“The historical nonfiction book that I just finished reading is ‘LeMay: The Life and Wars of General Curtis LeMay’ by Warren Kozak. It is the life story of Curtis Emerson LeMay, who overcame disadvantages of his family’s limited circumstances to become one of the most influential United States’ military leaders in World War II and the Cold War. From the moment he saw an airplane in flight, his desire was to be a pilot in the Army Air Corps, later to become the United States Air Force.

“Through determination and astute career path maneuvers, he became – in rapid succession – the Air Corps’ best navigator, pilot and finally leader of a B-17 Squadron engaged in the air war over Germany. His ability to develop successful bombing tactics, and willingness to pilot the lead bomber, led to winning the war of attrition with Germany. He was equally influential in the tactics used leading to the surrender of Japan. After World War II ended, he became the Commanding General of the Strategic Air Command and architect of a nuclear deterrence capability that held the Soviet Union at bay though the Cold War. — ALAN MADDAUS, Cape Neddick

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Mainers, please email to tell us about the book on your bedside table right now. In a paragraph or two, describe the book and be sure to tell us what drew you to it. We want to hear what you are reading in these unsettled times and why. Send your selection to pgrodinsky@pressherald.com, and we may use it as a future Bedside Table.

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