Rating: 
Summary: After 20 years
Review: As a former crewman on the USS Parche, SSN 683,(chapters 10, 11 & 12 in the book) I swore an oath, not to discuss our missions. I intend to keep that oath. However, this Christmas, my oldest son will get a copy of Blind Man's Bluff. Inside there will be a note reading,"Now you know why I wasn't always home". Blind Man's Bluff is an easy to read, accurate and well written book. It delivers a realistic account of the hardships suffered by both the crewmen and their families. The men described in Blind Man's Bluff volunteered for the Navy, volunteered for submarine duty and volunteered for special operations. They took their ships into "harms way" and returned with information vital to America's security. American submariners owe the author a debt of gratitude for finally telling this story.
Rating: 
Summary: Former boomer sailor says its worth a read.
Review: I agree with the Nov 15 Pearl Harbor reviewer, in that this is worth reading for the new bits of information that were not formally published. While I would not consider it "edge of my seat suspense", the authors do a nice job of connecting heretofore scattered or buried information. They have erased some myths and produced plausable stories. There is no doubt while on a boomer for 4 years, I missed a lot of excitement. In hindsight, after reading this book, I'm not sorry I missed it. Finally, to the men on the Thresher, Scorpion, the Soviet boats, and the thousands of lost submariners from prior wars and times, I can only offer my respect, admiration, and deep sorrow for the horror they experienced and sacrifice they made. May God be with their families, and may they never be forgotten.
Rating:
Summary: Participant says book tells acurate story, but not all!
Review: As a particpant in a major component discussed in this book, I can confirm that much of what is told is accurate, with the proviso that some of the more personal details are "enhanced" slightly.Also, they know alot, but there's still more to know.
Rating: 
Summary: While this book has many facts, it contains numerous errors.
Review: The book addresses a few of the events that took place, but contains many errors. Non-nuclear weapons do not have low order yeild explosions. The facts on Scorpion are less than accurate, draws conclusions based on what might have happened. The picture of hull damage is actually a missing messenger bouy. Sargo is the SSN583, NR1 has a crew 10 times the size quoted in the book. The reason you had to draw these conclusions is that this is still the Silent Service and responsible personnel that served in it do not speak out!
Rating:
Summary: Unquestionably ACCURATE and OUTSTANDING reading.
Review: As a former "SPOOK" myself I can attest to the accuracy of Blind Man's Bluff, which I found nothing short of OUTSTANDING reading. Having made several similar missions on USN Submarine platforms I felt that the information disseminated in this book was long over due. I have read the response by the United States Navy and compare it to the Clinton denial. The only thing that could have been included in the book was the collision I was involved in, which resulted in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and eventual discharge from the USN after a 12 year Naval career. The PTSD was never diagnosed or treated in by the Navy while in the service, or after several attempts to ask for help through my Congressman and Senator from PA. One of the mysterious Agencies finally did help me 3 years after discharge, and the Veterans Administration has both diagnosed me and treated me for the last 4 years. The material in this book was well researched and well written and I commend anyone and all involved in the writing of this book.
Rating:
Summary: Obviously well researched
Review: I'm surprised at the attention given to what I would have assumed to be classified information. I'm former (surface) Navy and had an acquaintence who was the XO on one of the boats mentioned in this book as well as a family member who was on the Seawolf during the time period referenced here and another family member who was involved in this type of activity. This book opened my eyes to some of the dangers that they faced and gives me reason to pause and give thanks for their safe return.
Rating:
Summary: Reading Untold History at it's BEST
Review: This is an outstanding book for it also touches on the human side of life inside Subs crammed with the difficlties we in the Submarine force had to endure during long patrols. The human sacrifices made by very brave men who put there lives on the line in the name of freedom which you have so eloquently written about. Serving 26 years in the submarine force starting on the USS CUSK SS348 in the late fifties I truly understood your wonderful book. Even then we too were doing things like what you wrote about. Perhaps not as glamourous but just as dangerous for it was also cold war intelligence by vintage submarines. I would like to thank you for writing about this subject and educating the public so they may better understand just how great that small amount of American Submarines sailors are. Thank you very much for your efforts. Very Respectfully Jim
Rating:
Summary: Finally, our story is told
Review: I read the book, met the author and lived submarines for over 20 years of my naval career. The author is genuine and so is the book. Both are outstanding!
Rating:
Summary: An excellent, fast paced "story" which is actually history!
Review: This book does an excellent job of weaving a story together about something that remains a mystery to the world. It describes the Cold War in a new light and helps explain how so many particular personalities affected global events. A very personal, descriptive account which kept its engaging tone through the very end.
Rating:
Summary: Exciting, frightening and a terrific read!
Review: This book really gave me a completely different view of submarine warfare, espionage and the men who crew those subs. It also gave me the true humanity within some very terrifying situations. What impacted on me, more than anything, was the fact that it was based on very well researched actual events. Having grown up in Spokane, Washington with SAC Headquarters sending Bombers out during various world crisis, I see now that those B-52's and other aircraft were apparently only one part of the Cold War story. How did I know that "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea" had become a reality?! Great reading.
|
