An epic single volume covering the history of World War II. Hastings has delivered a book that is so well balanced that this thick tome leaves no stonAn epic single volume covering the history of World War II. Hastings has delivered a book that is so well balanced that this thick tome leaves no stone unturned. A mix of first hand accounts with the facts and figures of this conflict left me with a complete undertanding and sense of this epic struggle. My hat off to the author who once again has shown why he is regarded one of the leading authorities in the genre....more
The scene is the city of Ramadi like all of Iraq the enemy could be anyone and anywhere.This book really hit home with me the sacrifices made by ordinThe scene is the city of Ramadi like all of Iraq the enemy could be anyone and anywhere.This book really hit home with me the sacrifices made by ordinary people in serving their country. The last half of the book were the author goes into the the strain of leadership and the toll it takes when those you lead get hurt also struck a deep chord with me. What these people do day after day after day is beyond comprehension and shows what strength of character is all about....more
Why I enjoyed this book and the tale contained within its pages I could only bring myself to give it three stars. The story has all the makings of a sWhy I enjoyed this book and the tale contained within its pages I could only bring myself to give it three stars. The story has all the makings of a spellbinding read. A psychotic tiger terrorising locals in Siberia and the hunt to find it, sounds awesome does it not? The mechanics of the book is what detracted from the enjoyment of this read. It jumped around too much for me from chapter to chapter at times I forgot what the main narrative was. Why the information given was interesting I feel that there was too much "other" information given. It may boil down to the fact I am a male and the author asked me to multi-task with the narrative I will leave it for you to decide. ...more
A great read from start to finish. Paul Ham has delivered yet again the book is well researched and tells the story from every aspect of the dropping A great read from start to finish. Paul Ham has delivered yet again the book is well researched and tells the story from every aspect of the dropping of the A-Bombs on Japan. From the political intrigue to the scientific quest to unlock the power of the sun and those who were the victims of it's power this book is a well balanced look into a defining moment in history. ...more
This book had me engaged from the first page. The author also uses flashback so well in this book not what I call an action packed book but a great reThis book had me engaged from the first page. The author also uses flashback so well in this book not what I call an action packed book but a great read all the same. At the end of the book I was still wanting more....more