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roseleaf24's review against another edition
4.0
It shocks me that I knew nothing of this, living as close to Port Chicago as I did for a majority of my life. As with all great nonfiction, this is a story that should be much more widely known. The segregation that was policy in the US military during World War II was shocking, as well. The story of men who refused to bow to it is beautifully told here, in an engaging and complete way.
bfitz425's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
breakfastgrey's review against another edition
4.0
Whereas I went into Bomb and Fallout with a decent background on the subject matter, I went into this one not having even heard of the titular event outside of the “Also By This Author” lists inside other Sheinkin books. More focused than the sprawling international epics of the two aforementioned books, Port Chicago 50 focuses in on a single event and group with laser-like precision while still fleshing out the history of its era. It’s a terrific read that is definitely recommended for people looking for a complex Civil Rights-era read tackling a less-heralded, but still important event.
posies23's review against another edition
5.0
I don't have much to add that other reviewers haven't already said. This is a well-written non-fiction account of fifty black sailors that stood up to their commanders and refused to work in dangerous conditions. Steve Sheinkin really keeps the story moving, and he does a fabulous job of letting the men speak for themselves, when possible. This would be a great book to teach in schools, especially when looking at racism and standing up for what you believe in despite the consequences.
Highly recommended for everyone.
Highly recommended for everyone.
bickie's review against another edition
4.0
Important story told in accessible language. Would be interesting to pair with 57 Bus. This kind of injustice is not in the past, it's still part of the present.
mmotleyu's review against another edition
4.0
I can't believe I hadn't heard about this event before. This look into the segregation and discrimination during WWII is at times difficult to read because it wasn't that long ago. The detailed description of the trial dragged on a bit for me, which is the only reason I gave it 4 stars. I also liked learning how Thurgood Marshall and the NAACP played a part in this as well. I did listen to this as an audio book and then went and grabbed the print copy to see what I had missed. The photos and historical documents are an important part of this story, which did not come across on audio. From now on, I won't listen to Sheinkin books, but will read the print versions.
lindseyslittlelibrary's review against another edition
4.0
I love finding books likes this. A story of an event that changed our history yet so few probably know it even happened.
alboyer6's review against another edition
5.0
Another fantastic nonfiction from Sheinkin that sheds light on a little known tragic piece of WWII and civil rights history. Shorter than some of his previous works, he manages to cram in original source documents and tons of quotes from interviews of some of the 50 convicted soldiers. Yet he still manages to make a compelling story not just a resuscitation of facts. Good stuff.