48 pages • 1 hour read
Countdown 1945: The Extraordinary Story of the Atomic Bomb and the 116 Days That Changed the World
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Book Brief
320
Book • Nonfiction
World • 1940s
2020
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
Countdown 1945 by Chris Wallace and Mitch Weiss chronicles the 116 days between Harry Truman becoming president and the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The narrative shifts locations with increasing intensity, focusing on Truman, physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, and Colonel Tibbets of the strike plane Enola Gay. They grapple with the mission's technical and ethical challenges leading up to the attacks. The narrative addresses the use of atomic bombs and the resultant devastation.
Informative
Suspenseful
Mysterious
Emotional
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
17,756 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Countdown 1945 by Chris Wallace and Mitch Weiss is widely praised for its compelling narrative and meticulous research on the final months of World War II. Readers appreciate its engaging, fast-paced storytelling and historical insights. Some critics, however, feel it lacks depth in character development. Overall, it's an informative and gripping read.
Who Should Read Countdown 1945?
Readers who enjoy Countdown 1945 by Chris Wallace and Mitch Weiss are likely fans of meticulously researched historical narratives and dramatic retellings of pivotal moments. Similar to Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand and The Wright Brothers by David McCullough, this book appeals to those fascinated by World War II and groundbreaking events that shaped modern history.
17,756 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Harry S. Truman
Harry S. Truman
The 33rd President of the United States who assumed office after Franklin Roosevelt's death, known for guiding the nation through the end of World War II and the beginning of the atomic age.
J. Robert Oppenheimer
J. Robert Oppenheimer
A brilliant theoretical physicist who led the Manhattan Project, instrumental in the development of the atomic bomb, and known for his intellectual prowess and complex reflections on his contributions.
Colonel Paul Tibbets
Colonel Paul Tibbets
The commanding officer of the 509th Composite Group, recognized for piloting the aircraft that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, marking a pivotal moment in World War II.
320
Book • Nonfiction
World • 1940s
2020
Adult
16+ years
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