Crossing the Line: A Bluejacket's World War II Odyssey (Bluejacket Books)

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful memoir of the life of a young Navy sailor during
Review: Alvin Kernan's "Crossing the Line: A Bluejacket's World War II Odyssey" is a wonderful memoir of the life of a young Navy sailor during World War II. Written in a humorous and sophisticated writing style, it provides the reader with a strong sense of what it was like for a young boy to leave his home and spend four years growing up in the midst of a war at sea. I am sure that Kernan's experience parallels that of my grandfather, who left rural Arkansas for the first time ever as a young 17-year old to take part in large Pacific invasions. If only young people today could understand the sacrifice and hard work that these young men faced. Kernan vividly makes his youth come to life with "Crossing the Line." A must read for avid readers of Navy and World War II subjects.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful memoir of the life of a young Navy sailor during
Review: Alvin Kernan's "Crossing the Line: A Bluejacket's World War II Odyssey" is a wonderful memoir of the life of a young Navy sailor during World War II. Written in a humorous and sophisticated writing style, it provides the reader with a strong sense of what it was like for a young boy to leave his home and spend four years growing up in the midst of a war at sea. I am sure that Kernan's experience parallels that of my grandfather, who left rural Arkansas for the first time ever as a young 17-year old to take part in large Pacific invasions. If only young people today could understand the sacrifice and hard work that these young men faced. Kernan vividly makes his youth come to life with "Crossing the Line." A must read for avid readers of Navy and World War II subjects.

Rating:
Summary: Spare, lucid, and thoroughly unforgettable.
Review: Kernan says the most with the least words. This is the mark of a truly great writer; and the fact that I clearly remember every single scene and event in Crossing the Line -- after several years -- tells me that this is a truly great book. I lack the words to express my admiration of the author and my awe of his past.

Rating:
Summary: A little-known modern classic
Review: The modesty and intelligence of this amazing book are equalled only by the gripping story it tells. One of the best memoirs of youth, war and manhood I have ever seen.