"author Sam Harris", this may be the problem, maybe we should...

"author Sam Harris", this may be the problem, maybe we should avoid all non-technical writings. Most writings (other than the Bible naturally) are garbage, this includes official History IMO. Writers embellish, twist, detach events from the context, promote their own position or otherwise distort the truth. This applies especially to news items as well from which History is born.
Carry a set tape recorder in your pocket, a Bible under your left arm, a weapon in your right hand and a pack of technical books on your back and you'll be fine.