Don Mitchell Books

Set in the late 1960s on Bougainville Island, this collection of short stories offers a unique perspective through the eyes of the Nagovisi people, rainforest cultivators facing cultural upheaval. The narrative centers on a young American anthropologist navigating his identity during the Vietnam War while studying their lives. The stories explore the complex internal struggles of the Nagovisi, as they confront predatory miners, colonial influences, and their evolving culture, blending beautifully written prose with evocative themes of identity and change.

Exploring the complexities of memory and truth, the memoir intertwines personal experiences with the chilling 1969 murder of Jane Britton, a Harvard graduate and friend of the author, who found himself a suspect in the case. Mitchell delves into Hawaiian culture's concept of shibai, or gaslighting, as he reflects on his life, including his youth on the Big Island and interactions with diverse cultures. Through his journey, he examines how facts can distort perceptions and the enduring power of love and connection across time and cultures.

Offers, in a sustained argument, a theory of the social and economic logic behind the historical development, evolution, and especially the persistence of homelessness in the contemporary American city. Don Mitchell explores the conditions that produce and sustain homelessness and how its persistence relates to the way capital works.

The journey of a small-town boy from Ohio to becoming a celebrated war hero, test pilot, astronaut, and U.S. Senator showcases a life dedicated to service and adventure. John Glenn's story highlights his remarkable achievements and the joy he found in serving his country, illustrating the extraordinary path that led him to become one of America’s most enduring heroes.

The narrative follows a writing professor's unexpected journey into conservation when he agrees to help track endangered Indiana bats on his Vermont farm. Initially skeptical of both bats and government involvement, he undertakes various projects to improve the habitat, leading to humorous and insightful experiences. Through interactions with neighbors and local regulations, he explores themes of authority, environmental stewardship, and personal growth, ultimately transforming his views on nature and his own history in this engaging and reflective tale.

The narrative follows Karel Jan Bossart, a Belgian immigrant who became a pivotal figure in American aerospace engineering during the 1930s and post-World War II era. He collaborated with renowned aircraft designers and later spearheaded the development of the first American intercontinental ballistic missile, introducing groundbreaking design innovations. His initial skepticism was overcome when the US Air Force recognized the urgent need to counter the Soviet Union's advancements in missile technology, leading to the adoption of his ambitious plans.