English history that is both relevant and fascinating, making it a must-read for history enthusiasts.

The Nazi Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch is a gripping WWII biography that unveils the little-known true story of a Nazi plot to assassinate FDR, Joseph Stalin, and Winston Churchill during their meeting in Tehran. The book is filled with daring rescues, body doubles, and political intrigue that kept readers on the edge of their seats. The authors' mastery of storytelling and attention to detail make this book a page-turner that reads like a thriller. Overall, The Nazi Conspiracy is a fascinating account of a pivotal moment in history that almost led to a world-shattering disaster.

The Art of War is a classic book on military strategy written by Sun Tzu. This edition, approved by the Holden-Crowther Organisation for Asian Studies, is a decent version of the book, although the chapters are intentionally not in order. The authorship of Sun Tzu is still a mystery, but his timeless tactics and strategies remain relevant. The book falls under the category of success and self-help books and is published by CreateSpace Classics. Overall, The Art of War is a must-read for anyone interested in military strategy and leadership.