Reviews

The Bomber Mafia: A Tale of Innovation and Obsession by Malcolm Gladwell

arounds's review against another edition

4.0

I think we are so often given the golly-gee-ain’t-‘Merica-great version in history books when studying WWII in school. It is from books like this where real stories come to life as actual people battle their morals as well as a war throughout the real events. Heroes depend on who wins, right? Who gets to mold the conversation, the victor, gets to tell their heroic story… This book shows the darker and more human side of decisions America made during the war. I am convinced with the devastating bombings of Japan using napalm were enough to make Japan surrender without the catastrophic usage of atomic weapons.

paigewhiteside's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

I love a Malcolm Gladwell book. He really is one of the best nonfiction authors of our time. 

This isn’t my typical read, but I really enjoyed the Bonus guide with photos and learned a ton about an event I was not familiar with.

Well written and documented. 

lilyreads01's review against another edition

3.0

The Bomber Mafia by Malcolm Gladwell is a nonfiction book that explores the methods and morality of aerial warfare. The book explores the development of technology and progress after the First World War following the men and pilots serving in the The Bomber Mafia which eventually became the United States Air Force. It also explores the two perspectives that emerged after the war from generalised aerial bombardments of large cities to precision bombing of specific targets using the newly developed Norden bombsight with the belief that it could minimise loss of life and shorten the timespan of war. The book details the failures and successes of such visions for aerial warfare supported by historical events in the air war in Europe and the Pacific. Gladwell depicts two figures, Haywood Hansell and Curtis LeMay who were two complex characters with juxtaposing positions on the methods and morality of aerial missions - it was LeMay who employed Napalm and commanded his B-29 bombers to reach Japan on an untested flight path. The book is fascinating and absorbing but I wish it had widened its scope and presented more detail on how The Bomber Mafia was crucial in changing the very fabric of modern aerial warfare. The book was originally conceived as an audiobook and I feel this is reflected in the style of the writing which is accessible and fast paced. Overall an interesting book and I would definitely read more from this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback.

janncampbell's review against another edition

adventurous informative medium-paced

4.0

ellie_outdoors's review against another edition

5.0

-Listened to this on audiobook

-Good gracious, Gladwell. I could listen to you tell stories all darn day. Any topic.

-5 hours long

charliegordon25's review against another edition

informative medium-paced

3.75

jordanw's review against another edition

5.0

Exactly what you’d expect. Does liking ww2 nonfiction now complete my transformation into a dad? Oh no.


Let’s be honest though. Malcolm gladwell is a god damn treasure and he’s what makes this book good.

coolbluecaitorade's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny informative reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

aidanfordays's review against another edition

5.0

Incredible! I learned so much about so many topics in a book supposedly about The Bomber Mafia. And let me tell ya, I was NOT disappointed. It was like sitting down with a friend who is super passionate about a topic and letting them run amok!

10/10!

mercenator's review against another edition

4.0

I know very little about ww2–enough to be dangerous but by no means an expert. As always, Gladwell takes a complex topic, the shift in bombing strategy regarding Japan, and makes it accessible. This is a morally and historically interesting read.