-
On Mar 09 2010
lennisaw read
D Day: June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II
by
and commented:
Very informational. Something I keep under my bathroom sink. One of my favorite World War II books.
-
On Mar 08 2010
Fred Kiesche (USA) read
The Soldier's Load and the Mobility of a Nation
by
and commented:
A pretty brief book (two long essays). S.L.A. Marshall has something of a reputation nowadays (especially after Hackworth's "About Face" came out), but has produced some good stuff. This essay, on how weight can kill an assault and how staff tends to overburden the soldier makes some great points. And there are some very funny bits that every commander should read, especially the one about the one commander who put on everything that staff had dictated a common soldier should carry--and presented himself to the general of the unit (who obviously had no clue of what his soldiers were being asked to carry!).
-
On Mar 07 2010
Fred Kiesche (USA) read
The Korean War
by
and commented:
A great look at our "forgotten war".
-
On Mar 07 2010
Fred Kiesche (USA) read
Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War
by
and commented:
I can't count the number of times I've read this (or "read" it as an audiobook--alas, abridged) or seen the movie. Excellent study of what went right (how people fought for each other) or wrong (no tanks, leadership mistakes, not sticking to what should have been part of the equipment, etc.). Very highly recommended.
-
On Mar 07 2010
Fred Kiesche (USA) read
The Art Of War
by
and commented:
I've read this several times (and have even "read" it as a audiobook). Be warned that there are multiple editions (and multiple translations). Most seem to prefer the edition by Sawyer, I'm still undecided. A classic work.
-
On Mar 07 2010
Fred Kiesche (USA) read
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
by
and commented:
Had to read this for work one year. Some interesting stuff, but avoid all the "spin-offs" (Covey has run this horse into the ground.). Not everything in the book will work for all, but everybody should find something of use.
-
On Mar 07 2010
Fred Kiesche (USA) read
D Day: June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II
by
and commented:
My favorite book on D Day still remains the classic "The Longest Day", but this one by Ambrose (as well as works by Keegan and others) are good updates/expansions. Hopefully the third volume in Atkinson's "Liberation Trilogy" will be the capstone to this period of the war.
-
On Mar 07 2010
Fred Kiesche (USA) read
The Innovator's Dilemma: The Revolutionary Book that Will Change the Way You Do Business
by
and commented:
I read this during the dotcom bubble and even had the chance to see Christensen speak at a conference (and get my copy autographed). Good way of getting people to think "outside of the box" (which hasn't helped in herding the flock of cats that is my daughter's Odyssey of the Mind team! ;) )
-
On Mar 07 2010
Fred Kiesche (USA) read
Master and Commander
by
and commented:
I've run through the O'Brian tales of Captain Jack Aubrey and his friend Stephen Maturin several times now. They are among my favorites. Hint for new readers: M&C is somewhat slow to start, keep at it and you'll be rewarded handsomely!
"What a fascinating modern age we live in." (J. Aubrey, RN)
March 2010 Update: Just read it again.
-
On Mar 07 2010
Fred Kiesche (USA) read
The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
by
and commented:
Fah. Couldn't get through this one. Too much fluff.
-
On Mar 07 2010
Fred Kiesche (USA) read
Starship Troopers
by
and commented:
One of the best military SF novels out there. How can I say that? Look at the number of author's who have followed in the footsteps (Joe Haldeman, John Scalzi, John Ringo, John Steakley and many others). Good mix of how to train, philosophy and morals, and great action. On the bounce!
-
On Mar 07 2010
Fred Kiesche (USA) read
Fire in the Valley: The Making of The Personal Computer
by
and commented:
An O.K., book, but somewhat aged. I prefer Tracy Kidder's "Soul of a New Machine" for a look on how the IT industry works (also aged, but just a better written book, so has stood the test of time more gracefully).
-
On Mar 07 2010
Fred Kiesche (USA) read
Company Commander: The Classic Infantry Memoir of World War II
by
and commented:
Anything by MacDonald is worth a read, and this intensely personal view of combat is one of his best.
-
On Mar 07 2010
Fred Kiesche (USA) read
We Were Soldiers Once...and Young: Ia Drang - the Battle That Changed the War in Vietnam
by
and commented:
Dang fine book (and a dang fine movie). I would love to have an edition with larger (fold-out) maps.
-
On Mar 07 2010
Fred Kiesche (USA) read
Ender's Game
by
and commented:
While an enjoyable read, I think that Robert A. Heinlein's "Starship Troopers" (which I think this book replaced on the list) is a better read and a better tool for members of the military.