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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.
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Six brothers went to war… five came home.
ReplyDeleteSix stars in the window - 5 Blue - 1 Gold.
A compelling and poignant true journey into the lives, and unfortunately and sadly, the death of one of those brothers during the “Good War”. Dan Oja not only does a marvelous job of weaving together the entire family’s story… their dreams… their fears… their rock-solid family ties, but in the digital version (I read the downloaded version from my laptop while traveling) Dan’s gift of evoking powerful emotions through written words is surpassed by his bringing the characters to life through the magic of data links, archival photos and video clips, and personal interview videos.
As a post WW-II twenty-three year U.S. Navy veteran submariner (Viet Nam and so-called “Cold” War) I, fortunately, never had to experience the particular dangers and hardships endured by those ordinary (yet remarkably in their own way NOT very ordinary) men and women. I have been blessed though… and honored, to have personally met and know some of those involved. To hear first-hand accounts of how a soldier nicknamed “Speed” sacrificed losing a hand to an exploding grenade to save the lives of innocent Italian civilians. Or watching a video interview of Bill Kehres, a now 80-somethng 10th Mountain Division Ski Trooper, relate how he angrily (albeit fortunately futilely… he now concedes) fired his M-1 at a U.S. fighter plane that was accidently strafing friendly troops… namely him… as he lay severely wounded and awaiting medical evacuation. Or to read about the fears one Koski brother had to control… to face, again and again, the horrors he saw as a navigator on B-17 bomb runs. There are so many other explicit examples in this story.
Whatever your age… whatever your generation… whatever your feelings about war… whatever your military experience… read this book! It is not only tremendously entertaining and historically accurate, but it will also give you an insight and appreciation of people and events you may not have experienced before.
Bob Gerle www.RockyMountainSubVets.com
Hi Bob,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed the book!
Dan Oja