When you don't use .ToList(), C# don't load your data from data base until your first need to fetch data from data base, this is because of lazy loading in entity framework.
LINQ ToList() always evaluates the sequence immediately - in your case SQL query on database.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.