Review: The Battle of the Bulge: Brothers Behind Enemy Lines

The Battle of the Bulge: Brothers Behind Enemy Lines by Suzanne Agnes
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Review: The Big Buddha Bicycle Race

The Big Buddha Bicycle Race by Terence A. Harkin
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Review: render

render by W. Joseph O'Connell
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Review: Going Home

Going Home by Carole Brungar
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Review: All Present and Accounted For: The 1972 Alaska Grounding of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Jarvis and the Heroic Efforts that Saved the Ship

All Present and Accounted For: The 1972 Alaska Grounding of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Jarvis and the Heroic Efforts that Saved the Ship by Steven J Craig
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

MWSA Review

For those who don’t know much about the United States Coast Guard, All Present and Accounted For fills a void by explaining some of the history of the branch of service as well as detailing the harrowing near-death experience of the crew of the Coast Guard cutter Jarvis in 1972 when it was in danger of sinking with all hands.

The Preface sets the stage by adding context to the time frame in which the story takes place. Part One tells the story of the man for whom the cutter was named, an interesting side trail that could be a book in its own right and shows the kind of heroics that result in a ship being named for you. Introductory chapters in Part Two include information about Frederick Wooley, who captained the ship during its time of near annihilation, and a general discussion of Coast Guard history along with the particulars of the building of the high-endurance cutter that became the subject of this book. Those of us who know little about the Coast Guard also get a glimpse of the commissioning ceremony for USCGC Jarvis in Hawaii, before the cutter leaves for its first Alaska Patrol in September of 1972.

What follows, however, is the type of sea tale that can keep you on the edge of your seat as Craig tells the hour-by-hour account of the blinding snowstorm, high seas, and tempestuous winds that result in damage to the ship—leaving it without power and being driven toward the rocks of Akutan Island, Alaska. Although the final result (spoiler alert is the book’s title) was known, I found myself caring about the crew members, following their thoughts, cringing at their hardships, and wondering if the cutter itself would survive or sink.

History buffs will find plenty of footnotes, documentation, and appendices. More casual readers will enjoy the well-written account which includes quotes and remembrances of the men who served on the Jarvis during this ordeal. Although the maps were somewhat small, I enjoyed using maps online to zoom in on particular areas and follow the voyage in its larger context.

Review by Betsy Beard (February 2020)

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Review: Seven Wings to Glory

Seven Wings to Glory by Kathleen M. Rodgers
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

MWSA Review

Author Kathleen Rodgers has gotten her writing wings—this book flies and soars with great storytelling that is both entertaining and inspiring. She takes the storyline and weaves into it just enough mystical stuff to make the book sing and dance. Seven Wings to Glory, which is the author's third novel, is also her best to date. She has been growing her literary talent and is flying with the best of novelists.

She takes on the subject of racism and hate but doesn't pound the reader with a long lecture; she takes us down a more compassionate road that feels like a happy ending and a new understanding, thus giving a negative character a chance at redemption so that all of us can cheer the life lessons involved.

Her lead character Johnnie Kitchen is not a perfect cookie-cutter heroine. She has some flaws. She is a human being and that makes the story work even better. The book will make you smile at times, cry a lot, ponder the meaning of life, but always entertain you. Loved this book! I fully recommend this to all adult readers. Both men and women will enjoy this masterfully told from the heart story.

Review by Bill McDonald (February 2020)

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Review: Wind the Clock

Wind the Clock by Dawn Brotherton
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Review: The Obsession

The Obsession by Dawn Brotherton
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Review: Force No One: A Thriller

Force No One: A Thriller by Daniel Charles Ross
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Review: I'll Lend You My Daddy: A Deployment Book for Military Kids Ages 4-8

I'll Lend You My Daddy: A Deployment Book for Military Kids Ages 4-8 by Becky King
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

MWSA Review

I’ll Lend You My Daddy, written by Becky King and illustrated by Valerie Valdivia, is an exceptional book that addresses military deployment from the point of view of the child whose loved one is absent. Suitable for young children—and fun to read for grown-ups—the book explores activities that the service member is missing (birthdays, holidays, school plays), activities the child can engage in (letter writing, care packages, phone conversations), emotions the child is experiencing (sadness, longing, pride, joy) while also representing the United States Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.

The rhyming text presents a simple meter that is easy and fun to read, with rhyme schemes that fit the age level of the child. Illustrations are appealing, eye-catching, and detailed enough to allow the child to make discoveries along the way. Words and illustrations are laid out on the page so that they flow from one thought to the next.

While this book is a must-read for young children experiencing the deployment of a parent, it would also make a great read-aloud selection for all young school children to build appreciation for the sacrifices made by military families. It would be a great addition to every school library.

Review by Betsy Beard (January 2020)

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Review: Vietnam Photographs from North Carolina Veterans: The Memories They Brought Home

Vietnam Photographs from North Carolina Veterans: The Memories They Brought Home by Martin Tucker
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

MWSA Review

Most people have heard "a picture tells a thousand words," but that doesn't do the pictures in Martin Tucker's book justice. Born from a vision to heal North Carolina veterans, this book has grown to a full-fledged treatment for those who are suffering from unseen wounds in any state.

The pictures run the gamut from behind the lines to R&R to combat (although there is very little blood), and perfectly capture the Vietnam experience, especially for infantry and ground combat types. The photos themselves are excellently balanced between color footage and raw black and white images. The captions, too, range from short, impactful statements to longer comments filled with humor or amplifying details. The book itself is very professional, and both the pictures and the text would be well received by any veteran of that war.

Very well done, start to finish, Vietnam Photographs From North Carolina Veterans belongs on every Vietnam vet's bookshelf.

Review by Rob Ballister (January 2020)

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