J. Budds

A Must Read for Students of the American Civil War

Revisado: 09-27-23

I stumbled upon The Story of a Common Soldier of Army Life in the Civil War, by Leander Stillwell, while reading Wiley’s classic Civil War history, The Life of Billy Yank. Considering that Wiley refers to Stillwell several times, I was certain that I needed to read Stillwell’s book.

Written in 1917 at the age of 74, and apparently at the request of his son, Stillwell provides his recollection of life in the 61st Illinois Infantry Regiment from December 1861 through the duration of the war. Five decades diminishes the best of memories, but Stillwell isn’t relying solely on memory. He kept a diary throughout the war years and refers to it repeatedly in his memoir. In fact, so certain is he of his original note keeping, that he even refutes a few minor dates that are listed in the official unit histories – dealing with troop movements.

Stillwell doesn’t glorify war, but neither is he repulsed by it. His account is stoic and somewhat detached.

Enlisting as a private soldier and advancing through the rank of lieutenant, Stillwell fought at Shiloh, Vicksburg and a number of other engagements. He skillfully captures the fear and excitement of intense infantry battle; the mind-numbing drudgery of camp life and forced marches, and the privations of an enlisted man.

For those who want a better understanding of what life was like for the common blue coat, then I strongly recommend Stillwell’s excellent book.

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A Classic Memoir of a Anti-war Activist

Revisado: 07-14-23

Pain and suffering. Isolation and rage. Born on the Fourth of July, is a testimony of Ron Kovic’s “stolen youth” and the lifelong implications.

Kovic is first and foremost an anti-war activist and this book is his personal story about his journey to anti-war activism. He had gone to Vietnam (twice) and, returning as a paraplegic veteran, has far more right to comment about Vietnam and the subsequent treatment of Vietnam veterans than almost the entire US citizenry.

He is haunted by his actions and by what happened to him. Kovic develops his compelling story from early boyhood through the 1972 Republican Convention. But then, the story just sort of drifts off.

Kovic also leaves some important circumstances out of his memoir. Why did he volunteer to go back to Vietnam for a second tour? He wasn’t a recruit or even an idealistic, young lieutenant who didn’t know better. Rather, he was an experienced sergeant. Young, yes. But many others had seen the horrors of Vietnam within the first few months of a single tour.

I suggest Born on the Fourth of July to anyone who wants to dive deep into the anti-war movement during the early 1970s. For a broader view of the Vietnam infantryman’s experience read What it’s Like to Go to War (Marlantes), A Rumor of War (Caputo), or Phase Line Green (Warr).

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This Classic Vietnam Novel is Worth Reading Twice

Revisado: 07-04-23

I first read this book when I was a 19-year-old Marine. Now, in my early 60's, I find Webb's novel even more poignant. The author provides an unvarnished view of Marine Corps combat during an unpopular war. He forces the reader to examine the nuisances of infantry life in “the bush.” In doing so, Webb challenges us to reexamine our lofty beliefs on how we might conduct ourselves in a similar situation.

<i>Fields of Fire<I> should be required reading for those serving on the Senate and House Armed Services Committees and all involved in formulating U.S. military policy.

The only drawback to the audio version is the narrator. I found it annoying that Sean Runnette did not invest the time to learn the pronunciation of basic Marine Corps terms, e.g., Corpsman and rations. There is no excuse for that. Therefore, I recommend reading the book, rather than listening to it.

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Excellent Writer; Tragic, Groovy Story

Revisado: 06-07-23

Michael Herr reflects on his time as a war correspondent in Vietnam. This is not a typical story with character development, plot, climax - all that passee nonsense. Rather, Herr reflects on snippets of Adeline-packed time spent in Hue City and Khe Sahn with Marine grunts. He fondly reminisces about being stoned in Saigon with the hip war correspondents, grooving to the Doors with a bowl of opium.

Herr is a gifted writer as reflected in his realistic and tragic combat scenes, but the reader is left with the feeling that Herr took a year off and, working for Esquire Magazine, didn’t really have
any deadlines, commitments, or responsibilities. Why not cover the war – the most popular thing going on in the mid-1960’s?

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Remarkable Story

Revisado: 05-02-22

What a tale of human endurance!

Grim and sad, yet thoroughly captivating.

I only wish thanksgiving I had paid attention to the label, as this is not an unabridged version.

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Only Recommended for Absolute Die-Hard Fans

Revisado: 01-09-22

In his book, The Storyteller, Mr. Grohl is seemingly frank, sometimes witty, and appears to be genuine. He is talented, hard working and devoted to family and friends. All that is apparent.

The early chapters, which deal with his upbringing, are interesting. How does a middle-class, fairly normal kid from suburban Northern Virginia, become one of the most influential rock musicians of all time? Well, read the first few chapters of this book. But it’s really not worth reading the whole thing. True, Mr. Grohl delivers a few funny stories and some touching memories, but too many chapters are actually pretty boring.

For example, in the final chapter, a kind of encore since it is delivered after the closing credits, Dave Grohl tells a story about his first meeting with Paul McCartney. Please note that throughout this book, the author mentions being influenced by Paul McCartney at an early age, actually meeting Paul McCartney, jamming with Paul McCartney, building a friendship with Paul McCartney, dining with Paul McCartney, and having Paul McCartney over to his house. Then, either as a weak encore or a poorly edited book, Mr. Grohl describes his attendance at a George Harrison tribute concert, when he first met Paul McCartney. Artistic juxtaposition? Maybe. But not particularly meaningful or interesting. Especially since Mr. Grohl actually states that he doesn’t recall the introduction all that well!

There are libraries full of incredible memoirs. In my opinion, rock memoirs are over-rated and even the great Dave Grohl, cannot break that spell.

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Excellent Novel on Human Nature

Revisado: 11-24-21

The Naked and the Dead, by Norman Mailer, offers a raw and gripping glimpse of World War II combat in the Southwest Pacific Theater. Based on personal experiences, the book is set around a U.S. Army reconnaissance platoon and Mailer’s robust character development and gritty combat depictions are both first-rate.

In providing background and motivations for his characters, Mailer affords the reader with an understanding of lower and middle-class Americans during the interwar years. Most of the troops in this book were poor men, drafted against their will. Each one carries baggage from a former life. Each character is believable.

Being Jewish, he also offers unique insight into blatant racism in the ranks. Additionally, as a draftee in early 1944, Mailer counters popular belief that the “greatest generation” was comprised on a homogenized group of determined patriots intent on defeating a common enemy. Mailer’s soldiers are largely fighting for survival.

This 1948 novel, Mailer’s first, is significantly different from other novels of the 1920s though the 1940s or even early 1950s. Whereas other authors gloss over sensitive details, Mailer’s neither varnishes the crude language, nor shies away from the course nature of his characters or of the combat they experience. The corpses, both American and Japanese, are depicted in graphic detail. The men’s lust for the pleasures in life is stark and fully exposed. Love for family is evident. Oddly, however, Mailer doesn’t really depict strong bonds between any of the soldiers – certainly not my experience as a 23-year Marine.

Despite it’s many positive attributes, the book has a couple of minor drawbacks. First, some of the dialogue seems to be awkwardly placed within the book. It’s a stretch to believe that soldiers under fire or on a nerve-wrecking patrol would openly discuss personal matters at home. Additionally, the dialogue between Lieutenant Hearn and General Cummings is completely unrealistic and depicts Mailer’s lack of intimate knowledge of officer relationships. A Harvard educated enlisted man; he is at his best in crafting the dialogue that he was no doubt familiar with.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to students of military history or those generally interested in human nature.

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There Are Much Better Options

Revisado: 08-24-21

Years ago I started reading this book only to put it down before finishing. Now, I remember why I didn’t finish the book: I was a young Marine officer that detested O’Brien’s argument that serving in Vietnam was tantamount to cowardice. The truth is, I was tempted to stop listening several times, but persisted due to the overall high reviews.

Like any combat vet, Tim O’Brien has earned his right to comment about his wartime experience. He obviously suffered severe PTSD and struggled for years after Vietnam and I feel for him.

O’Brien is a good storyteller and I give him credit for his creative writing. And Bryan Cranston does a tremendous job in reading the text. Overall, however, I give this book relatively low marks for several reasons:

1. The author’s blurring of fiction and non-fiction. There are a number of great Vietnam novels and an equal number of profound memoirs on Vietnam. I’m not sure what is truth or fiction here. Some of the fiction sounded too unbelievable, e.g. the girlfriend who goes on patrols with the Green Berets.
2. His arrogance. How many times does he mention that he is a Harvard graduate? Or Phi Beta Kappa? Or magna cum laude? He also states that Vietnam should have been fought by other patriots, people who are not as good or talented as he thinks he is.
3. The section at the end of the book titled, “Vietnam in Me,” recorded by O’Brien himself, where he goes back to Vietnam and loses his girlfriend in 1994. He wallows in self-pity and blames many but not himself.

Rather than spend valuable time on this book, I suggest “What It is Like to Go to War,” by Karl Marlantes or “Phase Line Green,” by Nicholas Warr. Recommended Vietnam fiction would include, “Fields of Fire,” by James Webb or “Body Count” by William Turner Huggett.

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Unrealistic

Revisado: 08-23-21

I know of no 20th Century U.S. Lieutenant General (3-star) who started as a private, earned a Medal of Honor early in his career, and commanded at virtually every level. Oh, and all the while he seems to have shown consistent, remarkable bravery and never made a military mistake! On the positive side, the combat scenes seem believable, probably because Anton Myrer experienced combat as a Marine in the Pacific during WW II.

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