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This is my all-time favorite fiction book. It really is, and I still can't find an equal or something remotely close to its quality. When I first saw the book, I was turned off by the amount of pages I had to read (1291 pages) but after I finished the first chapter, I realized that this was the book I was waiting for my entire life. Honestly, I don't know how I was able to live before reading this book. This is a story of Sam Damon, a most noble and gentlehearted soldier. This book is a story of his transformation, of how he changed from a cocky adventurous war volunterr into a saddned yet determined activist for human rights, soldiers' recognition, and ultimately, justice. Sam Damon will capture your heart, twist it, and refine it in order to inspire you to be a man, not a man in a sense of masculinity or gun-toting gung ho but in a sense of being charitable, being considerate and most of all, being noble. As you explore the life of sad old Sam from the Mexican War to World War I to Pearl Harbor to World War II to the early days of conflicts near Vietam, you will experience something wholeheartedly new. It will make you revel in the beauties of the English language but more importantly, it will make you think to a whole new level. This book makes its message not only in being anti-war and anti-racist but it also gives grave insights into philosophy, love, sadness, and even down to ambition gone wrong. This book really shows the guts and glories of the 20th century and allows us to reflect on what the 21st century should hold for us. This book made me think a lot and I thank Anton Myrer for that. But other than the philosophy, the story of Sam Damon is so compelling so interesting so real that I almost feel like Sam Damon actually existed. He was a soldier that fought not for his own ambition but to instill peace and to ensure that those not recognized such as the privates can get what they rightfully earned. He fought in law courts for a Native American and he squared off against military officers who wanted racist policies against African Americans. He fought alongside Chinese guerillas to help them win freedom. He disuaded American officers from outrightly invading Vietnam because such a thing was unethical and harmful. Sam Damon is the true American hero if there ever was one, one who cares for others more than himself and one who doesn't care about what color or what rank you are but caring only for your dignity and for the real things you deserve. Here is a character so desperately needed in this world and here is a story that is sooo moving and touching to the heart. This is a must-read book. It's a looong book I know but I guarantee you, ever page will be well worth the read. Besides War and Peace is about 1000 pages as well, but this one is better. This is simply the best book in the world.Read full review
My son-in-law who is an Air Force Colonel, serving presently in the Pentagon, suggested this book to me. I couldn't find it readily in the bookstores, but my daughter found it on ebay for me. I bought it for $1.00 - the best dollar I ever spent. The length of the book allowed me really to experience with Sam Damon and Ben Krisler their military lives. I came to dislike Court Massengale heartily, but to admire Sam with his creative thinking, humility, and ability to lead his men. The writer of the book, Anton Myrer, has done an excellent job in bringing alive the men in this novel. His own military experiences doubtless made the book real. Until I read this book I had never really understood the Pacific Theater in World War 11. Now it is much clearer to me. You don't have to be military to enjoy this great, well-written, realistic book.Read full review
This is a great book! I have read it a few times over the years, and it is just as interesting now as the first time I read it. Sam Damon gives a glimpse of days when Honor, Courage, Fortitude actually meant something to a man. This book gives a look at the men who fought, lived and died during the various wars we have been involved in. It reminds me of my grandfather, and the stories he used tell, and the ones he never could talk about. I strongly recommend this book, especially to the young men of today. I would love to see this as movie or a mini-series. Just incredible!
Great book for anyone considering service in the military as well as those currently serving. Even if you are a military and history buff, give it a read. The story is timeless and applicable for the times we're in today.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I purchased this used book as a gift for my husband as I had not seen it in our local bookstore. The story is wonderful but the book is MISSING 50 PAGES out of the center. Not good when the main character is a Major on one page and a Lieutenant on the next. Oh well.