BOOK REPORTS—

War by Sebastian Junger (also author of The Perfect Storm)

Over a period of 15 months Junger was imbedded with US combat troops in Afghanistan and this book tells their story. Marvelously. You will learn of their honor, their fear, their trust among men in mortal combat. You will have a ring-side seat to the adrenaline-fueled confusion of being ambushed in the mountains—and come away with a hint of the real horror of combat.


The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara

This is a stunning novel on the Civil War battle at Gettysburg. The battle and the men who fought it are portrayed with incomparable clarity and power. I shuddered when I felt their searing pain and was breathless when Shaara painted battle scenes as if I was seeing them through the soldier’s eyes—Union and Confederate. This is a history lesson exactly like history should be taught.


Blind Courage by Bill Irwin and co-author

A truly stunning story of a blind man and his hike of the entire 2,100+ miles of the Appalachian Trail with only his dog Orient as his constant companion. From my limited experience on the AT I cannot even imagine attempting his hike while sightless. However, his interminable references to his faith throughout this story became a tedious distraction.


Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton

Set in the Caribbean of 1665, Crichton’s marvelous tale takes readers on a rollicking adventure with relentless action; truly a quick and enjoyable read. This completed manuscript was found in his files after his death in 2008--a huge loss to his world-wide reading audience.