Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Growing Your Family by Pearl Gifty Alimo is a memoir/self-help guidebook to help families deal with members serving in the military. Pearl draws from her own experiences as a military wife, raising their three young children on her own while her husband is deployed overseas. Born and raised in Ghana, Pearl slowly acclimatizes herself to the culture and lifestyle of Japan after her husband is stationed there. In this book, she provides various tips for spouses with military husbands on how to design your own home environment when moving to a new location, creating routines that work best for you and your family, using your close circle of friends and family who can help to give you a break from the children while your spouse is away, and building a supportive community.

Growing Your Family is a must-read for anyone who has a family member serving in the military for their country. Author Pearl Gifty Alimo perfectly demonstrates the sacrifices made by not only servicemen and women but also their families who have to face the challenges that come with having a family member deployed overseas. She provides helpful tips through each chapter, depicting ways to overcome some of these challenges. These may range from trying to move to a new location with the family, raising your children in the absence of your spouse, finding ways to keep your spouse involved in the lives of your children, and much more. I highly recommend Growing Your Family to readers who have family members serving in the military.

Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite

The Roar of Ordinary is a coming-of-age memoir that depicts the loss of a friend and brother to war and the efforts to remember him and experience what he did in his final days in Vietnam. Though J. C. Foster survived the period of the Vietnam War that claimed the lives of millions, he's left with loss and survivor's remorse. Still, his brother's 20 years on earth and the counsel he left behind never left J.C. as he went through life, failed and succeeded in marriage, overcame physical milestones, traveled to Vietnam, and contemplated different philosophical problems. J. C. Foster's research about the Vietnam war and other American wars raises questions about the justification of war and the loss of millions of lives based on the decisions of a few in power.

This is the most emotional I've been about a book this year. I felt J. C. Foster's pain and that of the soldiers and family members who lost their friends and family to war through the pages of the book. The Roar of Ordinary taught me a lot about the Vietnam War, made my heart sink for all the lost lives and the pain left behind, took me on a colorful journey through Vietnam, and, yet, found a way to make me laugh with its humor about youth and growing up in the 20th century. J. C. Foster engages readers with a detailed and compelling narration that covers loss, family, war, culture, religion, racism, ambition, marriage, and more. Readers who love history and moving life stories will love this heartwarming, educational, thought-provoking, and elaborate memoir.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Strike Hard and Expect No Mercy follows author and former Tank Platoon Leader Galen D. Peterson's experiences while serving on behalf of the US Army in Iraq. A West Pointer who suffered a brain injury during his stay in Iraq, Lieutenant Peterson unwittingly received the Purple Heart for it. While patrolling the swaths of the Iraqi countryside in the mid to late 2000s, Peterson lost multiple fellow soldiers, some of them his close friends. However, things took a turn for the worse after President Bush ordered the "surge" in the fall of 2006. As more troops were landed in Baghdad, the insurgents moved towards Diyala. With the rise of the Jaish Al Mahdi, Peterson and his crew of MI2 Abrams found themselves fighting a brutal battle on the streets of Baghdad.

Meticulously chronicled with a keen eye for detail, Strike Hard and Expect No Mercy gives you a front-row seat to the battleground during the height of the invasion of Iraq. Author Galen D. Peterson's memoir perfectly demonstrates the courage and heroism displayed by members of the US Armed forces in wartime. Peterson captures the anxiety, dread, and tension on the eve of battle in a seamless fashion and minces no words, vividly describing the harrowing circumstances in which the soldiers often found themselves. The bouts of humor sprinkled throughout the pages bring a sense of levity to the proceedings that seem almost necessary to get through the conditions prevailing in wartime. This is a book that feels like a must-read for anyone interested in the realities of war.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Unaccounted by Michael McDonald-Low is set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and is the true story of an American infantryman gone missing and the mission to find him forty-four years later. The author gives a first-hand account of the soldiers in the Que Se Son Valley during combat operations that took place in 1968. The author's account of the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) mission makes this book a compelling read, detailing the dilemma of soldiers on a battlefield away from their country. The book is honest and the author's depiction of the experiences of these soldiers will leave a lasting impression in the minds of readers.

The book is well written and the author's words will take readers to the era of the Vietnam War and will make them feel as if they are there with the soldiers. The author's determination and dedication are impressive and the vivid descriptions of the jungle and being on the battlefield will haunt readers for a long time. The difficult circumstances faced by the soldiers, the true emotions and realities of war, the acceptance of death on the battlefield, and the effort to locate the missing infantryman decades later will keep readers glued to the book till the very end. The story is thrilling and it will make readers appreciate soldiers and the sacrifices they make for their country. It's definitely a book worth reading for all those who enjoy war stories.

Reviewed by Leonard William Smuts for Readers' Favorite

Adapting to the differences between life in the military and civil society can be quite daunting to a veteran of the armed forces who is transitioning to the commercial world. Mission Transition sets out to smooth that potentially stressful process. It may surprise readers to learn that less than one percent of the American population has any experience of the military, which adds to the divide. However, veterans possess a diverse set of skills covering many fields that are a major asset to the nation. The challenge is to integrate these valuable attributes into the business and public sectors with minimal disruption on either side. Veterans must leave behind them a highly disciplined and structured organization that provides training and job security. They venture into a profit-driven environment where an authoritarian management style is neither appreciated nor appropriate, with little permanence. Matthew J Louis describes the process, commencing with planning an exit from the military to acclimatization in a new working environment. Every aspect is covered in detail, including factors such as the impact on family life, potential relocation, and the need for further study. The secret is to know yourself and what you seek - then prepare in advance.

Matthew J Louis speaks from personal experience, backed by considerable research on the subject. Mission Transition also brings a wealth of sound advice from a variety of veterans, whose insightful comments are quoted in every chapter. The book includes many tables of information, checklists, and helpful hints on securing employment. The book is wide-ranging in its scope to the point that it can be used as a career guidance manual for civilians as well. In this regard, the chapters on writing a résumé, applying for work, and the job interview itself, are universal in their application and are particularly informative. The point is made that civilians do not always understand the ethos of the military, thus references to rank and similar terminology must be rephrased as part of the integration process. The corporate world is demystified and many career paths are suggested. The welcome advice on personal budgeting is an overlooked but important aspect that is also covered. The many resources such as support networks and bursary schemes available to veterans in the USA are listed. The book is rounded off with appendices, an index, and an extensive list of sources. It is a unique and well-written publication on an unusual topic, filled with practical information, and is highly recommended. Having served in the military I can relate to many of the situations.

Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite

As Rugged as the Rest: A Young Marine’s Journey to Iwo Jima by Janet Simmelink takes you on a journey through the life of a young man, Joseph Montgomery House Jr. The main characters are Joe Boy and his sisters, Louise, Leveryle, and Gale. His parents are Joseph Snr and Leonora. Assorted aunts and uncles, cousins and nieces, the odd school friend, and army buddies make an appearance throughout the book. It starts when Pearl Harbor is attacked in 1941 and Joe decides that he will serve in the Marines rather than take a deferment as he is a farmer and shares the farm with his father. When the USA enters World War Two, his parents are not keen to let him go and refuse to sign the draft documents. But then the Army lowers the age of consent - one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor - and Joe Boy signs up just before Thanksgiving of 1942. Joe finally gets his call-up papers on the 15th March 1943.

As Rugged as the Rest by Janet Simmelink has been written with humor, tenderness, and respect for all the boys and men who served in World War Two, especially those who lost their lives on the island of Iwo Jima which took a great number of lives on both sides just for an airbase. I found that I got involved with Joe Boy and his life and dreams and each person that enters and leaves his life and the influence they have on him. Through it all, Joe Boy always remains positive and upbeat. The fact that he paid the ultimate sacrifice brings a tear to your eye as you realize exactly what each of the soldiers, whether they were Marines, navy or just foot soldiers paid. Janet Simmelink has woven a beautiful tribute to these brave men and what they had to endure from Basic Training to the end. The use of the letters Joe Boy wrote to family and friends must have been a great source of inspiration as well as inspiration for the investigation into those times that had to be undertaken to bring authenticity to such a personal story. This is a book well worth reading in every sense. In all the time I have read non-fiction, this is the first time I could not put a book down and it was a page-turner from the start to the finish. I really enjoyed it. This is a book well worth reading in every sense.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Playing Soldier is a work of non-fiction in the memoir and autobiographical sub-genres, and was written by author F. Scott Service. Please note that the work does contain explicit language, sexual references, and references to drugs and alcohol which makes it much more suitable to adult reading audiences. The book tells the story of the author’s life as he went from trying to emulate his father – a soldier in the Korean War – to the devastating life that awaits war veterans upon discharge. As he tries to stop the descent into PTSD and substance abuse, can he return to being the contented person he once was?

Author F. Scott Service offers a candid, raw, and highly emotional slice of the soul in this unforgettable and well-crafted work. Knowing very little about the Korean War and this specific viewpoint, I found the book to be quite challenging emotionally, but ultimately empathetic, inspiring, vivid, and very important to understand the powerful journey that the author went on. The adult content was well handled and though it might be potentially triggering to some, the issues are authentically penned and eye-opening for those who have ever known, experienced, or been with someone with mental health and/or substance abuse issues. Another feature that I thought was really striking was the solid connection to place and time, grounding us in snippets of reality whilst also taking us away on a deep psychological journey. Overall, I would highly recommend Playing Soldier for readers who are fans of truly moving memoirs and well-penned, authentic words.

Reviewed by Leonard William Smuts for Readers' Favorite

Underwater espionage is not a topic that receives much public attention due to its highly classified nature, so Spies of the Deep will come as a revelation to many readers. W. Craig Reed, himself an experienced submariner and diver, describes a world of intrigue, danger, advanced technology, and events that have the potential to bring about a global nuclear conflict. It was the apparent testing of a secret rocket-powered torpedo that is believed to have led to an incident aboard the Russian nuclear submarine Kursk in August 2000, in which all 118 men on board perished. The book describes in fascinating detail the events that led up to the loss of the Kursk, the attempts to rescue the doomed crew, and the international recriminations that followed. The Kursk had been involved in a large-scale naval exercise, monitored by NATO member submarines, which led to allegations that one of these had inadvertently collided with the Kursk. Either this or a malfunction with the torpedo itself had triggered two massive explosions which destroyed the forward part of the vessel. The reluctance of the Russians to accept Western assistance with rescue attempts is debated, while new, more powerful, and sinister weapons are described. The Kursk incident illustrates the unhealthy rivalry between the superpowers, while the resulting arms race has the potential to destroy the world and its economy.

W. Craig Reed writes from a position of expert knowledge and describes clandestine submarine missions in a style that is informative and entertaining. The complexities and hazards of deepwater diving are explored, as well as operations in the ice-cold seas of the Arctic region. The Kursk incident raised serious questions about American involvement and the evidence is reviewed, together with the alleged cover-up that followed. The role of the Russian President Vladimir Putin is prominent, along with his stated ambitions of restoring Russian military might to attain global dominance. Spies of the Deep is a masterful dissection of power politics and global trade routes. The comments on the economy are unusual in a military publication and are particularly welcome. Apart from the traditional rivals, China, North Korea, and Iran have joined the mix. Each of these players has nuclear capability and all are flexing their military muscles. For Russia, the economic prize will be control over the mineral, oil, and gas-rich Barents Sea. The meticulous research is documented at the end of the book, which is superbly illustrated with numerous photographs. The insights provide a chilling reminder of the delicate balance of world power and the serious consequences of national ambitions. It is a compelling read and highly recommended.

Reviewed by Tom Gauthier for Readers' Favorite

How do you turn a biography into a page-turning action novel? Donald E. Auten teaches us how with Roger Ball! The Odyssey of John Monroe “Hawk” Smith. From the opening sequence of an edge-of-the-seat ride along with “Hawk” and “Crash’s” forced landing, blind on a pitching deck, I was drawn into two things: First, the excellent, crisp, writing of Donald E. Auten, full of technical detail sans academic lecture, sprinkled with a colorful sense of place. And second, the immediate desire to get to know John Monroe “Hawk” Smith better, the kind of person you want to call a friend. Auten delivers on both counts. Quoting “Hawk” Smith: “A good take-off does not guarantee a good landing.” His philosophy sets the template for this biography of a southern boy growing up, becoming an aviator, a leader, and a model of determination to surmount obstacles both personal and professional through thoughtful action. I was drawn into the action early, but never lost sight of the man.

You would pick this book up if you are a fan of military aviation, and once you do, you will not be disappointed. From the young man coming of age, through all of the drudging work of earning Navy Gold Wings, on through vignette after vignette of his Naval and personal experiences, I was fully invested in this book. You are in the cockpit with Hawk, pulling “G’s” and sweating bullets, and you are in the mind of Hawk, pondering life and love choices, and life and death mission choices. Auten has a skill of turning the technical into the exciting, and the personal into compelling empathy for an unsung American hero. I can think of no higher praise for a biography than the writer’s ability to turn his subject into a real person, in real situations, and instilling a real desire to learn more in the reader. Real is the operative word. Roger Ball! The Odyssey of John Monroe “Hawk” Smith is real on many levels. The person, the life, the events, the interactions with comrades and with Navy bureaucracy, the technology, and the flying experiences all come together under Donald E. Auten’s skilled hand to provide an excellent piece of writing.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

George W. Kohn’s Vector to Destiny: Journey of a Vietnam F-4 Fighter Pilot is an incendiary true-to-life tale about patriotism, duty, and loyalty. It chronicles Kohn’s war experience as a jet fighter pilot in Vietnam. This is the story of one determined kid with humble beginnings in Wisconsin. From a young age to adolescence, he faces barriers in reaching his goal but proves that they have only made him stronger and more determined in realizing his childhood dream. The cockpit of an F-4 Phantom becomes a different ballgame as these fighter jets are all involved in a coordinated bombing campaign against North Vietnam. Not all his missions will make you shudder, and for those that do, you can expect this book to take you back to an interesting time in history that divided the feelings of a nation.

In its first-person point of view, Vector to Destiny is patriotic in its purpose. It wants to record as accurately as possible what it was like to be a jet fighter pilot who had flown over one hundred missions halfway through his tour of Vietnam. Chronologically, it reconstructs the chain of events that begin in George W. Kohn’s childhood and how he defied his father’s dream of him taking over the family farm. Kohn’s step-by-step narrative makes it easy for readers to empathize with his sentiments. It can be heartbreaking when you come home after your tour of duty to discover that the people of your own country couldn’t care less about your experiences as a Vietnam veteran. Kohn doesn’t paint himself as heroic but merely attempts to capture the drama of war through his own eyes. Nonfiction books like this help you understand the actual experiences of men and women deployed to fight in the interests of national security. This is a highly recommended book, a raw account of a historical event penned by someone who has actually taken an active part in the action.