Book Review Friday: No Easy Day by Mark Owen & Kevin Maruer #bookreview #noeasyday

Book Review for: No Easy Day

Written by: Mark Owen with Kevin Maurer

Dutton/Penguin Group

ISBN: 978-0-525-95372-2

I read: hardback

5 Stars

Gripping!

Owen’s account of being a Navy SEAL and the mission that killed Osama Bin Laden is a fantastic read that quickly grabs the reader and keeps them turning the pages.

The book recounts Owen’s assignments in the Navy SEALS. He’s involved in several deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan throughout the 2000’s. These deployments help prepare him for the assignment of a lifetime – to kill Osama Bin Laden. 

Owen talks about the prep required to go on the hunt for Bin Laden and how the life of a Navy SEAL is no easy life.

The book is easy to read and understand. Owen’s story keeps the reader riveted and engaged. What makes this account standout is how the authors draw the reader in and make them a part of the action. Told in an honest and sincere style, there’s no doubt the mission which killed Bin Laden was no easy day. I highly recommend this book! 

Question: Have you read this book or seen the HBO documentary, Manhunt? 

Book Review for: Killing Patton by O'Reilly and Dugard #bookreview

Book Review for: Killing Patton

Written by: Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

Henry Holt Publishing

ISBN: 978-0-8050-9668-2

Avail: in print and as an ebook

5 Stars

O'Reilly and Dugard take a gripping look at one of America's most famous generals, George S. Patton. Patton saw success in Africa during World War II, but when his 3^rd Army goes to Europe, his leadership style is frowned upon. Patton is forthright and painfully honest – traits that create enemies. When Patton dies in a car accident at the end of the war, was it a true accident or murder, considering the unexplained aspects of the accident.

The authors explore the complexity of Patton's character with candor. Patton fights. He's a warrior. His peers are willing to sit back and let him do the dirty work of fighting before taking credit. Patton's not a politician. His missteps create enemies, but has Patton created so many enemies, one of them wants him murdered?

The book is easy to read. The authors have peppered in little known facts about the war and America's generals. Patton is a man to be admired – and feared. O'Reilly and Dugard have done their research and it shows. They bring the last months of World War II in Europe to life, layering the story with rich characterization. They document several attempts on Patton's life before the car accident making a compelling case for Patton's possible murder.

The novel is a very suspenseful read, keeping the reader turning the pages to find out what happens next. "Killing Patton" is a dynamic, fascinating read and the best one yet in O'Reilly and Dugard's "killing" series.

Question for you:  Have you read O'Reilly and Dugard's "killing" series?  What your favorite book?

Smiles

Steph

Book Review Friday - Killing Lincoln #bookreview

Book Review for: Killing Lincoln

Written by: Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

Henry Holt LLC

ISBN: 978-0-8050-9307-0

Avail as: an ebook and in print

5 Stars

O'Reilly and Dugard pen an insightful and gripping look at Lincoln's assassination. Putting politics aside, O'Reilly and Dugard present the facts and interesting tidbits that lead up to and after Lincoln's death.

Abraham Lincoln is one of America's most beloved and admired presidents. O'Reilly and Dugard show us why. Lincoln changed America, pulling it forward, fighting the Civil War to keep the Union together. He embodies the qualities the Founding Fathers were looking for in America's presidents. John Wilkes Booth, his assassin, is one of the most infamous men in American history. His refusal to change and adapt with the times seals his fate.

The book is written in a very straightforward manner, making it easy to read. O'Reilly and Dugard unravel Booth's schemes and plots so they are understandable to the reader. The authors also share intimate details of the lives of Lincoln and Booth, presenting a very human story. The pivotal moment comes when Lincoln's bodyguard, John Parker, abandons his post, leaving Lincoln vulnerable.

O'Reilly and Dugard's taunt writing ratchets up the suspense and will have the reader on the edge of their seat as Booth marches closer to April 14, 1865. Well researched, gripping, and suspenseful, "Killing Lincoln" will resonate with readers long after they've finished the novel.

Question for you: Is Lincoln one of the presidents on Mt. Rushmore? Who are the others?

Book Review Tuesday: Killing Kennedy #bookreview

Book Review for: Killing Kennedy

Written by: Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

Henry Holt LLC

ISBN: 978-0-8050-9666-8

5 Stars

"Killing Kennedy" is a fascinating look into the life and death of President John F. Kennedy. O'Reilly and Dugard put politics aside and ramp up the suspense to tell Kennedy's compelling and inspiring story.

The novel opens with a look at Kennedy's heroics on PT-109 in World War II. At first reluctant to assume leadership, he finally does and the incident is a defining one for Kennedy, framing his leadership style for the rest of his life. There's also an examination of the eerie similarities between Lincoln and Kennedy, which prove fascinating.

As the Kennedy presidency progresses, O'Reilly and Dugard parallel Lee Harvey Oswald's life, painting a downward spiral of a strange, complicated man, detailing the happenings in his life which will lead up to him shooting the president.

O'Reilly and Dugard's writing style is crisp, clear, concise, and engaging. They paint vibrant pictures of all the men and women around Kennedy and Oswald. Taunt and suspenseful, I did not put the book down.

The book deals only with fact and makes a powerful case for Oswald as the lone assailant. I highly recommend this book.

What's your favorite Kennedy movie or book you've read?