Flags of Our Fathers

Rating:
Summary: Superb!
Review: One of the finest testimonies to courage, commitment, generosity, psychological maturity, loyalty, fraternity---and faith---that I've read in a long time. FLAGS has given me a renewed understanding, respect and love for my own father and five uncles who served four years in combat all over Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific during World War II. Since reading the book, I've given several copies away and will make it required reading for a seminary course I'll be teaching in the spring for men preparing for the priesthood.

Rating:
Summary: A son searching for his father
Review: The beauty in this book comes not from the wonderfully illuminated illustrations of courage and sacrifice of John Bradley, the 5 other flag raisers and all those who served along side them, it comes from the quest of a son searching for his father. James Bradley's quest for the father he didn't understand takes him on a circuitous route of national archives, WWII reunion groups, forgotten friends and relatives scattered about the country. It took him among other places to Kentucky, Texas, Arizona and even Iwo Jima itself only to discover what he'd known all along; his father was exactly who he appeared to be. The photographic moment that brought to a crescendo the emotions of a nation starved for victory was nothing more than "walking to the mailbox" for the boys who were there. For those of us whose fathers served in WWII, James Bradley's maniacal quest for his father is something to envy. This book is the ultimate tribute to a father.

Rating:
Summary: The Marines Get Their Due
Review: A moving story of the incredible battle of Iwo Jima as told by the son of one of the famous statued flag raisers. If you never had a lot of respect for the marines, you will after reading this. If you already did, it will only become stronger. This is the story that today's young people need to hear, a story of real heroism that was so intense that those who were there were understandably not very interested in retelling and reliving that horrific experience. This is what heroes are made of. If you can keep a dry eye, well, you probably didn't cry when Old Yeller died either.

Rating:
Summary: Flags of our Fathers
Review: This book reveals the lives of the six men who raised the flag in Rosenthal's famous picture of Iwo Jima. However, this book is not for those with a weak stomach. There are some gory descriptions of what happened in the battle of Iwo Jima. Obviously, this book was not intended for a little seven year old. This book will satisfy your hunger for knowledge of what really happened on D-Day and the following month on the island of Iwo Jima. It also tells the truth behind the photograph. One of the strengths of this book is its focus on the lives of the six flagraisers in the most reproduced photograph in history. It gives very detailed descriptions on how these average All-American boys grow up. James Bradley, the author, doesn't focus on any particular boy; he treats them all as equals. Each boy has his own unique story, which keeps the story interesting. His style presents events in an unusual order, which adds a little zest to his story. Flags of our Fathers is a true story, which makes the events more meaningful. James Bradley included maps and pictures relevant to the book, which gives us a better understanding of what these boys were like and what they went through. Although this story is true, it was still interesting. Sometimes true stories can be even more unpredictable. This book also has a very good moral: "the real heroes of Iwo Jima are the guys who didn't come back"(Jack Bradley, James Bradley's father). The book also includes some of the doubts of the photograph. Did Rosenthal stage the picture? Was that figure at the base of the flag Henry Hansen? Who is the mysterious sixth figure? The answers are known to the reader, but the public had its doubts. This book does have a few weaknesses. One of its weaknesses is that it is not made for entertainment; it is made for informing. This means that not all events will be happy or exciting. This book also has sort of a slow start. Instead of starting with a hook, Bradley begins with why he decided to write this book, then he tells of his visit to Iwo Jima ( he doesn't tell of the boys' lives and the famous battle of Iwo Jima until later in the book). Another weakness of this book is that it is similar to a textbook. It is much like a documentary on paper; some of the information is presented in a dull way (not that a documentary is necessarily boring, but its purpose is not to entertain). I would recommend this book to most people. This is a very good book to read, as long as you are part of the intended audience. Anyone who wants to learn more about the history of our country should read this book. If you even think that you might like this book, you probably will. It is very descriptive and shows that truth is sometimes more amazing than fiction. It informs the reader of what Iwo Jima was really like. It exposes the myths of the most important battle of the Pacific war. The book requires a little patience in reading, but it is worth it. You learn how the survivors of these typical American boys get pulled into the spotlight by a picture representing only 1/400th of a second. These boys know that they aren't the real heroes of Iwo Jima; the real heroes are the ones who never made it back home.

Rating:
Summary: Profound in it Simplicity, yet awesome in it's Significance
Review: Wow, I have read so many inspirational books in my lifetime, being an avid reader, that it would be premature and presumptuous of me to say right now, that this book (Flag of Our Fathers) is perhaps the best book I have ever had the pleasure to read. Having just finished it, I am sure I will ponder this question for many days before coming to that conclusion. But I can instantly say that every single American middle school, eighth grade student, (being currently employed at one) should be required to read this book and do a book report upon it. James Bradley has touched upon so many issues and needs of our society today, that it would be impossible in this forum to highlight even a fraction of them. Museums of tolerance are fine, art programs and fund drives are wonderful. But reading this book would keep the legacy and the memory of these reluctant heroes alive, throughout the ages. As a student of history, our founding fathers and mothers, epic tails, and American patriotism, and as a Marine who has been to Iwo Jima (not in combat), I have throughout my life, held many a great literary work, in the highest of esteem. Yet I have just read in Mr. Bradley's new work, one of the most profound and powerful books of my life. James Bradley, his team of consultants and Bantam books, has done the world an immeasurable favor. A job, well done to all. Flag of Our Fathers tells the tale of those Pacific Defenders of our Way of Life, so eloquently that my eyes were filled with tears throughout. It also tells of how men and women like John Bradley continued to be heroes long after their service to their country was over (yet the pain and dreams persisted). It gives a picture of the hundreds of thousands of unsung veterans and other heroes both military and civilian (even without saying it) that pass through our lives on a daily basis. And many of them, we do not even know or recognize. Firemen, policemen, doctors, paramedics, teachers, good Samaritans, etc, etc. Yet these men in this episode in American History (in the Pacific) endured things that only few of us (if any) could imagine or comprehend. But the true underlying tale, is that hero's are just ordinary people, who do extraordinary things and endure terrible tragedy for a cause bigger than themselves. Some out of patriotism, some out of duty, some out of fear, some for anger, their buddies, pride and a hundred other reasons. John Bradley showed the way to true grace, humility and deserved hero status, even after giving full measure of himself on Iwo Jima, a gift and a humble peace few ever obtain. I will undoubtedly now send off in the next few days for The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw, in an attempt to complete or further my yearning for knowing all these WWII heroes better. It is true that I have many treasured books (read and yet to read) on the shelves of my den that I cherish with deep, deep affection, respect and awe. Books of historical philosophical brilliance, patriotic themes, political intuitiveness, and societal relevance. But James Bradley's Flag of Our Fathers will for the rest of my life, be positioned in a place of honor and esteem along with my Bible and the Constitution of the United States of America. Throughout my 26-year career as a United States Marine, my superiors, piers and subordinates alike could always depend upon my desk exhibiting the personal theme I held (not my own to be sure) of God, Country and Corp. My Bible was always there, next to the Constitution and I would place a Military manual next to that to represent the Corp. No longer will that be necessary...for now this book (Flag of Our Fathers) will proudly represent Corp and Community for me. I only wish I had had it all those long years ago while teaching young men and women what it meant to be a true Marine and American. Thank you James and Bantam Books, but most of all thank you John, you are and will always be a true American Hero.

Rating:
Summary: Semper Fidelis
Review: This book is for the Marines who served in the Pacific what "Saving Private Ryan" is to those who served in Europe. The emotions in this book are so strong that with every page I wanted to throw it away, but found that I could not! Through this book I feel that I came to know personally every one of those men who raised the flag on Iwo, and through them, every other person who has ever served in the Armed Forces. I would recomend the book a required reading for every recruit going through Marine "Boot Camp" so that each may know what awesome responsibility goes with their receiving their "Eagle Globe and Anchor". And it also be required reading for every citizen of Japan, so that then may (hopefully) understand that there are certain standards of human decentness, even in the most barbaric circumstances, that transcend all religions and creeds, and until they recognize and acknowledge these, they violate their much chrished Samurai traditions.

Rating:
Summary: If you enjoyed this classic
Review: If you enjoyed this sure to be a classic as much as I did, please check out, on Amazon, "With the Old Breed at Peleliu and Okinawa" by E.B. Sledge, perhaps the best first-person account of fighting on the front lines ever written. Considered the Marine's Bible, this book will also cause you to gaze at our aging vets and our flag in a whole new, grateful way.

Rating:
Summary: True Heroism
Review: Overwhelmed. That's how I felt after finishing this absolutely incredible book. I knew next to nothing about WWII and Iwo Jima prior to this reading, and I am ashamed because of that. The six central figures (the flag-raisers) and some of their surrounding support during that horrible battle really re-define the word "hero", which is used entirely too frivolously today. These men fought without regards for themselves, only for their country, and their fellow marines, and their sacrifices are truly incomprehendable to those of us who have grown up in a society largely devoid of war. It is an inspiring book and a humbling one, at once. If you don't know men named Strank, Gagnon, Sousley, Bradley, Block and Hayes, now is the time to meet them. And thank them. This will bring tears to your eyes, and a new respect for the American flag and all it stands for.

Rating:
Summary: Flags of Our Fathers
Review: Absolutely fabulous book. I felt as though I was there with the infantrymen. Very descriptive. Mr Bradley obviously did a lot of research for it. Tears came to my eyes at the end of the book. Very moving.

Rating:
Summary: Lest we forget...
Review: We are approaching a point in time where the people who lived during and were in World War 2 will not be here for first person accounts. This book gives us a lasting memory of what The Marines did for all of us today. Most of us were not even a twinkle in our father's eye when the young men took on this fight. The story is so well done and interestingly laid out that it is hard to put down. The men and boys of that war should always be seen as heroes as should anyone who dons a uniform in defense of this country. This book is a must read for everyone so they can know what was done for them by people who would never even know them. Thank you vets!