SKU: 20459037739

When Books Went to War: The Stories That Helped Us Win World War II

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When Books Went to War: The Stories That Helped Us Win World War IINEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER "Heartwarming." New York Times "Whether or not you're a book lover, you'll be moved." Entertainment Weekly "A readable, accessible addition to World War II literature and] a book that will be enjoyed by lovers of books about books." Boston Globe "Four stars out of four] . . . A cultural history that does much to explain modern America." USA Today When America entered World War II in 1941, we faced an enemy that had banned and

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

"Heartwarming." -- New York Times

"Whether or not you're a book lover, you'll be moved." -- Entertainment Weekly

"A readable, accessible addition to World War II literature and] a book that will be enjoyed by lovers of books about books." -- Boston Globe

"Four stars out of four] . . . A cultural history that does much to explain modern America." -- USA Today

When America entered World War II in 1941, we faced an enemy that had banned and burned 100 million books. Outraged librarians launched a campaign to send free books to American troops and gathered 20 million hardcover donations. In 1943, the War Department and the publishing industry stepped in with an extraordinary program: 120 million small, lightweight paperbacks for troops to carry in their pockets and rucksacks in every theater of war. These Armed Services Editions were beloved by the troops and are still fondly remembered today. Soldiers read them while waiting to land at Normandy, in hellish trenches in the midst of battles in the Pacific, in field hospitals, and on long bombing flights. They helped rescue The Great Gatsby from obscurity and made Betty Smith, author of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, into a national icon. When Books Went to War is the inspiring story of the Armed Services Editions, and a treasure for history buffs and book lovers alike.

"A thoroughly engaging, enlightening, and often uplifting account . . . I was enthralled and moved." -- Tim O'Brien, author of The Things They Carried


Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Mariner Books
Published: 10/27/2015
ISBN: 9780544570405
Pages: 304
Weight: 0.55lbs
Size: 8.20h x 5.20w x 0.80d

Review Citations: New York Times Book Review 02/21/2016 pg. 28
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SKU: 20459037739

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Alejandro Reyes
Battle Creek, US
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The Indispensable Standard for Outdoor Play
Size: 12 Pack, Color: Optic Yellow
As someone who genuinely lives on the pickleball court, having reliable equipment isn't a preference—it’s a necessity. The Franklin Sports X-40 Outdoor Pickleballs are the gold standard for a reason. From the moment you serve, the flight is true, offering predictable speed and a consistent, high-bounce off the court face, making every rally feel authentic and competitive. The 40 precision-drilled holes ensure that they cut through the wind effectively, minimizing drift on those breezy days that are inevitable in outdoor play. I’ve hit these with powerful serves and vicious third-shot drops, and they maintain their shape and integrity beautifully, far outlasting many other brands I’ve tried. However, let’s be honest about the one thing every dedicated player knows: you can never, ever have enough pickleballs. Even with the durability of the X-40, balls get lost in the bushes, occasionally crack under extreme force, or are simply needed for high-volume drilling. If you’re serious about the game, stocking up on these is essential—not just because they're great, but because having a full inventory is the only way to ensure the game never stops. If you’re looking for a ball that delivers official, tournament-level performance and holds up play after play, the X-40 is the one to get.
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Bright, Smooth, and Worth the Price
Size: 12 Pack, Color: Optic Yellow
These pickleball balls are excellent quality and absolutely worth the price. I was hesitant at first because they cost a little more than other options for the same quantity, but the difference is obvious once you use them. They glide smoothly, feel like high‑end material, and the bright color is a huge plus especially in low lit areas where visibility can be an issue. They’re easy to spot on the court and stand out even when multiple games are going on. The color is noticeably brighter than most pickleballs I’ve seen, which makes them easy to identify and retrieve. The overall quality and size really speaks for itself. I highly recommend them.
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The best outdoor pickleballs.
Size: 12 Pack, Color: Optic Yellow
These pickleballs are much cheaper than found in stores. Great quality. Rates at the top when researching the best outdoor pickleballs. This a no brainer, a must buy if you play the game. Well packaged. Fast delivery. The best price!
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Andy Bui
Carnegie, US
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Great Outdoor Pickleballs for Practice and Games
Size: 6 Pack, Color: Multi
These pickleballs have been great overall for outdoor play. The colors are bright and easy to see on the court, which is especially helpful during evening games or when playing on darker surfaces. They have a consistent bounce and feel durable compared to some cheaper pickleballs I’ve tried before. I also like that they fly pretty true and don’t wobble too much during rallies. They work well for both casual games and more competitive practice sessions. The balls feel solid off the paddle and provide a good balance of speed and control. The only reason I’m giving 4 stars instead of 5 is because a couple of the balls started showing small cracks after extended outdoor use on rough courts. They still lasted longer than many other brands, but I expected slightly better durability considering the price. They can also feel a bit harder than some softer outdoor balls, especially in colder weather. Overall though, these are reliable pickleballs and definitely a good choice for outdoor play. I’d buy them again for practice and recreational matches.
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West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
Good quality
Size: 3 Pack, Color: Optic Yellow
These are really good quality. The color is easy to see on the outdoor court, especially when the sun is bright. Definitely has good bounce to them.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2026

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