3 Powerful Books Every Military Leader Should Read

Explore reviews of The Killer Angels, The Melting Point, and The Leader’s Bookshelf—and discover what they still teach us today.

One of the most rewarding parts of writing this Substack is how much my reading has improved—both in pace and depth.

I’ve become more intentional about taking notes, highlighting key passages, and connecting events, decisions, and behaviors to broader leadership or strategy themes.

That extra focus has helped me get closer to the author’s intent—something I might have missed with a more casual read.

The Killer Angels moved me (again), and The Melting Point reminded me just how tightly strategy and politics are intertwined at the highest levels.

This roundup covers books that matter to our shared history—and it's a great place to start if you're deciding what to read next.

Each review offers more than a summary. We have attempted to take a deeper look at the books' lessons, context, and relevance in today’s world. If you missed any of these titles, now is your chance to catch up.

“If you're looking for your next great military read—or just want a sharper lens on history and leadership—here’s…