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Garibaldi - Ron Field

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  Title: Garibaldi Author: Ron Field Publisher: Osprey, Oxford Year published: 2011 64 pages The book provides an engaging, illustrated exploration of the life and achievements of Giuseppe Garibaldi, one of the most significant figures in the Italian unification movement.  It presents Garibaldi as both a military strategist and a charismatic leader whose revolutionary fervor and dedication to uniting Italy inspired an international legacy.  The book delves into Garibaldi's early influences, his rise through the ranks of revolutionary activism, and his involvement in key military campaigns across Europe and South America.  Field examines Garibaldi’s diverse experiences, from his youthful adventures as a sailor to his time fighting alongside other freedom fighters in Brazil and Uruguay, all of which honed his tactical skills and built his reputation as a revolutionary icon.  The narrative traces his decisive role in leading the famous "Redshirts"—a volunteer army ...

Spitfire - Tony Holmes

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  Spitfire delves into the historical context surrounding the creation of the aircraft, emphasizing its importance during Britain’s darkest hours in World War II.  Holmes traces the Spitfire’s origins from the design board of R.J. Mitchell, highlighting the technical innovations that made it a breakthrough in fighter aircraft engineering.  Its elliptical wings, Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, and remarkable agility allowed the Spitfire to outperform many enemy planes, making it crucial in air combat. The book also provides a vivid account of the Spitfire's role during pivotal moments of the war, most notably the Battle of Britain.  Holmes describes how Spitfire pilots, facing overwhelming odds, defended the skies over Britain against the German Luftwaffe, securing a turning point in the war.  Through interviews and first-hand accounts, readers gain insight into the bravery and skill of these pilots, whose courage was as remarkable as the plane they flew. In addition ...

The Scarecrow Walks at Midnight - RL Stine

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  Title: The Scarecrow Walks at Midnight Author: RL Stine Publisher: Scholastic, London Year published: 2015 122 pages In this story, Jodie loves spending her summers at her grandparents' farm, but this year something is different. The once lively farm seems neglected, and her usually energetic grandparents are acting tired and distant. Strangely, the single scarecrow guarding the cornfields has been replaced by a dozen ominous-looking scarecrows. Soon, Jodie notices bizarre occurrences—especially one unsettling night when she sees the scarecrows twitching on their stakes, hinting that they may be coming to life. As the eerie atmosphere intensifies, Jodie must unravel the mystery behind the scarecrows and figure out if the farm is under some sinister spell. This 122-page story captures classic Goosebumps elements—creepy tension, unexpected twists, and plenty of scares—making it an engaging read for young fans of the horror genre.

Nurul Hidayah - Hasan Ali

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  Tajuk: Nurul Hidayah Penulis: Hasan Ali Penerbit: DBP, Kuala Lumpur Tahun diterbitkan: 2010 422 halaman Dari kulit muka belakang: Mengisahkan perjuangan gigih seorang eksekutif (akauntan) yang bernama Mahfuz dalam cita-citanya untuk menerapkan nilai-nilai Islam dalam bidang perniagaan yang diceburinya. Mahfuz, suatu ketika ditugaskan bersama Lim untuk menyelongkar dan menyiasat skandal penyelewengan di sebuah institusi kewangan sehingga berjaya mengesan mereka yang melakukan jenayah terkutuk dalam sejarah kewangan di negara ini. Kejayaannya membongkar skandal penyelewengan itu mendorongnya membuka firma agensi pelancongan dan membuka sebuah anak syarikat bernama Nurul Hidayah yang menjalankan perniagaan import-eksport barang-barang keluaran tempatan untuk diedar dan dipasarkan ke pasaran antarabangsa. Nurul Hidayah, sebuah novel yang menyentuh dan membicarakan persoalan semasa iaitu, skandal penyelewengan di sebuah bank, penerapan nilai-nilai Islam dalam kehidupan masa kini, peng...

War - Janne Teller

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  Title: War Author: Janne Teller Publisher: Simon & Schuster, London Year published: 2016 63 pages A thought-provoking short novel that explores the brutal realities of war from a deeply personal perspective.  The book is structured as a fictional letter addressed to a Danish teenager, urging the reader to imagine what life would be like if Denmark were suddenly plunged into war.  It challenges readers to consider how they would cope with the chaos, loss of home, family, and identity.  By reversing the roles and placing Europe as the war-torn region, it forces readers to empathize with refugees and the displaced, offering a powerful commentary on the human cost of conflict and the fragility of peace.

Burung Badai - Arena Wati

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  Tajuk: Burung Badai (Antologi Cerpen) Penulis: Arena Wati Penerbit: Pustaka Antara, Kuala Lumpur Tahun diterbitkan: 1990 150 halaman Dari kulit muka belakang: Aku dari masyarakat tani dan nelayan yang diperas, lahir dari keluarga pelaut dan pedagang kecil yang tertindas, diasuh oleh ibu bapa dalam negara yang dijajah, dan dalam usia remaja yang masih hijau dalam segala hal, terlempar ke tengah dunia yang dibakar perang. Aku rebut hidup dari ombak ke ombak kesengsaraan, kuisi dada dari badai ke badai penderitaan, terbang dengan  sayap kepercayaan diri sendiri dengan bulu kemiskinan, dalam lindungan tuhanku pengasih. Aku sudah mendengar, melihat, mengalami, merasakan dan memikirkan. Maka dengan segala kerendahan dan  keikhlasan hati, aku ungkapkan kata pencerminan dari diri sendiri dengan dada terbuka, berhadapan dengan seluruh  pengalaman yang ku-KATA-kan, sebagai keharusan, berdialog kepada hidup yang setiap saat mencabar kehadiranku.

Garibaldi and the Making of Italy

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Title:  Garibaldi and the Making of Italy Author: George Macaulay Trevelyan Librivox Audiobook app  Read by Kirksvoice  (11hr 32m) Started listening: 14 May 2024 This book offers a compelling account of the Italian unification, focusing on Giuseppe Garibaldi's crucial role in this historic process.  The book vividly portrays Garibaldi’s military campaigns from Sicily to Naples and their impact on the fall of the Bourbon monarchy. Trevelyan’s narrative is engaging and well-researched, drawing on primary sources to provide an authentic depiction of events.  While his admiration for Garibaldi shines through, the author does maintain a balanced perspective, acknowledging both the hero's strengths and flaws.  However, the book’s focus on Garibaldi can sometimes limit its scope, giving less attention to other key figures like Count Cavour and King Victor Emmanuel II.  Additionally, Trevelyan's somewhat romanticized view may feel dated compared to...