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John Lennon released the popular song Happy Xmas (War is Over) in December 1971 with the Harlem Community Choir singing back-up vocals. Now a well-known Christmas song, it was ostensibly written in protest to the Vietnam War and serves as a reminder of this turbulent time in American history. Thirty years ago, John Lennon was assassinated in front of The Dakota apartment building in Manhattan while on his way home from the recording studio with his wife. After the jump, you will find a list of books about this prolific singer and activist as well as historical accounts of the Vietnam War and  America during the 1960s.