An excellent read! Good details and an incredible depth of ...
919642
An excellent read! Good details and an incredible depth of ideas on different workbench styles.

A MUST read for anyone thinking of building a new workbench or significantly improving an existing one.

I'm in the process of building mine, and already know the parts I want to change! Thank you Christopher Schwarz!
2778147
Gobbell's novel "A Call to Colors" is quite an interesting read, if a bit uneven.  He appears to have extensively researched the "Battle of Leyte Gulf." Indeed, Gobbell is at his best in this novel in his very detailed narratives of historical leaders (both American and Japanese) and of historical events, particularly the battle itself.

He is not at the same level in developing his fictional characters (Commander Michael Donovan, a destroyer skipper, and Lt. Commander John Sabovik, a naval intelligence officer) -- for example, the declared amity between them is a bit forced and depends on coincidences to drive things along. At the novel's outset, Michael and John and John's brother, "Tiny" (all were frat brothers at USC) are all on the same cruiser which is all but sunk near Guadalcanal.  Tiny is killed and John blames Michael, who also blames himself.  Into this brew mix the fact that both fall for the same woman some chapters later...

The novel has two story lines:  the first is of Commander Donovan who is destined to command a destroyer in battle against the Japanese battleship, Yamato, in the Philippine Leyte Gulf. This storyline is by far the best part of this novel -- some exciting stuff here! In fact, I had to remind myself that Commander Donovan's destroyer is fictional!  But homage is indeed paid to those American "tincans" and  to those planes from American "Jeep" escort carriers who snatched victory out of certain defeat!

The second story is about sabotage which is being investigated by Lt. Commander Sabovik.  Unfortunately, this story takes a bit too long to connect with the first storyline to form the novel's climax -- a climax that depends on a series of coincidences...  I do, however, like his detailed descriptions of wartime rail transportation...

I recommend this novel essentially on Gobbell's ability to set the stage for, and to detail the actions that comprised the Leyte Gulf battle.

-J. B. Bannister
2102685
A wonderful and to the point read! You can not read this book without learning about life and the terrible experience Mr. Wideman endured. I have read this wonderful book twice now, hard to put it down! What a great insight into captivity as a Vietnam POW. Thank you very much for your service and sacrifice Mr. Wideman.
566097
I thoroughly enjoyed this superb read!  Kutler's characters were sharply and realisticly drawn, each created in such an intriguing manner that I was compelled to continue reading to learn their futures.  Kutler's knowledge of historical events and details are commendable.  The plot was well crafted, and complexities were brilliantly woven together into a beautiful and peaceful conclusion. I highly recommend this fascinating novel to others.  Once begun, putting it aside is very difficult!
57956
A riveting read! Rich descriptions provide clear visuals and one can't help but be drawn in and to feel "in the moment". Punctuations of humour allow the author's personality to shine through, as does an underlying thread through the entire book of a strong, unselfish, moral character.  Thank you for sharing your incredible experiences in this tangible record.
2629325
This book far exceeded my expectations.  It began a bit slow, but after the first few pages, I truly did not want to put it down!  I loved the depth and diversity of the characters and  the book drew me in to the lives!

This is truly a good read!
333890
A truly enjoyable read! I appreciate the author's incredible service to our nation, and for sharing his valuable insights through this book. Bravo, Admiral!
3691719
I was amazed at how quickly I was living in the in the early 1900's, I was there. Mike, really grabs the reader with his engaging story telling with depth and vision, almost an insiders view of the history and characters he shares with his readers. I learned some very interesting facts about people, places, and times that similar books rarely show you. I rate it an outstanding and captivating read. 5 stars to you Sir!
3878392
This is an excellent read! I highly recommend this book!
681065
This is a well constructed, insightful  work that consistently delivers in a well-paced fashion. Excellent depth and attention to detail--characters and their psyche, locales, etc.  Read and enjoy!
2286762
One of the most interesting books I have ever read... though at times heart-wrenching and terribly frightening (the brains of sick, evil people are demoralizing)! It's the authors' investigative work, love for people and dedication to the work at hand that create an excellent read. I highly recommend it!
428771
This tome is as richly rewarding in it's depth and descriptive detail of the life of a geisha as Pearl S. Buck's book was of China in " The Good Earth. "  Both carefully weave the reader through the trials and  tribulations, the emotions and the characteristics of lives so foreign to  our American psyche.  The portrayals of sacrifice, perseverance, and  personal triumph, takes the reader into a miasmic, panoramic journey that  shows what the human spirit can endure and overcome. Although the post-WWII  portions of " Geisha " were not as precise as the previous  content, I would highly recommend this read.
1373393
An excellent read! The tone and flow of this novel transport you as if you were right there along side these impressive charachters. Enthralling story with such a seamless connection to the historical happenings. Hated to see it end, but couldn't put it down.
Would be nice for a continuation of this story or for possible similar stories to be told - well done!
1579115
It's engrossing to read a book that has the depth and polish that I find in "The Point of the Pick".  Plot, characters, setting, historical detail, and dialog are all richly developed -- no wonder it took over 700 pages and several decades to get it all down!  I'm having an enjoyable time discovering a new (for me) author.  I highly recommend this work!
1890326
Excellent read.  Hard to putbook down!  I enjoyed the intermix of characters and their realistic behavior.  I enjoyed the details; it allowed the reader to identify with the characters.
3966745
An absolutely stunning biography!
The meticulous research shows in every detail. Yet the author deploys his expertise to the service of an enthralling narrative. The daily life of Pavlov during the best of times as well as the suffering in crises is described as never before, shedding light on the experiences of other scientists as well.
4494443
An incredible read! I could not put it down. Amazingly as I finished it I re-read several chapters to really re-enforce what I had learned from reading this book.  Its a book that should be on every readers bucket list of books to read !