An Epic  Book To Shatter WWII Myths!!!
346116
Most students of history have seen photos of FDR, Churchill, and Stalin at the Yalta Conference, near the end of WWII, smiling, hopeful, as they wait for the photographer to finish before deciding the Fate Of The World. In most accounts of that meeting, one wonders what Churchill is doing there; surely, his presence is a concession to history, a glorious thank-you from Roosevelt and Stalin for having the courage to be the first to face Hitler. After all, Roosevelt and Stalin determined Cold War politics for the next 40+ years; the British PM was just along for the ride, right? Wrong, Wrong, oh how wrong can you be!!! For as Meacham makes abundently clear in this wonderful book, Sir Winston Churchill was in fact the primary architect of most of the Allies military and political strategy during WWII, and his primary genius was in using his considerable skills of personal rhetoric to persuade President Roosevelt to back his positions with the full force of American military might. For his part, FDR is seen as a master manipulator, ever ready to sell out WSC (Churchill) when it works to his advantage. Yet, Roosevelt proves a true friend when it counts most: In the aftermath of a stunning defeat at Tobruk, the President of the United States comes to Britain's aid by posing the simple question, "What can we do to help?," and shows, through military and moral support, that "a friend in need is a friend indeed." Throughout the war, these two titans prove that a shared love of military history, politics, and the cocktail hour (i.e., the one time of day when these harried CEOs can truly be themselves) can help sustain their affections through the most overwhelming trials and tribulations. Meacham also shows the parts played by Significant Others during the conflict, including Lucy Rutherfurd, the Great Love of FDR's life, shown here as much more supportive than wife Eleanor (a true bleeding-heart whose heart doesn't bleed quite so much for her husband); Churchill's wife Clementine comes across as much more sympathetic. Also chief among the supporting players is FDR aide Harry Hopkins, who lends invaluable assistance in arranging the first (real) meeting between his boss and WSC after Churchill wins his affections with true charm and humility. In short, a fabulous, fascinating read, and one which will increase the Churchill legend for generations to come. Truly, one wonders if the USA and other Allies would be free today if not for the seminal work of these two great men, particularly the work of one Winston Spencer Churchill. For indeed, we Americans and most of the free world owe him and the British a debt which can never be repaid.
3296281
An extremely courageous undertaking...many detailed volumes have previously been written on World War II at the specific battle level that to imagine a one-volume account of the whole war which is not only useful but also readable seems initially to be a ridiculous proposition. Robert Leckie, however, pulls it off marvelously and earns his reputation as a "masterful historian" with this epic work.
Starting at Versaille following the dreadful end of World War I and ending on the deck of the Missouri battleship for the formal Japanese surrender, this account (in over 900 pages of extremely small type) covers all the major details with surprising comprehensiveness while at the same time not sacrificing that important readability component. If one were to combine this book with the DVD issue of the classic WWII saga "The World at War", you'd get a beguiling experience of the events that continue to shape our world today.
Leckie's experience at extolling just the right amount of battle detail while balancing the "human" side of the struggle is really masterful...each period of the War is told in easily read chapters and paragraphs and although at times episodic, makes this work one that can easily be started and stopped at short intervals.
The post WWI German and Italian economies are the main impetus for the development of Fascism and Leckie develops this plot with wonderful biographies of Mussolini and Hitler...the rise of the Third Reich follows and Leckie explains this with deft political discussion as well as with many first-hand accounts from Generals down to the every-day Berliner. The English and French make little attempt at interdiction and Hitler is off on his dillusional nationalism...the invasion of Poland is just the start of the "empire building" that lasts for almost six more years.
The Japanese rise and ultimate invasion of Pearl Harbor are integrated as well and the reader really gets a true feeling of the coming of war. Leckie's previously published works on the Southwest Pacific theatre are obviously used here and thus makes for enticing reading at the battles for Guadalcanal and the Phillipines...also, his depiction of MacArthur goes against the "standard" history and is a refreshing point in this story.
The Allied invasion of Europe and the "island hopping" in the Pacific are discussed in full military detail (again, just the right amount) as are the many first hand soldier accounts of those battles that add depth and immediacy. The highlights of this work (in my opinion) are the fall of the Third Reich and the subsequent Hitler suicide; the American homefront and what it meant to a struggling American economy; the Normandy invasions and subsequent breakout and, finally, a completely comprehensive and disturbing summary of the Holocaust. Leckie adroitly mixes details with his amazing story-telling ability that leaves the reader with a pleasingly full knowledgable experience. This truly is THE text to start any study of WWII. The only criticism I'd add is the lack of maps...the afore mentioned Pacific theatre discussion would have been exceedingly better had Leckie included maps...
For an initial undertaking of serious study of this conflict, I'd challenge anyone to find a better starting point than "Deliverd from Evil"...I give this a very high recommendation.
690656
I'm going to be very honest here, I have yet to read Between Shades of Gray, yet I still was highly, highly anticipating Salt to the Sea. And I am so happy to say that yes, this is a fantastic WWII novel.

Salt to the Sea features four very unique characters, Joana, Emilia, Florian, and Alfred. They are all facing their own situation, but come together at some point in the novel, whether it's from trekking through the snow together, or meeting up on the ship, the Wilhelm Gustloff.

I'm not even sure how to begin my review. The way the author masterfully revealed each of the characters' backgrounds brought the story together. Even with Emilia having little dialogue due to the language barrier, I was completely drawn into her story. Joana herself was also incredibly tough, but motherly. As a nurse, she helped anyone and everyone. Florian is the loner, and he rather protect himself than get anyone involved with his "secret mission". Unfortunately for him, Emilia clings on to him at all times.

On the other hand, Alfred....his POV just went completely over my head. He is Team Nazi, yet there is something wrong with him in that he is completely out of it. His chapters are just mental letters about what he is doing (which is all a fantasy?) to a childhood friend (?). I personally did not like him at all, and he doesn't meet up with the other three characters until much later.

And this isn't all about the character development either, actually this is based off a real event that happened.

It transported evacuees from Gotenhafen, including Joana, Emilia, and Florian! And Alfred too. He starts off on this ship after all. But yeah, this ship carried thousands of evacuees and military, much more than its capacity. It was just all so fascinating to read about, especially with the author's writing style. Salt to the Sea was a such an easy and fast read, I never got stuck or confused anywhere.

In conclusion, WHEN you read this, you'll learn a ton about this major event that happened during the actual war, you'll meet wonderful characters, you'll also have your heart broken by the end of it, but you'll also encounter hope.
4862488
This book describes the true, heroic, and absolutely amazing efforts of a small team of commandos in one of the most exciting events of WW II.  What these brave men suffered through and eventually pulled off is beyond belief.  If you enjoy action in the vein of the movie "Where Eagles Dare", military stories in the style of Bravo Two Zero, or if you simply enjoy history, this will be the most important book in your library.  Trust me, you've never read anything like this before.
1162143
I literally stumbled on this novel whilst researching WW1's German invasion of Belgium's coastal area not  knowing it was Book 5 of Anne Perry's fictional WW1 novels.
Anne Perry exemplify these rare authors who subtly brings you up to date on characters giving you the opportunity to catch up, very much appreciated in this case.

In 'We Shall Not Sleep' her mesmerizing narration brings us face to face with the horror of four years of trench warfare. It is now Octobre 1918, the Flanders fields resemble a waste land unimaginable and the stench of death hangs everywhere. Casualties are staggering, the face of the world changed for ever.

The 1914 flooding of the land effected by the Belgians as they opened the dikes have accomplished their purpose and slowed down the enemy's advance. Trench warfare betwixt Allied and the now dispirited enemy armies is still raging on, yet only a few days remains before the much anticipated Armistice.

Faced with barren towns, looted treasures and the ravage of constant bombardment, the mind boggling butchery of old fashioned military tactics have taken an unprecedented toll on both Armed forces and hapless civilians. Tension is high and for the Reavley family, the end cannot come soon enough. They paid a high price in trying to stop the cunning 'Peacemaker'. His failed attempt to sway the outcome of the war has only made him more determined to clout the upcoming Armistice by enabling the merging of Great Britain and Germany in one major imperial power and allowing the rise of Germany once again within a few years.

As a chaplain Joseph Reavley has seen his share of horrors and know his world will never be the same. The youngest of the Reavley's siblings and a volunteer ambulance driver, Judith has found a purpose in her life these last four years and wonders what awaits women like herself upon returning home. Matthew Reavley is a high ranking SIS man who believes he still has a chance to stop the traitor by helping the Peacemaker's German counterpart to cross the lines and expose the wily conspirator to the Prime minister.

But when a vicious murder is discovered nearby at the front, the Reavley's siblings face the knowledge the Peacemaker's has conspirators everywhere and he will stop at nothing to retrieve the treaty signed by the Kaiser, tangible proof of his ignominy and hidden by their father somewhere at home.

Leaving no dire aspect of such an horrendous timeline, the talented Anne Perry weaves a fast paced thriller that will have you turn page after page. As she describes the expectation of the upcoming Armistice, readers come to realize her daunting fictitious narrative sustain neither victor or loser, but reflects only a most humbling experience, that of spending a few pragmatic hours amongst those who gave it all in the name of honour and valour almost 100 years ago.

Let me close this review with an excerpt of the 'measure' of a brave soldier:

'My grandfather fought Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815. My father and I fought in the Crimea, battle of the Alma, 1854. I was twenty three. Heard General Campbell tell us: "There's no retreat from here men. You must die where you stand". He died in my arms. My son lost his legs in the Zulu Wars, 1879, at Rorke's Drift - hundred and thirty nine of us against five thousand Zulus. My grandson fell at Passchendaele. Fifty thousand we lost in the first day. ...It's not winning or losing that says who you are, it's the courage that makes you stand fast, with your eyes forward, and fight for what you love.'

For Arnold and all those who fought in the trenches, 5 Stars (and worth so much more!)

Note: You know the drill...Unless specifically stated, all opinions reflected are solely my own and were not requested!
3067007
This book is excellent! The book is on all of the history or military reading lists. After the first chapter you can see why. The book will be a classic up there will Samuel Eliot Morison's book on the war in the Pacific published years ago. The book is incredibly well researched. He writes this in a novel way. It tells the story in an epic way, like a movie. He describes the key players in a way you can find out who they were and thus maybe why they did what they did.

He covers the war in a very detailed way. You will learn details that most history books won't cover because it is to small. One example is how he described the US raid on various islands in the Marshall Islands in January 42, immediately after Pearl Harbor. He will cover things like weather issues, lack of training of pilots, description of firefighting in stricken ships to create a scene right out of a movie. When I was reading about Midway his descriptions made me think of the Charleston Heston 1976 movie about Midway.

The book is pretty much about the naval carrier war up through June 42. Things like the Army's plight at Bataan is addressed but not in much detail. The author also doesn't cover the submarine warfare aspect. Overall I think everyone will love this book whether you are the expert or novice on this stuff.
2574986
Jon Jordan's "Brothers, Rivals, Victors" is probably the most interesting military books I've ever read. The interaction among Eisenhower, Bradley, and Patton is true history and a must read for all who love WWII and military history. With extensive research into the personal files of all three of America's great generals, it puts you into the behind the scenes world of these well known generals from the European/African theaters of WWII. It is so good that I bought copies to give to two four star general friends. I highly recommend you buy this and take the time to read it, you'll be glad you did.
102945
This book completely blew me away. Beautifully written by his daughter, Goffinet McLaren, this miraculous tale about Tom is a combination war story, love story and pure inspiration. While it is a helpful reminder of the atrocities and historical facts of World War II, it also reveals a personal accounting of one mans desperate attempt to hide from the Nazis when his Royal Air Force plane forced him to the ground in occupied territory. Were it not for the brave individuals who assisted these displaced airmen, hiding them and guiding them out of the country to safety while risking their very own lives, the author of Tom, as well as many other offspring of heroes, would not be alive today. Also very moving is the weaving of the narrative that reveals the origin of Goffinets unusual name and her personal journey to thoroughly research this book, meeting people who could share their own versions with her and helping her put the pieces of the puzzle together. A truly amazing book!
2673009
This is one of the most engaging and brilliant books I've ever read...and all of it true.

I used to read a few pages of this book before I went to bed, aglow with the comprehensive level of research and quality level of writing.  From the disaster of Dunkirk to the siege of Leningrad, from the pivotal Battle of the Coral Sea to the systematic genocide of the Jews and other peoples, this book has it all.  It remains as objective as possible in telling the facts without resorting to rationalization (e.g. there is no attempted mitigation of atrocities).

I honestly can say that I have read few more interesting books, and it is certainly the best non-fiction book I have ever chanced upon, telling one of the greatest stories the world has ever known with the utmost clarity.  10/10
4212104
TJ Burns -- May 15, 2016
I try not to read the book description (if I can help it), so I had no idea about the content of this book until I started reading. My thoughts after 3% were: oh, no. Not another WW2 book. Ive read a few historical fiction novels in the past year in which children find themselves in horrendous circumstances and I wasn't sure if I could handle another. But very early on, I became so interested in the four main characters that I couldn't put this book down.

I quickly got caught up in Florian, Joana, and Emilias stories. Right from the start I had a vested interest in Florian, the Prussian art restaurateur, Joana, the Lithuanian nurse, and Emilia, the pregnant Polish teenager. Heinz, the shoe poet, Klaus, the wandering boy, Ingrid, the blind girl, Sorry Eva, the giantress, are also interesting characters who added color and depth to the story.

Alfred is quite amusing, living in his fantasy world, but he didn't evoke my empathy. He is so ridiculous with his made-up stories of heroism, all the while hiding out in the bathroom for hours or walking briskly, while looking busy. I kept hoping that Alfred would get a chance to do something truly brave and honorable, and that he would rise to the occasion, step out of his little dream world, and meet the task.

I found the four POVs easy to navigate. I did have to check back a couple of times in the beginning, but it was helpful that the names, ages, and nationalities are repeated every once in a while.

The storyline is exciting and because I hadnt read the book description (or even looked at the book cover), there were many surprises and unexpected turns of events. I was fascinated as I learned more and more about each of our main characters tragic experiences and hopeful as they came together and helped each other. The back story is tragic, the events experienced in the story are tragic, but hope still shines through: Individuals, who are randomly thrown together, display their humanity by using the resources and talents that they have to help each other.

I was awed and humbled. This was a really good book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3187129
If there is not a movie in this story, I don't know what book should be made into a movie.  Over the years I have seen stories of when John McCain goes back to Vietnam, Harold Moore goes back to Vietnam and Pearl Harbor and Iwo Jima survivors meet with Japanese soliders all the reunions are touching.  Now to the book, five stars does not do this book justice.  Women flew planes during WWII, fly the planes from factory to airfields, that alone is a story. There are religious overtones to the book but I thought it enhanced Franz's character as to what type of person he was.  He was sort of the Dick Winters (Band of Brothers fame) of the German Air Force. War can make one barbaric lose your sense of humanity.  There are so many things I want to say but do not want offend anyone.  So I say this I waited to read the last 15% of the book alone because I knew I would cry, which I did.  I am actually thinking of re-reading this book again, the only book I have re-read is Band of Brothers, this will be another. Even if you are not a WWII buff, this is a great book, you will NOT be disappointed.
2777164
Some day the world will realize what a true pioneer of HISTORY Erich Von Daniken is!!! Until he began his observations of the world around him, and started telling it as he sees it... the world accepted the mundane white-washed version recorded in our so-called history books.  Von Daniken changed all that, beginning with his book, "Chariots of the Gods?" way back in the 60s.  He's still at it and going strong, as his book, "History is Wrong" reveals.  I absolutely LOVE it!!! And true to its title, history really is wrong!  I could not recommend an author more deserving of your time and effort to read his works.  You will not be disappointed!
2969348
"Half the World (Shattered Sea: Book II)" by Joe Abercrombie is a great read, as are most of his stories. This is book II in the series and true to his inditing skills it's spectacular and epic. The female heroine is the linchpin to the storyline and she's something to behold. Her courage, sacrifice, loyalty, and unique talents as a warrior will capture your imagination. Frenetic pacing, incredible storyline backdrops, and battles for the ages will keep you engaged and wanting more. If you love fantasy/adventure stories this is a must read, it's terrific...5 stars!!!!!
2374320
What an EXCELLENT read! If Amazon offered a 10-star rating system, I'd give it all 10! I read two-thirds of the book before I could put it down, then I finished it the following morning. The author was a photo-journalist who took his newsreel-camera into war-torn areas of Rhodesia, Sudan, Iraq-Iran war (1980s), Lebanon, Israel, Vietnam, Saigon, Iran, Cambodia, Cuba, Taiwan, and had interviews with German COL Otto Skorzeny, Cuba's Fidel Castro (just before he seized power), Iran's Imam Khomeini, and many others. He has many harrowing tales to tell, and he tells them well: you can almost feel the sizzling heat of Yemen and the buzzing of bullets just barely missing him in several different sweating situations. (This book appears to be the first British edition in late 1990 [with better quality of paper stock and photographs], just before the American edition was published as: "Shooting Wars: My Life as a War Cameraman" a few months later in early 1991.) Just his chapter detailing his life and escape as a young teenager from Nazi-Austria at the end of WWII is worth the price of this book alone! RUN to a bookstore to get this AWESOME fast-paced, ADVENTURE-thrilled packed book!
339611
Shot Down is a wonderful, fact filled book about Lt. Howard Snyder and his B-17 crew during WWII. The author, Mr. Steve Snyder, spent years researching the chronological history of his Fathers' bomber crew and their exploits. I have been a fan of the accomplishments of the 'Greatest Generation' most of my life and this book puts the reader at the shoulder of the men in the crew of their B-17 in training in the USA and in combat in the skies over Europe. I can't fathom the amount of time it took to research all of the details put forth in the book 'Shot Down'. It has always seemed unrealistic to me that these men climbed back into their bomber, day after day, to return to the targets that have cost them so many of their fellow crew members and their planes. Such courage! Mr. Snyder teaches you the dangers of trying to exit a stricken bomber, as it begins to come apart. The work of the Belgium underground is amazingly portrayed and their courage, helping the American air crews escape, is impressive.
Thank you Mr. Snyder for your impressive work!
2747359
Wish I could give this book 10 Stars!

The Arthurian legend or myth is a tragic story of courage, love, and higher aspirations for the development of man. Having said that, it is full of hope and the dreams of mere humans working to transcend out mistakes and limitations in order to dare to strive to better the lives of the people they serve.

The New Camelot Trilogy is a brilliant modern-day portrayal of the legend dealing with the struggles that are universal no matter what the epoque. We have the "king" characterized by Ash, pursuing high ideals of improving the human condition and the world around him. As all heroes, he is flawed and has made his share of mistakes. Still, he rises above all that and shows the goodness that is intrinsic in his soul. He loves passionately and with all his heart. He is loyal and his power comes from deep within him as he attracts and changes all that surrounds him.

Bravo to the author for the imaginative portrayal of this beloved myth! May we never forget the ideals that are at the core of Camelot.

I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I thank the author for sharing a copy with me.
2426821
This book is a MUST read for anyone! It is a compelling real-life story that goes into detail about those that died, lost loved ones, and most importantly - those that survived the WWII Hiroshima bombing. The book is exquisitely detailed. I could really visualize the scenes and the people as if I was actually there. The description about the air right after the bomb fell physically made me nauseated. I had never experienced this before when reading any book. I must also mention, that I am a very picky reader. If a book doesn't get my attention within the first five chapters, I am just not motivated to continue. By the third chapter in this book, I was hooked. I couldn't put it down! The first initial chapters were background - laying the foundation so to speak. Once the book took me back in time to pre-War Japan I was entranced! The characters in this book took me through all the emotions - love, anger, loathing, delight, laughter, surprise, disappointment, sympathy, disbelief, awe,etc. Even though all this happened decades before I was even thought of, and I have never gone through as tragic an ordeal, I found that I could actually relate to what many of the characters were experiencing at times. I also like the mission for the book - peace. It is hard to remember bad things, but to forget can sometimes be worse because in forgetting,we doom ourselves to repeat history. I for one do not want anything like this to be repeated ever again. My respect goes out to the authors - one for taking the courage to write this book and having to relive this horryifying event daily for however long it took to write it; and the other author and contributor for having not only the drive, stamina, and courage to survive, but the strength to thrive and the compassion to forgive. Absolutely FANTASTIC book. Cheers!