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dtab62's review against another edition
5.0
You can truly judge this book by its title. It really is a story of incredible heroism, friendship, and sacrifice. Makos is known for his WWII books, A Higher Call and Spearhead, which is one of the best WWII books I've ever read. And I've read many.
This time Makos tackles a story from the Korean War, and he does so with the same meticulous research and engaging narrative as his previous work. Devotion deals with Navy pilots Jesse Brown (the navy's first black fighter pilot), Tom Hubner, and their fellow pilots on the USS Leyte.
Since I highly encourage you to read this book, I shall not give out any spoilers other than to say that when one of them is shot down near the Chosin Reservoir, the other refuses to leave him to his fate and in the process becomes a hero, and exemplifies the highest standard of brotherhood and friendship.
Makos is a young author, but he's already approaching the pantheon of authors like Ambrose, Kershaw, and Philbrick.
This time Makos tackles a story from the Korean War, and he does so with the same meticulous research and engaging narrative as his previous work. Devotion deals with Navy pilots Jesse Brown (the navy's first black fighter pilot), Tom Hubner, and their fellow pilots on the USS Leyte.
Since I highly encourage you to read this book, I shall not give out any spoilers other than to say that when one of them is shot down near the Chosin Reservoir, the other refuses to leave him to his fate and in the process becomes a hero, and exemplifies the highest standard of brotherhood and friendship.
Makos is a young author, but he's already approaching the pantheon of authors like Ambrose, Kershaw, and Philbrick.
duparker's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this story. it is interesting and fun to read. There is a lot of heart and soul in the story and the characters are honest and feel real. Its non-fiction so you hope that is true, but it isn't always the case. I enjoyed the writing and the way there was a quick start and then recap and then the recap caught up with the story.
beastreader's review against another edition
4.0
I have read lots of war themed books but I have to say I have not read many related to the Korean War. So I was glad to expand my knowledge of other wars and the brave men and women who fight in them. Mr. Makos and his team really did their homework. I am so glad that Mr. Makos got the courage to approach Lt. Tom Hudner and ask for an interview. If he had not I would never have heard the names Lt. Hudner and Ensign Jesse Brown.
This book is more about a friendship that spans into death between Lt. Hudner and Ensign Brown. To me as I was reading this book and the relationship that Lt. Hudner and Ensign Brown had with each other, I saw it as just two people who formed a bond over what they loved and it had nothing to do with the color of their skin. Also, why reading this book I did get a better picture of the Korean War. It is just as important as WWI and WWII. Yes, I do agree with other readers that at times there were sections where it seemed to stretch but on a side note, I did find the bookmarks filled with lots of interesting facts.
This book is more about a friendship that spans into death between Lt. Hudner and Ensign Brown. To me as I was reading this book and the relationship that Lt. Hudner and Ensign Brown had with each other, I saw it as just two people who formed a bond over what they loved and it had nothing to do with the color of their skin. Also, why reading this book I did get a better picture of the Korean War. It is just as important as WWI and WWII. Yes, I do agree with other readers that at times there were sections where it seemed to stretch but on a side note, I did find the bookmarks filled with lots of interesting facts.
gimpyknee's review against another edition
4.0
An excellent account of a truly heroic event. This is not only a story of Navy pilots flying combat sorties in the Korean War but also an exciting telling of Marines in their epic battle of the Chosin Reservoir.
As a Marylander and Civil War buff I do take exception to the author's claim that most Marylanders fought for the South. Approximately 25,000 Marylanders traveled south to fight for the Confederacy while about 60,000 Maryland men served in the Union's forces.
As a Marylander and Civil War buff I do take exception to the author's claim that most Marylanders fought for the South. Approximately 25,000 Marylanders traveled south to fight for the Confederacy while about 60,000 Maryland men served in the Union's forces.
stevem0214's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful, inspirational story. I do have to say it told the story of Tom Hudner (Jesse's last wingman), as much as it told the story of Jesse Brown, the Navy's first African American aviator. But then the story was told by Tom so I guess that makes sense. Just a great story!
vll295's review against another edition
4.0
This book follows two Navy aviators on their adventures of the front lines of Korea. The book captures the lives and overlap of the two as they face the challenges of life both on the field and within their own families. An interesting read about the intersection of war and the impact it has on life.
More about this book can be found on my blog: http://hesaidbooksorme.blogspot.com
Disclaimer: I was awarded this book in a Goodreads giveaway. While I did not pay for the book, the opinions expressed in this book are strictly my own.
More about this book can be found on my blog: http://hesaidbooksorme.blogspot.com
Disclaimer: I was awarded this book in a Goodreads giveaway. While I did not pay for the book, the opinions expressed in this book are strictly my own.