BOOKISH

A Not-So-Ordinary Book Discussion

HOW DID I NOT KNOW THIS?

WRITTEN BY TIFFANY KILLOREN

I consider myself a well-educated and relatively “worldly” person. I read a lot (thank goodness, or this column wouldn’t be that interesting) and am a lover of history. That said, I read each of the following books and had the same response: How did I not know this? Isn’t that the amazing thing about books, though? We can continue to learn and stretch our minds to explore new parts of the world and history. Spanning the worlds of organized crime—the hunt for war criminals and murders that will hit you at your core—these recommendations will open your mind to true events that rival any fictional drama.

I Heard You Paint Houses

(Charles Brandt, 2004) My husband and I unknowingly gifted each other this book for Christmas one year—but we chose different book covers, which was a fun and interesting twist. The gift idea occurred to us because we were both so intrigued by the movie of the same name and history surrounding organized crime, its origins, and the ongoing pursuit of mob leaders and questions that still remain. This book details the life of Frank Sheeran, a hitman for the Bufalino crime family, and his relationship with Jimmy Hoffa. With so many theories out there about the disappearance of Hoffa, this account provides a believable explanation for those looking for an end to one of the most intriguing mysteries of the 1970s.

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI

(David Grann, 2017) As if this story wasn’t devastating enough, it happened in our own backyard, which makes me both ashamed and embarrassed that I didn’t know the history. An appalling true tale of the murders of Osage Indian tribe members for oil rights, this is a story about ruthlessness and those who would do the unthinkable for money. In the early days of Hoover and the FBI, this book takes you on an unexpected journey to finding those responsible for the murders thanks to the relentless efforts of a cattleman dedicated to discovering the truth. Although the movie will undoubtedly be amazing, you really need to read the book to appreciate a tale this complex.

Citizen 865: The Hunt for Hitler’s Hidden Soldiers

(Debbie Cenziper, 2019) People are interested in the details of World War II for different reasons. Many consider it the ultimate display of good vs. evil in a world where we still can’t quite imagine such evil existing in human form. The attendance of the Auschwitz exhibit at Union Station is further evidence that, as hard as the atrocities are to hear, it’s important to acknowledge them and never forget. Citizen 865 uncovers the work of a dedicated group of historians, lawyers, and others to track down World War II criminals who had escaped to the United States after the war’s end. Their work and personal sacrifice to bring these people to justice is a little-known story that should be read, shared, and added to our history books.

Tiffany Killorenis a local author and lover of the written word. Her novel, GOOD WILL, was released in 2020 and she is always thinking

of new stories to tell. Follow her at @readandthreads on Instagram for book and life musings as she tries to balance career, family and her passion for writing one step - or word - at a time. PHOTO BY MOLLY KUPLEN