History and political buffs will enjoy this collection of books chosen by Paula Van Valkenburgh.  The set of 8 books includes:

• The Defining Moment: FDR's Hundred Days & The Triumph of Hope, by Jonathan Adler
• War in a Time of Peace: Bush, Clinton, and the Generals, by David Halberstam
• Union 1812: The Americans Who Fought the Second War of Independence, by A.J. Langguth
• Are Men Necessary: When Sexes Collide, by Maureen Dowd
• Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer, by James L. Swanson
• Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, by Doris Kearns Goodwin
• 11 Days in December: Christmas at the Bulge, 1944, by Stanley Weintraub
• Sea of Thunder: Four Commanders and the Last Great Naval Campaign, 1941-1945, by Evan Thomas