Best Prisoners of War History Books of 2025

The Art of War by Sun Tzu is a must-read for anyone interested in military strategy and history. This complete edition includes the Preface, Introduction, appreciations of Sun Tzu, Apologies for war, and Bibliography, making it the definitive version of the text. The book is composed of 13 chapters, each devoted to a different set of skills related to warfare and how it applies to military strategy and tactics. It has influenced both Eastern and Western military thinking, business tactics, legal strategy, lifestyles and beyond. The book is a true classic that belongs on every bookshelf!

The Longest Winter: The Battle of the Bulge and the Epic Story of WWII's Most Decorated Platoon is an epic tale of courage and survival in World War II. Alex Kershaw brings to life the story of America's most decorated small unit, who, vastly outnumbered, repulsed three German assaults in a fierce day-long battle, killing over five hundred German soldiers and defending a strategically vital hill. The book is a gripping and unsentimental account of the platoon's journey from the Ardennes forest to German POW camps. Overall, the book is a must-read for anyone interested in American history and a renewed sense of patriotism.

The book "Until the Eyes Shut: Memories of a machine gunner on the Eastern Front, 1943-45" is a powerful and honest account of a simple WW2 frontline soldier. The author, an Austrian mountain farmer's son, shares his experiences of fighting in the Eastern Front with brutal honesty. The book is a reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of standing up for peace. The author's personal accounts of the unexpected gestures of humanity and insane destructiveness make this book unique and worth reading.

D-Day Tank Hunter is a gripping memoir that takes readers on a journey through the harrowing experiences of Hans Hoeller, a German tank hunter during World War II. Hoeller's firsthand account offers a unique perspective on the war, from his initial deployment in North Africa to his eventual capture and imprisonment in the US. The book provides an unflinching look at the realities of war, including the devastating toll it takes on soldiers and civilians alike. Overall, D-Day Tank Hunter is a powerful and poignant reminder of the human cost of war.

MISSING is a captivating World War II story of love, courage, and survival. The book tells the story of Don, an all-American boy who went to war for his country and ended up in a Nazi POW camp. Evan uses excerpts from Don's parent's personal letters, journals, and actual images from their experiences, creating a heartfelt narrative founded on historical accuracy. MISSING is a must-read for anyone interested in military history and true love stories.

Happy Odyssey is an extraordinary military memoir written by Adrian Carton de Wiart. His remarkable military career included service with the Somaliland Camel Corps, liaison officer with Polish forces, membership of the British Military Mission to Yugoslavia, and three years as Churchill’s representative to Chiang Kai-shek. Despite being wounded eight times, including the loss of an eye and a hand, he won the VC during the Battle of the Somme and was mentioned in dispatches six times. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in military history and the remarkable life of Adrian Carton de Wiart.

A thrilling and inspiring account of a WWII hero's fight for survival, "8 Miraculous Months in the Malayan Jungle" is a gripping memoir that takes readers on a journey through Major Donald J. Humphrey's grueling ordeal. Shot down by the Japanese in 1945, Humphrey and his crew found themselves lost in the middle of occupied territory, battling vicious crocodiles, deadly snakes, and crippling malaria, while struggling to stay alive. This highly personal narrative is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the bravery of the Greatest Generation. Overall, this is a must-read for anyone interested in WWII heroes and incredible stories of courage.

BISIA & ISHAM is a heartwarming story of love and resilience set against the backdrop of World War II. The book recounts the unlikely meeting of a Polish countess and an American POW in a small café in Lublin, Poland, and their subsequent marriage and life together. The author, their son, paints a vivid picture of his parents' enduring love and the challenges they faced as they navigated language barriers and cultural differences. This European history book is a must-read for anyone interested in the human stories behind the war. It receives a glowing 5-star rating.

"Ghost Soldiers" by Hampton Sides is a gripping account of one of the most daring missions of World War II. The book follows the 121 soldiers of the U.S. Army 6th Ranger Battalion as they attempt to rescue 513 American and British POWs from a Japanese camp in the Philippines. The story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and explores the complex motivations of the U.S. high command. Sides' vivid narration of the raid and the prisoners' experiences make for a compelling read. Overall, "Ghost Soldiers" is a must-read for anyone interested in military history.

Telling His Story: POW #1000 is a memoir compiled and edited by Dr. Janis Pardue Hill, based on her father's experiences during World War II. J. C. Pardue's story covers his entry into the US Army Air Corps, his survival through the brutal Bataan Death March, and his time as a POW in Japanese camps, where he was forced to live and walk with Death. Despite the horrors he faced, Pardue's most treasured possession, his Bible, survived and helped him find the faith to survive. This book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of faith.