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thesauraz's review against another edition
5.0
Gladwell’s genius, for me, is in his gripping, thriller-style in recounting historical events. They’re kind of fringe, but very real, and they leave me wondering, “How have I never heard about this shit before??”
pierce_ellinwood's review against another edition
4.0
First of all, I listened to this as an audiobook, which was its intended form—the print edition was secondary—which is important because it’s an excellent audiobook. The production includes audio from interviews and music and Gladwell is a great vocal performer from his time making Revisionist History.
The ethos of the Bomber Mafia and their dogmatic insistence on pioneering a new brand of war that saves lives is noble and an interesting page in US history. Overall, the book was solid. Gladwell crafts his arguments in such interesting ways and it’s satisfying to see how he ties threads together over the course of the book leading to a satisfying conclusion. It’s not my favorite thing he’s written, but it’s worth listening to if you like his podcast and books.
The ethos of the Bomber Mafia and their dogmatic insistence on pioneering a new brand of war that saves lives is noble and an interesting page in US history. Overall, the book was solid. Gladwell crafts his arguments in such interesting ways and it’s satisfying to see how he ties threads together over the course of the book leading to a satisfying conclusion. It’s not my favorite thing he’s written, but it’s worth listening to if you like his podcast and books.
dale_kooyenga's review against another edition
5.0
You should only do this book on audio. The print form of the book can't capture the historic clips and the passion in Malcolm Gladwell's books as he tells this story. The book perfectly blended historical stories at the strategic, operational and tactical level. In addition, the strategy relating to bombing has its' own philosophical and moral questions to contemplate. The personality and priorities of General Haywood Hansell are in stark contrast to General Curtis Le May serves as a thought provoking compare and contrast on the responsibilities a nation has when conducting a war. Is it best to bomb relentlessly and invoke maximum death and destruction in a short amount of time in order to end a war as soon as possible? Is humanity then best served because war is shorter? Or is it better to follow Hansell's approach and be slow, deliberate and only target key military components which will lengthen the way but will better spare civilians from the horrors of war? This book is a great story that also clearly leaves the reader with the no win decisions associated with conducting a war with ever increasing horrific weapons. I think I agree with Gladwell's conclusion - Le May won the battle, but Hansell won the long term Air Strategy war.
day_fisher's review against another edition
3.0
In war in the 20th century, it was nearly impossible to have a successful bombing run when so many conditions need to align to make it possible. The casualties were unimaginable. This was a historical text that considered the moral implications of war, and an amazing audiobook production but felt muddled at times.
More authors should put as much work into their audiobooks as Gladwell!
More authors should put as much work into their audiobooks as Gladwell!
cebesancon3's review against another edition
3.0
I’d have gone 3.5 stars if I could. This was a fast and enjoyable read. It didn’t relate much new information, but would be an excellent introduction for someone not familiar with strategic bombing during World War Two, particularly in the Pacific Theater.