We homeschool and my daughter is studying 20th Century American History. I was wondering if any of you can recommend books. Although we are conservative, I want a balanced approach in what she reads. There are so many books out there, it's hard to wade through them. So please, only recommend what you have read and know to be well written. It can be non fiction or historical fiction. Here are the topics that I am struggling to find quality reading:

Oklahoma City Bombing

Vietnam War

9-11

I am a Vietnam Vet. I haven't read many books about Nam because they give me bad dreams and make me remember things I spent many years trying to forget. One book I recommend most highly is A Rumour of War by Philip Caputo. He was an ROTC Marine Lt graduate of Harvard, I think. I really think this book, particularly the introduction, should be required reading for anyone embarking on a military career.

There is also a big book called Strange Ground: Americans in Vietnam, 1945-75; An Oral History. It is what it says it is, interviews from soldiers. My wife was a nurse at Cu Chi and she says the section on nurses is pretty accurate.

and anything by Larry O'Brien.

thanks for your response!

I haven't really read a whole lot on any of those topics, but I can say that We Were Soldiers Once...And Young by Harold G. Moore and Joseph Galloway was an excellent read. It was very moving.

On the Oklahoma City Bombing, perhaps a book like History Firsthand - The Oklahoma City Bombing edited by Tamara Roleff might be a good choice? I always like looking at events through the eyes of those who witnessed it.

I actually teach a course on 20th century America history for a home school co-operative.  If you would like to hear about the choices I made, send me a PM.  I love your head librarian!