Wednesday, February 18, 2009

New reviews of Ordinary Heroes

Tyler Tichlaar, author of several outstanding historical novels about Marquette, recently agreed to review Ordinary Heroes, including the printed book, digital book, and the documentary video.

Like many readers, Tyler was initially a bit skeptical about the digital book as he really enjoys the look and feel of traditional books. But once he get started, he really go into the digital version of Ordinary Heroes.

You can read his reviews at the links below:

Review of the book:
http://www.superiorbookpromotions.com/superior_book_reviews/OrdinaryHeroesBook.html

Review of the documentary video:
http://www.superiorbookpromotions.com/superior_book_reviews/OrdinaryHeroesDocumentary.html

Author/book site

If you're looking for some good books, or if you're an author with a book that needs exposure, be sure to check out http://www.book-club-queen.com. It's a good site with informative reviews on books you might not otherwise discover.

Author Zone Banner

Sunday, February 15, 2009

February 18, 1945: Riva Ridge

On the night of February 18th, 1945, the 10th Mountain Infantry Division started its first significant engagement of World War II when several companies of the 86th Regiment scaled Riva Ridge at night, with unloaded rifles. They took the Germans by surprise and were able to hold Riva Ridge against determined counter-attacks.

In the following days, the 85th and 87th Regiments advanced on Mount Belvedere and the adjacent peaks Mounts Gorgolesco and della Torraccia. It was a brief, but bitter battle, with the 10th suffering 900 casualties in just a few days.

John Koski had not yet joined the 10th and did not participate in the actions on Riva Ridge, Mount Belvedere, and della Torraccia. He was still in the 8th Replacement Depot waiting to be assigned to a unit. But many of the men that he later served with did participate in the assault on della Torraccia, including his future platoon sergeant, James Orwig, and his future squad sergeant, James Winterbottom.

When John was assigned to the 1st mortar squad of F-85 on Feburary 28th, it was as a replacement for one of the men killed or wounded on della Torraccia the previous week.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Ordinary Heroes featured at Atlas Books

Atlas Books is featuring Ordinary Heroes: Six Stars in the Window on their Web site.

I think they did a good job with the write-up, part of which I'll post below.

"That detailed information and first-person interviews made it possible to for Dan to reconstruct their experience in a very detailed and compelling manner. "It's difficult for us as civilians to fully appreciate what soldiers have to do," he explains, "but I believe that those who read this book will get a glimpse into the heart of the WWII generation, they'll get a glimpse of what it means to be a soldier."

To read the full review, go to:
http://www.atlasbooks.com/authorspotlight/asoja.htm

While you're there, browse through the other books available from Atlas Books. They feature some very good books, many of which you may not find at your local bookstore.