American Experience in WWII - A Nine-Part Book Discussion Series

With Historian Peter Vermilyea - Part 2

In-Person & on Zoom: 

This book discussion series explores World War II through the experiences of everyday Americans—soldiers and civilians, workers and families, women and men, and people of diverse backgrounds. Through acclaimed works of history and narrative nonfiction, participants will examine how the war transformed American life, from Pearl Harbor and the home front to combat, civil rights, the atomic bomb, and the challenges of returning home. Led by historian Peter Vermilyea, the series asks not only how Americans fought the war, but how the war changed America.

Part 2 - Book to be discussed: Infamy by Richard Reeves

Richard Reeves’ Infamy offers a powerful look at World War II from the perspective of Japanese Americans whose lives were transformed by the conflict. Through personal stories of incarceration, military service, resistance, and the fight for justice, the book explores racism, civil rights, patriotism, and the consequences of wartime fear. It also complicates the traditional story of the war, revealing the contradiction of Americans fighting for democracy abroad while denying constitutional rights to fellow Americans at home—and ultimately asking the series’ central question: How did the war change America?

Physical books are available now to borrow! E-books & e-audio will be available one month before the discussion to OWL cardholders.