"Count the Ways: the Greatest Love Stories of Our Times" by Paul Aron (Contemporary Books, 2002).
A photo of each couple illustrates the stories behind twenty-four of the most captivating partnerships of the last century. Selecting from the fields of actors, rulers, writers, and "barnstormers, bank robbers, and ballplayers," the author profiles the obstacles, joys, dramas, and endings - happy or not - in short sketches. You'll recognize the names, which include such diverse couples as George Burns and Gracie Allen, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Bonnie and Clyde, Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, and of course, Ronald and Nancy Reagan.

"The Last Lone Inventor" by Evan I. Schwartz (HarperCollins, 2002).
What happens when an "unknown" goes head-to-head with big business? Philo T. Farnsworth invented television in the 1920s while still a teen; David Sarnoff, founder of NBC, became obsessed with stealing Farnsworth's invention to protect his broadcasting empire. For decades, the two were at odds, ultimately facing a showdown. Their conflict helped determine the development of the broadcasting industry in the United States.

"Without Reservation" by Jeff Benedict (HarperCollins, 2000).
Story of the rise of the Pequots, richest tribe in American history - an incredible tale of opportunity, coincidence, inattention, and cold calculation told in a way that rivets the attention of the reader. The book presents unthinkable implications about the quality and integrity of our fearless leaders and the attorneys who represented both sides of the issues. Readers will be familiar with names and dates - the tribe and its cast of characters are still in the news!

Here's where I will record citations and abstracts for books I've read that I consider notable. It could be used as a source of material for booklists, Christmas gifts, or recommendations. All are in the collection of the Sacramento Public Library.