Rating: 
Summary: The Only Military School Novel You Need to Read
Review: There are a couple good novels out that deal with that unique institution of the military school. This is by far the best. I spent a semester at Virginia Military Institute and I can tell you Webb is spot on. If anyone out there is considering entrance into a service academy or private military school, you must read this. It will prepare you better than anything else.Webb delves deep into the fear/pride of being a cadet/midshipman. The constant challenges by upperclassmen, lack of enough time, balancing whether its more important to prepare for a test or spit shine your shoes, the frustration of being essentially incarcerated when you could be at a civilian college sleeping in after a hard night of partying, the sense of belonging to something special. Its all there. Most military school novels focus on the bad. Webb does too to a large extent. You see what is sometimes mineless cruelty in the actions of Wild Bill Fogarty. Also, you'll see less than stellar products of the institution. Examples of this are the mindlessly rule bound Commander Pratt and his understudy Lieutenant Von Yerks. But we also see the good. We see a system in all its beauty and grandeur that transforms boys into men ready to lead their charges into combat. We also see the comradeship that can only be forged in the pressure cooker that is military school. Sadly, we also see the beginning of the end of the warrior caste as it was being slowly but relentlessly overwhelmed by millitary technocrats and ignorant civilians who just wont understand the purpose of military academies. The book is dense with images and characters you will never forget. I first read this novel in 1984. Even after all this time, Captain Lenahan and Midshipman Fogarty seem as clear to me as if they had been my co-workers who I see every day. I can perfectly recall Dean's come arounds. The book is just beautiful. Unfortunately, its hard to get a copy of this book in local book stores. But if youre reading this, youre at Amazon.com! Just punch the order button. You wont regret it!
Rating:
Summary: The Only Military School Novel You Need to Read
Review: There are a couple good novels out that deal with that unique institution of the military school. This is by far the best. I spent a semester at Virginia Military Institute and I can tell you Webb is spot on. If anyone out there is considering entrance into a service academy or private military school, you must read this. It will prepare you better than anything else. Webb delves deep into the fear/pride of being a cadet/midshipman. The constant challenges by upperclassmen, lack of enough time, balancing whether its more important to prepare for a test or spit shine your shoes, the frustration of being essentially incarcerated when you could be at a civilian college sleeping in after a hard night of partying, the sense of belonging to something special. Its all there. Most military school novels focus on the bad. Webb does too to a large extent. You see what is sometimes mineless cruelty in the actions of Wild Bill Fogarty. Also, you'll see less than stellar products of the institution. Examples of this are the mindlessly rule bound Commander Pratt and his understudy Lieutenant Von Yerks. But we also see the good. We see a system in all its beauty and grandeur that transforms boys into men ready to lead their charges into combat. We also see the comradeship that can only be forged in the pressure cooker that is military school. Sadly, we also see the beginning of the end of the warrior caste as it was being slowly but relentlessly overwhelmed by millitary technocrats and ignorant civilians who just wont understand the purpose of military academies. The book is dense with images and characters you will never forget. I first read this novel in 1984. Even after all this time, Captain Lenahan and Midshipman Fogarty seem as clear to me as if they had been my co-workers who I see every day. I can perfectly recall Dean's come arounds. The book is just beautiful. Unfortunately, its hard to get a copy of this book in local book stores. But if youre reading this, youre at Amazon.com! Just punch the order button. You wont regret it!
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding
Review: This is one of the best books that I have ever read. I am looking forward to reading more of James Webb's books. I recently read "A Nightingale Song" and became interested in Webb and the Naval Academy. I found this book easy to read, with good characters, that told a very powerful story.
Rating:
Summary: "A Sense of Honor ' is great reading
Review: When my son was offered an appointment to the United States Naval Academy I decided to find out as much as I could about it. I hadn't heard of this book, but in my search on Amazon it came up with so many favorable reviews that I bought it. I am primarily a reader of non-fiction, but the author of this book crafted it carefully from his memories at Annapolis. The characters are fictional, but many think they are portrayals of the author Webb himself, and possibly of his rival Oliver North of iran Contra fame. The scenes depicted seem real. The daily life of the midshipmen was riveting. I found the book to be a complete hit, and my son did too. The ending was a surprise to me, and I am not sure I know who the heroes and villians are. I have recommended it to others, and think readers that give it a chance won't be disappointed.
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