Military Books

I grew up with the leader of the incursion and I don't think any of this has had "literary license". In High School, Dev was a wrestler and fierce competitor. He was consistantly demonstrating his leadership abilities. It was in his blood. His Dad and Brother were leaders as well. This book does him justice. He has been and will be missed by all that knew him.

I think that this a very god book, a series of short stories about the vietnam war, one or two off them are perhaps " non-confirme-able", but who cares, just as long as it is a good storie.
I very much enjoyed the R-R storie to Thailand; revenge is to be enjoyed cold.
Also the story about marine SGT Henderson, that died and diden't
send chills up and down my spine.
Kregg has a way with frases and words, especialy his funny and self-ironic way of decribing himself and his conversion with all those who contributed stories to his book, he is very much the
Wiseguy he always describes himself as.

I can highly recommend this book to anyone.
Keep up the good work !!

As in all his books Kregg has done a super job on this book. I have read all the books that Kregg has written, and this one was right up there with the rest.

This was the 2nd book that I have read written by Mr. Jorgenson. The first was Acceptable loss. One of the best I have ever read. MIA Rescue is just as good but more focused on a particular mission. Mr. Jorgenson's style of writing is very smooth and combines points of view from all soliders involved in this rescue mission. Including his own in a very unique way. From the guys that were wounded, to the troops going in to get them, to the pilots flying through the thick fog, Jorgenson captures the full realm surrounding this very very stressful situation.
I would recommend this book to anyone. Mr. Speilberg or Mr. Stone if you are out there. Please look at this book! This story needs to be told on the big screen!

I would have given this book 5 stars, but Kregg makes me out to be more heroic than I really was. Fact is, I would have gone looking for the team if I had been told to, but I was happier than hell that I wasn't! There was a huge storm in the area that night and I had a really bad feeling about flying around in it trying to make radio contact with the team. Using my simple logic, if they were okay, they would still be okay in the morning when the storm passed. And if they weren't okay, increasing the body count by 5 wan't going to help either. Kregg, if you read this, please contact me.

This is a great book. There is enough information and technical data to keep me reading and learning for a long time.

This book has everything you need to know to hone your skills or become one of the best. Definate good purchase and I would recommend this item to all.

This is the type of book that you will never really finish; as you will be constantly referring back to it for training. I read through it cover-to-cover like a novel; now I'm dissecting certain chapters that pertain more to my line of work. A superb manual, packed with information, photos & illustrations. Mr Lau is a true professional. Use this manual in combination with other manuals such as Major Plaster's "The Ultimate Sniper" to gain the most.

This book really covers all topics you need to know about sniping. A great book for somone who is trying to become a sniper or for a seasoned veteran who wants to brush up on their fundamentals. The book covers things like rifle and ammo selection, range estimation, wind, weather factors, mil-dots, and everything else. Especially nice was a chapter on how to fill out your log book. The log books are so important, but no one else really shows you how to fill one out.

This book covers just about everything you need to know, and reads easy - it is not dry and overly technical. The end of the book covers several tactical scenerios and explains how a sniper in these situations would accomplish their shot. Definitely recommended.

This book has tons of information. I found typos on practically every page, so the editor needs to be fired, but overall there's so much here and it's written so well that I would highly recommend it. Mike Lau has a friendly writing style, and does not overload the text with technical jargon and $5 words, though there is plenty of technical info in there. Reading it is more like talking to a shooting buddy than reading an engineering manual. There are also tons of pictures, and although I would have gladly paid extra for some to be in color, they are all clear, helpful, and interesting. This is not the end-all, be-all of shooting manuals; rather, it is really one person's knowledge as well as his experienced opinions. For non-fiction, it is quite a page-turner. Mike Lau was a soldier and is still a competitive shooter and is an accomplished custom precision rifle builder. Great book!

My first recollection of hearing about Belleau Wood was a DI at Paris Island reciting Marine Corp History to platoon 2030 in Aug. 69 when I was a lowly recruit. I knew that the Marines earned the name DevilDogs as a result of their action aganst the Germans in 1918. It wasn't until I read this book and got the rest of the story that I can truely appreciate what they did to earn that title. I am glad I found this book as it will now go on the shelf with my other Marine Corps history books. I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about the Corps.

Not even in Vietnam did we suffer as these soldiers did at Belleau Wood. An excellent, blow-by-blow overview of the heroics of the 4th & 6th Marine Brigages.

American Marines have been fighting this country's battles since early 1776, when they landed and stormed British forts in the Bahamas to obtain guns and powder for Washington's beleaguered army. However, from its birth at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, 1775, the many heroic exploits of the Marine Corps were unsung by the media and by history until WW I, when, against enormous odds, they took German positions at Chateau-Thierry and Belleau Woods, while the French were in retreat, attacking high ground against the best of the advancing Germany Army. Where now famous two-time Medal of Honor recipient, Sergeant Dan Daly, was reported to have shouted to his men, "Come on you sons-of-bitches! Do you want to live forever?"

The Marines kept up the offensive against the German positions, which were supported by the crossfire of heavy machinegun positions. However, using superior rifle marksmanship, firepower and sheer will, which has become the earmark of Marines from 1775 to the battle for Falluja and beyond, they overran and took the German positions.

In honor of the Marines who fought there, the French renamed the woods, "Bois de la Brigade de Marine," and for which the Fifth and Sixth Marine Regiments won the French Foragere, which means they won the Croix de Guerre at least twice. In fact they won it three times for their actions.

The citation reads, "In 1918, Marines of the 5th and 6th Regiments, of the 4th American Brigade, by their heroic deeds of valor, inscribed the names of momentous and brilliant battles on pages of Marine Corps history.

"They have the single honor of being the only two regiments in the American European Forces to receive three citations; two in the Order of the Army and one in the Order of the Corps, the Fourragere and the Croix de Guerre with two Palms and one Guilt Star.

"The first award of the Croix de Guerre came after the battle of Belleau Wood, "in recognition of the brilliant courage, the vigor and tenacity [of Marines who] overcame all hardships and losses and captured the village of Bouresches and Belleau Wood." The second award of the Croix de Guerre followed shortly after the Battle of Soissons, where Marines of the 5th and 6th Regiments, tired, hungry, and thirsty, without adequate weapons, armed with only a rifle and bayonet, smashed through the enemy positions in one of the most dashing victories of the war, capturing hundreds of guns and thousands of prisoners.

"The final award came after the battle of Champagne, which opened the Western approaches to the Argonne."

The book describes in detail the hardships in not only the lack of supplies and basic necessities such as food, water and transportation, but also in communication and intelligence, not to mention proper field maps and grid references. Yet, going beyond the pitfalls of what von Clauswitz called the "fog of war", the Marines not only prevailed, but took the fight to the enemy and defeated the enemy. The Germans called them "teufelhunden", or "Devil Dogs", a title hard won from some of the most ferocious, best trained and disciplined soldiers on earth at the time.

The one problem I have with the book is with its the cover, where the publisher has used a photo of Army soldiers, rather than Marines, in a book about Marines.

Overall, the book is well written, well researched and well presented.

Good read. Goes fast. Very good use of first-person viewpoints taken from a variety of sources. Ultimately the entire book is made up of well-integrated and -selected anecdotes. The ending is somewhat anti-climactic, but Axelrod's analysis of the historical significance of this battle seems right on the mark to this reviewer. This will make a nice addition to your library of works on World War I, but keep in mind that the focus of this work is very narrow.

Alan Axelrod has written a nice little history of the Battle at Belleau Wood. It flows so fast and Axelrod writes so well it's over before you know it. The research is very well done and Mr. Axelrod captures most of the legends & stories of the battle including the famous, "Retreat? Hell, we just got here." He very clearly establishes his case for this battle making the Marine Corps from a soon to be shut down after thought in the Navy to the vaunted fighting force America has employed for the last century.

The one book to compare this to is Devil Dogs by George Clark. I think the story told by Mr. Clark is more complete, detailed and thorough than the one told by Mr. Axelrod. On the other hand, Mr. Axelrod is a very good writer and the story flows out of his pen like lightening. At times I found Mr. Clarks book to be a slog, but this was never true of Mr. Axelrod's book.

If you're looking for an introduction to and a good understanding of the role of the Marine Corps in World War One, this is it.

My Dear Phebe presents war through the eyes of an innocent child pressed all too soon to understand and live in its after math. My Dear Phebe may be a child's view of the Civil War, but it makes a very loud statement about our children, what they see and hear and come to internalize and live after their innocence is stolen and war becomes all too real--no matter which war it is.

While the language is not politically correct for this day and age in My Dear Phebe it is honest and simple. The language tells as much of the story as the linguistic thread itself. It isn't just about the Civil War, but war itself.

It isn't a story about a family in Michigan or North verses South. It is about people, and especially children. What we teach our children intentionally or as they eaves drop on our lives.

I am reminded of a phrase that has been around nearly as long as war. John Heywood (1546) said, and this has been translated to a more modern linguistic truth, "Little pitchers have big ears, children hear and understand more than you think they do."

While My Dear Phebe is a story about a war torn country, it begs the reader to return to that childhood that loved and accepted everyone for who they were not what label someone had put on them.
"The color of their skin doesn't change the color of their hearts..." Says Parson Johnson introducing a man of color, [Negro, an African America, or a black man] and his family to a congregation divided by their prejudices without knowledge or benefit of knowing first hand what they are against. (Does the name used create an image in your mind -- or does it speak all the same to you?)

This is not just about the Civil War--though the setting is about life during the Civil War. It is not totally about war, but the people in it. It is not about just a certain people but it is instead about children growing up in a country they thought was all about love and laughter when they discover war--and over hear the atrocities. When they hear stories of fields of bodies covered in blood, they think of the pain of the last scrape or cut they had received and associate bigger pain with all that blood. They can't imagine living without a limb, or an eye--but soldiers are being maimed and expected to live that way. Families are being torn apart, deprived of their male support, bread winner, strong back, defender of their life and rights.

"Our life is a Vapor," Uncle J.W. Irvine writes to Phoebe.

When Phoebe is worried that "If you say things too loud they might just come true," she was afraid of the death of loved ones, but also of allowing love to touch her for fear it would be ripped away. A child who heard the vagrancies of adults discussing mundane and sometimes horrific things.

Janet Elaine Smith tells a complex story in a language that simplifies it, though it is not a simple story told in a simplistic way. It is a very deep and moving story told with all the warmth of a letter from a dear uncle far removed from the arms of family. It shows the reader a community that is wrapped together across a nation by families, by love, by a sense of pride and heritage separated by war and tragedy that also draws them together.

I laughed, I cried and I read knowing that a Janet Elaine Smith book always has a happy, if not happily every after, ending. We still have war--but we also still share love, community, family and understanding. A highly recommended read for young and old alike. You'll want to read it as a family. It will renew your faith in mankind.

Twelve-year-old Phebe Irvine lives in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, which is still frontier country when the Civil War begins. She thinks the war should be far enough away to give her family and their community little trouble, but she soon finds out that's not the case. The family of her best friend and neighbor, Sarah Tuttle, loses husband and father Caleb because he thinks it right to volunteer. Phebe promises to help Sarah, whose mother has nine children at home, any way she can; and Phebe's parents encourage her to do this, even though her only sibling - baby brother Benjamin - grows sicker every day. That's one reason why Phebe's mother has no time to answer letters from Uncle James, who lives a lot closer to the fighting in Pennsylania. So Phebe offers to take over the job of corresponding with Uncle James, and soon finds herself enjoying their exchanges. She confides in him about things she doesn't dare mention to those around her in Sault Ste. Marie, and he supplies news about the war.

As local men die and word of their loss reaches home, the first news from Caleb Tuttle arrives in a different and totally unexpected form: a Negro family just off the underground railroad. The little frontier settlement has to deal with five living, breathing examples of why their absent men are fighting, and Phebe has to grow up even faster than she's already begun to when tragedy strikes at home and a letter arrives from the front.

This fact-based YA novel looks at a much-described period in U.S. history from a little-used viewpoint, that of a young girl on the home front. It mixes and contrasts matter-of-fact daily life (which of course had to go on) with war's horrific events, and makes the reader feel the ebb and flow of Phebe's spirits right along with her. I highly recommend it for readers of all ages. It's realistic without being pessimistic, and its hopeful message is absolutely relevant for today.

So many times, Civil War books are written about the soldiers who fought. It was so refreshing to read about the families that were left behind. Mrs. Smith delivers a slice of Americana in her book. I really enjoyed reading it and it was well worth my time. Adults as well as children, will enjoy this story.

My Dear Phebe is about two young girls and the hardships they faced during the Civil War. Even though the war was so far away, it affected them in many different ways. The different families stuck together and helped one another. Through thick and thin, they all made it together, with love.

"When rumors of an impending war disturb us and our children, it's comforting to read books about our past, to look back and remember other times when children faced such troubled times, and survived them honorably. Janet Elaine Smith's book, "My Dear Phebe" is just such a book. Using family history and actual letters as references, Ms. Smith brings the Civil War back to life. For ten-year-old Phebe and her best friend Sarah, the war seems far away. They soon discover that although the actual battles may be fought many miles away from their little Michigan settlement, changes still come to their town, friends, and families. In "My Dear Phebe", Ms Smith shows how Phebe discovers for herself that the values that make us good and caring people are just as valid in troubled times as they are in good times. I heartily recommend "My Dear Phebe" by Janet Elaine Smith, as a book to open the door to discussions with children, or simply to get lost in a great read."

Ten-year-old Phebe Irvine lives in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan during the Civil War. When the story opens, the war hadn't yet really affected the folks as far north as Michigan. But it's beginning to impact the community now as Caleb Tuttle, husband, father and neighbor, enlists to fight for the Union against the Confederacy.

Phebe doesn't really understand much of what the war means. All she knows is it's terrifying to think of men dying so far away from home. And when Caleb leaves his family, Phebe pitches in to help Mrs. Tuttle, the interesting eldest son Josiah, and Sarah, her best friend, with both the farm work and the other Tuttle children. This help is a sacrifice for Phebe's family because her infant brother, Benjamin is very ill.

Just when the Tuttle family fears that Caleb died in the war (because they haven't heard from him since he left home), a message arrives in the form of an escaped slave, Grady. Grady, his wife Maisie and their three children traveled north from Tennessee on the underground railroad with a map from Caleb and permission to stay at the Tuttle farm for the duration of the war.

During the war Phebe decides that she can contribute to the cause by writing letters to soldiers who are family and friends. Thus begins exchanges that provide support, give much-needed information, and reunites a family.

There are moments of faith that wind its way between instances of tragic death, new-found freedom, a pregnancy, budding friendship and young love in Janet Elaine Smith's young adult novel My Dear Phebe. It's an enlightening and historical look at the turmoil of the Civil War. Included at the end are the actual letters between the real Phebe and soldiers in the war. I enjoyed this book a great deal and your young adult will, too.

In 1919, the international community saw the Faisal-Weizmann Agreement, an agreement between the King of Iraq (Faisal) and the eventual president of the World Zionist Organization (Weizmann) that set reasonable conditions for mutual recognition of a Jewish homeland in Palestine and an adjacent Arab Nation. Today, a large number of Middle Eastern nations refuse to recognize Israel's right to exist. Ever wonder what happened? This book offers a significant piece of the puzzle.

This book focuses on the Grand Mufti of Palestine, Haj Amin Al-Husseini, and his influence in funneling anti-semitic, Nazi propaganda into the Middle East. From reading this book, you will learn about Al-Husseini's frequent meetings with the Nazis, including Adolf Hitler, Al-Husseini's push for extermination of the Jews and his responsibility for disseminating volumes of ludicrous Zionist conspiracy theories into the Middle East. You will also learn about Al-Husseini's significant influence on Yasser Arafat and former Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser.

The appendix of this book also contains a number of historical documents, including meeting transcripts, letters of correspondence and other relevant documents such as the Faisal-Weizmann Agreement and the Balfour Declaration.

I have a few complaints about this book. First, it is too short. Second, there are many egregious spelling errors, which is very unprofessional. Most importantly, although I think Morse has made a compelling case to argue al-Husseini's influence on the modern anti-Israel facet of Islamic terrorism, I think he overlooks the most significant driving force behind Islamic terrorism: religious fundamentalism. Unfortunately, this is a common oversight of many religious conservatives, who often seem too overzealous in identifying secular roots for acts of terrorism.

Overall, this book is an important chapter in the ideological origins of Islamic Terrorism.

Author would do better if he was not so repetitive. Still it is worth reading as one realizes that Islamic Terrorism is not a new thing starting in recent years, but has deep historical antecedents.

Haj Amin al-Husseini represented the opposite of the noble Emir Faisal Ibn Husein, the enlightened Arab King of Hejaz who had cordial relations with Chaim Weizmann and wanted to achieve a peaceful Middle East with co-operation between Jew and Arab.

Unfortunately Al-Husseini's ideology of hatred won out. As Grand Mufti of Jerusalem he spearheaded the imperialistic or utopian strain of Islam that has turned into a modern hydra. In 1920 he organised the murder of Jews who were praying at the Wailing Wall, and he never looked back. Throughout the rest of his time in Palestine he furthered his murderous designs because of the British policy of appeasement, with further campaigns in 1929 and from 1936.

In the 1930s Al-Husseini became a proponent of Hitler, eventually settling in Berlin where he encouraged the annihilation of European Jews and planned to become the leader of the Arab world in expectation of an Axis victory. He unceasingly promoted the Holocaust and Nazism amongst the Arabs. This strain of Nazism was a blend of National Socialism and fundamentalist Islam that would make deep inroads into the Arab world.

After the war Al-Husseini fled to Cairo where was instrumental in accommodating fleeing Nazis and organising for the destruction of Israel. The hatred of Israel now took on a Leftist flavour as the Soviet Union became the champion of the Arab cause. Arab leaders like Gamal Abdel Nasser, Saddam Hussein and Yasser Arafat were all influenced by his hateful ideas.

Al-Husseini did not only target Jews, but also moderate Arabs and the free West in general. Nazism was the spiritual and physical bridge by which Islamic extremism became prominent in the Arab world. He introduced the demented belief that utopia could be achieved on earth by the destruction of Israel and the annihilation of the Jews.

This malevolent Islamo-Fascism is the cause of much of the misery in the Arab world today and at the root of the hatred of non-Muslims, particularly the United States and Israel. In this, the extremists are assisted by international leftists. The Western democracies are now tasting the fruit of a decades long policy of appeasement towards this odious movement and its demonic founder.

But there is still a chance that the legacy of Emir Faisal might prevail, although recent developments in France and Europe as a whole do not look promising. Al-Husseini was without doubt one of the most evil personalities of the 20th century as meticulously documented in this revealing book.

Plenty of black and white photographs enhance the text, illustrating Al-Husseini's meetings with Nazi and Arab leaders, and of Bosnian Muslim brigades in World War II.

There are nine indices with documentary evidence of the historical narrative. Appendix A is the Balfour Declaration of 1917, B provides excerpts of the correspondence of King Faisal, C is the Weizmann-Faisal Agreement of 1919, D provides a dialogue between Lord Peel and Husseini from the Palestine Royal Commission Report.

Appendix E gives the minutes of a meeting between Hitler and Al-Husseini, F is an excerpt from the diary of Al-Husseini on his meeting with Hitler, G is a letter in which he asks the Hungarian government to send 1000 Jews to their death in Poland instead of allowing them to escape to Israel, H is his address to Arab-Americans and I is the Palestine National Covenant that denies the right of Israel to exist.

The text concludes with a moving prayer for the state of Israel by the Chief Rabbinate. It is a prayer that all true Christians would do well to heed and incorporate into their worship in these trying times. The book concludes with notes, an index and biographical information on the author.

I also recommend The Other War: Israelis, Palestinians and the Struggle for Media Supremacy by Stephanie Gutmann, Our Hands Are Stained with Blood by Michael l Brown, Dream Palace Of The Arabs by Fouad Ajami, Israel: Life in the Shadow of Terror by Nechemia Coopersmith, Myths And Facts by Mitchell G Bard and Unholy Alliance: Radical Islam And The American Left by David Horowitz.

Peace: The Arabian Caricature of Anti-Semitic Imagery

This is an important book for many reasons, especially for providing one especially significant and important aspect concerning the origin of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The author's thesis is that Al-Husseini, the Mufti of Jerusalem, successfully merged his Islamic fundamentalism with the theology of Hitler's National Socialism. He supported the final solution in Europe, rallied Muslim troops to support and perpetuate the final solution, planned to import the Holocaust to the Middle East, and influenced future Arab generations. As a historian, the author pulls together many esoteric events (such as the Weizmann-Faisal peace agreement)that may surprise those who thought they knew the history pretty well. Morse illustrates how one individual can spread enmity and hate for thousands across generations. Recommended for those who want to gain more insight.

A very informative and revealing book on the role that Al-Husseini played in bringing about the dangerous situation in which we, in all the world, are living today. It leaves many questions unanswered, though, like: how or why the British, and later the French, favored this psycho so unashamedly. The crimes of this devilish man being left unpunished -even covered-up- claim for an explanation that is not offered here.

About 130 pages of fast and furious read. Very relevant to understand today's crisis between the suicidal West and the paranoid Muslim world. It has some very good analyses of the Palestinian conflict. It covers many issues related to the terrorism suffered by Israel thru the personal observation of relevant figures, not only Al-Husseini.

A book covering the whole 20th century, and practically the whole world geographically.

The Holocaust denial that is emerging in some parts of the West is a clear sign (as referred to in page 100) of more trouble on the horizon.

Do you still not know that God will bless those who bless Israel, for truly it is His people? So, also, he will crunch those who mistreat her.
Things pass slowly but surely. This short book gives a tremendous global view of what really matters in the world today. Capture the vision.

Though my children are Spanish-speaking toddlers, they've appreciated this book and understand its warm and true message. It's beautiful, inspiring. Highly recommended.

A New Coat for Anna is a good book because it shows the cycle of making a coat. The book shows how hard it was to get a coat long ago in World War II. I think it is very educational. I bet there are lots of other people who really want to read this book. I liked this book because it was interesting how Anna's mother had to use her special things to help Anna get a coat. She had to trade the things because there wasn't much money because of the war. At the end, Anna celebrated with everybody that helped her make her coat because she was so happy that she had a new coat. I am eight and I love the book.

As the post-war child of a family that suffered through World War II in the Netherlands, I can say that "A New Coat for Anna" has the ring of authenticity. In many ways, it reminds me of first-hand stories I heard from my parents and older siblings about the hardships--and the creativity--of ordinary people during those very difficult years.

This well-written story takes the reader through a year in Anna's life, as her mother arranges to have a new coat made by bartering with her neighbors. She trades jewelry for wool, and then a lamp to have it spun. Anna and her mother pick lingonberries together, which they use to dye the yarn red. The bartering continues as the yarn is woven and then tailored into a coat.

The story concludes with a Christmas celebration, "the best they had in a long time," where Anna invites the farmer, the spinner, the weaver, and the tailor to enjoy a Christmas cake together. Anna also takes time to thank the sheep on Christmas Day.

Even the candles on the tree in Anita Lobel's cozy illustration remind me of the Christmas trees of my childhood. Whenever I share this inspiring tale with children, I wax nostalgic and tell about the candles on our trees.

"A New Coat for Anna" drives home the harsh realities of war and its impact on the daily lives of children... and their neighbors. But it's done in a heartwarming way. Highly recommended.

This book is a classic, and was taped by Barbara Bush as part of the Presidential Literacy Project. It begins in a post-war environment, where no one has any money. The story is not only about how a coat is made, but also about how Anna's mother trades her posessions for wool and the services of the spinner, weaver, and tailor in order to make the coat. It culminates at a Christmas party, where all of the people who helped to make the coat are invited to Anna's house, and she even goes back to thank the sheep. The illustrations are well done, and the repetitive text makes it a story that is appropriate for children from 3yrs.(my son's age) to second graders which I have taught.

This is a sweet story about how a little girl gets a new coat during the difficult years after World War II. Her resourceful mother must trade some of her treasures to get the wool, the spinning, the weaving, and the sewing done for Anna's new coat.

My daughter belongs to a FIAR (Five in a Row by Jane Claire Lambert) co-op of six 1st-2nd girls this year, and I hosted the co-op for this book. This book is featured in FIAR Volume 2, and the book has plenty of ideas for activities and discussions.

Using the FIAR book as a springboard, this is what we discussed/did:

1. WWII and how devastating it was. How difficult the aftermath of war is for ordinary people, no matter which side of the war they are on. Interestingly, we are not told where Anna and her mother live.

2. Sacrifice, how Anna's mother gave up her special treasures so that Anna would be warm, comfortable, and healthy in the winter with her new coat.

3. Sheep, how important they are to farmers in many countries because they provide milk, sheepskin, meat, and wool. Also discussed shearing. Activity: Made a spring sheep picture with a template I found on the Internet and cotton balls.

4. Measurement, metric versus U.S. Customary Unit. Activity: Measured items of their choosing in both US and metric units, and filled out a chart.

5. Dyes, how roots, nuts, and flowers were used for thousands of years to add color to clothing and make paints. Activity: Tie Dye tee shirts.

6. Bartering, its history, the problems with bartering and why it was generally replaced by money, but how Anna's mother was able to barter when she had no money.

7. Weaving, its history, some vocabulary, types of looms. Activity: Weaving on small looms I made out of foamcore. The kids wove with yarn, strips of fabric, and beads.

8. Vocabulary - clothesline, war, shear, porcelain, card, ligonberries, garnet, and weave.

This book is VERY similar to the book, "Pelle's New Suit" by Elsa Beskow, published in the 1920s, even down to the thanking of the lambs at the end! That book is also worth hunting down, the illustrations are just lovely. It could be a nice project to compare and contrast the two stories.

what can go on behind the scenes of historical events, give this book a read.

I met Bill Gibson before his book hit the shelves. I found him to be a reserved man, with an underlying sense of humor; only mentioning to me, he had a book coming out about his career as a professional photagrapher in the Navy. I asked him if he liked it on the Merrimac; oddly, he hardly speaks to me lately.

All jest aside, I'm not giving Bill's book five stars in order to be on speaking terms again, or for the rebate promised on my copy. Bill Gibson's "No Film In My Camera", will entertain all generations, and surely enlighten the younger; although parental guidance is suggested.

Bill brings us his personal perspective to major events and eminent icons of our history, with humor and dashing flair. Particularly dashing, when caught sunbathing on Enyu island.(One of the reasons for the PG rating.)

As I read, I couldn't help but envy his life, and imagine myself a member of his crew, partaking in the adventure.

Now that I've read the book, I find Bill to be a reserved man, with an underlying obsession for insane risk, and his humor a little less subtle, especially when I can talk him into a martini. BUY THIS BOOK, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!

what can go on behind the scenes of historical events, give this book a read.

I met Bill Gibson before his book hit the shelves. I found him to be a reserved man, with an underlying sense of humor. Only mentioning to me, he had a book coming out about his career as a professional photagrapher in the Navy. I asked him if he liked it on the Merrimac; oddly, he hardly speaks to me lately.

All jest aside, I'm not giving Bill's book five stars in order to be on speaking terms again, or for the rebate promised on my copy. Bill Gibson's "No Film In My Camera", will entertain all generations, and surely enlighten the younger; although parental guidance is suggested.

Bill brings us his personal perspective to major events and eminent icons of our history, with humor and dashing flair. Particularly dashing, when caught sunbathing on Enyu island.(One of the reasons for the PG rating.)

As I read, I couldn't help but envy his life, and imagine myself a member of his crew, partaking in the adventure.

Now that I've read the book, I find Bill to be a reserved man, with an underlying obsession for insane risk, and his humor a little less subtle, especially when I can talk him into a martini. BUY THIS BOOK, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!

As the wife of a career Navy photographer for many years, I was often asked, "What does a *photographer* do in the service?" Certainly, they are unsung heroes whose stories should be told. And now they have a master story-teller to do it: Bill Gibson. This book is sheer delight for all of us who were there, and many who will wish *they* had been when they read about it! Only the Twentieth Century could have produced Bill Gibson -- there will never be another. He not only lived history in many areas, but helped make it as well. "No Film" is such a good read that, although I tried to ration it to myself and make it last, I could not let it alone until I had read it all, and still go back to savor certain episodes again. I placed it on the shelf next to Tom Brokaw's two books about my generation, and I am hoping this remarkable person is at work on another.

Gibson is a supremely multi-talented author. His skill as a cameraman is met - and perhaps exceeded - as a gifted raconteur. He takes you along for a fascinating trip through history: World War 11, Africa, Viet Nam, Hollywood!, NASA and other adventures he was lucky to survive! From hanging off helicopters to crouching tigers - you can't get enough! This is a true page turner that proves again - great non-fiction has no equal. Gibson is a true Renaissance man....I hope he is writing a sequel. This is a book you will want to keep in your permanent library.

NO FILM IN MY CAMERA is an action-packed adventure from page one! Mr. Gibson's book is an eye-opening ride that took me to some of the most turbulent and exciting times in our nation's history. His accounts of daring assignments, and sometimes crazy adventures as a cameraman, are retold with passion and humor. After many years of telling stories with his camera, he now tells his own story with as much creativity and attention to detail. From being on the USS Hornet as she was attacked, to being a part of the early days of the Space Program, to encounters with world leaders and Hollywood celebrities, NO FILM IN MY CAMERA gives an eye-opening look at the never-dull life of an inventive, courageous, world-class cameraman.

In the poignant story of his father's service in WWII, the author presents a moving portrayal of the sacrifices made by all soldiers and their families. Through his father's letters home, the author has also provided historical information about the 110th Station Hospital which arrived in England December 1942 as part of the build up in anticipation of D-Day. As a descendant of an Army Nurse who served with Dr. Carter, I find this book to be an absolute treasure, finally shedding some light on her service in WWII. If you have ancestors who served in the war as Army Nurses, doctors or foot soldiers, this is a book you should read. If your ancestors served with the 110th Station Hospital, this is a must read. And since it is only about 200 pages, it is perfect for younger readers, too.

I heard Walter Carter tell this story before he put it on paper and yet, despite that fact, I was riveted by his telling of it again. This slim volume is a wonderful read and a very personal recounting of the sacrifices endured by the sons and daughters of Brokaw's "greatest generation." Read it for the history, for the story and for the lasting impression it will leave with you.

I traveled with Walter Ford Carter and the Normandy Allies (www.normandyallies.org) of Rochester, NY to Normandie, France, in Summer 2004. I heard Walter's story of his father's WWII experiences in person and visited the field where his father died near St. Lo. I had read the story of Dr.Carter before this trip and was very touched by the human-ness and how Walter reconstructed his father's and mother's war years through love letters and documents. This is a worthwhile read of a personal WWII history.

Furthermore, my father landed in the 5th Wave on D-Day. He died in 1995 and Walter inspired me to do some digging to fit the pieces together of my father's history with the 5th Engineering Brigade. Baby Boomers with veteran fathers and mothers will gain insight and understand the war years--and the silences kept by our parents over a horrific war.

Read this book. You won't regret it.

The book is a personal story of a man trying to come to grips with who his family was and what sacrifice really means to those who are left behind to pick-up the pieces of their lives after the father/husband was killed in the 1944 Normandy campaign. Mr. Carter, one of the co-authors of the book and son of CPT Carter, successfully communicates who his father and mother were - whether those stories were done for their childhood days, young adult lives, CPT Cater's military experiences, and the later days leading to his mother's death. The sacrifice of the Carter family was not only the death of the father, but also those who were left behind. Sacrifice and love are threads that hold this story together. This is a very good read.

Military history focuses on battles and campaigns in linear time stopping and starting around the time of the war. WW2 Memoirs cover in greater detail the lives of the particpants usually before and during the war but usually stop there or only give a brief postscript. This work is unusual because the author tells you up front the basic story and then unfolds it from there. The knowledge of Norval Carter's fate looms like a shadow over the story but nevertheless his death and his son's (the co-author)discovery of his father still will bring the tears when you get to those pages. This is a story about the meaning of courage, sacrifice and the meaning of being a father and husband. The story covers the events of the war and the buildup for D-day in enough detail that even someone with no knowledge or interest in military history will enjoy and understand this story. At a slim 199 pages it is a very quick read. I highly recommend this book for anyone.

I just got done reading this book.Although I was skeptical at first because I get bored easy.I dont know if it was because I know the authors son or if it was Mr.Courtney's quick wit that kept me glued.I found myself asking the same question,"is Courtney going to ever take this war serious?"Through his faith in God and himself,I believe that is the reason he made it home.What I've learned from this book is that.Lifes a journey embrass it and live life to fullest.I will be keeping this book for my children to read.Thanks Kelly for the recommendation.And thank you Mr.Courtney for my freedom and my childrens:)

The thing that aways amazes me is how many really good memoirs have come out by veterans of WW2. The extraoridnary events that they lived through made such indelible impressions that very similiar stories can be told by countless story tellers and they always seem fresh. This is a very descriptive well written account and the author comes across as the kind of guy you'dove to meet. Highly recommended.

My father served in Co G, 104th Regiment 26th Infantry - a sister company to the author's. He refused to talk about the war. When he passed away in 1990, I found his short written memoirs penned during recuperation from wounds suffered in Germany while in an English hospital. Reading this book alongside his memoirs was an incredible experience for me. It filled in many blanks by being much more complete - yet was absolutely true in time, place, and tone with my father's notes. It was like he came back and finally decided to tell me his stories. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Richard D Courtney's 'Normandy to the Bulge' book is a well done account overall. Courtney was a Pfc with the Yankee Division (26th Infantry) in a 57mm gun platoon. Unfortunately the author does not go into too much detail on the various combat actions he was invloved in but there are a few tidbits I thought you might find interesting.

-The 57mm gun had removable gun shield extensions. He said most folks would take these off after awhile because the extra weight and having them bang around was annoying. They figured the thin metal wouldn'd help much against enemy fire anyway. Might be nice for some divirsity to have a few of your 57mm guns without shields.

-He talks a lot about the 'truck' that pulled the guns. He finally states it was a 1 1/4 ton truck. He never mentions half-tracks at all.

-Every enemy tank he mentions is a Tiger! I can't believe they all were so I wonder if this was just lack of detail on his part, foggy memory, or the old cliche that every American thought the German tank they were facing was a Tiger?!

-He notes the ineffectiveness of the 57mm gun against tanks and how they had to try and get side shots. They relied a lot on the TDs to do the real work. He was with the gun through the very end of the war. He talks about acting as infantry a lot with the guns left somewhere especially towards the end of the war.

-He mentions that the German AT guns were very well balanced and easy to move by just two guys. The 57mm gun he said was very unbalanced and very heavy and awkward to move even with four guys.

My dad was in M, Co. 104th Rgt. same as author. I lost him on Memorial Day 1969 before he ever had a chance to discuss his experiences as I was only 20. I have been searching for people who were there, and in finding this book, it showed me very clearly how proud I am of him. Thank you Richard for sharing this with all of us.

The title of this book is well chosen and its publication is very timely. North Korea is indeed facing perilous times. Then again it has in the past. From the 1950 war, the transition of power Kim Il Sung to Kim Jong Il, and the nuclear weapon agreement brokered by Jimmy Carter the recent history of North Korea has certainly been turbulent.

In more recent times, Korea has launched some very long range rockets and appears to have at least a few nuclear weapons. President Bush has identified them as a "rogue state" and part of the "axis of evil." North Korea along with Cuba remain as practictioners of the failed Communist system. These systems have proved that they can sustain huge armies, exercise strong control over their people, but also proved that centralized control of everything from farming to industrial production simply doesn't work very well. Friends of mine who recently visited North Korea report that the famine of the 1990's continues, although not as bad as it was.

A small book, at only 232 pages, it is a concise summary of the countries 4,000 year history and a political analysis of the recent past. Combined with this are several alternatives of what the future might hold. Can the status quo continue. Certainly not forever. Could the collapse of the Government bring about another war - certainly it could. The options and their likelyhood form a major part of the theme of the book, and they are carefully considered and disucssed. Excellent reading.

Professor Kim's writing is engaging, thorough enough for scholars and the general public alike. Readers wishing to understand the enigma of North Korea, its relationship with South Korea and the rest of the world, and where to go from here, will be pleased with this book and its measured, balanced perspective. After reading this book, you will be conversant in all the relevant topics. For those who are interested in further study, the book includes questions and study aids, as well as extensive references. Highly recommended.

For any person wishing to understand the North Korean situation, since it has now hit the world stage, this is an excellent first place to go. It enables the reader to get up to speed quickly by first providing a potted history of the peninsular. Then political, humanitarian, and particularly economic aspects are explored in appropriate detail for a book that is easily readable. Finally, chapter 9, reasons for reconciliation, provides a constructive ending to the present dilemma. For further study, the comprehensive lists of references make it easy.

No country is more mysterious than North Korea. After reading this short text, there is no more mystery for me. It is easy to read and understand. Even though the book's author is a finance or economics professor, and I am currently studying political science and philosophy, I still found this book to be very valuable. A great way to get up to speed.

Fifty years after Korea's division the Koreans of both North and South remain at an impasse, leaving North Korea embroiled in international crises. North Korea seemingly faces four choices: collapse, more war, a continuing status quo, or peace with the south. Suk Hi Kim's North Korea At A Crossroads provides an historical and political analysis covers 1948 to modern times and is a 'must' for any college-level collection strong in modern Asian issues or non-specialist general reader wanting a competent backgrounding in contemporary American/North Korean international relations.