18 Must-Read Books About World War II

If you’re interested in military history or just looking for a good read, you’ll want to check out our list of 18 must-read books about World War II. Some wrote these books of the best authors in the business, and they offer a unique perspective on one of the most critical events in world history. Whether you’re a fan of non-fiction or fiction, we’ve got something for everyone on this list!

1. The Guns of August by Barbara W. Tuchman

The Guns of August is a historical novel written by Barbara W. Tuchman and published in 1962. The book tells the story of the outbreak of World War I from the perspective of the European leaders involved. Tuchman’s account is based on extensive research and provides a unique perspective on one of the most important events in world history. The Guns of August was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1963.

2. The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William L. Shirer

The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich is a history book written by William L. Shirer and published in 1960. The book chronicles the rise of Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945, focusing on the leading figures of the Nazi regime, including Adolf Hitler, Joseph Goebbels, and Hermann Göring. The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich are widely considered one of the best books ever written about World War II.

3. Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl is a historic diary written by Anne Frank, a Jewish girl hiding from the Nazi regime during World War II. The journal covers the period from June 1942 to August 1944 and provides a unique insight into the life of a Jewish family in hiding during the war. Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl was first published in 1947 and has since been translated into many languages.

4. Band of Brothers by Stephen E. Ambrose

Band of Brothers is a non-fiction book written by Stephen E. Ambrose and published in 1992. The book chronicles the experiences of “Easy Company,” a unit of the United States Army’s 101st Airborne Division during World War II. Band of Brothers was adapted into a television series of the same name and aired on HBO in 2001.

5. D-Day by Stephen E. Ambrose

D-Day is a non-fiction book written by Stephen E. Ambrose and published in 1994. The book tells the story of the Allied invasion of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944, better known as “D-Day.” D-Day was one of World War II’s most critical military operations, and Ambrose’s account is based on extensive research and interviews with participants from both sides.

6. The Longest Day by Cornelius Ryan

The Longest Day is a non-fiction book written by Cornelius Ryan and published in 1959. The book chronicles the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, better known as “D-Day.” The Longest Day was adapted into a film of the same name in 1962.

7. Exodus by Leon Uris

Exodus is a historical novel written by Leon Uris and published in 1958. The book tells the story of the founding of Israel from the perspective of Jewish refugees who were displaced after World War II. Exodus was adapted into a film of the same name in 1960.

8. The War Against the Jews by Lucy S. Dawidowicz

The War Against the Jews is a non-fiction book by Lucy S. Dawidowicz, published in 1975. The book chronicles the Nazi regime’s persecution and genocide of European Jews during World War II. The War Against the Jews is considered one of the most important books ever written about the Holocaust.

9. A Woman in Berlin by Anonymous

A Woman in Berlin is a memoir written by an anonymous German woman and published in 1954. The memoir chronicled the author’s experiences during the final months of World War II when she was living in Berlin and by Soviet soldiers.

10. The Pacific by Hugh Ambrose

The Pacific is a non-fiction book by Hugh Ambrose published in 2010. The book chronicles the experiences of United States Marines during World War II, with a focus on the battles of Guadalcanal, Tarawa, and Okinawa. The Pacific was adapted into a television series of the same name and aired on HBO in 2010.

11. Hiroshima by John Hersey

Hiroshima is a non-fiction book written by John Hersey and published in 1946. The book tells the story of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima from the perspective of six survivors. Hiroshima is considered to be one of the most important books ever written about nuclear warfare.

12. Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley

Flags of Our Fathers is a non-fiction book by James Bradley, published in 2000. The book chronicles the Battle of Iwo Jima from the perspective of the six men who raised the American flag on Mount Suribachi. Flags of Our Fathers was adapted into a film of the same name in 2006.

13. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

Unbroken is a non-fiction book written by Laura Hillenbrand and published in 2010. The book chronicles the experiences of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner captured by the Japanese during World War II. Unbroken was adapted into a film of the same name in 2014.

14. A Bridge Too Far by Cornelius Ryan

A Bridge Too Far is a non-fiction book written by Cornelius Ryan and published in 1974. The book chronicles the Battle of Arnhem from the perspective of British, American, and Polish soldiers involved in the battle. A Bridge Too Far was adapted into a film of the same name in 1977.

15. Ike’s Spies by Stephen E. Ambrose

Ike’s Spies is a non-fiction book written by Stephen E. Ambrose and published in 1981. The book chronicles the activities of the United States Army’s Intelligence Corps during World War II. Ike’s Spies is considered to be one of the most important books ever written about military intelligence.

16. The Eagle Has Landed by Jack Higgins

The Eagle Has Landed, a historical novel by Jack Higgins, was published in 1975. The book tells the story of a German plot to kidnap Winston Churchill during World War II. The Eagle Has Landed adapted into a film of the same name in 1976.

17. The Battle of Britain by James Holland

The Battle of Britain is a non-fiction book by James Holland, published in 2010. The book chronicles the Battle of Britain from the perspective of British, German, and Polish airmen involved in the battle. The Battle of Britain is considered to be one of the most important books ever written about the Battle of Britain.

18. Hitler’s Last Days by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard

Hitler’s Last Days is a non-fiction book written by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard and published in 2012. The book chronicles the last days of Adolf Hitler from the perspective of those with him in his final hours. Hitler’s Last Days is considered to be one of the most important books ever written about the fall of the Nazi regime.