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Summary: This book should be read by all those battling cancer
Review: I read this book once , then reread it when I was undergoing chemotherapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma. One thing that struck me was that Nick Rowes poor nutriton and treatment from his captors left his body with symptoms that were not unlike the side effects of chemotherapy. On top of everything else he had to deal with :interrogations , torture; Nick Rowe had constant and lingering physical illnes (not to mention insects trying to devour him). The entire time he is focused on keeping himself and his fellow prisoners alive despite having physical ailments that would have most of us resign ourselves to our deaths. This is the most inspiring book you will ever read. It will inspire you you to overcome any adversity or illness and will make you re evaluate your life. Ever see that in a review for some self help guro?This man deserves a statue , 25 feet tall .staring out in the direction of the city on Hanoi. RIP hero
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Summary: Five Years to Freedom
Review: I remember reading this book when I was in high school. Now, almost a quarter century later, I STILL remember this book. I'm buying another copy, as time has ravaged my original copy.This book really helps put life in perspective. Our concerns pale in comparison. It also gives me the deepest respect for those who were POW's as well as those who have borne the brunt of war. People such as these are the true heroes of our time.
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Summary: A testament to the strength of the human spirit
Review: I remember watching an interview with COL Rowe about his time as a POW and was amazed by his story and will to survive when most would have give up. Recently, I read John McCain's book and was inspired by his story as a POW and decided to research other POW memoirs. In doing so, I was happy to discover COL Rowe's book and amazed that it hasn't become more mainstream reading. It is one of the most important books I've ever read - it shows us all that we can conquer any obstacle with the power of will and courage. - COL Rowe is an example to us all for his will, courage and patriotism. - Several years ago I found his grave at Arlington National Cemetary and have visted several times since. The following poem was etched on his gravestone and is something that I immediately memorized and have used in my own life to bolster the necessary courage and optimism to survive the struggles that life sometimes hands us. I only wish I could thank COL Rowe for his words that helped me in a very dark chapter of my life. - "So look up ahead at times to come, Despair is not for us; We have a world and more to see, While this remains behind" -J.N. Rowe, 1964
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Summary: Five Years to Freedom
Review: I tried to rescue Nick Rowe on a night I describe in my book, "Outlaws in Vietnam"--ever since then I have wanted to know more about this incredible man and his POW story. His writing in this book is richer and more descriptive than I was prepared for, and I went through his entire captivity with him, while reading it. This sorrowful horror could have happened to any of us in the Delta, and this expereince should be required reading for anyone interested in that war. Communism definitely is not nice--and now that this country is under this control, we should not forget the sacrifices American men made for the Vietnamese during this civil war.
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Summary: Five Years to Freedom
Review: I tried to rescue Nick Rowe on a night I describe in my book, "Outlaws in Vietnam"--ever since then I have wanted to know more about this incredible man and his POW story. His writing in this book is richer and more descriptive than I was prepared for, and I went through his entire captivity with him, while reading it. This sorrowful horror could have happened to any of us in the Delta, and this expereince should be required reading for anyone interested in that war. Communism definitely is not nice--and now that this country is under this control, we should not forget the sacrifices American men made for the Vietnamese during this civil war.
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Summary: Must reading for any student of the Vietnam War
Review: I was learned of James "Nick" Rowe's book "FIVE YEARS TO FREEDOM" on the old Robert K. Dornan TV show in Los Angeles way back in the early 1970's. I bought it and read it back then. In Five Years to Freedom, James Rowe exemplefies all that is good in the American Soldier. All that is good in the Vietnam Vet. Courage, Honor, Duty, so absent today by our political leaders. I never knew or met Col. Rowe, but I felt after reading his book, that I was family. And I cried. When he was assinated in the P.I., I re-read it, and cried again. As a vet, I will miss Nick. GOD BLESS JAMES. This book is A MUST read for all student's of the Vietnam War, and should be read at the HIGHEST LEVELS OF OUR GOVERNMENT. WELCOME HOME NICK.
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Summary: Must reading for any student of the Vietnam War
Review: I was learned of James "Nick" Rowe's book "FIVE YEARS TO FREEDOM" on the old Robert K. Dornan TV show in Los Angeles way back in the early 1970's. I bought it and read it back then. In Five Years to Freedom, James Rowe exemplefies all that is good in the American Soldier. All that is good in the Vietnam Vet. Courage, Honor, Duty, so absent today by our political leaders. I never knew or met Col. Rowe, but I felt after reading his book, that I was family. And I cried. When he was assinated in the P.I., I re-read it, and cried again. As a vet, I will miss Nick. GOD BLESS JAMES. This book is A MUST read for all student's of the Vietnam War, and should be read at the HIGHEST LEVELS OF OUR GOVERNMENT. WELCOME HOME NICK.
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Summary: Excellent book about the horrors of war
Review: I was with COL Rowe when they brought him back on active duty in 1976 to teach at FUSAAIS. "From one Green Beret to Another" is how he signed by copy. When he was assassinated in 1989, all of Special Forces wept.
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Summary: Truly magnificent human being
Review: James Rowe represents exactly what it means to be an American. He battled with disease, starvation, and the most inhuman abuse that can be imagined, yet he remembered the cause he was fighting for even when it appeared his own nation had turned its back on that cause. James Rowe witnessed first hand the effects of communism on a nation and its people. For him, the enemy was well defined. We were fighting those who attemted to deprive people of human rights and basic freedoms that Americans back home were taking for granted. Before I read his book, I didn't have a grasp on what it meant to be free. I know now that we as Americans must stand up for the freedoms afforded us by our constitution. We can't allow the corruption of government. Some may say that there is nothing worth fighting for but they would certainly change there ideas if they had gone through what James Rowe went through. There are things that are things worth fighting for. James Rowe understood this and never strayed from his beliefs even through years of attempted indoctrination. When reading his detailed accounts of the suffering inflicted on him by his captors, tears came to my eyes many times. It was inspiring at the same time to see the strength of the human spirit carry him through times of trial. And through it all, he remained true to himself and his country. He deserves all of our gratitude. I recommend this book to every American. Let's not choose the synical or pessimistic view of our government. Let's protect it!
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Summary: The most gripping story I've ever read.
Review: Mr Rowe suffered five years of unimaginable horror for values he believed in. The strength of his character is incredible. While telling his story, he also tells us what a true hero is like. It's not Rambo or Chuck Norris single-handedly blowing their way out of a POW camp. Rather, it is one mans daily struggle for physical, mental and spiritual survival. God bless him.
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