Reviewed by Mansoor Ahmed for Readers' Favorite

The Marauder and His Daughter is Linda S. Cunningham's memoir built around her father's 1944 diary from his time serving with Merrill's Marauders in Burma during World War II. The book opens in 1992 as the author drives to interview her father, Larry W. Stephenson, weaving in a childhood memory of sneaking into the attic and discovering his war trunk, a Japanese soldier's photograph, a kukri knife, a bloodstained flag, and the small black diary itself. From there, the book moves between her father's wartime experience marching through places like Walawbum and Myitkyina, his courtship of her mother Mary Evelyn, and the author's own adult reckoning with how his undiagnosed PTSD shaped their family. It's part war history, part daughter's tribute, told through a rare firsthand diary that most readers of this era will never have encountered before.

Linda S. Cunningham writes with a gentle, reflective touch that makes even the harder wartime passages feel personal rather than clinical. She includes her father's actual diary entries and glossary of military abbreviations, which gives the book real historical weight. The pacing moves naturally between decades, from her childhood in the attic to her father's Burma campaign to her own interview with him years later, keeping the book from feeling like a straight timeline. Her father emerges as a complex, sympathetic figure, and minor individuals, like her Japanese-American neighbor Sachiko, add unexpected depth to the postwar chapters. I was glad to read how honestly Cunningham dealt with her father's flaws and heroism. The Marauder and His Daughter is a thoughtful, well-researched tribute to a soldier and the family who loved him.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Born From War by Patrick Naughton Jr. is a sweeping account of survival, displacement, and renewal. The story centers on a journey that begins in the shadow of armed conflict, where the destruction of homes and the shattering of communities force unimaginable choices. From the first pages, the tone is deeply human, offering an intimate look at the lived experience of war rather than a distant historical overview. The book traces the lives of individuals whose worlds are torn apart, showing not only the immediate dangers of violence but also the lasting imprint of trauma. Memories of family, lost neighbors, and vanished landscapes anchor the narrative, creating a stark contrast between what was and what is. Naughton balances moments of harrowing detail with quiet reflections that reveal how identity and belonging can fracture under the weight of forced migration.

The account moves beyond the moment of escape to explore what happens after survival: navigating refugee camps, encountering unfamiliar cultures, and negotiating new identities in foreign lands. The narrative avoids oversimplifying these transitions, portraying them instead as complex processes shaped by language barriers, shifting roles within families, and the ongoing pull of the homeland left behind. The prose is direct yet lyrical, able to capture both the stark reality of danger and the fragile beauty found in moments of safety. Details of everyday life become symbols of determination and care. Patrick Naughton is a master storyteller, as reflected in how he handles sensitive and emotional topics. Born From War offers a vivid reminder that while war may be a catalyst for change, the human drive to rebuild and find meaning endures, carrying forward stories that might otherwise fade into silence. I cannot express enough praise for this book. It's beyond words.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Helm & Horizon: Daily Leadership Principles for the Motivated Sailor by Steven-Paul Lapid identifies leadership as being shaped by conduct, setting the direction for teams, and establishing conditions for reliable action. Lapid talks about how distributed responsibility functions when the intent is clear, and when individuals understand the mission well enough to act in changing surroundings. He explains how documented procedures, steady instruction, and honest discussion support post-error improvement and help units maintain readiness. Lapid speaks on how leaders influence future performance by preparing successors through direct teaching and by setting expectations that remain stable during transitions. He also leans into how ethical duty guides decisions that affect institutions across long periods, showing how consistent behavior, clear purpose, and recorded methods form a foundation that continues to guide crews after leadership changes.

Helm & Horizon by Steven-Paul Lapid is a really interesting guide, and it was refreshing to read a naval leadership perspective. Mostly, this is down to the limited availability of such a niche angle, but also because Lapid's book is absolutely applicable to any form of leadership. I love the personal experience and real-life examples he gives. These illustrate how leaders are unity creators in addition to the ones who set direction, relating how this is especially important in maintaining a cool head in situations that can quickly unravel and become chaotic when information is scarce, and trust is reinforced through composed conduct. Overall, the book is intelligently written, straightforward, and, importantly, accessible so that it can be immediately applied. Readers will find Lapid's direction indispensable. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

In West Point to Wall Street, Omar Ritter traces how a boy shaped by military households becomes a West Point cadet, an Army officer, and then a man forced to build a civilian life after brain surgery. His path begins with family separation and early work, then moves through the Academy, where service becomes the measure he uses for every choice. As a lieutenant, Ritter leads soldiers in Kosovo and Iraq, where responsibility is tied to real people under his command. A brain tumor ends his Army career and leaves him with a lasting injury, sending him toward Columbia Business School while he is still recovering. The memoir follows Ritter as he carries the meaning of service into Wall Street and redefines what duty requires after the Army.

West Point to Wall Street: My Journey to Mental Wellness by Omar Ritter has the kind of practical backbone readers can actually use. Ritter writes from lived experience, but the value here is the way he turns experience into advice that feels direct, grounded, and usable. The memoir works best when the author shows how a person can take military training into civilian ambition with a plan that can be acted on in real life. The prose is accessible, and the advice lands because Ritter has tested it through service, education, and finance. He knows what he is talking about, and he gives readers tools they can take seriously. I recommend this book to veterans and career changers who want practical direction from someone who has walked the road himself. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Stewart Brian for Readers' Favorite

Lessons from the Admiral by Mark C. Fava is a well-written book that offers readers, especially those seeking to be high performers, lessons, experiences, knowledge, and traits that contributed to his success as an admiral’s aide. Mark discusses the various skills that are necessary for advancement in any leadership role. He begins with his journey to meet the admiral and the need to understand your boss and their expectations. He further describes situations when he had to use the admiral’s stars to get things done, as well as significant moments in his job where he applied different skills, which include attention to detail, punctuality, integrity, creating simple habits to stay organized, asking for help when necessary, and more.

This book was very impactful to me because most of the skills and lessons could be applied in other areas of my life beyond leadership. Mark’s journey, both as a successful naval officer and lawyer, was inspiring and motivating. I loved that this book not only contains Mark's moments of success as an aide but also the challenges he faced and overcame, which made his story relatable and even more appealing. There were moments when I had a good laugh while reading, and I loved that the author summarized what he learned at the end of each chapter. The writing is well-paced, organized, straightforward, and easy to comprehend. This book features themes on leadership, integrity, teamwork, and more. I recommend Lessons from the Admiral by Mark C. Fava: Naval Wisdom and Sea Stories for Leaders to all aspiring business owners, executives, and anyone seeking to become an outstanding leader.

Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

Jon Michaels uses Say Yes to remind readers that the small things in life can have a large impact and that attention to detail is vital. He also advises us to seize the opportunities that present themselves by saying yes. He refers to these options as the invisible path, as they are sometimes not easy to discern. Many people are reluctant to take on a new challenge for fear of the unknown, yet failure can provide valuable lessons that, if learned, are never lost. Accepting a challenge now rather than living with regrets later in life is preferable. The author points out that we should never stop learning and asking questions to evolve both our character and leadership abilities. A recurring theme is that we should not underrate ourselves; conversely, over-confidence and complacency should be avoided. We should not fall into the trap of hoping or waiting, as inaction can cause stagnation. He calls on his experiences in the US Marines, whose mantra of shoot, move, and communicate remains universally applicable. This implies situational awareness, action, and an organized thought process. Adopt a philosophy and document it.

Say Yes is an invitation to change your life by evaluating it anew. Jon Michaels has had a diverse career that included some ten years in the US Navy Marines as an aviator and in leadership roles, before moving to the commercial world. He is a psychology major who also has a business degree, combining his knowledge of human nature with years of practical military and business experience to offer sound advice to readers. The tough physical and mental training that a US Marine undergoes forges discipline and teamwork which are traits that readily transfer into everyday living. The result is a healthy balance that provides both structure and flexibility. The writing style is concise and flows smoothly. It is illustrated with examples from the author’s experiences in the Marines, business, and as an amateur athlete. He hopes that readers will use the information to apply the lessons shared and implement them through self-discipline and thoughtful action. The sound principles covered and positive approach will have wide appeal to all readers and can be applied at any stage of life’s journey. It is highly recommended.

Reviewed by Mary Clarke for Readers' Favorite

No Greater Honor: Lessons From My Life as a Soldier by N. Lee S. Price is a memoir that follows Price as she shares her experiences during her 38 years of service in the U.S. Army. She wanted to be a police officer but didn't because of her bad eyesight, so she joined the Army as a private first class in 1975, graduating as a major general in 2014. Price shares the challenges she faced, like being a woman in an army dominated by males, dealing with gender bias, and meeting tough standards. She uses these experiences to share insightful lessons about leadership, touching on topics like building trust, teamwork, resilience, morals, valuing diversity, and more. The book covers emotional moments in the army, like honoring fallen soldiers during transfers or funerals. It also shows how the army changed over time, allowing women to take on more roles after the draft ended.

What I love most about this book is how honest and real it feels. I was impressed by Price's courage in telling her story. She talked about her difficulties and even her mistakes, which made me connect more to the book. I felt inspired by Price's resilience; the way she remained relentless, set goals, changed some habits, and managed stress and tough situations in the army left me in awe. It was great seeing how hard work and loyalty helped her to succeed and stand out. Her words about leadership were very helpful and applied to many aspects of my life, both in work and personal development. I loved her points about choosing happiness by making time for family, despite how busy we may be, because it helps us stay happy and strong. I recommend No Greater Honor by N. Lee S. Price to anyone who wants to learn leadership skills, especially women in fields dominated by males, military members, and anyone interested in personal growth.

Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite

Avoiding Muddy Foxholes by Jim Loveless is an inspiring, against-all-odds story about a bombardier who escaped death narrowly in different situations while fighting for the US in World War II. Dick, Jim's father, was in the early stages of his relationship with beautiful Mary when he answered the call to fight for his country. In the camp of the enemy, Dick's love for golf, his faith in God, and his cheerful spirit kept him from losing all hope. While some letters got delivered and others weren't, he hoped to get back to his family in one piece. The journey, however, was fraught with loss, physically challenging paths, and emotional turmoil. From a heartwarming engagement and a frightening first date marked by an intimidating father to a terrible plane crash and becoming a prisoner of war, Jim's book is a rollercoaster of ups and downs.

Jim Loveless takes time to develop the themes, allowing readers to get familiar with them and enjoy the story's smooth progression. The horrors of war and the sweetness of love merge like the yin and yang symbols to create a rich and deeply immersing account. I was seriously emotional when Dick received news about his daughter while facing the possibility of death. Though told from a third-person perspective, the book is highly captivating, as the author recreates the protagonist's real-time experience. Avoiding Muddy Foxholes is one of those true stories that's so amazing it feels like a movie. If you enjoy historical books and nonfiction tales about war, you will love this one. I can't get over its grand feel and the sensational love story left me speechless and smiling like I'd won the lottery long after I'd finished reading it.

Reviewed by Makeda Cummings for Readers' Favorite

Ron Jansen's An Otherwise Healthy Person is a compelling memoir depicting his experiences as a Marine Corps squad leader in Fallujah, Iraq. Jansen reminisces on the nature of war and how his military experiences shaped his life while stationed in Iraq and his return home. Using a series of moving anecdotes, he candidly guides readers through the tumultuous—but captivating—events that characterized his time in Iraq. Despite being surrounded by death, violence, and loss on the battlefield, Jansen bravely presses on. When he leaves the war zone in Iraq to return to civilian life, one kind of war has ended, but unknowingly, another one is about to begin. Returning home to his wife presents Jansen with a different type of war affecting him and his marriage. His faith becomes his greatest ally through it all.

Ron Jansen’s story is emotionally gripping, witty, and inspiring. His journey is unreservedly candid and heartfelt and will draw readers in from the first page to the last. Jansen offers readers in-depth insights into the harrowing experiences of a soldier on the battlefield and the effects of those emotional and psychological scars on the personal lives of surviving soldiers. His breathtaking tale is interlaced with danger, despair, loss, betrayal, deliverance, and God's grace. Through his journey, Jansen provides readers with his viewpoint on the human aspect of war for all parties involved. His recollections surrounding his own inner turmoil are thought-provoking, relatable, and humbling. His profound experiences, both at war and home, serve as guidance and hope for readers undergoing their own unique life challenges. I highly recommend An Otherwise Healthy Person to memoir fans.

Reviewed by Jennifer Reinoehl for Readers' Favorite

Valhalla Boys is Brennan Morton’s tribute to the men he served with during the Iraq war in the form of a memoir. Each chapter takes the reader through highlights of Basic Training, the selection of Special Forces candidates, training for Special Forces, and then his time in Iraq. Instead of a chronological 'this happened and then that happened,' each story is told as you might hear them sitting around a campfire reminiscing with friends about times past. It is more of a compilation of short, non-fiction stories than a detailed, day-by-day walk through life. Morton read the fictional war horror stories of Vonnegut, Heller, and Hemingway and admits that, initially, he did not heed their warnings. If I had to pick one of his favorites, I would say his style is closest to Heller.

Unlike Heller, who chose to fictionalize his war stories, Valhalla Boys gives us the truth loud and clear. During World War II, America fought to keep the Germans out of France. During Iraq, we fought so oil companies could set up shop in Iraq and so that the military-industrial complex did not go out of business. Those men and women who volunteered after 9-11 because they wanted to fight for their country and democracy in Iraq were told these lies. No soldier would have joined if s/he knew the truth. Unfortunately, Brennan Morton did not find out the truth until very late in the game—and I encourage you to read the book for that if no other reason. This book is for those who are curious about a soldier’s life, war buffs, and history buffs. It should be required reading for every congressman and senator—with a test afterward. Pacifists, if they can stomach it, should read this book because it will give them fuel for their debates. It is filled with the typical soldier fare: bodily functions, swearing, sex references, and violence, but Brennan Morton has definitely toned it all down for the average adult reader. It is both eye-opening and well-written. I highly recommend Valhalla Boys.