“Sea of Thunder” by Evan Thomas is another excellent book about this battle and Leyete Gulf. It features Admirals Halsey, Kurita, Ugaki and Commander Evans. You’re right, xkaydet65, “Tincan Sailors” was excellent.
I read it, but I can’t be objective as I’m not a fan of Newsweak’s Thomas and Hornschifer does a much better job describing the battle from the sailor’s POV.His description of the charge of the Samuel Butler toward the IJN is awesomely inspiring.