Fred Kiesche has read:
Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph by and commented:
I've read it, but it was quite a while ago so my recollection is somewhat blurred. On Mount Tobereadagain!
(The movie, while romanticized, is also very good. Try to get a restored edition with additional footage, improved print, better sound, etc.)
On War by and commented:
I've read it, but it was quite a while ago so my recollection is somewhat blurred. On Mount Tobereadagain!
The Prince by and commented:
I've read it, but it was quite a while ago so my recollection is somewhat blurred. On Mount Tobereadagain!
Gallipoli by and commented:
I've read it, but it was quite a while ago so my recollection is somewhat blurred. On Mount Tobereadagain!
Longitudes and Attitudes: Exploring the World After September 11 by and commented:
Definitely a instant history. Derived from Friedman's columns and personal notes. Skip this one and go with "Lexus and the Olive Tree", "The World is Flat" or one of his longer and more "timeless" books.
From Beirut to Jerusalem by and commented:
Some of the personalities described have died or moved on, but a very good view of the Middle East (and what a strange place it is).
The World Is Flat 3.0: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century by and commented:
Read Versions 1.0 and 2.0. O.K., but somewhat instant history/analysis. Whether 3.0 is as "dated" as the earlier versions are, I cannot say.
The Generalship Of Alexander The Great by and commented:
I've read it, but it was quite a while ago so my recollection is somewhat blurred. On Mount Tobereadagain!
Decision in Normandy: The Real Story of Montgomery and the Allied Campaign by and commented:
I've read it, but it was quite a while ago so my recollection is somewhat blurred. On Mount Tobereadagain!
Frederick The Great On The Art Of War by and commented:
I've read it, but it was quite a while ago so my recollection is somewhat blurred. Currently being re-read.
Art of Maneuver: Maneuver-Warfare Theory and Airland Battle by and commented:
I've read it, but it was quite a while ago so my recollection is somewhat blurred.
The Lexus and the Olive Tree: Understanding Globalization by and commented:
While some of the people depicted have moved on, a good read to help understand the clash between the have's and have-nots (or the First World vs. the Third World).
The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World: From Marathon to Waterloo by and commented:
I've read it, but it was quite a while ago so my recollection is somewhat blurred. On Mount Tobereadagain!
Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era by and commented:
I've read it, but it was quite a while ago so my recollection is somewhat blurred. On Mount Tobereadagain!
Summons of the Trumpet: U.S.-Vietnam in Perspective by and commented:
I've read it, but it was quite a while ago so my recollection is somewhat blurred. On Mount Tobereadagain!
Citizen Soldiers: The U. S. Army from the Normandy Beaches to the Bulge to the Surrender of Germany by and commented:
Liked Ambrose's books on D-Day, The Band of Brothers and Pegasus Bridge more than this. This one, coming near the end of his career, feels more like a synthesis of his earlier works rather than a good extension (with new material).
The Art of War by and commented:
I've read it, but it was quite a while ago so my recollection is somewhat blurred. On Mount Tobereadagain!
Certain Victory: The U.S. Army in the Gulf War by and commented:
Very dense/informative, but written pretty close to the conflict. Would time passed give us more/better perspective? Also recommended, "Crusade" by Atkinson.
Face of Battle by and commented:
I've read it, but it was quite a while ago so my recollection is somewhat blurred. On Mount Tobereadagain! Overall I have enjoyed all of Keegan's books.
East of Chosin: Entrapment and Breakout in Korea, 1950 by and commented:
I've read it, but it was quite a while ago so my recollection is somewhat blurred. On Mount Tobereadagain!
I do recall this being part (at the time when I read it) of a trilogy, all three being good.
The History of the Peloponnesian War by and commented:
I've read it, but it was quite a while ago so my recollection is somewhat blurred. On Mount Tobereadagain!
Band of Brothers : E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest by and commented:
The story of one unit in the Western Front during WWII. Also an excellent miniseries (but I liked the book better). I also enjoyed "Pegasus Bridge" by Ambrose, which looks at one unit during one action on D-Day.
The Killer Angels: A Novel by and commented:
Very intense, very moving novel about the American Civil War (or the late great unpleasantness). Not a "Northern Book" or a "Southern Book", but a dang fine read.
Baghdad at Sunrise: A Brigade Commander's War in Iraq by and commented:
Very good mix of the personal (both biographical details and day-to-day journal) and the professional (how to win friends and influence people both in the service and in the country you are occupying). Lots of good "COIN" nuggets in the text and the final chapter is a must 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!).
The Korean War by and commented:
A great look at our "forgotten war".
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.
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.
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.
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.
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! ;) )
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.
The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by and commented:
Fah. Couldn't get through this one. Too much fluff.
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!
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).
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.
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.
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.
Rifleman Dodd by and commented:
Read this as part of my non-fiction/military fiction reading program for 2010, following the USMC list as a model. Good story of a soldier who is cut off behind enemy lines for several months (!). He manages to survive and build and irregular force that harasses the enemy until he can rejoin his unit--clothing worn, severely underweight, but with his rifle functioning and his equipment present. Excellent!