D-A Books

A short, skinny boy with untidy hair and broken glasses and a scar on his forehead. A tall, gangly red-head with various hand-me-downs from his five older brothers. A bushy-haired girl who is absolutely book-smart, but also sometimes bossy and rash. It amazes me to this day that such a hugely popular book series could star a main cast such as the one I just described. Even more amazingly, we actually care about these characters and all of their adventures.

Harry Potter owes a debt to the great fantasy that came before it, but it never falls into the trap of copying everything that preceded it. Sure, there are the fairly cliched plot devices of a young boy with dead parents who goes on an incredible journey to kill the male antagonist, but others like Hagrid the half-giant, Diagon Alley, Platform 9 3/4, Quidditch, the Invisibility Cloak, and the incredibly touching Mirror of Erised all came straight from Rowling's incredible imagination. There is something marvelous in every chapter of Harry Potter.

The writing in Sorcerer's Stone isn't perfect, and one could argue that it's not even good, but Rowling's sense of humor, and again, her imagination really shine through. Her writing is very accessible but never patronizing, making Harry Potter a perfect choice for young readers, not only to give them a perfect reading choice, but also to spur a possible life-long interest in reading.

One thing I like about the series is that it's not a clear-cut tale about good vs. evil (this is made clear by the last few books in the series). Plenty of important themes are tackled, and all of them with grace--another argument for why young readers should read Harry Potter.

All in all, there is just so much to love about the series. The first book will have you hooked; by the time you reach the third book, you will desperately want to finish up the whole series, even though you know that means about 3,000 more pages of reading. I think that Harry Potter will go down in history as one of the best fantasy series of all time--you can think about that what you will, as not everybody would agree with me on this one. But I can give this whole series a heartfelt recommendation.

Sadly I had seen the first Harry Potter movie before I read the book. For all of those who declared the first book superior I would have to disagree. Granted it is the begining source for all that we come to love about Harry and his friends, Hogwarts and the long driven drama against Voldemort but the story itself pales in comparison to such a brilliantly done movie. However, for those who have somehow avoided the tidal wave of media buzz concerning these books I would recommend that you start from the begining and enjoy this wonderful world one page at a time. Between the prose and film productions you are about to take a grand journey unlike anything available in the fantasy market.

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" Apparently, I am the 5434th person to leave a review. I will try to keep it short.

I am a retired older person and, ten years ago, I bought a copy of the previous edition for myself and my wife and a second copy for my, then, eight-year-old step granddaughter and her eleven-year-old brother. We, each, enjoyed the story tremendously. We have followed the Harry Potter stories through to finishing the seventh book, last year.

This is the easiest and the shortest book of the series. However, the author, J.K. Rowling, introduces the reader to many new sorts of things. The ending of this book is very good and this novel is a complete story.

I have read this story several times and am still happy with it, from beginning to end.

You may hear or see criticisms of the Harry Potter books. You may, also, hear or see many folks who praise the books. Please form your own opinions by reading this book for yourself. At first, Harry will be the character that you get to know the best. As the series continues, you will get to know several characters, very well. None of the characters are perfect people. However, Harry and his friends are people whom you would like as your friends. Finally, Harry and his friends do good things throughout the series of books. That is an important point that some folks have a hard time seeing, but it is there in every book.

I recommend this book, highly.

I got this book on the exact date it said I would and it's exactly what I wanted. Hard cover, brand new. Perfect. :)

If you like card board characters, tired old plot, bad writing, this book is for you. Kids, please, there are so many better books out there. And we wonder why the aliens don't want to meet us.

This book is the point where the series went downhill. Out goes the tight plotting and the magical whimsy that made the earlier books so fun, in goes a poorly edited brick of a book that is packed with useless filler and contains quite possibly the largest plot hole I have read in any novel. It's a shame that the subsequent books in the series would carry over all of the bad elements of this book and none of the good elements of the previous entries.

It seems that each of the Harry Potter books has it own secondary genre. The first book was an introduction, the second a comedy, the third a dark horror and the forth book - a true action/adventure story. The Goblet of Fire was a fun read simply because there was so much to picture. Here we are engulfed in the fantasy side of the wizarding world complete with dragons, mermaids, giants and the definitive return of a persistent evil doer. Even if the story was lacking depth, the visual imagery was not. From the World Quiddich Cup to the Tri-Wizard Tournament the vastness of what could be out there and yet not known is so much fun to think about. I consumed this book much faster than the previous editions.

Surprisingly I found the book to be in excellent order. I purchased the book for my nephew and was quite overjoyed to see that it was in outstanding condition. I would highly recommend this seller.

In my opinion the best Harry Potter novel. Maybe not the best movie but as far as book go the best. The imagination from JK Rowling was far better, Harry starts to grwo up. Prof Snipe is scary in this book.

"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" is much thicker than the previous HP books. Once again J.K. Rowling takes her magical series of tales in a darker direction. However, do not be mistaken. There is plenty of light touches and twists and turns to keep the intrest of teenagers. Early on, we are treated to a professional quidditch match, followed by a touch of evil. Harry gets back to school again, then the competition for the Triwizard cup begins. The competition is quite exciting. And, the ending of the story is breathtaking. Meanwhile, we meet Mad Eye Moody and Rita Skeeter and continue to bumb into characters such as Snape. Also, Harry begins to notice that girls are interesting.

For me, the series picked itself up to a higher level, again.

I recommend this book.

The third book in the Harry Potter series turns a lurid shade of pale as three very important figures are brought into view. Sirius Black escapes from Askaban quickly becoming the wizarding world's most wanted. His introduction is met with ambiguity from Harry who is equal parts curious, scared and brave. Professor Lupin is the new dark arts teacher who has a fear of full moons and a past as one of Harry's father's former childhood friends. The third figure is actually of collective of wraith like monstrosities known as Dementors. How could you not be chilled by a creature that feeds on a persons fear and can literally suck out your soul with a kiss of death.

Azkaban brought forth all of the fun one can derive from magical misery. The movie did a good job in copying the books mood. Both were thoroughly entertaining.

Well, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is longer than the first two HP books, but not better. I suppose that we have lost a bit of our wonder at Harry's world, but this book seems to be a slight let down from the high levels we enjoyed in the first two books. Nevertheless, we have a totally different start to this book than we had in the previous books.

Rowling continues to feed our curiosities by supplying new and different experiences and new twists and turns in the HP story. With the introduction to Sirius Black, and of dementors, to the main plot, Rowling takes the HP series towards a more mature tone and loses a bit of the whimsey that the first two books had. I thik Rowling does a very good job at telling a very good story while letting Harry start to grow up.

The finale of this book is long and different from the pattern of the first two books. Among other things, we learn of deeper and more powerful magical practices.

I may seem grumpy about some aspects of this book, but I was entranced by the author's abilities to tell a suspense-filled and adventurous tale, fit for adolescents of all ages.

I recommend this book.

J.K. Rowlings never lets her readers down Harry's quest to be happy stays alive in this book. Also, he gets to meet the only family he has left which makes Harry very Happy at the end of this sequel!!!!

I read this book a few years ago, when the the thrill of Harry was in it's prime. I've seen the movie more times than I can count and I must say the movie is excellent but not as good as the book. I've just reread this book and can't beleive all I had forgotten. It's truly a page turner. From the start when Harry spots the Grim to when Mr Weasley warns Harry of Sirius Black's escape and hunt for Harry the reader is hooked. The Maurader's Map is a great addition to the Invisibility Cloak. The first 2 books were good, but you truly don't get into Harry until this book. Ron and Hermione's relationship is beginning to bud. Hermione is truly the goody goody in this installment. There were times I was mad at her with Ron and Harry. Getting the history of Harry's father's friends helped the story advance with background. This book also helps paint the picture of Snape and his hatered for Harry. The introduction of the Patronus is excellent. It's just as amazing in the book and the movie did a great job of reproducing it. All in all, I loved this book and recommend it to everyone who enjoys magic and fantasy reads.

This series is fun for kids and adults. My son and I are reading it together!

The story of the rise and domination (within horse racing circles and the world at large) of the most celebrated race horse in history. Chronicling the horse, owner, trainer and jockeys; paying special attention to their remarkable place in history during a time in the late 1930's when the world needed a hero like Seabiscuit.

A terrific tale of heart and determination. The characters are richly drawn and the world of horse racing is told in a way that is fascinating to the non-enthusiast. The narratives of the races are constructed so well that they will keep your heart racing long after the horses are back in the stable. Wonderful stuff.

I purchased this book years ago when it first came out. My husband is an avid fan of horse races and having went with him on numerous occasions I became interested in reading about them myself. This book will not disappoint and even though the movie was very good the book is tons better (which is almost always the case). I enjoyed reading about the background of all the people involved with Seabiscuit it is a real heartwarming story about a horse that everyone gave up on but everyone ended up having hope in. A trainer that was an outsider and an owner that wasn't your average horse owner and the faith he put into the jockey who was left by his parents at a horse track because they couldn't afford to keep him home (it was during the Great Depression). I could probably go on and on about the book because I enjoyed it very much.

I saw both flims the original with Shirley Temple/Lon McAllister also the newer version both were great
So the the book was a must have also to learn what had happen to rest of the story(the horse/the people)

This is a wonderful book about an unbelievable champion - the kind we need today in America. A champion that reaches into the hearts of the people, unifies us and inspires us to prevail. The men who believed in Seabiscuit were not perfect, nor was Seabiscuit but they all managed to be imperfect winners. The writing itself might be a bit flourished but it is certainly well-researched and the story is entertaining told. Hillebrand has captured the ironies, truths, the agony and ecstasy of horse-racing and life itself as well. This one will make you cheer.

When I finished reading this book five years ago, I thought "Wow, that is the greatest sports book I have read." Well, I still think that way and I've read some great sports literature since.

It's the combination of fascinating mini-biographies of Seabiscuit's owner, trainer and jockey that make this book so entertaining. These were fascinating people and if you were a horse racing fan, the era was just about perfect. People went nuts over horse racing, baseball and boxing. It's not like today where football, basketball and hockey share the limelight, sports-wise.

Author Laura Hillebrand's account of owner Charles Howard, trainer Tom Smith and jockey "Red" Pollard are just incredible. These man have amazing stories and what they and Seabiscuit attained in racing, are almost unbelivable.....yet everything in this easy-to-read book is true. From the early pages on, the book hooks you in to the point where you care deeply about all the main characters.

I'll always remember getting to the chapter which told about the famous match race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral. Hillenbrand had done such a great job of building up to that, I almost didn't want to read on for fear I would be greatly disappointed. That's how involving her book was for me, and for many others.

I guess the highest praise I can give this book is so good that it got me back reading, after a long absence.

We only recently found out that all our copies of The Count of Monte Cristo were abridged. We checked this out of our local library and liked it so much we bought a copy for our home library. The type setting is very readable and best of all, it's not abridged.

The story is a classic and a great read. I recommend it for everyone.

I boutht this for my Grandson freshman class in World History. He enjoyed the book and recieved a good grade on his report

The book arrived in excellent condition and it has been a delightful book to read.

I've often heard of references to this book, but never had an occasion to read it. After reading "Lone Survivor", I was curious to read "The Count of Monte Cristo". Dumas certainly set the bar high for all those to follow in this genre. The intrigue and twists are exceptional. A classic which should be a "must read".

How does one review a classic? Especially one so noteworthy as to have demanded the creation of 11 or more film variations, numerous adaptations, and even television series? I long avoided reading this novel due mainly to it's daunting size, and the fear that it's translation would cause the reader more work than I was willing to put into it. However my burning desire to know the true tale of Edmond Dantes overruled my hesitation.

The story, for those of you who are unfamiliar, follows Edmond Dantes in his wrongful imprisonment at the hands of his friends, his 14 years in the Chateau D'If, his escape and rebirth as a self proclaimed hand of vengeance against those who had wronged him. If you have only seen the movies, the book, particularly the ending, is far different than what Hollywood has created. There are no dramatic duels, no massive swordfights with brigands, and not everyone who we believe should, lives happily ever after. This is instead a slow but genius work of Dantes methodically stripping away all that his enemies held dear to them, at whatever cost. None die by his hand, but are rather destroyed by his influence, and their own evil choices come back to haunt them.

The story itself is genius, interesting and very fun. The writing, particularly the translation that I read, is an often difficult and sometimes tedious work that one may need a notebook to keep straight. The cast of characters is very large and they are often referred to by different names, making it a bit more difficult to keep track of who is who without some sort of note taking. I was not smart enough to take notes, and thus had to spend quite a bit of time searching my brain to make sure I was thinking of the correct person as I read, particularly with some of the more minor story lines and the characters that weaved in and out of the story with multiple chapters between their appearances. Also, this book will probably be disappointing to those who are interested in the action that the movies provided. The Count of Monte Cristo, does not come in with guns blazing, but rather plays a very well thought out and disturbing game of mental chess against his opponents. As readers we hope for their downfall, but also wonder how far the Count will go... his years of imprisonment have left him hardened and disturbingly without remorse at the use of innocents to gain his vengeance. As he plays his pieces we wonder just who will be sacrificed, and who will have the chance to live happily ever after in this dark world of Dumas.

Readers of more modern novels may have trouble with this book because of the sheer volume of concurrent story lines, all of which are necessary for understanding the strings being pulled by the Count. But to remember the tale of the lovers, the orphan, the bandit, the banker, the ship builder, the assassin, the count, the princess, the steward, the military man, the lawyer, the cheating husband and wife, the lost love, the musician, the buried baby, the dying father, the paralyzed grandfather, the murderess, the thief, the countess, the emperor and all of their relations, can be quite a daunting task for any reader. Still each of these stories could be a book of their own, keeping the reader quite entertained, but Dumas has managed to weave them all together into one, brilliant and shining tale... if you can keep them straight through the end.

What surprised me most was the ending of this story. It was not what I wanted, or hoped for. True I loved Haidee, and wanted nothing but her happiness... but many seemed to be left in suffering that did not deserve the fate that they were bound to. I will not elaborate for fear of spoiling the ending... but this does not end on a Hollywood, "they all ride off into the sunset" ending. Perhaps the meaning of the story is not all about revenge, but rather what damage the hunt for vengeance can bring to not just those who have wronged you, but to all those that surround you. The downfall of selfishness; be it falsely imprisoning someone to gain what you may, to the selfishness of vengeance... there is so much meaning in this book, I can see why it is so often "required reading." Though I highly recommend this book, I would advise you attempt to read it with others either in a class or a reading group so that you can discuss all of the rich meaning behind Dumas's words.

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul Volume 2 is an inspirational and enlightening book. Being a teenager myself I can relate to a lot of the stories told in this bestseller. The first time I read this book I was younger and didn't understand what the authors in the book were saying, but when I revisited it this year I actually understood it and connected more to the stories. This book has inspired me to write about my personal experiences and really look back at the good, bad, or in between as a way to learn from my mistakes. Instead of breaking down I decided to write. This book has taught me and helped me through some rough times. This book is great and I recommend it to anyone. Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul is not just for teenagers, I have even read some stories with my friends and family. This book has been a real joy and inspiration on all aspects of my life. Thanks Chicken Soul and I hope all readers out there will get a chance to read this delightful, motivating, and wonderful book.

This is a great book for every teenager. Every teen goes througha tough time at least once in their life and this book can really help. It has stories on things from teenage romance to suicide. This is a great book for everyone from teenagers to adults.

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul 2 is a great book for teens because it is something we can relate to. It is filled with short anecdotes written by teenagers or once-teenagers about their adolescent experiences. It is inspirational and teaches us about who we are, about people, and about life in general. I recommend this book for all teenagers.

I think that this book was a very good and fun book to read. Anyone who enjoys hearing about different teens telling their own stories would greatly enjoy this book. While I was reading it, there were times when i felt like laughing and other times when I felt like crying too. The things that teenagers go through are so hard and alot of adults do not understand this, that is why this book is so helpful. It is a very good book to read and I would recommend it to anyone, espically teens.

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul ll is a great book written by teenagers and some adults about life. It teaches us about life and how to deal with it. It shows us that no matter where you came form, what you look like, or how you act, almost all teenagers are the same. This book is an inspiration to everyone.
This book influences me because it inspires me to become a better person. Before I read this book I thought, "Oh this book is just some boo full of made-up stories", but as I continued to read into it more, I thought" Wow this is a really great book". This book tells you that all teens go through the same stuff. It shows you that your not alone, and with faith and courage you can overcome most obstacles. This book is filled amazing stories of love depression, and hope. I encourage everyone to read this book.

I got exactly what I was looking for when I bought this book: a compelling story, a fairly accurate portrayal of historical events, characters and circumstances, and an author with a vivid writing style. Ms. Penman truly is one of the best in her genre, as so many other reviewers have said.

There is fair bit of "romance," in Dragons. If you were hoping for a scholarly dissertation on King John and the Plantagenet's you're shopping in the wrong section. On the other hand, if you are looking for an entertaining read with a healthy respect for the historical period in which it's set, you've found your book.

I have a background in history, but am fairly ignorant about the Norman conquest and 11th/12th/13th century Britain. Thus, I found this book peaked my interest in a whole new direction and will likely be following this up with some non-fiction research on the period.

As some others have mentioned, Penman does employ stilted grammar and gratuitous use of the word "Jesu" in an attempt to authenticate her dialogue. I found this annoying at first, but eventually came to accept it as one of the few flaws in an otherwise solid work.

Overall, my highest recommendations!

I usually don't read period novels but I've got to say that this book was one of my favorite books I've read. Ms Penman is a master of story writing and her historical knowledge of the period is second to none. You better get Falls The Shadow and The Reckoning while your at it because you WILL want to read them.

Here be Dragons is a fautless interweaving of Welsh and English history at it's very best done by none other then Sharon Penman.

thirteenth century Wales is unbalanced to say the least and Kinh John is as power hungry as ever. Llewelyn is prince of wales in all but name trying to unite the people and hold King John at bay. Marrying Joanna creates a truce between Wales and England for Llewelyn. In the back ground King John is always constant causing rifts in their relationship. Thier story is beautiful and humbling as they go through life, betrayal, and forgivness together.

It's amazing how Penman is able to put into words the emotions of people from so long ago and yet as a reader you feel as if they are a part of you. Everytime I put the book down I felt like a peice of myself was put aside with it.

this book is one of my favorite. there is a sadness and untrustworthiness that keeps bringing itself out in this book, as soon as you think things are going to start to get better someone does something to mess it up. as far as the relevance to history, it keeps up pretty good. i had to look it up and double check because i almost didnt believe everything that happened. this book got me interested in welsh history.

Having just discovered Sharon Kay Penman, I decided to start with Here Be Dragons. On a cold and rainy autumn day in front of a cozy fire, I was transported back in time to 13th Century England and Wales and I never wanted to leave! I literally could not put this book down and I finished it in one 16-hour sitting. I have not been able to stop thinking about it since and find myself picking it up again and again to re-read my favorite scenes. I went right back to the library and picked up the other two books in the trilogy and I can't wait to start reading them.

At the heart of this book is the most compelling love story I have ever read. A young woman torn between her love for her husband and her love for her father, who are bitter enemies. (SKP also does a great job of humanizing King John, by the way.) Joanna and Llewelyn are so vivid, their triumphs and defeats are so touching and SKP does a terrific job in conveying all of their emotions and placing the reader inside the intimacies of their relationship. Every scene between them, whether it be sex, love, arguments, reconcilliation, childbirth, child-rearing, politics or betrayal, teems with the undercurrent of a passion between two lovers facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, who by all odds should not be together, but who cannot stay apart. And to top it all off, it takes place amidst the rugged beauty and fascinating history of two countries struggling to assert their place and power in the world. I loved learning about Wales, and found myself going online afterwards and researching everything from Llewelyn's castles to the types of clothes they wore and the food they ate!

This book is beautifully written and has earned a permanent place on my list of all-time favorites.

This is a "must have" for a kid working on a mythology project. Interesting, accurate and informative.

A book that is part of my Lang Arts classroom when we talk about Mythology in class. Thank you!

from the first illustration of Gaia this book had me at hello! i checked this book out time and time again from the school library and poured over its pictures and stories of the Greek Gods and Goddesses. It was from then on that i wanted to rename myself Persephone!
a must for imaginative and curious children!

I bought this all by myself when I was eight years old (25 years ago!) and it's still here on my shelf, musty, dusty, taped together and well-loved. It was great as a starting foundation for cultural literacy - for learning enough to understand Classical themes in art or other literature. The illustrations are so engrossing and to this day when I open the book I find that I remember the tiniest details of every drawing. This is a book I would enthusiastically give to any child.

My seven year old daughter was spellbound by the prose and the drawings in this wonderful version of the Greek myths.

My husband died 5 weeks ago.
A friend of mine suggested that I read this book.

It is excellent and has been a great help and comfort to me.
I refer to the book every day and I recommend it highly.

This book is quick and easy to read. Best of all you can pick it up when you are having a bad day and flip to your favorite words of advice. Full of practical suggestions and empowering words!

This book was the grand finale to a long journey which started from the loss of a love. This book lead me back to home and being whole again.

I hope this book will help you in restoring yourself.

Thank you to each of the authors for writing this book.

Always keep reaching to become whole and staying whole in your life.

Thank you,
John Ellis

it is so real i felt i went through all this and really rewarded myself that i was able to overcome all what bad times i got through and can face any other pain easily and successfully

There are things in life that simply have to be experienced more than once: songs, movies, plays, favorite meals at favorite restaurants, etc. In my opinion, this book falls into that category. It has to be read slowly, pondered, felt. It is filled with insightful, moving and, above all, helpful thoughts for anyone who is in emotional pain. And it is not just about the loss a love, but touches upon loss, of all kinds, as one of those inescapable parts of life. You will not regret buying and reading it, even if you don't need it. Someday you will.

I have read many books on Leyte Gulf battles, but have never read one as riviting as this one. If you have any interest at all about naval battles, you must read this.

I served in the Navy in the 50's on a destroyer escort like the ROBERTS. I am a history buff to say the least, but my favorite theatre is the Pacific during WWII. This book by Hornfischer is the #1 best book I've ever read on the Pacific Theatre, or at least one small part of it. The description of small ships maneuvering around to get close to the Japanese capital ships is astounding. He was right on the money. I could almost feel the wind on my face and smell the smoke. I could feel my own ship under my feet. It brought back numerous images of a great time in my life. The bravery of ordinary men in a time of need, in a time when bravery was commonplace makes the book a must-read. The term 'must-read' is thrown around too much because what does one say about this book that will set it apart? In modern times, this is the best book I've read.

Leave all your skepticism at the door. I doubted that this book would meet my expectations after reading the positive reviews here. I was fully satisfied as I turned the last page and reflected on this tale of sacrifice and courage in the madness of war.

The author writes with clarity and the events of the battle are easy to follow throughout the work. Several black and white photos and an excellent set of supplemental position maps augment the words on the page. I was never confused and never lost track of who was going where and what they were doing. I also kept referring to a ship diagram that was provided each time a new crew was introduced. It was amazing to compare the smaller American ships to the behemoth Japanese ships while reading about them squaring off, and more times than not with the Americans getting the better of the confrontation, at least at first.

Not lost in all this is the struggle of the individual sailors and officers. You are there as they charge into oblivion, blast away with awesome precision, watch their friends die in often horrible ways, yet they keep going until their beloved "Tin Cans" are blown out from underneath them. An awesome testimony to this breed of soldier during ww2.

A large group of resources is included for further study including other books and websites, but I can't imagine it getting any better treatment than this. The only way you don't enjoy this is if you aren't interested in military history or you don't care. On second thought, maybe that's exactly why you should read it - to see what it took back then.

In the end, a highly recommended and inspiring book. A MUST for ww2 fans.

I stumbled on this book and am glad I did as it now has to be one of my favorite books. Well written and researched it's a fun adventure be it a morbid one but and adventure just the same.

I must admit to knowing next to nothing about the Battle off Samar Island. What little I have read paints it more or less as a lucky loss in that the Americans avoided a true calamity.

In an effort to stem the American advance on the Philippines and hopefully catch the carrier fleet unaware; the Japanese Navy set in motion a plan to trick the carriers away from the invasion forces. Admiral Ozawa offered a decoy force in an attempt to draw off Halsey and Halsey true to form charged after him.

The attacking force lead by the behemoth Yamato heads in an stumbles on a small task force of 6 escort carriers and their escorts.

What should have been a full slaughter turns into a loss due to the efforts of the force commander "Ziggy" Sprague and the suicidal bravery of the Tin-Cans. The image of the Johnston charging a cruiser force with guns blazing and torpedoes launching is the stuff of legends. Surprisingly she disables the lead cruiser Kumano. That and the other sorties by the Samuel B. Roberts, the Hoel and the Heermann buy time for the force to make a run for it and send planes to try and blunt the attack. The attack goes on with the Hoel, Johnston and Samuel B. Roberts disabled or sinking. The Gambier Bay is hit and sinks and the for reasons only know to the force commander Admiral Kurita, he calls off the attack and heads home.

Hornfischer does a splendid job telling this story. It is well researched and very detailed as it tries to convey what the men went through. Especially when trying to survive in the water while waiting for rescue that was foolishly delayed and probably caused the death of over 100 men.

The minutia of detail gives harrowing imagery to the battle. The bravery and the odd things people do. Such as men carefully lining up their shoes on the deck as they abandon ship. The sacrifice and the sad end for many. The doctor who stays aboard to ease the passing of the dying and dies in an explosion. The dying man who keeps trying to load his destroyed gun. The dog who returns to the sinking ship.

One odd thing I have read about is the dementia of long term exposure in the ocean. A common theme involves the belief that fresh water is below the surface water. It happens in this story as well.

Another interesting thing is the Japanese viewpoint. Hornfischer put an effort describing the leadup to the battle and gave a couple examples of humanity. Such as the commander of the cruiser Tone who orders the gunners to avoid the men trying to leave the ship. The sailors who toss tins of food to the men in the water.

There are numerous photos and there is a list of men who died during and after the battle. I found myself looking at the list when names appeared in the reading to see if they survived.

It's interesting that this battle is often overlooked as the author points out it was a battle of firsts and lasts. Firsts were: The first time a US aircraft carrier was lost due to surface gunfire, the first time a ship was sunk by a Kamikaze, the first time the Yamato fired her guns in battle. The lasts were: the last massed ship action, the last time a battleship fired it's guns at other ships, the last time destroyers charged a line of ships.

Overall, this was a fun read and the details in the book make it a worthwhile addition to anyone's library.

The accolades for this book you find here are extremely well deserved. I will add to the cheerleading only by saying that this book is without a doubt, the single best book I have ever read concerning any aspect of the war in the Pacific. And I've read a LOT of it. It is literally impossible to put this book down once the action starts. Too bad more of naval history isn't written by this author. I have read many books on the Battle of Leyte Gulf that left me scratching my head in frustration as the author utterly fails in his attempt to relate to the reader a complex and disjointed narrative of one of the most complicated battles in U.S. Naval history. Not so with this Last Stand. BTW, I have been trying to plow through Lundstrum's "First Team" for what seems like forever. Talk about a great story ruined by a guy who has no flair for writting. But back on topic and in conclusion I will say that this won't be the last time I read Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors. As far as Lundtrum's book, well, I'm really looking forward to finishing it and making a paper weight out of it.