"The Rising Tide" and "The Steel Wave" by Jeff Shaara

[SGM (ret.)]

Hi all,

 

Haven't been logged onto the forums in quite some time, so I appologize if someone else has already reported on these.

 

At any rate, Jeff Shaara (the son of Michael Shaara, author of "Killer Angles") has completed the second of his trilogy on the US involvement in Europe in WWII. If you're already acquainted with his style and subjects, then you'll enjoy both of these. I'm now waiting for the third and final installment.

 

The first two books are excellent and give human dimension to many of the characters of the historical record. In particular, Dwight Eisenhower is very thoughtfully explored. I found the parts about the negotiations with the Vichy French prior to and during Operation Torch to be especially enlightening, too. Although historically accurate, these are not "history" books, but rather insightful looks at leadership, decision-making, and the effects of combat on the participants as viewed through the eyes of those same men.

 

Highly recommended (as is all of the works of the father-son combination)!

 

Mike

[arclight]

I too, enjoyed his most recent books on WWII. The only fault I can find is some of the vernacular he uses, which would not be heard during that timeframe. Otherwise, very well written.

My favorites of all of his are the two on the American Revolution, The Rise to Rebellion, and The Glorious Cause. Both gave exceptional views of one of our least intersting conflicts (at least, as how my teacher's taught it). His next best is the WWI book, To The Last Man, of which, a portion is very close to the later released movie Flyboys.

I read very little in the way of fiction, but have really enjoyed these. I was also very fortunate to be at work early one day when Jeff stopped by to sign whatever copies we had in stock. I had my wife race over bringing whatever copies I had that she could find amongst my mess for him to sign. Of most of the authors I have met, Jeff is amongst the most personable!

G

[SGM (ret.)]

Regards the vernacular: I seem to recall that his father, Michael Shaara, explained in the foreward to "Killer Angles" that he deliberately chose to use more contemporary language in order to make the characters more understandable and "real" to his readers. (My words, not his - he explaned his reasoning much better, I just don't have the book here to quote from.) Jeff has taken his father's style and made it his own while really bringing the history and people to life.

 

It's nice to hear that Jeff is such a personable guy. He writes with a lot sympathy and understanding for the characters. I'm glad he has the same touch with real people, too. He seems like the kinda guy you'd like to have over to your house to chat with about history and historical figures while quaffing cold adult beverages.

 

Mike

[arclight]

I just saw that the next volume in his WWII series was realeased yesterday! Can't wait to dig into that one! The title is "No Less than Victory." If you have a teenager that is becoming interested in the war, or you want to get interested, this is a great series to get them started on. Sticks pretty close to facts, and extremely well written/readable, unlike some other authors I won't mention. Check it out, you will like. Going to get my copy today!

G

[tbirdismypride]

I saw where the next book is out as well. I can't wait to read it!!!

[SGM (ret.)]

The next book in the series is on my definite to get list.

 

I'd also recommend reading them in parallel with Rick Atkinson's books: "An Army at Dawn," and "The Day of Battle." I only ever thought that I knew a little bit about the war in North Africa and Italy until I read Shaara and Atkinson together. Now I think I actually understand what happened and why.

 

Mike

[arclight]

The next book in the series is on my definite to get list.

 

I'd also recommend reading them in parallel with Rick Atkinson's books: "An Army at Dawn," and "The Day of Battle." I only ever thought that I knew a little bit about the war in North Africa and Italy until I read Shaara and Atkinson together. Now I think I actually understand what happened and why.

 

Mike

 

 

Mike is right! Atkinson's two of three volumes in his Liberation series are absolutely magnificent! Atkinson writes for a major newspaper, and truly has talent. These first two of his were so very difficult to put down, I almost called out of work to keep reading them, and I can't say that of many other books! I just wish he wouldn't take so long to finish the next one, but with the amount of research, combined with his writing skills, this is something I would not rush (but seriously, hurry up, man!). I also recommend the audio book versions which can be found in brand new condition cheaper than the actual book.

Gary