In Harm's Way: The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the Extraordinary Story of its Survivors by Doug Stanton 5 *'s

[MargieD2017]

I have never been in the military service nor have I ever been a victim of any natural disaster or severe accident; however, this book has allowed me to walk in the shoes of those that have survived a torpedoed flagship in the Pacific Ocean on July 30, 1945. Over 5-6 days lost at sea, only 317 men survived in shark invested waters without proper provisions fighting off hallucinations and hanging onto the hope that they would be rescued. Most of these men were afloat in life vests that would become compromised over time and another life vest would need to be taken from a sailor that had succumbed to the elements, or the sharks, to continue on with their own fight for life.

The research and interviews conducted by Doug Stanton, and the close friendships he developed as a result, has allowed him to write with respect and accuracy the harrowing experiences of these men. His sensitivity to their plight and the descriptive artistry of his writing skills have presented a book that is hard to put down once started. It serves as a personal testament of his highest esteem for these men and solicits us all to share in the same. I sure do.

[Joanne]

This is on my TBR shelf glad to see a 5 star rating here! Nice review!

[Book Concierge]

LOVE. THIS. BOOK!!

There is a newer book: Indianapolis: The True Story of the Worst Sea Disaster in U.S. Naval History and the Fifty-Year Fight to Exonerate an Innocent Man that was published last year. I haven't read it yet. It will be hard to compete with Stanton's work.

[Joy D]

I gave this one 5 stars as well. Glad you enjoyed it too, Margie!