Ursina's Shelf - Historic heroes (+ ChatGPT)
Issue 80
Dear readers,
This year I’ve already hat the pleasure of discovering two great non-fiction books that I delighted in for the wonderful narrative they brought to historical events and the heroism of their subjects.
Instead of presenting a third book that fits into the category, I conducted my first experiment of asking ChatGPT for a book recommendation.
Tunnel 29: The True Story of an Extraordinary Escape Beneath the Berlin Wall by Helena Merriman (2021)
Description: This account of the women and men who helped 29 East Berliners escape to the West paints a vast and at times brutal picture of life in East Germany after World War II and during the Cold War. Journalist Merriman, who both wrote and narrated this book, starts with a poignant point about the many walls that exist today to keep people in (or out). (Buy here).
My take: This was not only gratifying due to the many street names, U-Bahn stops, and landmarks I recognized. The real appreciation stems from the personal narrative centered around Joachim Rudolph, one of the diggers, and many of the other central figures. This book celebrates freedom and the human spirit of helping each other to attain freedom.
A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II by Sonia Purnell
Description: The story of Virginia Hall is one full of frustration. How could such an incredible force of nature not receive the recognition she deserved during her lifetime? The life of this amputee who became one of the first female secret agents and played a pivotal role in the French Résistance during WWII is so remarkable—and unfortunately mostly unknown. (Buy here).
My take: A chunk of Hall’s time during the war was spent in Lyon, delightfully igniting memories of my time studying abroad there with Julie, who recommended this book to me. The determination and strength of Hall, and her incredible hardships and successes are inspiring. At the same time, I’m infuriated that she was mostly uncredited and forgotten. Her story, as wonderfully researched and told by Purnell, will remain in my heart for a long time.
ChatGPT recommendation
I am so enthralled by these two stories that I crave similar books and thought I’d query ChatGPT to look for similar books.
Three questions in, I learned about some new books and authors to check out, but mostly ended up with two books that were already on my list and had previously been recommended by human friends: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot and The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women by Kate Moore. Here’s my full chat and all the recommendations.
Currently listening: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by my beloved James McBride (of The Color of Water featured in the Back to School issue and Deacon King Kong, featured in the I Heart NY issue)
I hope you have a great weekend ahead. Also let me know if you’d like to contribute to a future newsletter. Currently, topics I am considering include comics (again), summer reads, and poetry. All recommendations in these areas and beyond are welcome.
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