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Recommend this book:
Liberty Lady
A True Story of Love and Espionage in WWII Sweden
Pat Digeorge
2017 Honorable Mention
514 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Military
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
I love books on espionage and I get absorbed when the setting is strong and well-developed. Pat Digeorge has done just that, crafting a page-turner set against the gritty historical landscapes of World War II Sweden and modern day, featuring remarkable characters. The only thing that makes it stand out even more is that it isn’t fiction. It is a powerful document that explores what took place in neutral Sweden while the war was raging. Liberty Lady: A True Story of Love and Espionage in WWII Sweden talks about love and impeccable spy work.
A WWII bomber and its crew are compelled to land in Sweden, a neutral country during a huge bombing in Germany. Lt. Herman Allen starts working for the OSS, an espionage agency for his country, and he has one crucial role to play: make friends with a businessman who might be selling secrets to the Germans. It is in this dynamic that a new relationship burgeons and develops quickly between Allen and a stunning Swedish-American secretary for the OSS.
Pat Digeorge's book is filled with wonderful historical references and revelatory information about the behind-the-door activities, the intrigue, and the espionage that took place during the Second World War. Sweden, that stayed neutral, became an attractive turf for espionage. I enjoyed the romance that is sprinkled throughout the story. It seems that the author has done a great job with his research and unearthed facts that are confidently related in this book. Liberty Lady: A True Story of Love and Espionage in WWII Sweden is both entertaining and absorbing. Written in crisp, excellent prose, it is a delightful read.
I love books on espionage and I get absorbed when the setting is strong and well-developed. Pat Digeorge has done just that, crafting a page-turner set against the gritty historical landscapes of World War II Sweden and modern day, featuring remarkable characters. The only thing that makes it stand out even more is that it isn’t fiction. It is a powerful document that explores what took place in neutral Sweden while the war was raging. Liberty Lady: A True Story of Love and Espionage in WWII Sweden talks about love and impeccable spy work.
A WWII bomber and its crew are compelled to land in Sweden, a neutral country during a huge bombing in Germany. Lt. Herman Allen starts working for the OSS, an espionage agency for his country, and he has one crucial role to play: make friends with a businessman who might be selling secrets to the Germans. It is in this dynamic that a new relationship burgeons and develops quickly between Allen and a stunning Swedish-American secretary for the OSS.
Pat Digeorge's book is filled with wonderful historical references and revelatory information about the behind-the-door activities, the intrigue, and the espionage that took place during the Second World War. Sweden, that stayed neutral, became an attractive turf for espionage. I enjoyed the romance that is sprinkled throughout the story. It seems that the author has done a great job with his research and unearthed facts that are confidently related in this book. Liberty Lady: A True Story of Love and Espionage in WWII Sweden is both entertaining and absorbing. Written in crisp, excellent prose, it is a delightful read.
Recommend this book:
My Father's War
Memories from Our Honored WWII Soldiers
Charley Valera
2017 Bronze Medal
338 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Military
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
My Father's War: Memories from Our Honored WWII Soldiers by Charley Valera is a compelling book that brilliantly captures the grim reality of World War II, exploring the lives of soldiers in combat, heroes who risked their lives in a war that some of them didn’t even validate. In these pages, readers are intimately treated to the perils of war, the acts of courage and bravery, the uncertainty of the whole experience, and the fears that occasionally stole the hearts of the warriors. From dropping bombs to close range fighting to rifles, the reader is immersed in a world of intense action and occasional moments of ease.
In clear and compelling narrative, Charley Valera revisits memories of the war, bringing to readers the experiences of many soldiers and allowing readers to see how these soldiers saw the war. Meet compelling characters and heroes like Captain Vincent “Bill” Purple, Corporal Fernand E. Frechette, Private George J. Pelletier, and many others. The prose is excellent and it is spiced with thoughtful and philosophical utterances that allow the reader to look at life differently.
I enjoyed the powerful images that come across in the writing, the emotionally charged descriptions, and the thought-provoking passages. In the introduction, the author makes a powerful allegory of life when he compares it to a hallway. “We’ve all opened doors we wished we hadn’t; some we can’t seem to close fast enough. But like secrets, once you cross through them, they are forever a piece of you — like it or not.” My Father's War: Memories from Our Honored WWII Soldiers is a book that celebrates soldiers and the sacrifices they made; it is entertaining and utterly gripping.
My Father's War: Memories from Our Honored WWII Soldiers by Charley Valera is a compelling book that brilliantly captures the grim reality of World War II, exploring the lives of soldiers in combat, heroes who risked their lives in a war that some of them didn’t even validate. In these pages, readers are intimately treated to the perils of war, the acts of courage and bravery, the uncertainty of the whole experience, and the fears that occasionally stole the hearts of the warriors. From dropping bombs to close range fighting to rifles, the reader is immersed in a world of intense action and occasional moments of ease.
In clear and compelling narrative, Charley Valera revisits memories of the war, bringing to readers the experiences of many soldiers and allowing readers to see how these soldiers saw the war. Meet compelling characters and heroes like Captain Vincent “Bill” Purple, Corporal Fernand E. Frechette, Private George J. Pelletier, and many others. The prose is excellent and it is spiced with thoughtful and philosophical utterances that allow the reader to look at life differently.
I enjoyed the powerful images that come across in the writing, the emotionally charged descriptions, and the thought-provoking passages. In the introduction, the author makes a powerful allegory of life when he compares it to a hallway. “We’ve all opened doors we wished we hadn’t; some we can’t seem to close fast enough. But like secrets, once you cross through them, they are forever a piece of you — like it or not.” My Father's War: Memories from Our Honored WWII Soldiers is a book that celebrates soldiers and the sacrifices they made; it is entertaining and utterly gripping.
Recommend this book:
Wounded Warrior, Wounded Wife
Not Just Surviving But Thriving
Barbara K McNally
2017 Silver Medal
228 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Military
Reviewed by Gracie Bradford for Readers' Favorite
Wounded Warrior, Wounded Wife: Not Just Surviving But Thriving is written by Barbara K. McNally. Meet twenty brave women. “Strong, patient, giving women are the unsung heroes, standing on the sidelines after the medals have been awarded, the parades have ended, and our soldiers finally emerge from the hospital, their lives forever changed.” The author profoundly states, “caregivers are the silent strength behind our soldiers.” The author makes it personal by telling her story of the man she witnessed jumping off the bridge, which immediately grabs the reader’s attention and emotions, making the reader want to know more. The author brilliantly weaves in mental health issues about the hijacking of mind and memory. All single women can find nuggets in the chapter on “How often should we be having sex?” The exhaustive list of resources included in the appendix alone is worth owning the book. Other significant information worth knowing are the five stages of grief; why to tell your story; and six things to know and do if someone in your life seems at risk for suicide. A must-read energizing book.
In Wounded Warrior, Wounded Wife, the stories flow well with each starting from surviving the unexpected, then moving towards thriving after help from various resources. The author addresses one couple of same-sex marriage, telling the story of how two women went from surviving to thriving through perseverance and determination. The book has all the elements of a well-written story with authentic references and content. The author did a great job writing and telling their stories. I was pleased to see that Barbara gave some positive credit to the VA hospitals and professionals who give their all to help the returning soldiers and their families. The list of resources is incredible. Thanks for telling the stories of the wives as we often forget to thank them for their services to this country.
Wounded Warrior, Wounded Wife: Not Just Surviving But Thriving is written by Barbara K. McNally. Meet twenty brave women. “Strong, patient, giving women are the unsung heroes, standing on the sidelines after the medals have been awarded, the parades have ended, and our soldiers finally emerge from the hospital, their lives forever changed.” The author profoundly states, “caregivers are the silent strength behind our soldiers.” The author makes it personal by telling her story of the man she witnessed jumping off the bridge, which immediately grabs the reader’s attention and emotions, making the reader want to know more. The author brilliantly weaves in mental health issues about the hijacking of mind and memory. All single women can find nuggets in the chapter on “How often should we be having sex?” The exhaustive list of resources included in the appendix alone is worth owning the book. Other significant information worth knowing are the five stages of grief; why to tell your story; and six things to know and do if someone in your life seems at risk for suicide. A must-read energizing book.
In Wounded Warrior, Wounded Wife, the stories flow well with each starting from surviving the unexpected, then moving towards thriving after help from various resources. The author addresses one couple of same-sex marriage, telling the story of how two women went from surviving to thriving through perseverance and determination. The book has all the elements of a well-written story with authentic references and content. The author did a great job writing and telling their stories. I was pleased to see that Barbara gave some positive credit to the VA hospitals and professionals who give their all to help the returning soldiers and their families. The list of resources is incredible. Thanks for telling the stories of the wives as we often forget to thank them for their services to this country.
Recommend this book:
Sketches of a Black Cat
Story of a night flying WWII pilot and artist
Ron Miner
2017 Gold Medal
145 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Military
Reviewed by Sefina Hawke for Readers' Favorite
Sketches of a Black Cat by Ron Miner is a non-fiction military book that would appeal most to a mixed audience of young adults and adults who enjoy learning more about World War II and the Navy Black Cats. The book is a first person account of what it was truly like to be an enlisted Navy pilot during World War II. Howard Miner was an Indiana college student who became a Navy Black Cat during World War II and this book was written using his writings and sketches from his time at war. Are you ready to truly understand what it meant to be a young man caught up in World War II?
Sketches of a Black Cat by Ron Miner has a beautifully done cover that served to give me a small peek into the contents of the book and what Howard Miner really looked like. The last time I really thought about World War II was during my history class in high school where I was bored to tears by the dry textbooks; this novel gave me an entirely new perspective and take on World War II. Ron Miner took me into the war alongside Navy Black Cat Howard Miner, which allowed me to gain a new understanding of the war from a person who actually lived and fought during it. After reading this book, I personally feel that it should be a required book for all high school history classes that cover World War II as it taught me so much more than any history textbook ever did!
Sketches of a Black Cat by Ron Miner is a non-fiction military book that would appeal most to a mixed audience of young adults and adults who enjoy learning more about World War II and the Navy Black Cats. The book is a first person account of what it was truly like to be an enlisted Navy pilot during World War II. Howard Miner was an Indiana college student who became a Navy Black Cat during World War II and this book was written using his writings and sketches from his time at war. Are you ready to truly understand what it meant to be a young man caught up in World War II?
Sketches of a Black Cat by Ron Miner has a beautifully done cover that served to give me a small peek into the contents of the book and what Howard Miner really looked like. The last time I really thought about World War II was during my history class in high school where I was bored to tears by the dry textbooks; this novel gave me an entirely new perspective and take on World War II. Ron Miner took me into the war alongside Navy Black Cat Howard Miner, which allowed me to gain a new understanding of the war from a person who actually lived and fought during it. After reading this book, I personally feel that it should be a required book for all high school history classes that cover World War II as it taught me so much more than any history textbook ever did!
Recommend this book:
Path to Freedom: My Story of Perseverance
My Story of Perseverance
Conrad Taylor
2014 Honorable Mention
220 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Military
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
Path to Freedom: My Story of Perseverance is author Conrad Taylor’s captivating memoir of his life journey from a humble beginning in Guyana to the elite West Point institute, back to Guyana and eventually settling down in the U.S. for good. Conrad Taylor is the first of two Guyanese admitted to the United States Military Academy. He won one of ten scholarships awarded to students from Latin America and the Caribbean to attend the world-famous institution in 1969.
Taylor grew up in a vibrant mining community deep in the impenetrable tropical rain forests of Guyana. Raised in his rough and tumble hometown of Mackenzie, Taylor recalls the place as “home to boisterous, fun-loving, hard-living, raucous types,” a beautiful place where anything seemed possible. His ties to West Point didn't serve him well when he went back to Guyana and got caught up in an anti-American political environment. We can definitely relate to Conrad Taylor’s emotions, aspirations, hopes, as well as uncertainties in this memoir. To read about an oppressive government in the midst of political paranoia reminds me to be grateful for never having to endure that kind of turmoil. At the same time, it gives me another level of understanding of what Third World citizens have to go through to obtain freedom as an unconditional human right.
Path to Freedom is an extremely interesting read, thanks to Taylor’s talent for illustrating his life’s journey in such a fascinating way that I found this book difficult to put down until the end. For those looking to be inspired, as well as broaden their knowledge about Guyana and Third World political affairs, this commendable memoir is highly recommended.
Path to Freedom: My Story of Perseverance is author Conrad Taylor’s captivating memoir of his life journey from a humble beginning in Guyana to the elite West Point institute, back to Guyana and eventually settling down in the U.S. for good. Conrad Taylor is the first of two Guyanese admitted to the United States Military Academy. He won one of ten scholarships awarded to students from Latin America and the Caribbean to attend the world-famous institution in 1969.
Taylor grew up in a vibrant mining community deep in the impenetrable tropical rain forests of Guyana. Raised in his rough and tumble hometown of Mackenzie, Taylor recalls the place as “home to boisterous, fun-loving, hard-living, raucous types,” a beautiful place where anything seemed possible. His ties to West Point didn't serve him well when he went back to Guyana and got caught up in an anti-American political environment. We can definitely relate to Conrad Taylor’s emotions, aspirations, hopes, as well as uncertainties in this memoir. To read about an oppressive government in the midst of political paranoia reminds me to be grateful for never having to endure that kind of turmoil. At the same time, it gives me another level of understanding of what Third World citizens have to go through to obtain freedom as an unconditional human right.
Path to Freedom is an extremely interesting read, thanks to Taylor’s talent for illustrating his life’s journey in such a fascinating way that I found this book difficult to put down until the end. For those looking to be inspired, as well as broaden their knowledge about Guyana and Third World political affairs, this commendable memoir is highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
A Man Down
Sgt Clyde Hoch
2014 Bronze Medal
192 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Military
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
A Man Down was written by Sgt. Clyde Hoch and is the biography of several military heroes. The names may not be familiar to most readers but each of the men lost his life while serving in the military. Ray Ira Haas and the author grew up together; both men joined the military, Sgt. Clyde Hoch chose to be a Marine and Ray chose the Army. Ray had a premonition that he would not survive Vietnam and requested the position of Radio Operator so that he would never be in the position to take a life. Several other brave men are discussed; among them is Lance Corporal Nicholas Rodriguez. Rodriguez served in the Marines in Afghanistan. When he returned home his family saw a change in his personality. Nick had PTSD. He died of a fatal gunshot wound that was ruled a suicide. “In 2012, were more service men died from suicide than in combat.”
Sgt. Clyde Hoch shares what it was like to serve in the jungles of Vietnam. There are numerous photographs of the plentiful dangers in the jungles that were home to the enemy. A Man Down is filled with photographs that breathe life into the stories of the soldiers. The author reminds readers that we should take a few moments of our day and remember the men that fought for our country. Sgt. Clyde Hoch is a talented writer. He successfully gives homage to the heroes in this book but does so with great dignity, never stooping to melodrama. His writing style is conversational. Not only will the families of these heroes appreciate this book, but so will history buffs and those interested in the military. This book is appropriate for readers in middle school through adulthood.
A Man Down was written by Sgt. Clyde Hoch and is the biography of several military heroes. The names may not be familiar to most readers but each of the men lost his life while serving in the military. Ray Ira Haas and the author grew up together; both men joined the military, Sgt. Clyde Hoch chose to be a Marine and Ray chose the Army. Ray had a premonition that he would not survive Vietnam and requested the position of Radio Operator so that he would never be in the position to take a life. Several other brave men are discussed; among them is Lance Corporal Nicholas Rodriguez. Rodriguez served in the Marines in Afghanistan. When he returned home his family saw a change in his personality. Nick had PTSD. He died of a fatal gunshot wound that was ruled a suicide. “In 2012, were more service men died from suicide than in combat.”
Sgt. Clyde Hoch shares what it was like to serve in the jungles of Vietnam. There are numerous photographs of the plentiful dangers in the jungles that were home to the enemy. A Man Down is filled with photographs that breathe life into the stories of the soldiers. The author reminds readers that we should take a few moments of our day and remember the men that fought for our country. Sgt. Clyde Hoch is a talented writer. He successfully gives homage to the heroes in this book but does so with great dignity, never stooping to melodrama. His writing style is conversational. Not only will the families of these heroes appreciate this book, but so will history buffs and those interested in the military. This book is appropriate for readers in middle school through adulthood.
Recommend this book:
Chopper Warriors
Kicking The Hornet's Nest
Mr William E. Peterson
2014 Silver Medal
154 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Military
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Chopper Warriors by William Peterson is a combination of stories drawn from interviews and the personal experiences of the author himself. It tells the real story of the Vietnam War, from the people who were there in the thick of it. Mr Peterson has interviewed a wide range of personnel - grunts, helicopter pilots, crew and officers - to gain their stories of the tours they served, of the fear and the death that surrounded them. Chopper Warriors tells the story of the helicopter crews and pilots who were responsible for ensuring that there were not many more names on the wall in Washington. It tells of acts of heroism and of bravery, of special missions that stick in their minds to this day. Above all, it tells us that there was one underlying factor in the chopper warriors' minds - that no-one was beyond bringing home, be it to their families or to their final resting place.
Chopper Warriors is a moving book. William Peterson has written in such a way that the scenes he describes are made real to those of us that weren't there. You can almost smell the blood and the fear, hear the sounds of the rotors above. You feel as though you have been lifted from the comfort of your own home and thrust into the midst of one of the bloodiest wars in history. I take my hat off to Mr Peterson and to all those who shared their stories with us, those who relived the horrors of what they saw and felt to bring us the truth about the war on the ground.
Chopper Warriors by William Peterson is a combination of stories drawn from interviews and the personal experiences of the author himself. It tells the real story of the Vietnam War, from the people who were there in the thick of it. Mr Peterson has interviewed a wide range of personnel - grunts, helicopter pilots, crew and officers - to gain their stories of the tours they served, of the fear and the death that surrounded them. Chopper Warriors tells the story of the helicopter crews and pilots who were responsible for ensuring that there were not many more names on the wall in Washington. It tells of acts of heroism and of bravery, of special missions that stick in their minds to this day. Above all, it tells us that there was one underlying factor in the chopper warriors' minds - that no-one was beyond bringing home, be it to their families or to their final resting place.
Chopper Warriors is a moving book. William Peterson has written in such a way that the scenes he describes are made real to those of us that weren't there. You can almost smell the blood and the fear, hear the sounds of the rotors above. You feel as though you have been lifted from the comfort of your own home and thrust into the midst of one of the bloodiest wars in history. I take my hat off to Mr Peterson and to all those who shared their stories with us, those who relived the horrors of what they saw and felt to bring us the truth about the war on the ground.
Recommend this book:
America's Greatest Blunder
The Fateful Decision to Enter World War One
Burton Yale Pines
2013 Silver Medal
452 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Military
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
America's Greatest Blunder by Burton Yale Pines is a fascinating story of America's involvement in World War I. The author takes the reader through a detailed account of the war in a well-referenced documentary with a very descriptive narrative. Consider it a compilation of every history book written about the war. The author's descriptions throughout the book are well-written. "Germany’s grand, carefully studied, meticulously tweaked and extensively rehearsed Schlieffen Plan for a swift victory over France had crumbled," is one of the many excellent sentences from the book.
The author's description of the Western Front brings a feeling of being there and most certainly allows the reader to feel the power and horror of war. We are taken through the Wilson administration and his failure as a peace broker. The United States entered World War I on April 6, 1917, following a Declaration of War on Imperial Germany by Congress. In June 1917 the first American troops arrived in France. The American soldiers became known as "doughboys" and the author does an excellent job of taking us on the journey of war. I highly recommend this book for history buffs and those who would like to learn more about WWI, but don't want to read 30 or 40 books on the subject. This book will give an accurate overview. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
America's Greatest Blunder by Burton Yale Pines is a fascinating story of America's involvement in World War I. The author takes the reader through a detailed account of the war in a well-referenced documentary with a very descriptive narrative. Consider it a compilation of every history book written about the war. The author's descriptions throughout the book are well-written. "Germany’s grand, carefully studied, meticulously tweaked and extensively rehearsed Schlieffen Plan for a swift victory over France had crumbled," is one of the many excellent sentences from the book.
The author's description of the Western Front brings a feeling of being there and most certainly allows the reader to feel the power and horror of war. We are taken through the Wilson administration and his failure as a peace broker. The United States entered World War I on April 6, 1917, following a Declaration of War on Imperial Germany by Congress. In June 1917 the first American troops arrived in France. The American soldiers became known as "doughboys" and the author does an excellent job of taking us on the journey of war. I highly recommend this book for history buffs and those who would like to learn more about WWI, but don't want to read 30 or 40 books on the subject. This book will give an accurate overview. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/terry&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/510SxAi4giL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=In "Terry", Terry Wadsworth Warne has written a vivid account of her entrapment in the events of World War II. Born and raised in the Philippines, she had an idyllic life until the bombing of Pearl Harbor. As America was unable to evacuate all the Americans on the islands, many were forced to flee to places of hiding, only to be discovered or force...){kind=link}
Terry
The Inspiring Story of a Little Girl's Survival as a POW During WWII
Terry Wadsworth Warne
2013 Gold Medal
376 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Military
Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite
In "Terry", Terry Wadsworth Warne has written a vivid account of her entrapment in the events of World War II. Born and raised in the Philippines, she had an idyllic life until the bombing of Pearl Harbor. As America was unable to evacuate all the Americans on the islands, many were forced to flee to places of hiding, only to be discovered or forced to surrender. They were then put in camps under severe conditions of starvation and hardship. The author and her family appeared to take the initiative toward a productive survival mode as soon as danger presented. The father and the mother were resourceful and so the child was taught a positive attitude in which whatever was available would help them to "make due." Because of their firm belief in rescue, they were able to hang on in the most adverse of conditions for three long years. Moved from one camp to another, they finally ended up in Manilla. At the moment of rescue, many were killed and others severely injured but Terry and her parents never gave up. They steadfastly maintained a firm belief in the military rescue which eventually came.
This is a story of triumph, tragedy, stamina and tenacity in the face of unrelenting hardship. It is a story to motivate those who feel wronged and to inspire those needing strength and perseverance. We all need to remember what happened. We all need to remember the sacrifices made by this country in order that freedom prevailed. Terry gives us just such an opportunity. You will not be disappointed.
In "Terry", Terry Wadsworth Warne has written a vivid account of her entrapment in the events of World War II. Born and raised in the Philippines, she had an idyllic life until the bombing of Pearl Harbor. As America was unable to evacuate all the Americans on the islands, many were forced to flee to places of hiding, only to be discovered or forced to surrender. They were then put in camps under severe conditions of starvation and hardship. The author and her family appeared to take the initiative toward a productive survival mode as soon as danger presented. The father and the mother were resourceful and so the child was taught a positive attitude in which whatever was available would help them to "make due." Because of their firm belief in rescue, they were able to hang on in the most adverse of conditions for three long years. Moved from one camp to another, they finally ended up in Manilla. At the moment of rescue, many were killed and others severely injured but Terry and her parents never gave up. They steadfastly maintained a firm belief in the military rescue which eventually came.
This is a story of triumph, tragedy, stamina and tenacity in the face of unrelenting hardship. It is a story to motivate those who feel wronged and to inspire those needing strength and perseverance. We all need to remember what happened. We all need to remember the sacrifices made by this country in order that freedom prevailed. Terry gives us just such an opportunity. You will not be disappointed.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/a-carnival-of-destruction&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51jHKlBxDlL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="A Carnival of Destruction" is a history of General Sherman's march through South Carolina in the winter of 1865. It was thought that the southern winters would be mild but the troops found cold and rain almost constantly. The Northern troops had to wade swamps and cross rivers with clothes that were almost never dry. To disable the railroads neede...){kind=link}
A Carnival of Destruction
Sherman's Invasion of South Carolina
Tom Elmore
2012 Silver Medal
580 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Military
Reviewed by Jean Brickell for Readers' Favorite
"A Carnival of Destruction" is a history of General Sherman's march through South Carolina in the winter of 1865. It was thought that the southern winters would be mild but the troops found cold and rain almost constantly. The Northern troops had to wade swamps and cross rivers with clothes that were almost never dry. To disable the railroads needed by Southern soldiers, the Federal troops would destroy the rails by twisting the heated rails so that they could not be used again. Sherman was confused as to what city he was going to take so that Confederate troops were too spread out. Sherman had issued orders for his troops not to destroy and burn property in Columbia but then did little to prevent it being done. Federal prisoners were freed and the drunken soldiers were free to destroy the city. The war ended with Lee surrendering to Grant. Days later Lincoln was shot in Washington. The war between the States was over.
"A Carnival of Destruction" is a remarkable historic rendition of the ending of the Civil War. Tom Elmore has done an exceptional job of writing a book that tells the story with personal letters and diaries of the people who lived through those perilous times. Official orders and military memories are also included. I found this book an unflinching account of the horrors inflicted by both sides and the civilians that suffered so terribly.
"A Carnival of Destruction" is a history of General Sherman's march through South Carolina in the winter of 1865. It was thought that the southern winters would be mild but the troops found cold and rain almost constantly. The Northern troops had to wade swamps and cross rivers with clothes that were almost never dry. To disable the railroads needed by Southern soldiers, the Federal troops would destroy the rails by twisting the heated rails so that they could not be used again. Sherman was confused as to what city he was going to take so that Confederate troops were too spread out. Sherman had issued orders for his troops not to destroy and burn property in Columbia but then did little to prevent it being done. Federal prisoners were freed and the drunken soldiers were free to destroy the city. The war ended with Lee surrendering to Grant. Days later Lincoln was shot in Washington. The war between the States was over.
"A Carnival of Destruction" is a remarkable historic rendition of the ending of the Civil War. Tom Elmore has done an exceptional job of writing a book that tells the story with personal letters and diaries of the people who lived through those perilous times. Official orders and military memories are also included. I found this book an unflinching account of the horrors inflicted by both sides and the civilians that suffered so terribly.
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