Here are my choices for some books that you might want for your collection. They are about famous, and infamous, people with ties to Phoenix and Arizona. Enjoy!
1. Lazy B
Written by Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor with her brother, H. Alan Day. The subtitle of the book is "Growing Up on a Cattle Ranch in the American Southwest." She recounts the stories of growing up with her family on a remote cattle ranch. Also available in audio book.
2. Flags of Our Fathers: Heroes of Iwo Jima
By James Bradley and Ron Powers. The story of the six men who raised the flag at Iwo Jima who were depicted in the famous photo. One of those men was Ira Hayes, a native Arizonan.3. Forever, Erma
By Erma Bombeck. A collection of more than 120 essays spanning 25 years, from the woman who specialized in finding the humor in everyday life.4. Don't Kiss Them Good-Bye
People who have been intrigued by the TV show "Medium" are likely to be interested in knowing about the woman depicted in the program. The TV show is, in many respects, very near to the truth about Allison DuBois. This book is not intended to change your mind about what you believe or don't believe. If you do believe in the afterlife, and that there are living people who can communicate with them, you'' enjoy this book.5. The Trunk Murderess: Winnie Ruth Judd
By Jana Bommersbach. A strange but true account of a woman who spent most of her life incarcerated, convicted of killing and dismembering her two best friends and stuffing the body parts in a trunk. But was this case ever truly solved?6. America's Toughest Sheriff: How We Can Win the War Against Crime
By Joe Arpaio and Len Sherman. Joe Arpaio, the Sheriffof Maricopa County (where Phoenix, AZ is) has received national acclaim as the toughest sheriff in America. This book is about Sheriff Joe's no-nonsense "get smart and get tough" approach to jail.7. Underboss : Sammy the Bull Gravano's Story of Life in the Mafia
By Peter Maas. Gravano spent his entire life in the mob and was very loyal until he realized that crime boss John Gotti was about to sell him down the river in order to save his own neck. At that point Sammy the Bull turned state's evidence.8. Make 'Em Laugh
By Steve Allen. Includes written jokes, TV comedy sketches, satires, song parodies, humorous essays, amusing autobiographical reminiscences, one-act plays, witty speeches, and stand-up monologues from his comedy concerts.9. Cesar Chavez
By Lucile Davis. A biography of the Mexican American labor leader who achieved justice for migrant farm workers by creating a union to protect their rights. Includes photographs.10. Before the Storm
By Rick Perlstein. The subtitle is: "Barry Goldwater and the Unmaking of the American Consensus." This book tells the story of the rise of the conservative movement in the liberal 1960's and the role that Barry Goldwater from Arizona cameto play in American politics.