​Iris Chang’s The Rape of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II is one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve put it down. It covers the horrifying events of the Nanking Massacre in 1937, when Japanese forces invaded the city and carried out brutal killings, mass rape, and unimaginable violence against civilians and prisoners. This isn’t an easy book to read, but it’s an important one.

Chang does an incredible job of making sure this piece of history isn’t forgotten. She breaks it down into three perspectives—the victims, the Japanese soldiers who committed these atrocities, and the foreigners who tried to help. This structure makes the book even more powerful, showing not just what happened but also how it was later covered up or denied.

The book has faced some controversy, particularly from those who deny or downplay the massacre, and it has even been banned in some schools. Some argue it's too graphic or politically sensitive, but honestly, history should make us uncomfortable—especially when it involves crimes like this. Banning books like this only makes it easier for history to be forgotten or rewritten.

That said, some historians have pointed out a few factual errors, and the book has been criticized for emotional intensity over academic neutrality. But that’s part of what makes it so impactful—Chang doesn’t just present facts; she makes you feel the weight of what happened.
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This is a tough but necessary read. If you care about history, justice, and making sure tragedies like this aren’t erased, it’s worth picking up. Just be prepared—it’s not something you can breeze through.

Download the eBook with your SPL card. If you prefer a hard copy, talk to us about interlibrary loan.

​Aimee Clark, IT Librarian

Midnight in Chernobyl is one of those books that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. Adam Higginbotham does an incredible job of breaking down the Chernobyl disaster, not just as a nuclear accident but as a story of human error, government failure, and Soviet secrecy gone horribly wrong.

What makes this book stand out is how it focuses on the people involved—the engineers, scientists, and officials who were at the center of it all. Some were heroes, some were just trying to do their jobs, and some made terrible decisions that made everything worse. Higginbotham’s writing makes it all feel immediate and real, like you’re right there in the control room as things start to go south.

Even though it covers a lot of technical and historical details, it never feels boring or overly complicated. Higginbotham explains things in a way that’s easy to understand, and the story moves fast, almost like a thriller. The way the Soviet government tried to cover things up is just as fascinating (and infuriating) as the disaster itself.

If you’re into history, science, or just love a gripping true story, this book is a must-read. It’s intense, well-researched, and honestly hard to put down.

Reserve the book at the library or get the eBook or audiobook with your SPL card.

Aimee Clark, IT Librarian

Night by Elie Wiesel is a gut-wrenching, raw glimpse into one of history's darkest periods. In this memoir, Wiesel pulls no punches as he recounts his harrowing experiences during the Holocaust, making the reader feel every moment of despair, shock, and lingering disbelief. The narrative is both sparse and powerful, reflecting the stark reality of life in the concentration camps without ever drifting into unnecessary embellishment. Despite its brevity, the book packs an emotional punch, urging you to reflect on humanity, the loss of innocence, and the capacity for both cruelty and resilience. It’s a tough, unforgettable read that stays with you long after you’ve finished it.

Would you like to read this? Click here to reserve! With your SPL card, the eBook and audioboook are also available to reserve.

Aimee Clark, IT Librarian