Asia Books

For Years I was told a story, of a man I never met yet somehow knew. A man whom I was named for. I craved to know more to know how and why and where he met his end. I found the answer In a very unique and wonderful place, A Book.
If the only thing Mr Kennedy did was write a noval about an incident in WW2, about an Essex Class aicraft carrier.HIs way with prose would allow the reader to experience the horror and the bravery of that day. That in itself would allow me to recommend this book But he did so much more.
Mr Kennedy In writing this novel, Hhas done a service to both the survivors of the Bunker Hill and the families of the dead. He has ( at least in my case) put a face on these men. He has with his ability to tell a story Helped me and my family finally put an end to a saga that for my family started 63 years ago.
To all the Vets of the Bunker Hill, To there families and the families of those Killed in Action on the ship we owe Mr kennedy a debt
of gratitude, one My family acn ill repay.
So iN closing i say to the families of the crew, there survivors, to the survirs of those buried in th ecold water of the Sea of Japan. and to those intrested in the Historty of the United States in WW2 Please Buy this book it is well worth the Price and the time.
To Mr Maxwell Taylor Kennedy Thank you from me and My family
Mr Leonard A Malvone RN

By mid-1943, the new Essex-class aircraft carriers were rolling out of American shipyards and into the Pacific to fight against the Japanese. These magnificent ships were almost 900 feet long and carried upwards of 90 aircraft. Bristling with guns, these great ships seemed almost indestructible. However, as author Maxwell Taylor Kennedy points out, these ships were not indestructible and, in fact, if hit in the most vulnerable of places, could prove to be death traps for the crew.

In late 1944 and into 1945, the Japanese had resorted to kamikaze attacks on American vessels. Japanese planes literally crash-dived themselves into an American warship. The goal of the Japanese was one plane for one ship. One of the Essex-class carriers was the USS Bunker Hill, and she faced the full fury of a kamikaze attack on May 11, 1945.

The Bunker Hill was stationed approximately 70 miles off Okinawa, supporting the American land forces. At 10:00 in the morning, the ship was hit by two kamikazes, both carrying 500lb. bombs. Almost instantaneously, the ship became engulfed in smoke and flames. Many men, especially the pilots in the ready rooms, were killed instantly. Others suffered severe burns. Still others were severely wounded or blown completely overboard. A flaw in the carrier's design caused thick, poisonous black smoke to be pumped throughout the ship's ventilation system, causing many men to die from smoke inhalation. All of the carrier's aircraft were destroyed; many melting in their spots.

Despite this terrific initial shock, the survivors began to immediately fight the fires and rescue wounded comrades. Thanks to the strong construction of the Bunker Hill, the ship managed to survive, but never fought in the war again. 393 Americans lost their lives, while another 200+ were injured.

This is an excellent book. Author Maxwell Taylor Kennedy does a superb job of describing not only the horror of the kamikaze attack, but he also describes the early battles in which the Bunker Hill fought. He gives the reader a glimpse into the lives of the two Japanese kamikaze pilots who struck the Bunker Hill. Both pilots were young university students who were "drafted" into the kamikaze corps. The book reads like an action novel, and the author's careful attention to detail makes it a very informative and enjoyable read.

I give this fine book my highest recommendation. I've read naval history for years, and this is one of the best books I've read. This book is a must-read for naval history fans.

Maxwell Taylor Kennedy's book about the kamikaze attack on the USS BUNKER HILL is a powerful and arresting account of World War II. Kennedy has done his homework and his research is impressive. He based this book on work in the National Archives, using after-action reports and log books, but also interviews with surviving crewmen. The problem with oral histories done many years later is that they often give the survivors a larger voice than they might otherwise deserve just because they survived. Kennedy compensates for this glitch by becoming a historian/detective. He contacted the families of many deceased members of the crew and got access to their letters and diaries. The result is an account that is informative and reads well.

Kennedy also interviewed a number of kamikaze alumni and shows--quite rightly--that none of them were crazy monsters or suicidal fanatics. He manages to give the other side, humanity and develops their point of view, something which is often lacking in English-language studies of the Pacific Theater. His argument that the ship and the kamikazes represent two different ways of war is exaggerated, and distorts more than it helps. He is, however, dead on the mark when he contends that the Japanese suicide pilots offer lessons important and relevant to the Long War/Global War on Terrorism. By comparing the accounts, records, and/or artifacts of American and Japanese participants in this kamikaze campaign, Kennedy even manages to indentify the pilot that slammed into the BUNKER HILL, Ensign Ogawa Kiyoshi. Using interviews with Ogawa's friends and family, he gives his readers a personality sketch of a reluctant kamikaze. This type of material is fresh and new, but since Kennedy must depend on others to explain Ogawa, the pilot never emerges as a fully developed personality.

The book becomes much stronger when it comes to the actual attack. Kennedy's coverage is detailed. The photographs that litter the text are one of the most striking parts of this book. Kennedy pulls no punches and includes images of dead Americans. The bodies in these illustrations are often in bad shape, which brings home the real nature of war. Drawings of the ship and its compartments in the inside of the binding/cover are an important addition.

Readers looking for a good account of the War in the Pacific will enjoy this entertaining and informative read.

If only all history books were written like this. This is a magnificent book which will appeal not only to military buffs,but also readers who enjoy true adventure stories.This saga is a biography of the U.S.S. Bunker Hill (CV-17) the sailors and fliers who served onboard and finally the 2 kamikaze pilots that struck her.The first part of this book deals with a little history,giving the reader background information on Japan and an overview of the Pacific War.Included in this part is the story of Kiyoshi Ogawa a bright and gifted student who will end up in the tokkotai,the Bunker Hill an Essex Class carrier ( Kennedy does an outstanding job of describing her strengths and weaknesses) and finally some of the sailors,officers,and fliers who served onboard.Part 2 has the Bunker Hill being used in air support during the Okinawa campaign and word has gotten around the fleet that Japanese pilots are crashing into U.S.ships.In fact at one point two officers on the Bunker Hill see a kamikaze strike the U.S.S. Randolph.So the stage is set for the May 11,1945 attack on the Bunker Hill and the aftermath.What follows are over 100 pages of carnage and heroism,that will have readers on the edge of their seats .All in all Maxwell Kennedy has written an exciting and engrossing story of one particular event in a savage and bloody war.He also does a great job of taking the reader aboard the fighters as they take-off and land on carriers,and go on torpedo and bomb runs.He also shows you the spirit of the fighting man and what makes them so special and a breed apart from others.The book comes with a map of the Pacific and a diagram of the Bunker Hill which will aid the casual reader.As for photos there are plenty and a word of caution: many are very graphic.One of the best WW 2 books I've read!

Best book of it's kind I've read since Team of Rivals. Excellent read. Unfolds like a great campfire tale. Kennedy is an amazing writer. I loved it!! Once you start it you won't be able to stop it.

When I first read about this book in the papers I picked it up for my mom but once I started reading it I couldn't put it down myself! Great stories written from the heart and with a lot of heart plus great pix from around the South East Asian region. I loved the introductory story about the author's grandmother as I felt she was talking about my own grandma, who was a great unifier of the family when she was alive and a great cook as well. A definite must on this year's Christmas list for all my female friends. Good job!

The book is a fusion of both cookery and history. In it, there is a beautiful pictorial glimpse of the women in Asia. I can vividly see and start to understand how their lives are affected by differing cultures, lifestyles and experiences. The reading experience is unique because we are also given a diverse range of food recipes to literaly taste the different cultures. Well done!

This is the kind of feminism we have been looking for! Our bra burining sisters of the sixties had their hearts in theright place but the stories of some of these incredible women in this book give the term amazing grace a whole new meaning for me. wonderful book.

One, of not the only book, I have ever read about Conscientious Objectors in the military. Each of the stories told in the book bring to life the Viet Nam war itself, but the war in the minds of the men themselves. It is a different kind of bravery that is revealed here.

I was in Shreveport, Louisiana, in the 1980's doing some painful rehabilitation work. My psyche was only a shadow of what it once was or what it became later with a renewal of my faith, insight, and energy. I was browsing through the library and saw an ad in the back of "Mother Jones" anout this book in the making. I contacted the author and was interviewed via telephone for a couple of hours. It was at a pay phone and I literally screamed my way through the interview. It was a return to the roots of my dissent. And a healing.

The author has captured a fragment of the in-service dissent during the Vietnam War. When I started my dissent action, I was alone, and endured lonliness. This book has cemented us together in a deepest solidarity. Now I am available for support to others in this dilemma, should the need arise. Heaven forbid. What a nightmare. What a journey. What hope!

"To hope til hope creates from its own wreck the thing it contemplates."

Shelley (peace sisters and brothers)

This book is very real, it emits an aura of what it's really like to fight in a war. Great for all people interseted in the military.

Tim Huxley book, Defending the Lion City is a well written and detailed analysis of the Singaporean Armed Forces. Huxley begins by proving the reader with the history of the SAF, following Singapore independence to its break from Malaysia. Huxley then examine all three branches in fairly great depth as well as Singapore's likely strategic environment. All in all, a excellent book and a must for anyone interested in the Singaporean Armed Forces.

I found this book to be very informative. It gave a great history of the Singapore military and is very relevant to today's situation. Good, solid introduction to the Singapore Armed Forces. I recommend it.

The book succintly compiles a plethora of information into a easily understood and accessible trove for the average readers who are keen on the military capabilities of the SAF.

While it seems that it has revealed much of the hitherto obscure information of the SAF, it must be noted that this is probably just the tip of the iceberg of the true might of the SAF.

I enjoyed the book thoroughly and have been constantly referring back to it for more information after the first read.

Of all the battles that took place in the last half of the twentieth century, the French defeat at Dien Bien Phu was probably the most significant. Their defeat at the hands of the communist Viet Minh forever destroyed French military power in Southeast Asia and led to the involvement of the United States in the region. Unfortunately for Vietnam, America and the rest of the world, it took three more decades before the true lesson of Dien Bien Phu was learned. In the long run, the Vietnamese led by Ho Chi Minh were going to control all of Vietnam. Foreign military intervention could delay that fact, but never, ever make it impossible.
This book is a history of the circumstances that led to the battle, the incredible mistakes made by the French and the actions of General Giap as he planned and executed his battle plan. At first, the French had a good idea; their plan was to draw the Viet Minh out into a pitched battle between the two armies. On the surface, it was a good strategy. At the time, the French forces had superior firepower and total control of the air. However, the French military leadership completely underestimated the Viet Minh resources and their resolve to win. These were the same mistakes that the American leaders made during their involvement in Vietnam. The French military leadership also overestimated their capability and made a bad choice regarding the location of the battle. Finally, the fortress was sold as impregnable and the battle was labeled as decisive by the French before it ever took place. Therefore, they turned their defeat into one that would be decisive, motivating the Viet Minh to fight that much harder to achieve it.
For while the French defeat in Indochina was inevitable, their loss at Dien Bien Phu was not. As Stone points out, the Viet Minh suffered considerable losses and there were times when it was possible that the French forces could have staved off the defeat. Had they had more M-24 tanks and better logistical support, the French forces could have survived much longer. While the Viet Minh forces would have continued to fight, at times their losses were so great that some units temporarily lost their fighting capability.
One of the best aspects of this book is the explanation of how the Indochina war was presented back in France. The war was so unpopular that it directly led to legislation forbidding conscripts from fighting there and it played a part in the later fall of the French government. Stone also is very meticulous in chronicling the facts regarding the forces arrayed on both sides, including both the strengths and weaknesses. In the end, France could not hold the line in Southeast Asia and it is sad to note that many of the mistakes made by the French were later repeated to a greater extent by the Americans. Which should not be surprising, as both were operating based on the same set of false initial assumptions, namely that their presence could make a difference.

This is the first book I have read on this famous battle. The book covers the history of the region prior to the battle and the related events afterwards. Anyone who wants to read about how a battle should not be fought should read this book. The also covers how elite troops of the French army were poorly lead but put up an very couragous defense. I would recommend anyone who is interested in the French Foriegn Legion should read this book.

The latest title in Brassey's outstanding "Battles in Focus" series, Dein Bien Phu 1954 focuses upon one of the most significant post-World War II defeats that the French military experienced. An epic conflict between the French and the nationalist forces of the Viet Minh, the conflict began in November 1953 and ended in May 1954 with the collapse and capture of the last garrison outpost held by French forces, setting the stage for their expulsion and directly paving the way for the Americas who intervene in the Vietnamese civil war on the side of the South Vietnamese government. Definitively informed and informative, Dein Bien Phu 1954 is a seminal addition the growing library of 20th Century Military History in general, and the Vietnam conflict in particular.

I was thoroughly enthrawled and entertained while reading this well-told story. It is precise, matter-of-fact and compelling. I highly recommend this book to anyone who owns a dog, loves animals, or wants to see what it was like to be an infantryman during a very trying and difficult war. Mr. Burnam tells it like it was, and shows what it means and what it takes to be a dog-handler during the Vietnam war. Good book.

It can be argued that, as a nation, America rushed to forget about the experience in Vietnam. As a result, many heroic acts often went unsung. John Burnam's moving book takes the reader back to a difficult time in our history to share the unique stories of a special group of heroes-- the Vietnam dog handlers and their canine partners. Burnam's conversational accounts of incredible war time situations is both eye-opening and hair-raising. Sadly, the reader also learns the chilling truth about how our government and military callously forgot the dogs of Vietnam. Their handlers, however, never forgot. Soldiers like Ron Aiello(US Marine Corps Scout-dog handler) never forgot how the dogs often saved soldier's lives. (You can read how Aiello's own life was saved by his female German shepherd partner, Smokey, on page 281.) In 2000 Aiello founded the U.S. War Dogs Association and spear-headed the drive to honor the Vietnam war dogs and their handlers with a bronze sculpture that now stands in Holmdel, New Jersey. Readers may also be surprised to learn that military dogs continue to protect and save lives today in Afghganistan and Iraq. The chapter on the rescued Iraqi dog recruited by Special Forces Sergeant First Class Russell Joyce for sentry duty ("Fluffy") is uplifting and inspiring.

Burnam's book is a great read. His telling of his relationship with his partner "Clipper" is poignant and ultimately heart-wrenching. The personal accounts and military details also make it an interesting historical record. But perhaps more than anything, it is a moving tribute to some very special heroes who's bravery and good deeds should never be forgotten.(And don't forget to read with a box of tissue--you'll need it!)

War dogs have been used in military actions for many years. This is the story of author John C. Burnam's experiences as a dog handler in Vietnam. These dogs saved countless lives as their keen senses of hearing and smell alerted their handler to danger long before the handler would have become aware of it. And, of course, many of the dogs also lost their lives in the line of duty. This is a very personal look at the special relationship between dog and handler and the brotherhood of all those who were dog handlers in a military action. Filled with pictures taken during the Vietnam action, it includes the sad story of the abandonment of thousands of dogs at the end of the war. For anyone who has an interest in the ways dogs have helped military actions, the bond between handlers and dogs, the courage and dedication of war dogs, or just the recent history of war dogs Dog Tags of Courage is a recommended read.

Particularly impressive is the author's approach at presenting the Chinese thought process in such a manner that Westerners can not only understand the Chinese psyche, but respect and learn from it as well. This book was perhaps one of the most enlightening books I have read in a while. There is a a concerted effort to show business protocol and potential avenues of entry, but more importantly this book addresses the fundamental social concepts that need to be FULLY understood before attempting to grow in China.

Of the vast number of books about China, this one is a very useful account of how successfully doing business in China. Western Managers at the forefront in China should read this book which brings together a lifetime of research and practice on China.

Doing business in China!
Relation, Relation And Relation....

If you are using your American or European style to work and even partner with China's firms, you must be failure in the end.

Relationship with the Government and officials are the major concerns when you stepping into the door of China.

Think Global and hire Local Chinese people is the only way to have the final success with your partner in China.

China means: " Always in the historical culture "
So don't think about China with your American Standard !

Try to learn with your local Chinese people (doer)

Anyway, China is opened now and also needed to face the ways for WTO ! Reckon, China can learn from their European and American business partners from today.

This book is actually several stories about the Dream-of-Jade Cat and the Emperor. There are beautiful illustrations and the stories good, this book is rated for ages 9 - 12 and I agree.

The stories are:
How Dream of Jade Looked at the Emperor
How the Dream-of-Jade Cured the Emperor
How the Dream-of-Jade Made the Emperor Laugh
How the Dream-of-Jade Chose a Gift
How Dream-of-Jade Wrote the Law

Come laugh with me and allow an Imperial Feline to draw back the veil of Time that obscures Imperishable Truths. You doubtless know Lloyd Alexander as a prolific writer & author of medieval fantasies. In "Dream-of-Jade" his wonder-filled stories tell us about ancient China and Emperor Kwan-Yu. "Jade" is the cat who stole his affections.

The author dedicated his book to "my dear cats who told me these tales." Fables can be enjoyed 'time and again' - - these were first published in CRICKET magazine in 1976. We learn how historical events were clarified by the wisdom of "Jade": how she cured the emperor, wrote the Law, and most importantly made the emperor laugh. Her beautiful green eyes & white fur is realistically portrayed through the artistry of D. Brent Burkett. He, as well as the cat, get in a few 'swipes' at pompous know-it-all bureaucrats. Some of the tongue-in-cheek humor may be lost on the youngest listeners but they will love the highly stylized speech with "important" words, and the rhythm of complicated 'titles' - such as this on page 36: "the Glittering Repository of Highly Valuable Objects."

If we listen attentively as any cat lover should, we will realize there are often lessons for adults to be found in children's picture books. Reviewer mcHAIKU suggests that you allow yourself to be hypnotized by "Dream-of-Jade."

Dream-of-Jade is a fabulous and fantastic story that emphasizes kindness, generosity, diplomacy, and common sense. The setting is beautiful, the characters are delightful, and nestled throughout the stories are bits of humor, pieces of irony, and the occasional new vocabulary word. Mr. Alexander's book is smart and charming, and as good a read for adults as it is for children. As an added bonus, the artwork, while more impressionistic than many children's books, adds to the flavor of the story quite well, providing a detailed enough view of events that one can see them while not detracting from the reader's eager imaginings.

My friend give me this book as a birthday gift to teas me. She didn't know that my father collect some of it's kind for his literature studies (seriously) since fifty years ago till he passed away seven years ago. I've been reading this kind of pictures and books in my father's lab located at his University in Taipei since I was little. The contents are erotic but artful,cuturing and healthy. The printing of this book is very good. It's a very sophisticated book. It's great for your bed- room collection and art collection. It's the best...

When reading the introductions and admiring the illustrations i felt i was before art so wise and so deep i felt happy. Very simple and very true. Reading this won't make you want to run away from it but rather takes you inside the scenes. You certainly want to be part of the escenarios. The tenderness and passion of chinese erotic art has quite a different flavor from the more agressive, macho-like of the japanese. They make a good combination, though. See and enjoy.

This is a wonderful book. It's coffee-table sized, allowing reproductions large enough to show their many details. Every image is beautifully printed, with lush, strong color. The examples cover a variety of styles. Most of them are paintings on paper or silk, though a few ceramics and other works appear. Notes are sketchy, but most of the images seem to date from the 17th or 18th century forward.

Across the whole period covered, a few things stand out. First is the whole tone of the works: they all depict affection between the players. Some of the pictures show an illicit love, or a senior wife unhappy at attention given to a concubine. None of scenes depict coercion or aggression, however. They are all about people happy together, or who were happy until found out. The second is the wide ranges of practices. Most scenes depict coition, in numerous, often improbable poses. There are also repeated themes of caresses, genital kissing, toys, multiple players or helpers, and same-sex couples. Although the male usually held the dominant position, nearly every practice was practiced for him and her both, by him and her both.

The paintings usually display intricate detail in the surroundings, to invoke rich furnishings, fine clothes (often discarded), or outdoor scenes. Most of the reproductions here are large enough for even fine detail to be visible. In fact, the relatively few small pictures became frustrating, since it was harder to read the finer marks in the pictures.

Text is very helpful. It often explains fine points that I might not have understood otherwise. It also contains extracts from stories and poems about physical love, and the first section skims nearly two thousand years of Chinese history. I found that helpful for placing the pictures and passages shown in a larger historical context. Given its generally useful content, I found it nearly maddening that so few of the comments told when, where, or by what artist any picture was created. Just a few sentences more per page would have made a huge difference.

There's a lot to say about the images, the culture behind them, and the historical shifts in surroundings, practices, and visual style. I'll let you see that for yourself, though. This book really isn't about the text, it's about the pictures.

//wiredweird

Yaseem lari is one of my favorite authors because her topics and writing style have a personal effect on me. I am also a Lari but that has nothing to do with anything...
The reason i chose to read this book was because i was born in Karachi and i wanted to learn about the wonderful city that i was from. This book does an wonderful job in describing the climate and history of the largest city in Pakistan. If you are not interested in such a topic then i don't reccomend reading this book but if u want to get an idea of Karachi and the changes it went through its history then its a great book for you!

This is a must read for anyone interested in Karachi and its history. I highly reccomend this book.

Disclaimer: Yasmeen and Mihail Lari are related to my wife. Regardless, I am going to provide as objective a review as I can.

I throughly enjoyed what I have read in this book so far! The maps, the illustrations, the descriptions, make this book come alive in a way that makes it simply a joy to read. Particularly if you have lived in Karachi for any length of time.

I have often seen that the inhabitants of a city - any city - are often the least knowledgeable of the history of their locale. This is not very surprising, I suppose, because there is a tendency to assume that "I already know my home town"! I find this book (and other history books that relate to my country!) opens up new revelations and provides knowledge that I simply did not have about Karachi.

I throughly recommend this book to everybody, particularly if you have any acquaintance with the region or the city. The book covers details that are not found elsewhere.