Introduction to the WW2 Site - Please Say Hi Showing 1,001-1,050 of 4,899

[David]

Hi, Anne:

Since you mentioned a particular interest in WWII and Germany, if you haven't already read it, you should find "A Higher Call" a fascinating read. I just recently finished it and it was probably one of the best books of any genre that I have read lately. Oh, and welcome to the group.

[Anne]

A and P is Anatomy and Physiology. My favorites so far have been Vasily Grossman's stuff, Saul Friedlander's stuff, Ambrose ( who was a professor of mine in undergraduate ) and Martin Gilbert.

[Wade]

Mike wrote: "Welcome Anne! Glad you found us and hope you find something interesting here. It's a great group."

Yes indeed Anne you have found THE place dealing with WW2,Welcome.

[Anne]

I want to address my Finnish colleague, Tytti, whom I agree with wholeheartedly. I don't feel as though I learned much history in school at all. Most of my learning has been since college in this. Finland's Winter War is an example, along with the Baltic countries. I read several books on the Winter war and I felt like that was such a horrible situation that a group of people could be in, and their nobility and pride was astonishing.

When we think of WWII from the American standpoint, we see it as justified. At least against the Japanese, and in friendship for England and France. But Poland, and Finland, and the Balkans - what did they get out of it, except changed borders, and being bargaining pieces on a diorama? And massive loss of life.

Lawrence Keeley's book, War Before Civilization, tells us that conflict and opposing one's "enemies", goes WAAAY back. So it goes on, but the perspective is what is important. When you come from one of the powerful nations, you are taught that theirs is the "correct" viewpoint. That's why I love reading history and this wonderful era of the Internet. We can read and learn all the perspectives and not be such ethnocentrics!

[Anne]

Hi,
I am Anne C. and have been on GR for a few years. My favorite genre's are Historical fiction (taking place in Europe), WWII non-fiction and fiction Europe only, and thrillers and mysteries. I am a published author of one book and a novella ready for pub. I love Dogs, reading, Arabian horses. I am retired and live in Florida, USA with my five mini wirehaired dachshunds. I lost my last Irish Wolfhound last November and am unable to get another due to my disability.

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Welcome to the group Anne, and please make yourself at home and join in as you wish.

[Robert]

Anne wrote: "Hi,

My name is Anne and I am a high school and college instructor. I have a degree in history but have never used it; I actually teach Forensic Science and biology and A and P. I read a great deal..."

Welcome to the group, Anne. I think many of us are interested in WWII because it changed our world so much. I know, also, that today's younger generation doesn't retain our interest--not to the level of ours, at least--and don't learn as much about it as they should.

[Robert]

Anne wrote: "Hi,
I am Anne C. and have been on GR for a few years. My favorite genre's are Historical fiction (taking place in Europe), WWII non-fiction and fiction Europe only, and thrillers and mysteries. I a..."

We can never have too many Annes!

[Anne]

LOL :)

[Nadia]

Hello, I'm Nadia and I love any type of historical fiction but I have a special interest in World War II. Both fiction and nonfiction.

I am currently in college for either art history or anthropology..



So.. Hello! :3

[happy]

Welcome Anne and Nadia

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Welcome to all our new members, I hope you all have a fun time here in the group which is full of great and interesting people.

[Colin]

David wrote: "Hi, Anne:

Since you mentioned a particular interest in WWII and Germany, if you haven't already read it, you should find "A Higher Call" a fascinating read. I just recently finished it and it was ..."

A Higher Call is a great book my friend Adam makos wrote, and I had the privilege of proofing and contributing data. It is the best companion book to my The Star of Africa, they dovetail each other.

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Nadia wrote: "Hello, I'm Nadia and I love any type of historical fiction but I have a special interest in World War II. Both fiction and nonfiction.

I am currently in college for either art history or an..."

Welcome to the group Nadia, feel free to join in as you wish.

[Anne]

Colin wrote: "David wrote: "Hi, Anne:

Since you mentioned a particular interest in WWII and Germany, if you haven't already read it, you should find "A Higher Call" a fascinating read. I just recently finished ..."

I just got it from the library.

[Rory]

Hi, I am Rory, and new to Goodreads. I have collection over a few thousand books covering WWII (read most and good portions of others but hoping to win lottery so I may spend more time reading these! Oh, and I so like Aussie Rick's theory about longevity and books to read!

To Anne C---try Fall from Grace by Larry Collins---my favorite historical fiction. Of recent years, would have to add in David Robbins War of the Rats and Citadel.

Oh, and I highly recommend to anyone who isn't aware, http://stonebooks.com/ Been using them to catch new titles since 1996.

Thanks. Looking forward to what books are chosen for September Eastern Front discussion. Any hints, yet?

[Rory]

Quick question---I had recently listened to Thomas Rick's The Generals through Audible, and first chapters cover WWII and set standard of comparison for rest of book. Not necessarily sure I agree with his conclusions, but the topic of relieving commanders in battle has always fascinated me--I think Clay Blair's Forgotten War gives breathtaking account of it in Korean War but I only see it touched on in passing in WWII books. When commanders are relieved or replaced it rates a sentence or paragraph. Can anyone recommend any WWII books that cover the leadership in WWII at Corps or Division or Battalion level, going into detail why one was relieved and what replacement did differently?
Also, can anyone recommend any good books on Iron Mike Michaelis? His stepping up both at Normandy and Korea is an example of that positive leadership transition.
Thank you.

[happy]

Welcome Rory

[Michael]

Hello WW2RG!

I found this group after being notified that Tionne had actually "liked" my rambling review I wrote about "Jimmy Stewart: Bomber Pilot." I clicked on the individual's name, and discovered they were a member of this group, and being a WW2 nerd I couldn't resist joining-up :)

I'm in my mid-fourth decade of life, am happily married 20 years with three girls, I have degrees in military, Soviet history and print journalism. I also earned a masters in graphic design, which is how I pay for all my books ;)

One thing I like about reading history, is the really amazing people you meet FROM reading history.

I'd like to share a story with you all, that I've written about and shared with others since it happened to me 15 years ago, while I was on a business trip with my then client, Celebrity Cruise Line, aboard one of their newer ships heading into the Caribbean.

I was at the stern near the aft bar, sitting at a teak table and working my way through a great many fruity drinks and JC Fest's then new work on Hitler, titled simply, "Hitler," when an elderly gentleman in a Panama hat, hawaiian-print shirt, chinos and sandals walked-up to my table and asked to sit down...

I'm immediately thinking "Boys from Brazil" by his appearance, but then I notice this faded blue scrawl of numbers on the inside of his arm as he reaches-out to shake my hand...and know exactly who this man is. A survivor. My first question after we both say hello is, "I'd be honored if you'd share your story with me. Which camp were you in?"

He was a little bit taken aback, because he hadn't met anyone my age (a pity) recognize the tattoo for what it was and meant, so quickly. He said he had been watching me (creepy) from a deck above, as he could see the cover of the book I was reading. He wanted to know WHY I was reading it, and what my feelings were of Hitler; he knew young people didn't always read history or were aware of the Holocaust. He told me he feared I might be one of those deniers, as he told me he spent the years after the war verbally sparring with their number around the world, as he and others "bore witness" to what they experienced.

He was pleased I wasn't what he feared, and was more what he hoped others were — versed and well read on the subject.

We talked for an hour. Maybe longer. Time both flew and stood still. He was then newly retired, but he had spent the post-war years lecturing around the world and then later setting-down roots in Florida where he taught high school. Despite me asking at the top of our conversation for his story, we got to it only at the end of our conversation, when he realized he hadn't told me yet.

His story was as you'd imagine horrific, unbelievably heartbreaking and tragic. He was a Pole, rounded-up in one of the last ghettos when he was in his very early 20s. His family was immediately sent to the chambers, and he was sent to the labor camps. He said he was marched from camp to camp as the Soviets began to push the Germans out of Eastern Europe, and by the time he reached what would ultimately be his last camp, he was skeletal, diseased and wanted to die - to be released.

Instead, he was liberated by the Russians from a pile of dead (I've lost the notes telling me which camp exactly), just as guards were rushing to pour gasoline on the bodies and burn the evidence of their atrocities.

I never got his name. I never saw him again. When we parted, we shook hands, and I'm fairly sure I had a tear or two in my eyes. He took both my hands in his, said a blessing for my young family, and made me promise I'd continue to tell his story. He told me to tell those I shared the story with, that nothing we've ever read, ever seen, ever imagined ever heard, comes remotely close to what he and his people experienced.

…and to this day, "Hitler" remains an unfinished read; the bookmark where I left it when he sat down and held out his hand.

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Hi Michael , glad you found our group, I hope you enjoy your time here. That is a great story and thank you for sharing it with us, a great and personal introduction to the human cost of WW2.

[happy]

Welcome Michael

Great story - thanks

I wasn't quite as hard as you on the Jimmy Stewart book - but it definately wasn't the best biography I've every read.

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Rory Gallagher wrote: "Hi, I am Rory, and new to Goodreads. I have collection over a few thousand books covering WWII (read most and good portions of others but hoping to win lottery so I may spend more time reading thes..."

Welcome to the group Rory - seems we have the same wish on the lottery. On your Q re: replacement of command it is a interesting question, which on thinking about I can't say I have read/seen detailed studies in this aspect.

I have these on my TBR and so may provide some help - perhaps in the bibliographies for further reading:

by Harold R. Winton

by Correlli Barnett

by J L Granatstein

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Michael wrote: "Hello WW2RG!

I found this group after being notified that Tionne had actually "liked" my rambling review I wrote about "Jimmy Stewart: Bomber Pilot." I clicked on the individual's name, and disco..."

A great story Michael and welcome to the group and I'm sure you'll find many people here to discuss books with.

[carl]

Yes good story to start with in the group Michael.
Welcome to you and gee a whole crew of others,
looks like the August membership drive is
going well!

[Colin]

Jimmy Stewart was a great interview, and his men under his command respected him for taking the risks with them, and not being another Hollywood officer who just did war bond and celebrity tours. Ironically, Clark Gable and Stewart noth had 100,000 mark bounties on their heads for any German pilot who shot them down. Hitler promised Eva Braun that she could have gable as a dinner guest should he ever fall into German hands. Gone With the Wind was her favorite film.

[Tionne]

Michael wrote: "Hello WW2RG!

I found this group after being notified that Tionne had actually "liked" my rambling review I wrote about "Jimmy Stewart: Bomber Pilot." I clicked on the individual's name, and disco..."

Hello and welcome, Michael! I'm glad I helped you find us! :-) I had so many issues with that book, I decided to read a review or two to see if I was just being too picky and expecting excellence in everything I read. It was a very 'meh' book, but I still am glad I read it. I liked your story, and hope you enjoy your time here! :-)

[Dj]

Geevee wrote: "Rory Gallagher wrote: "Hi, I am Rory, and new to Goodreads. I have collection over a few thousand books covering WWII (read most and good portions of others but hoping to win lottery so I may spend..."

I have read the Desert Generals, it is an interesting companion to Keegan's Churchill's Generals.

I think I am going to have to get the Bulge book soon. It would be interesting to see how it compares in regards to Wiegly's book.

[John]

Hello everyone!

My name is John and I'm looking forward to learning and sharing thoughts about WWII. My father and uncles all fought in the European theater during that time and are responsible for my fascination with this period. I also have relatives, including my uncle (a brother of my father), who lived their whole lives in Warsaw -including the very horrific occupation of the Nazis from 1939-1945 and the Soviets thereafter. I never got a chance to meet my Polish uncle, but recently I found his children and got to meet them and visit his grave in Warsaw. What stories and trials they lived through. Hope to share more with all of you later...

[Robert]

John wrote: "Hello everyone!

My name is John and I'm looking forward to learning and sharing thoughts about WWII. My father and uncles all fought in the European theater during that time and are responsible fo..."

Welcome to the group, John. You will find that a great many of us are fascinated with WWII history.

[happy]

Welcome, Welcome John

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Hi John and welcome to the group. I bet your father & uncles all had some amazing stories to tell.

[Rory]

>>GeeVee>>>Thanks for recommendation, hadn't seen that book on the bulge and immediately added it to my wish list(TBR?) here and on collectorz software(great for when I am at fleamarket or used bookstore). Thank you!
I have the desert generals and read it years ago. If I recall correctly, Barnett defended the Auk, slightly put down Montgomery, and O'Connor came out as the best general of WWII if only he hadn't been captured. Great book and yes, good coverage of leadership transition.
I think Canadian book is more the politics of the situation than the evaluation of leadership transition but I will look up the reviews on that tonight. Hopefully I am wrong and will pick it up.


Thanks again. Look forward to reading those books.

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

John wrote: "Hello everyone!

My name is John and I'm looking forward to learning and sharing thoughts about WWII. My father and uncles all fought in the European theater during that time and are responsible fo..."

Welcome to the group John.

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Rory Gallagher wrote: ">>GeeVee>>>Thanks for recommendation, hadn't seen that book on the bulge and immediately added it to my wish list(TBR?) here and on collectorz software(great for when I am at fleamarket or used boo..."

Pleased to have been of some help Rory. Let us know what you think of ones you read.

[Lilo]

John wrote: "Hello everyone!

My name is John and I'm looking forward to learning and sharing thoughts about WWII. My father and uncles all fought in the European theater during that time and are responsible fo..."

Hi, John, welcome to this group. I am looking forward to sharing thoughts with you.

[Adil]

Rory Gallagher wrote: "Quick question---I had recently listened to Thomas Rick's The Generals through Audible, and first chapters cover WWII and set standard of comparison for rest of book. Not necessarily sure I agree w..."

Hi, try Army At Dawn by Rick Atkinson. While its not exactly what you may be looking for it has the most detail I have read so far on changes in leadership and the key reasons for it.

[Justin]

Hi guys,

My name is Justin and I have always had a fascination for World War 2 even as a kid. My Grandfather was in the RAAF and served in New Guinea as an aircrew on a Boston light bomber. My father once owned an Army Disposals store so I had the opportunity to 'play army' with uniforms, helmets etc. I also had (and still have) a large collection of 'Commando' books which helped fuel my interest. At the age of 27 I was lucky enough to backpack around Europe and Turkey and visit some of the battlefields that I had read about, which was a lifetime dream come true. My father has also built a 1942 Willys MB Jeep and a 1942 Maple Leaf Chev truck with which we attend Military History events. The Jeep is replicated in the SAS configuration, complete with replica guns, and the Chev is configured for the LRDG (Long Range Desert Group). I have always been interested in the role Australia has played in the First and Second World Wars, especially in Turkey and France in WW1, and North Africa and the Southwest Pacific in WW2. I also enjoy reading of the higher strategy between the Allies/Axies sides, as well as tactical and campaign accounts. I literally have hundreds of books covering every campaign and battle, as well as the major commanders from both sides. I look forward to reading some of the discussions on here and taking part, and I am always interested in learning something I don't know about the Second World War.

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Hi Justin, good to see you hear and a great introduction. I loved the 'Commando' comic books as a kid as well and my old man had a 1942 Ford jeep that I use to drive around in till I stupidly sold it to fund a trip to Gallipoli and Europe in 1990. I hope you enjoy the group and find a few things of interest here.

[happy]

Welcome Justin

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Welcome Justin and likewise liked the Commando magazines/comics as a child. Great to see you joining in on the threads too.

[carl]

Hey there Justin. Hope I can catch a ride w/your
Dad sometime!

[Justin]

carl wrote: "Hey there Justin. Hope I can catch a ride w/your
Dad sometime!"

Hi Carl,

You'll find us at various military vehicle events in Victoria/NSW such as Corowa, Dookie and Barwon Park. There are some pics of the Jeep and Chev in my photo gallery if you are interested :)

[Justin]

Geevee wrote: "Welcome Justin and likewise liked the Commando magazines/comics as a child. Great to see you joining in on the threads too."

Hi Geevee,

Thanks! I used to collect them every week they came out and at one stage I could remember every comic I had by the cover. Not sure I could do that these days haha. I managed to score some very old and rare early editions, but the majority are from 1400-1800 IIRC. I have always loved drawing and the Commando comic covers were a great source of inspiration.

[Lilo]

Hi, Justin,

Nice to meet you. I was born in Germany and lived there during WWII. You can do the math. I am not a spring chicken.

[carl]

Indeed, a sweet rig! Good pics.

Justin wrote: "
There are some pics of the Jeep and Chev in my photo gallery if you are interested ..."

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Well I had to use a designator to identify myself in another group as there were too many Ricks, hence I'm 'Aussie' Rick from Australia :)

[Bob]

Greetings, I am an American new member of goodreads. It is sure a fascinating site. I am having trouble navigating,but have been told it gets easier. Aussie Rick has been kind enough to help me. My interest in WWII is fueled by the fact that my husband was standing on the submarine dock at PearlHarborh waiting for his Dad to get off work- right when the planes arrived & started shooting. When he passed away I wrote a book," From Shaniko to Pearl Harbor". It has been getting great reviews & is available on the website, "Pearlharboreyewitness.com or at Amazon.com as an e book.
Thanks to all you helpful people, Trinette
P.S.i love Australia!

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Hi Trinette and welcome to the group. Thanks for sharing the story about Pearl Harbour.

If you have any questions no matter how insignificant you think (chances are we are or have thought about them too) then please ask.

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Corrie wrote: "Hi all I'm just curious would you mind sharing what country/nationality you are? I think it would be interesting for perspectives during discussions. of course we have to be careful not to fall int..."

Hi Corrie I'm British :)

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Good to see you here Trinette, I hope you enjoy the group and find a few things of interest and best wishes on the sale of your book which does sound quite interesting.