Memorial Day is more than a long weekend or the unofficial start of summer—it’s a time to remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to their country. Whether you’re reflecting quietly or spending time with loved ones, books can offer a powerful way to connect with the spirit of the holiday.
Here’s a list of 10 books across multiple genres that explore sacrifice, service, memory, and resilience themes.
10 Books Perfect for Memorial Day
1. The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien
Genre: Literary Fiction / War
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A masterful blend of fiction and memoir, this Vietnam War classic explores the emotional burdens soldiers carry during and after combat. It’s raw, poetic, and unforgettable.
2. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Genre: Nonfiction / Biography
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The incredible true story of Louis Zamperini, a former Olympian turned WWII airman, who survives a plane crash, 47 days at sea, and years in Japanese POW camps. A tribute to endurance and the human spirit.
3. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Genre: Historical Fiction
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Set in Nazi-occupied France, this novel focuses on two sisters who each play roles in the resistance. It’s a gripping tale of bravery and sacrifice, particularly highlighting the unsung roles women played during war.
4. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
Genre: Historical Fiction / Romance
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Listen/Read my review here.
Based on a true story, this novel follows a Slovakian Jew who is forced to tattoo numbers on fellow prisoners in Auschwitz. A story of survival, resistance, and love amidst horror.
5. Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley with Ron Powers
Genre: Nonfiction / Military History
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This powerful account tells the story of the six men who raised the flag at Iwo Jima—one of the most iconic images of WWII. Written by the son of one of the flag-raisers, it explores the lives behind the image.
6. The Huntress by Kate Quinn
Genre: Historical Thriller
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A Nazi hunter joins forces with a Russian female bomber pilot to track a war criminal known as “the Huntress.” This fast-paced novel examines justice, vengeance, and the psychological aftermath of war.
7. Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
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While not about war, this novel explores grief and survival after tragedy, following a boy who is the sole survivor of a plane crash. It’s a quiet but moving meditation on what it means to go on living.
8. We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter
Genre: Historical Fiction
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Inspired by the true story of a Polish Jewish family torn apart by WWII and determined to survive and reunite. A story of family, love, and perseverance in the face of unfathomable odds.
9. The Yellow Birds by Kevin Powers
Genre: Literary Fiction / War
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Written by an Iraq War veteran, this haunting novel follows two young soldiers and the emotional and psychological toll of modern warfare. It’s a lyrical and poignant meditation on memory, loss, and the cost of conflict.
10. The Soldier’s Wife by Margaret Leroy
Genre: Historical Fiction / Romance
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Set in WWII-occupied Guernsey, this novel explores the moral complexities of love and loyalty during wartime. It’s a story of heartbreak, hope, and human choices in impossible times.
Final Thoughts
Whether you gravitate toward true stories or historical novels, Memorial Day is a meaningful moment to reflect on the lives forever changed by war. These books offer a window into those experiences, reminding us of the sacrifices made and the resilience that endures.
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