Hiroshima

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Summary: This book shows the reality of the dropping of the A-bomb
Review: John Hersey's Hiroshima demonstrates the reality and the horror in the aftermath of the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. This compelling story leads the reader through the story of six peope facing the tragedy of the bomb. The reality and the awareness of cruelty combine to make an excellent, well written story of some survivors of the atomic bomb. Anyone interested in World War II should read this book.

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Summary: Graphic detail.
Review: The times and trials of the people who survived the dropping of the bomb are vividly told in John Hersey's Hiroshima. The graphic detail, as told by the six eyewitnesses, really pulls you into Hiroshima, Japan, the day the bomb was dropped. It has amazing detail, and shows the horrors of the atomic bomb. If any person ever wants to know what the day to day life of the people in Hiroshima was before and after the dropping of the bomb, this is the book for you. On the other hand, if you just want to learn about the death and destruction of the atomic bomb dropped by the Americans, this book is very detailed. Although the book shows a lot of destruction and death, it is an easy and good read.

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Summary: Not a bad book. Very interesting.
Review: While Hiroshima was interesting, it was not as exciting or suspenseful as a fictional story might be. It was, however, a compelling story that helped give a better view into what happened on the fateful day when Hiroshima was bombed, and it did hold my interest. While it was somewhat graphic, I was at times enthusiastic to get back and read more. It was a fascinating account of the bare truth. I would recommend it.

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Summary: A bomb was dropped on Hiroshima in August 1945
Review: Hersey let the facts speak for themselves. They did so with terrible eloquence...100,000 men women and children were killed. However it had to be done to stop the Japanese taking all of Asia.

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Summary: Provides a different take on an all-too-familiar subject.
Review: Much has been written and taught on the ethics of using atomic weaponry on Hiroshima as well as the justifications for doing so. Hersey covers what we WEREN'T taught...the perspectives of those most affected by the atomic bomb and the extremely detailed horrors that they experienced. This book, in and of itself, is not enough information to comprise the entire history lesson on Hiroshima. It is, however, an excellent supplement to history lessons as an account of the true effects of atomic weaponry as viewed by the people who are most qualified to tell the story...the hibakusha.

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Summary: This book was historical and interesting- but no cigar.
Review: HIROSHIMA by John Hersey was historical and educational, but I had no emotions for the situations or characters for some reason, and c'mon- that's what gets people drawn. The only situations that got me stirred up were the many gruesome ones. If you do read it, read it for pleasure. Not for a class that will force you to destroy the story's mood by writing notes. Try this book though, it DOES show the strong effects the A-bomb did and the reactions and destruction the helpless city of Hiroshima faced.

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Summary: This book was great in informing me about what happened.
Review: It was a great book. It tells what actually happened on the day the bomb was dropped and it is told through the memories of six survivors. Some parts of the book were a little too vivid, but I like that part. Two thumbs up!

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Summary: John Hershey is a genius
Review: John Hershey makes you feel like you're one of the survivors. He really brings out the Nakamura's story and Dr.Saski's struggle. Thought he did not write much about Ms.Sasaki, it still came out great.

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Summary: Hersey grabs you with his "facts only" story.
Review: The book may be small, the writing may seem simplistic, but this account from several survivors of the first atomic bombing truly drives home the horror of what happened. By leaving out the "drama", Hersey effectively translates the shock, the mind-numbing horror that was experienced by the people of Hiroshima during and after the dropping of the bomb.

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Summary: A quiet and unassuming writing packs a punch
Review: In a style reminiscent of Walter Lord's "A Night to Remember," John Hersey succeeds in presenting quite literally the ground-zero view of the horror of what human beings can do to each other, given the right (or wrong) ingredients. The writing is very matter-of-fact, and Hersey succeeds. With his talent, he could have very well made an elaborate drama out of Hiroshima, to make it so-called an "interesting" read. Instead, Hersey seems to have focused on the raw but still intimate fact of what happened, and left it with the reader to react to it, instead of spoon-feeding a "proper" response. As such, the book leaves an impression of being unsophisticated, and accomplishes its task because of it. This is an excellent piece.