First half of the book is quite gripping. Second half plods, more due to actual events vs. author skill.
The Shining Sea: David Porter and the Epic Voyage of the U.S.S. Essex during the War of 1812
Well written and researched. Author finds compelling stories and delivers the goods.
Frozen in Time: An Epic Story of Survival and a Modern Quest for Lost Heroes of World War II
Well researched and written. A good read.
White Devil: A True Story of War, Savagery And Vengeance in Colonial America
Some interesting stuff.
The fact the author was killed at a shooting range just before this was published made reading it a bit creepy. The Cowpens descriptions are really good.
Some interesting bits, but a lot is quite dull. Author’s enthusiasm for his quest is laudable, but doesn’t carry over to reader interest.
The Last of the Doughboys: The Forgotten Generation and Their Forgotten World War
Author’s best days may be in the past. Too much tv money and what is that weird jacket photo?
Good for an overview, but nothing in detail.
An interesting view from the other side. Pretty unique perspective being in the General Staff.
A unique account of a German front line soldier on the Eastern Front.
Blood Red Snow: The Memoirs of a German Soldier on the Eastern Front
Some interesting glimpses here and there but, overall, very disappointing.
One of the best Civil War novels. With the 150th anniversary coming up, a timely read.
The Killer Angels: A Novel of the Civil War (Modern Library)
Dougie sure did like to spend other people’s blood.
Some interesting sections and an overall bummer.
The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America’s War in Afghanistan
Some interesting analysis, but have to slog through a lot to find it.
Well written. Some interesting insights into Little Mac that would make Aaron Burr blush.
The Long Road To Antietam: How the Civil War Became a Revolution
A very general book, where I thought it would be concentrating on specific weapon systems. Ok overall, but there are much better books out there, specifically Speer and Shirer.
A good book if you like Keegan’s exhaustive style.
Some great insights into what it took to be a junior officer in the late stages of Vietnam.
An insightful first person account of Vietnam in late 68. Stops abruptly after six months into his tour.
