5 comments about The Age of Napoleon (Modern Library Chronicles).

1. I don't recommend this book unless you're already familiar with the entire history of Napoleon. It's filled with vague references, assumes the reader lives in the writer's world with the references he doesn't explain, and uses many French sentences without any translation.

   I bought this small book, hoping it would be a quick, interesting read. I found it was neither.

   On the other hand, if you enjoy French arrogance, you might enjoy working through this book.




2. This newest addition to the Modern Library Chronicles series is not a history of Napoleon but a snapshot into this time in France, although by his very nature the man defines the times. For a short biography of Napoleon, take a look at Paul Johnson's slim volume and for a fuller context of Parisian history read Alistair Horne's The Seven Ages of Paris. This book, the Age of Napoleon, is Alistair Horne's examination of one of those particular ages and the man at the centre of it. The book is arranged by topics as opposed to a chronological history so basic familiarty with European history will be an advantage. The author also repeats himself, at times, as the story moves back and forth. But this book will give the reader an idea of these tumultous times and either lead them to further reading about Napoleon the man or work as a refresher to a previously read biography.



3. Engaging and informative, Horne manages to present his vast knowledge of Napoleon and his age in an almost conversational tone that-while full of rich historical detail-manages to be scholarly, riveting and often quite humorous. For example, in addition to learn about the numerous ways Napoleon's two decade rule transformed Europe, we learn that his wife and Empress Josephine's wardrobe contained 666 winter dresses, 230 summer ones and only two pair of knickers. If one wishes for a direct introduction to Napoleon and his influence, The Age of Napoleon is an excellent place to start.



4. For those seeking a biography of the man or his military accomplishments, this book does not fit the bill. Horne focuses on the political, economic, artistic, and scientific accomplishments of Napoleon and the Napoleonic Regime. So this book focuses on an area not covered by most authors. Since Napoleon is a topic that many authors have attempted, Horne focuses on an area not usually written about. Napoleon changed a lot in France, and Horne outlines both his accomplishments (Code of Napoleon for law, and scientific research) and his failures (theater, opera, and literature).
   This is not an easy read, despite its brevity. It is a read that will enlighten a Napoleonic historian. However, the subjects and concepts are more difficult to understand than the
   military victories.



5. Horne's pithy little book is certainly not a good introduction to Napoleon the man, general, or emperor, nor a comprehensive history text on France. It is, however, a valuable collection of his most lasting and significant policies, ambitions, whims, excesses, successes, and failures.
   
   Horne writes with the facile hand of an expert in his element, yet this book will certainly prove most valuable to the casual rather than novice or advanced scholar of Napoleonic France. It covers his rise to fame, deceptively humble power-grab, impressive reformist tendencies and initiatives, his staid morality contrasting personal hypocrisy, as well as Napoleon's creation of a new and (at least in theory) merit-based aristocracy, as well as the advent of modern French culture. Colorful episodes featuring his beloved Josephine as well as other flames and vixens are recounted.
   
   This will be a nice addition to a Francophile shelf, but only a sketchy entry text for the curious.

3 comments about RED STAR AIRACOBRA: Memoirs of a Soviet Fighter Ace 1941-45 (Soviet Memories of War).

1. Evgeniy Mariinskiy's RED STAR AIRACOBRA: MEMOIRS OF A SOVIET FIGHTER ACE 1941-45 tells of a Soviet air fighter ace and hero who shot down twenty enemy plains during world War II - and was himself shot down not once, but several times. His memoir provides an soldier's eye view of the Eastern Front, surveying the fighting forces and tactics of the Red Army and providing a 'you are there' set of battle experiences. His first-hand experiences and accounts of battle engagements provide enlightening details on what it meant to participate in Soviet battle.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



2. The book is more or less a typical memoir from the Eastern Front. I read it in one day and enjoyed it for the most part. Unlike another memoir which I read by a pilot, the losses that Mariinskiy's regiment suffered were not at all as bad as they could have been. He definitely served in one of the better formations and had one of the highest scoring aces, Gulayev, flying in the same regiment. Now, the real reason I give this book 4 stars is because of the horrible editing job. Mistakes are quite numerous! On one page you will read about the 29th Guards Fighter Regiment, on another the same regiment is now the 129th. Gulayev is spelled at times as Gulaev. Sandomir is spelled as Samdomir. And so on and so forth, it becomes quite annoying and definitely takes away from the pleasure of reading this book! The translation is also rudimentary at times, it could have been a much better read if time was taken to correct these two problems. Otherwise some of the stories are very interesting although from time to time I found it hard to believe the numbers the author quotes, both those planes he and his squadron encountered and those planes that were shot down, although you never know. Suffice it to say, if you can get by with the lousy editing and crude translation, you might just enjoy this book.



3. It's hard to categorize memoirs, particularly war memoirs - most are written and published with little or no editorial help, so they vary in style, content, and tone. Too, most are an unpredictable mixture of personal remembrances, marbled with more widely known history.
   Red Star Airacobra won't deviate from that rough format to any significant degree. What does set it apart is that Mariinskiy has worked in the publishing field, and he's picked up a thing or two over the years about literary writing. He's not a skillful writer, mind you (or maybe the writing suffers in translation), but he has a sense of how to translate the drama of his wartime flying experiences to the page.
   He manages to pull the blur of air combat into focus for the reader, and one also gains a sense of the gamut of emotions for these warfighters - on the ground as well as in the air -as the Soviets slowly push Germany back past the Oder River.
   One touching moment evokes Hemingway: he discovers after a near fatal crash that his female plane mechanic is in love with him. While Mariinskiy is being shot down, she is wounded back at their aerodrome. He visits her in the hospital, where he acknowledges her feelings for him. The next day, she dies.
   In other places, the pilots discus - elliptically - little known Russian poets, and they compare their experiences to those of Tolstoy's characters in War and Peace.
   For these rather unique reasons, this one has been a memorable and pleasurable read.

1 comments about Korea: Frozen Hell on Earth : A Platoon Sergeant's Diary Korean War 1950-1951.

1. Mr. Spiroff's journal of the 18 months he spent on the front lines of the Korean War is a very cut and dry first hand account of the human suffering that took place during this "Military Conflict". The author revisited his memories in 1994 as trouble began to appear again between North and South Korea. His hope is that America would learn from history and not become involved in another countries problems. A must read for any Korean War veteran, historian or enthusiast.

3 comments about Fire In The Wind: The Life of Dickey Chapelle.

1. I was actually a bit annoyed to find this book, since I didn't know anyone had written Chapelle's biography, and I had thought of doing it myself. That said, Ostroff has written it much better than I could have. While what drove Dickey Chapelle to her achievements and disasters remains a bit hard to grasp, Ostroff has done an excellent job of tracing her cliffhanger career. There are nitpicks: Ostroff puts herself in Chapelle's head at times, as if she knows exactly what Dickie was thinking, and there is no mention of Chapelle's spiritual beliefs or lack thereof. Despite these slips, the book is an excellent tale, well told. I've recommended it widely.



2. Interesting book about Dickey Chapelle. She wanted to be a pilot, but became a photojournalist--the first woman photographer to get accredation to cover the war in the Pacific in World War II. After that, she was present at nearly every noteworthy conflict or event there was--if something was going on, Dickey wanted to be there, and usually got her way. She worked for Life, Reader's Digest, National Geographic, and many other magazines and papers. She was killed in 1965, while with the Marines in Vietnam.

   Her personal life was not always smooth sailing, and I find it incredible that she achieved all she did.

   What I found most interesting about Dickey was her spirit--she didn't let conventions or anybody stand in her way. She was a trailblazer in her field, and I'm glad that Roberta Ostroff wrote this book--Dickey certainly deserves recognition for her courage and and heroism.




3. The book is very factual and an easy read because the author is a journalist herself. However Ms. Ostroff tends to engage in some hero worship with her subject, which came as something of a disappointment to me. Overall not a bad book but not one I'm keeping on my shelf.

3 comments about Boy Soldier: A German Teenager at the Nazi Twilight.

1. "Boy Soldier" is written is a simple yet stunningly powerful style. It captures all of the essential elements of a great story: a sylvan existence which is violated by the ravages of war; a love story even in the midst of conflict; and the triumph of the human spirit. It is a seductive journey for the reader who knows in the beginning chapters that a dark period lies ahead. The book begins by offering a privileged window on the idyllic country life of a young country lad in Silesia. Gradually the author brings one to an appreciation of the culture, the people and the way of life in the small village of Jauer southwest of Breslau. One senses that there is a timeless beauty to this place, almost crystal in its simplicity and fragility.

   Having seen the senseless waste of war I knew what was to come as the book progressed, although this was little suspected by the victims of the story, including the author. There was a undeniable tension as the sound of the approaching Russian army grew in intensity. Despite this specter and the destruction of his home and way of life, the writer brought the tragedy and victory of this personal account to pass in a very human way.

   One of the things that leaps from the pages of this very readable writing is how compatible it would be with a screen version. It is literally in the correct format. This needs to be explored, for among other things it would bring war to the general public in a very personal way quite different from that traditionally seen.

   I read this book in two sittings. It is a compelling personal account that is a valuable addition to my library.




2. I loved this book!

   I expected an interesting memoir of WWII as seen through the eyes of a
   German farmer schoolboy living near the Eastern front in 1940-45, who fought
   as a soldier during the final months of the war. I expected I would hear a
   different-than-usual perspective because of his youth and German Army
   affiliation. I expected to learn a bit about the life led by Germans of
   that time in that place. But this account is so much more than an
   interesting war memoir.

   Punctuated with actual pages, drawings and photographs from his childhood
   diary, Thamm's book draws you in to the heart, soul and mind of this
   intelligent, hard-working, mischievous and perceptive child. I felt right
   there with young Gerhardt in his classes or driving his family's team of
   horses, soaking up the history of his town, studying with friends,
   discovering girls, listening to Nazi propaganda on the radio and to his
   grandparents' and townsfolk's comments on the war. Rich with details,

   insights, and historical fact, populated with memorable and varied
   personalities, this book is a fascinating read. And that's even before the
   account of life on the front lines of war.

   My recommendation: Don't miss it!




3. German-Americans are the largest ethnic group in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 43 million people claim German as their primary cultural heritage. One of these is Gerhardt Thamm, author of "Boy Soldier." Another is my friend Carl.
   
   Carl lives in Wisconsin where German-Americans comprise half the population. My wife and I spend part of the year at her family home in northern Wisconsin. Like many Americans, Carl is interested in genealogy, wants to learn more about his heritage, and is developing a family tree. When he visited us recently in Florida, he said he had traced his roots back to Wurzen. On an atlas, Carl and I pinpointed Wurzen, just northeast of Leipzig.
   
   "One of these days I'd like to go to Wurzen and look up some distant relatives," Carl said. "You know German and traveled a lot over there. Any tips?"
   
   "The closest I got to the Leipzig area was this town," I said, pointing to Tirschenreuth on the map. "My German's very rusty. I haven't been to Germany since reunification. But I've got some things I think will help you."
   
   I gave Carl one of my audiotapes of everyday German words and phrases and an autographed copy of "Boy Soldier: A German Teenager at the Nazi Twilight."
   
   "The tape's yours. If you go to Wurzen, you may meet people who don't speak English. Even if they do, they're likely to appreciate your effort to speak their language and learn more about their culture. I'm lending you this book. It's autographed."
   
   "Many thanks! Tape may even come in handy in Milwaukee." He glanced at the book, opened the cover, shut it. "Frankly, I don't see how a Nazi soldier's book'll do me much good."
   
   "Well, do me a favor. Read the first sixteen pages when you get a break at Disney World. When you get back Sunday, tell me what you think. I met Gerhardt Thamm, the author, at a writing workshop. We had an interesting conversation. I learned that he and I were in the same U. S. Army branch, though our paths never crossed in service. I bought his memoir and have exchanged several e-mails with him." I opened the book and took out a note. "Here's some background." Carl read the following:
   
   "Gerhardt Thamm was born in Detroit, grew up in Germany 1932-1948, and served as a scout with the German 100th Jaeger Division on the Eastern Front, February-May, 1945. During the 1950s he was an agent handler/clandestine case officer in the U.S. Army's clandestine effort directed against the German Democratic Republic and the Soviet Union. Thamm retired from the Army Security Agency in 1968 and joined Naval Intelligence in 1970. He produced an analysis that saved 320 million dollars in torpedo redesigns, managed human intelligence collection requirements for Navy Task Force 168, lectured and taught at the Defense Intelligence College, and served two years as DIA Intelligence Operations Officer. After his retirement from the government in 1987, he lectured extensively on counterespionage and security measures. His writings include articles in the Armed Forces Journal International; Periscope; Golden Sphinx, The Voice of Intelligence; and the Naval Intelligence Professional Quarterly. In 1994 he received the CIA's award for 'Outstanding Contribution to the Literature of Intelligence.'"
   
   "His credentials are impressive," Carl said, his serious tone quickly turning jocular. "You and Thamm were `spooks', huh!"
   
   "One legend is an Army Security guy coined the term," I said chuckling. "Seriously, intel people like Gerhardt Thamm did much to stop Communism in Europe. And without a shooting war! I was a tiny part of that huge effort. I'm proud of the bit I contributed."
   
   "Well, I'll give the book a shot, at least sixteen pages." Then Carl was off to Disney World.
   
   A few days later he returned, waving Boy Soldier. "Couldn't put it down. Lost sleep but the read was worth it. Fine book! Expected to see Thamm fighting Russians right off the bat. Almost half the book's about growing up away from the war. Jauer, what a picture-book town! Wonder if Wurzen's like that. Map Quest says Jauer's 86 miles from Wurzen."
   
   "You're talking about the Jauer in Saxony. Thamm's Jauer is now Jawor in Poland. His Jauer before it was hit by the Soviets reminds me of the Germany and Austria I enjoyed the most: the villages and small towns; lovely landscapes; honest, hard-working people; friendly-especially if you try to speak their language-fun; festivals; singing; great beer!"
   
   "What's that beehive-shaped cake he talked about?"
   
   "Bienenkorbe, delicious!"
   
   "Yeah, reminded me of my grandmother...years ago in Wausau. She used to make something like it. When he talked about the sausage and the Christmas celebrations and the pfefferkuchen [ginger bread], thought I was back at grandma's."
   
   "What do you think of his handling of Nazism?"
   
   "Seemed pretty honest about how he and the people fell in line with it. I didn't know there was more than one German attempt to zap Hitler."
   
   "As Thamm relates, a number of Prussian aristocrats and German intellectuals plotted against Hitler as early as 1939. The much publicized attempt on Hitler's life on July 20, 1944 was just another failed attempt to kill him.
   
   "Boy Soldier is consistent with all I've studied about Nazism. Thamm is extraordinary the way he captures Nazi lies, their betrayal of the people, and many Germans' changing attitudes toward the Nazi regime."
   
   "The terrible ordeal he went through fighting the Soviets, just a boy, he and his folks ending up slaves on their own farm!"
   
   "Yes, and he gives keen insight into how awful the Eastern Front was. As bad as the Western Front was, it was mild compared to the horrors in the Eastern conflict. Soviet atrocities were some of the worst of the war. They took the lives of many German civilians, including old men, women, and children. I don't think I ever could have survived what Thamm experienced."
   
   "Reading a book like this causes you to see how naive and sheltered you were as an American teenager. At 15 I ate and slept football. One thing in the book reminded me of my teen self: Thamm's relationship with girls."
   
   "I had a similar feeling reading the book. Incidentally, at 15 I ate and slept basketball."
   
   "Why're you taking so many notes?"
   
   "You're helping me write my review of Boy Soldier. Check our web site when you get back."
   
   "Okay, I will. Better be shoving off."

5 comments about 182 Days in Iraq.

1. i worked with this guy for almost 2 years and i have to say he is one of the worst people i ever met.
   he was always sneaking out of work to hit the lake so he could ride his wave runner. his work load was pretty easy compaired to other jobs in the army and he did it poorly. the stories he sent back from Iraq (all two of them) were about his time at the pool getting a tan. there is a pattern here.
   i am glad the army doesnt want him anymore and he is no longer serving this great country.
   there are better books, written by better people who actually did some REAL good in Iraq. read them.



2. This is a great, easy read. In journal form, it makes it easy to follow. I felt like I could image what it would be like to become accustomed to being in Iraq, in a war zone. Written from the point of view of a "regular guy".



3. Having lost a son in this war, I am thirsty for any accounts of the "real" feedback of some one who has been there, and Phil has. I have met the author in person just recently and wanted to hear more of his story. I find it hard to put down, so much that the average American nevers hears of, about this war, is found in the pages of Phil's journal.It is written from the gut, no flowery adjectives, just the real story, so refreshing when it comes to accounts of what has and continues to happen. I wish that the media would tell the stories of the hope, renewal and justification of our troops finishing the job they were sent to do, with pride and honor.



4. This self-published work is a "diary" of an enlisted Public Affairs soldier written during his six-month Iraqi tour in late 2004 (with additional material describing events subsequent to the author's discharge). It would have benefited from the attention of an experienced editor as the raw prose and gratuitous editorializing detracts from the work.
   
   The author clearly believes in the mission, and is interested in emphasizing the positive aspects of the coalition presence, such as building schools and roads, as well as facilitating elections. Unfortunately, he fails to elaborate on these events and instead focuses on himself, conveying an almost false bravado that left this reader uncomfortable. I have no doubt that the author covered the missions described, but there is a nearly narcissistic perspective that prevades the commentary indicating a direct rather than indirect involvement in the events.
   
   The entries provide glimpses into the author's personality, and occaisionally the reader gets the impression that he is describing a genuine personal experience (sadness, depression, elation). However, one can't help but feel that it is somehow "scripted," and when the author encounters something that is outside his expectations, he attacks -- and he attacks his fellow soldiers.
   
   A particular favorite is SPC Birmingham, whose opinions he invectively dismisses without the courtesy of indicating what they are or the reasoning behind them. If the chronology is accurate, it is apparent that the author judges and pigeon-holes his fellow soldiers within hours of making their acquaintance. The author appears disingenuous in that he often claims not to "point fingers" when he is clearly "pointing fingers!"
   
   Another thing that made this reader suspicious of the journalistic value of this work is the liberal use of inflammatory language. For example, rather than referring to the "enemy" there are repeated references to "savages" and "terrorists." The author leaves no doubt that he is ready, willing, and able to take the fight directly to the "savages." There is a clear message that he wants to mix it up, and kill these terrorists. According to the author, he is in top physical shape, an expert marksman, and knows what has to be done. One can't help but to wonder why he didn't opt for a stint in the infantry. The satisfaction that the author received from pulling the lanyard on a Marine artillery piece and taking care of the terrorists borders on perverse. The Marines that were actually doing the job did not appear quite as "thrilled" as the author, but then the author does not really seem to care what others think. Again, the author journals himself, rather than the situation, to the detriment of the work.
   
   The author's assignment as a broadcast journalist obviously demanded his presence at many events involving officers that would ordinarily not be attended by junior enlisted personnel. Furthermore, one could imagine there being a slightly less degree of formality in interactions with members of the officer corps under these circumstances; but the author gives the impression that he acted as their peers. Perhaps the most shocking was the author's attempt to embarass his CO in front of a junior officer. The CO had apparently offered the author a drink, and rather than being gracious, he "grabbed the arm" of an LT in order to show off that the CO was getting HIM a drink. If this is true, there is no wonder that his bosses, including the sergeant major would get on his case, but the author seems oblivious to the significance of these events; including being passed-over for promotion.
   
   "182 Days in Iraq" could be sub-titled "What NOT to do in the Army (a recruit's guide)," in that it documents the demise of a specialist who despite his good intentions for "getting the message out" in Public Affairs, instead took the "Army of One" slogan to the wrong extreme.



5. I, too, am a 46 Romeo, or Broadcast Journalist in the Army. I am on my second tour in Iraq with the 10th Mountain Division's 1st Brigade. I have read both positive and negative comments on Kiver. Although I do not know him personally, I can relate to his story. Sometimes you do feel like the smartest guy in the room when no one else really knows your job. This isn't to say that you are better or even truly smarter than the next guy, but I can tell where Kiver's feelings are coming from. You are the only one out of thousands on a FOB that can actually do your job. Yes, it can be both stressful and frustrating. I can tell you that being a Journalist in the Army is not as easy as it looks. I work 18 hour days and find myself many nights locked away trying to finish the next big Army project while other soldiers (both combat arms and combat support) are out playing cards or the newest X-Box game. I hear soldiers complain about a 12 hour work day. For Army Journalists, especially broadcast, the day is long - whether inside or outside the wire. I have respect for all soldiers, but "Sam" - please do not tell these people that Army journalists do not actively engage the enemy. That is an outright blanket statement without much research because I, and many of my Army counterparts, have been actively engaged. You can take that to the bank. To Kiver - at least you got your story out there man, no matter what anyone says. Hearts and minds, right? You may or may not be as egotistical as these people say you are, but you are what your environment has made you. For the Army, sometimes you have to be a little strong in the ego to deal with everything going on. I completely understand brother. God Bless.

2 comments about My Boy Jack.

1. Although born in England, I knew very little about Rudyard Kipling. This book covers Kipling's life from childhood thru death and shows how his character influenced his only son into joining the Irish Guards at the beginning of the Great War. His son was killed on his first day in combat and his body never recovered. Now, 77 years later, they think they have found him - or have they ? All the evidence is presented for the reader to decide. A good read.



2. I admit I did not know much about Rudyard Kipling, but after seeing the film "My Boy Jack" I wanted to learn to more.
   This book was so beautifully written, I actually couldn't put the book down and had it read in about 3 days.
   I not only learned a great deal about Rudyard but I also learned a great deal about history. Whether you just love to read or love history, I highly recommend this book.

No comments about Private 12768: Memoir of a Tommy.

5 comments about The Lemon Dance: Tell Fidel El Rojo Is Coming.

1. Well written and developed; it is apparent that this author has captured a characteristic of American life that eludes the present generation. The ones that lived through the "cold War" can only appreciate the patriotism that was America. Hemely captures it well. Does he go overboard in an effort to serve; perhaps... it is the essence of wanting to serve our country and the frustration of not being called. This is not what you might want to call a politically correct book. Well done!



2. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! What a great read on history - world history, our nation's history, and a man's history! I highly recommend this interesting and quick read.



3. As I was taking in Savannah's St. Patty's Day festivities I came across a sign for a book signing. I followed the arrows and came across and older gentleman with some books outside an art gallery. He introduced himself as "the only man in U.S. aviation history to hijack a plane and be found not guilty of it." At that moment I knew I had to read his book. And WOW!!! It was worth it!!! I could not put it down. The story of this man's life is simply amazing. The ups and downs he endured are like nothing anyone would think possible for any one man. I would recommend this book to anyone. And I'm not just saying this because he is one of the nicest guys I have ever met. The book is awesome!!!



4. After hearing your name from Gary and Stacie for almost 4 years I am very glad to have met you. You ended our meeting with Semper Fi and I did not return the motto. I say to you now SEMPER FIDELIS Marine. Thank you for your service.
   
   I read the book in two nights and have to tell you that I was intrigued the entire time. You kept me captivated because I was able to draw similarities between your life and mine and our missions. The most interesting similarity was how you found peace and salvation with God. I spent 32 years trying to do things my way too and it never worked. This past January I made a change. Maybe part of that change was to meet you and read your story.
   
   As I was reading the pages I felt a stong urge to sit down and discuss this book with you. I have so many questions..Most of them are self indulgent but I hope it is testement to your writing style. You did not leave nay rocks unturned in your descriptions of your personal endeavors. The book told me the story and left just enough out that I wanted more. Your closing was gracious and worth the wait. I will end my review by saying " I hope there is more from you."
   
   Thank you again Mr. Helmey in more ways than one. I will be in Savannah soon and I wish to buy you a cup of coffee.
   
   Damon Whitlow
   USMC
   USN



5. A true patriot with a life bigger than any action star on screen. I was visiting Savannah and fell in love with the authors wife's artwork and not only purchased a painting, but Reds' book as well. Perhaps meeting him in person helped me to relate to the story, but I too couldn't put it down, even knowing the premise. As a 45 year old woman with little knowledge of the events of the Cuban Missie Crisis, I found this history lesson fascinating and meaningful. I am blessed to have met such a fine dynamic man such as Reds Helmey and encourage others to pick up this memoir for a exciting, turbulent ride into America's Past~

No comments about Captain Bligh's Second Chance: An Eyewitness Account of His Return to the South Seas by Lt. George Tobin.