Methamphetamine was administered to German soldiers to boost performance and reduce fear. But, as the war progressed, did Hitler himself rely on drugsMethamphetamine was administered to German soldiers to boost performance and reduce fear. But, as the war progressed, did Hitler himself rely on drugs to help sustain his physical health, charisma, and megalomania? Based on research and speculation, Ohler believes that through the aid of Dr. Theodor Morell, it began innocently enough with vitamins but rapidly progressed to opiates. Late in the war, Hitler had visible body tremors. Were his shakes due Parkinson’s or withdrawal? I don’t know, but it’s a thought-provoking theory....more
“The world changes for men, Francis. For women, it stays pretty much the same.” Grandma dropping knowledge.
Army Nurse 2LT Frankie and her boys (patie“The world changes for men, Francis. For women, it stays pretty much the same.” Grandma dropping knowledge.
Army Nurse 2LT Frankie and her boys (patients) demanded my attention. These portions were gut-wrenching and genuine. Remembrance matters. Liked the friendships, too. The rest of the devastation and heartache were too much, too predictable. Conclusion: Romantic/romanticized war stories are super corny. Kristin Hannah is not for me. Way too dramatic. ...more
I should’ve paid more attention to the publication date and looked for a newer book, but this well-written account of Putin’s rise to power, and everyI should’ve paid more attention to the publication date and looked for a newer book, but this well-written account of Putin’s rise to power, and everything he dismantled in the process, was still worthwhile. He is, and seemingly always has been, a manipulative, corrupt, garbage human. ...more
After my recent underwhelming experience with Fowler’s BOOTH, I needed a detailed recounting of those harrowing days. A big “thank you” to trusted booAfter my recent underwhelming experience with Fowler’s BOOTH, I needed a detailed recounting of those harrowing days. A big “thank you” to trusted bookish friends for putting this on my radar. I didn’t love the audio narration, but the info is thorough and solid. One of the highlights of my 8th grade (1996) DC school trip was visiting Ford’s Theatre and Petersen House. I hope to take my boys when they’re old enough to truly appreciate the history. ...more
A book about one of my favorite books, by one of my favorite authors? I had trepidation. But look at this cover and title! What’s inside is absolutelyA book about one of my favorite books, by one of my favorite authors? I had trepidation. But look at this cover and title! What’s inside is absolutely wonderful, babies. It’s about the man, father, writer, and soldier, as well as a thorough study of Slaughterhouse-Five. Writing about the trauma of war can’t have been easy. I’m grateful for the years it took Vonnegut to complete his Dresden story. This is a must read for devout fans. ...more
WWII fiction is just not my favorite. It’s such an oversaturated market, and too many liberties and inconsistencies leave me craving nonfiction accounWWII fiction is just not my favorite. It’s such an oversaturated market, and too many liberties and inconsistencies leave me craving nonfiction accounts. That said, Lale’s survival story is indeed fascinating. It’s unfortunate that Morris’s basic writing style did not emotionally do it justice, desperately lacking description and character depth. ...more
McCullough presents a one-year snippet of the Revolutionary War’s military movements and big players, but offers little in terms of politics. I apprecMcCullough presents a one-year snippet of the Revolutionary War’s military movements and big players, but offers little in terms of politics. I appreciate his idea and approach, but my US history is embarrassing at best, and I need the bigger picture. Not his fault, though. This is a great read.
PS. The audio recording quality was less than stellar and I wish I’d gone with print. ...more
Joe Bonham is dead though he lives. He’s stuck in a womb-like purgatory created by war. After being savagely injured by an artillery blast, he becomesJoe Bonham is dead though he lives. He’s stuck in a womb-like purgatory created by war. After being savagely injured by an artillery blast, he becomes prisoner to his own ruminations and broken body. His vivid consciousness stream illustrates fond memories, dreams, and present day, at times not quite sure if he’s sleeping or awake. I often read through tears, my heart only able to take a couple of chapters at a time. Absolutely brilliant.
PS. If you aren’t already aware, Metallica’s brilliant song/video for “One” is based on this book and film....more
Written in 1955, Greene’s prescient parable cleverly represents the Vietnam conflict with a love triangle. Thomas Fowler is a middle-aged british jourWritten in 1955, Greene’s prescient parable cleverly represents the Vietnam conflict with a love triangle. Thomas Fowler is a middle-aged british journalist covering the end of French colonialism in Vietnam. Alden Pyle is an undercover American CIA agent who thinks he knows how to fix Vietnam. Phuong is a young Vietnamese woman whose character has little development, though she clearly excels at preparing opium pipes and servicing men who might save her.
I feel like I should’ve loved this, but I really struggled to keep interest....more
An army medic returns from Iraq with severe undiagnosed, untreated PTSD. To cope, he develops an expensive heroin habit, and in desperation, eventuallAn army medic returns from Iraq with severe undiagnosed, untreated PTSD. To cope, he develops an expensive heroin habit, and in desperation, eventually begins robbing banks. Nico Walker, an avid reader, penned this semi-autobiographical novel while in prison. It’s honest, crude, and wholly devastating. The conversational style is brash and often offensive, but to me, felt genuine and necessary. These types of stories are more common than we’d like to admit. Our service members need better support. This is a difficult read, but so worth it.
Side note: I was an army spouse for several years as well as a banker teller (who once witnessed a robbery), so this struck some very relatable chords with me....more
“The track lingered on the surface like a long pale scar. In maritime vernacular, this trail of fading disturbance, whether from ship or torpedo, was “The track lingered on the surface like a long pale scar. In maritime vernacular, this trail of fading disturbance, whether from ship or torpedo, was called a “dead wake.”
Larson provides a well-rounded critical account of this disaster with perspectives from both the Lusitania and U-20.
PS. Once I increased the listening speed to 1.5x, I was able to tolerate Scott Brick, so I’m calling it a success! ...more
'Heil Hitler,' he said, which, he presumed, was another way of saying, 'Well, goodbye for now, have a pleasant afternoon'. - Bruno, 9
I’m just not a f'Heil Hitler,' he said, which, he presumed, was another way of saying, 'Well, goodbye for now, have a pleasant afternoon'. - Bruno, 9
I’m just not a fan of Holocaust fiction. I prefer the real, more accurate accounts. While this might be an okay introduction for young readers, I had a hard time getting past the implausibility of this story and Bruno’s utter cluelessness....more
What kind of mad man voluntarily goes in theater during a vicious war? Dumbfounded soldiers and marines often asked this of Michael Herr. As a war corWhat kind of mad man voluntarily goes in theater during a vicious war? Dumbfounded soldiers and marines often asked this of Michael Herr. As a war correspondent for Esquire, he went not just to the periphery, but into the viscera of 1968 Vietnam. These are war stories in the raw; from Herr himself and from the very servicemen who lived the tales, many of whom had trouble distinguishing between their love of service and contempt for the Vietnam War.
Note: Herr also assisted with two of the most badass war films ever made. He co-wrote the screenplay for Full Metal Jacket and provided written narration for Apocalypse Now....more
When a book is ignorantly removed from a county in your state, the obvious move is take it from your shelf and crack it open. It’s clear why this won When a book is ignorantly removed from a county in your state, the obvious move is take it from your shelf and crack it open. It’s clear why this won a Pulitzer. Spiegelman recounts his family’s experiences in the years/months/days leading to Auschwitz. This draws from his father’s experiences and life after surviving the unimaginable. The black and white art and metaphoric animals are so effective in conveying the fear and brutality....more
"We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be." One of Vonnegut’s most famous quotes references our protagonist - H"We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be." One of Vonnegut’s most famous quotes references our protagonist - Howard W. Campbell, Jr - who briefly appears in Slaughterhouse-Five. Nazi propagandist/American spy and one half of a "Nation of Two,” this is his story. Vonnegut’s dark humor at its finest. ...more
"I think you learn more if you're laughing at the same time."
Such a lovely novel about the Channel Islands during, and immediately following, the Ger"I think you learn more if you're laughing at the same time."
Such a lovely novel about the Channel Islands during, and immediately following, the German occupation. I adored these characters from the start. The epistolary style allows everyone to have a "voice," and by the end, you feel like part of the Guernsey family. ...more
Andrée “Dédée” De Jongh, served as inspiration for the novel The Nightingale. She and her father stealthily created the Comet Line, an escape route toAndrée “Dédée” De Jongh, served as inspiration for the novel The Nightingale. She and her father stealthily created the Comet Line, an escape route to help allied soldiers/airmen get out of Belgium, through occupied France, into Spain, and back home. She and her numerous helpers eventually worked with British intelligence, including Airey Neave, who penned this book. It’s a bit dry, and there are a ton of people to keep straight, but it’s a fascinating story....more
britt_brooke
>
Books:
history-military-war
(46)
Loading...
