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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
adventurous
informative
It was grounding to hear about Chester's experience as a child in the 1920s and how the Navajo people were treated by our country, and that despite that experience he was dedicated to fighting on our country's behalf in a way that only the Navajo people could. The development and use of the code used during WWII was fascinating.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
slow-paced
One thing I took from this book is the human cost of war. We usually think about war in the abstract: which countries are fighting, what resources they’re trying to get, who is “winning”. But hearing a first hand account of a soldier actually fighting, killing, watching his peers be killed is absolutely chilling. Hearing about how human life is so casually thrown away by the powers that be is unnerving and deeply radicalizing.
An important story, well (if not exceptionally well) told. This is the story of a single individual's experience as a Navajo code talker, and never pretends to be a comprehensive history of that important part of the Pacific theater in WW2. That said, Chester Nez's personal experience growing up in a Navajo community and going to boarding schools adds considerable depth to the story that would likely be missing from a more detailed, specific history of the code talkers.
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
I read this title for my book club’s March 2021 espionage theme. This is the fascinating true story of the Navajo code talkers, a cohort of Navajo men recruited to the U.S. Marines during WWII to develop a code from their own language that the Japanese military would be unable to break. Told by one of the original Navajo code talkers, Chester Nez.
I find myself in tears at the end of this one, reflecting on not only Nez’s hardship of going to battle during WWII but also the devastation he faced after returning home. Without spoilers, I’ll say that this man went through a hell of a life before and after war and came out the other side so grateful for his experiences and happy, standing tall while most people would crumble. It is not the best written military account I’ve read, but that does not discount Nez’s experiences and the ability of the reader to connect with him and learn how he was able to navigate life. What he did for this country was incredible and should never be forgotten.
Chester Nez was one of the original code talkers during World War II. Along with the others, he helped develop the code that remained unbreakable throughout the way, and until it was no longer in use. After helping to develop the code, he spent the rest of his time in the military in the Pacific Theatre, using the code to protect American intelligence, and preserve American lives. He comes across as faithful to Navajo traditions, and both humble and hard-working in his own right.
Excellent biography based on extensive interviews with Chester Nez himself. Describes his childhood and teenage years, which directly influenced his ability to help create and then use the Navajo code in WWII. Recounts his activities during the war, and then more briefly describes his life after the war. Well-written, and there is nothing better than hearing directly from the subject of the biography.
Excellent biography based on extensive interviews with Chester Nez himself. Describes his childhood and teenage years, which directly influenced his ability to help create and then use the Navajo code in WWII. Recounts his activities during the war, and then more briefly describes his life after the war. Well-written, and there is nothing better than hearing directly from the subject of the biography.
This was a difficult book to put down. What a fascinating life and an incredible story of duty to one’s country (made more admirable seeing as Navajos weren’t even allowed to vote). Truly inspiring and was told in a way that made you feel like you were next to him in the foxhole. The examples of the Navajo way of life made me reflect on my own perspective of the world. Often in the few days of reading I’ve found myself thinking back about what I’ve read while away from the book. It’s left me wanting to learn more about the tribe as well as the brilliance of the Navajo code used in WWII.
informative
inspiring
tense
Clear, in depth, and so descriptive. An incredible story. See guys, this is why diversity is important and cultural differences need to be celebrated and embraced! /end sjw-ing
adventurous
informative
inspiring
tense