THE WORLD WAR TWO GROUP discussion

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GROUP & BUDDY READS > Group and Buddy Reads

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message 251: by A.L. (new)

A.L. Sowards | 500 comments I bought this when it was a kindle daily deal a while ago (I'm kind of a sucker for books when they go on sale). Maybe it's about time I read it? Eastern Inferno The Journals of a German Panzerjager on the Eastern Front, 1941-43 by Christine Alexander


message 252: by Tionne (new)

Tionne | 255 comments 'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Are a few members going to get involved in the September group read on any book or books covering any aspect of the fighting on the Eastern Front?

I'm looking forward to reading a few books on th..."


I haven't picked one out yet, but I am thinking of Enemy at the Gates Enemy at the Gates (movie tie-in) The Battle for Stalingrad by William Craig because I think I left off halfway through. I'll just start over again and read it all this time! :-)


message 253: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19986 comments Good book there A.L. I have a copy that I am yet to read so thanks for reminding me!

Good selection Tionne, I am sure you won't be disappointed :)


message 254: by Colin (last edited Aug 10, 2013 07:56AM) (new)

Colin Heaton (colin1962) | 2011 comments The film was rubbish from a historical standpoint, and only about 50% accurate. However, given that it was a good entertainment film. I spoke with Zaitsev by phone in 1984 (it took two weeks to set that up)through my then girlfriend acting as interpreter, as she was Russian. He was a very interesting man. I was sorry that they never mentioned or depicted Nikolai Iljin, who had even more kills at Stalingrad and during the war.


message 255: by Tionne (new)

Tionne | 255 comments Yes, the movie was shite. But the book was pretty good, I forget why I stopped reading it.


message 256: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19986 comments Well only another two weeks till we start out next group theme read which will be any book or books covering any aspect (land, air or sea) of the fighting on the Eastern Front during WW2. I hope a number of the newer members will be able to join in. I will ensure the thread (see below) will be open for comments a few days before we start:

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...


message 257: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19986 comments The next theme read for the group will be in November and will be on any book or books covering any aspect (land, air or sea) of the fighting in the Pacific theatre during WW2.

I am thinking of starting with this book that I have had since it was first published in 2004:

A Bastard of a Place The Australians in Papua by Peter Brune by Peter Brune

Also considering these titles as well:

The Battle of Midway by Craig L. Symonds by Craig L. Symonds

Operation Storm Japan's Top Secret Submarines and Its Plan to Change the Course of World War II by John Geoghegan by John Geoghegan

Who else is joining in the Pacific theme read and what books are you considering reading?


message 258: by Colin (new)

Colin Heaton (colin1962) | 2011 comments 'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Well only another two weeks till we start out next group theme read which will be any book or books covering any aspect (land, air or sea) of the fighting on the Eastern Front during WW2. I hope a ..."

If interested, my book Occupation and Insurgency focuses upon the German anti-partisan units and their actions, comparing all the events to the existing Geneva and Hague Conventions. It also has many interview segments with senior SS officers who gave their perspectives, and even a few non Germans.


message 259: by A.L. (new)

A.L. Sowards | 500 comments 'Aussie Rick' wrote: "The next theme read for the group will be in November and will be on any book or books covering any aspect (land, air or sea) of the fighting in the Pacific theatre during WW2.

I am thinking of st..."


I'm going to try to fit one in. One of my sisters (oddly enough, not the one with a degree in military history) suggested this book:
Ghost Soldiers: The Epic Account of World War II's Greatest Rescue Mission Ghost Soldiers The Epic Account of World War II's Greatest Rescue Mission by Hampton Sides
I also have With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa With the Old Breed At Peleliu and Okinawa by Eugene B. Sledge on my to-read list, and I have Commissioned in Battle: A Combat Infantryman in the Pacific, WWII Commissioned in Battle A Combat Infantryman in the Pacific, WWII by Jay Gruenfeld on my kindle from when it was a kindle daily or monthly deal.


message 260: by Laurel (last edited Oct 15, 2013 10:28AM) (new)

Laurel (goodreadscomboddy_l) | 157 comments 'Aussie Rick' wrote: "The next theme read for the group will be in November and will be on any book or books covering any aspect (land, air or sea) of the fighting in the Pacific theatre during WW2.

I am thinking of st..."

I am planning on reading
Voices of the Pacific: Untold Stories from the Marine Heroes of World War II Voices of the Pacific Untold Stories from the Marine Heroes of World War II by Adam Makos

I am more interested in personal accounts than strategy type material. I have already read Helmet for My Pillow by Robert Leckie Helmet for My Pillow and With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa With the Old Breed At Peleliu and Okinawa by Eugene B. Sledge


message 261: by Gerald (new)

Gerald Churchill | 435 comments Laurel wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "The next theme read for the group will be in November and will be on any book or books covering any aspect (land, air or sea) of the fighting in the Pacific theatre during WW2..."

I will read Nathan Prefer's "The Battle for Tinian: The Vital Stepping Stone in the War Against Japan."


message 262: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19986 comments Looks like some excellent books lined up for next month!


message 263: by Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces (new)

Geevee | 3811 comments I will be too Rick - as it will be Remembrance Sunday during the month I'll look to read something on the forgotten army in Burma I think.


message 264: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19986 comments Good idea Geevee, I have a few books on the Burma campaign that maybe I should turn my mind to. Have you read Road Of Bones on the Siege Of Kohima?

Road Of Bones The Siege Of Kohima 1944 The Epic Story Of The Last Great Stand Of Empire by Fergal Keane by Fergal Keane


message 265: by happy (last edited Oct 15, 2013 09:32PM) (new)

happy (happyone) | 2281 comments A.L. wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "The next theme read for the group will be in November and will be on any book or books covering any aspect (land, air or sea) of the fighting in the Pacific theatre during WW2..."

A.L.

Ghost Soldiers: The Epic Account of World War II's Greatest Rescue Mission is excellent - I second your sisters recommendation.


message 266: by Colin (new)

Colin Heaton (colin1962) | 2011 comments Laurel wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "The next theme read for the group will be in November and will be on any book or books covering any aspect (land, air or sea) of the fighting in the Pacific theatre during WW2..."

Adam's book Voices of the Pacific is a good read, he let me preview the manuscript before it was published. Good book.


message 267: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19986 comments Hi Colin,

That's good to know about Adam Makos' book, I am sure a few members will be reading it at some stage.

Voices of the Pacific Untold Stories from the Marine Heroes of World War II by Adam Makos by Adam Makos


message 268: by Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces (new)

Geevee | 3811 comments 'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Good idea Geevee, I have a few books on the Burma campaign that maybe I should turn my mind to. Have you read Road Of Bones on the Siege Of Kohima?

[bookcover:Road Of Bones: The Siege Of Kohima 19..."


It's supposed to be very good Rick but don't "make" me buy another book I really must read some stuff I already own!


message 269: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19986 comments Geevee, it is a very good book, I'm sure you can squeeze just one more in there somewhere :)


message 270: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19986 comments I knew this would happen, I'm thinking of changing books for the November theme read. I am considering reading one of these two titles first:

Shanghai 1937 Stalingrad on the Yangtze by Peter Harmsen by Peter Harmsen

China's War with Japan, 1937-1945 The Struggle for Survival by Rana Mitter by Rana Mitter

Decisions, decisions!


message 271: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19986 comments Some new video's uploaded to the group's home page to get members ready for the November theme read on the Pacific Theatre.


message 272: by Gerald (new)

Gerald Churchill | 435 comments 'Aussie Rick' wrote: "I knew this would happen, I'm thinking of changing books for the November theme read. I am considering reading one of these two titles first:

[bookcover:Shanghai 1937: Stalingrad on the Yangtze|17..."


I recommend "Shanghai 1937." I just finished it, and it is quite good.


message 273: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19986 comments Thanks for that Gerald, I'll move it to the top of the pile!


message 274: by Chin Joo (new)

Chin Joo (quekcj) | 284 comments 'Aussie Rick' wrote: "I knew this would happen, I'm thinking of changing books for the November theme read. I am considering reading one of these two titles first:"

China's War with Japan is a very readable book that gives good insights into the Nationalists' side of the story. I'm still in the middle of it.

Incidentally, I am interested to find out from members; when we speak of the Pacific Theatre, what comes to your mind?


message 275: by Manray9 (new)

Manray9 | 4785 comments Chin Joo wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "I knew this would happen, I'm thinking of changing books for the November theme read. I am considering reading one of these two titles first:"

China's War with Japan is a ver..."


I believe the Pacific Theater means the war waged by the allies against Japan -- from Pearl Harbor to India and including China and the Soviet Union.


message 276: by Gerald (last edited Oct 26, 2013 09:40PM) (new)

Gerald Churchill | 435 comments Manray9 wrote: "Chin Joo wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "I knew this would happen, I'm thinking of changing books for the November theme read. I am considering reading one of these two titles first:"

China's War wi..."


I am not so sure about that. Americans tend to refer to the theater running from China to India as the China-Burma-India Theater. We refer to the Pacific Theater as the one that includes the Pacific Ocean and the islands therein.


message 277: by Manray9 (new)

Manray9 | 4785 comments Gerald wrote: "Manray9 wrote: "Chin Joo wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "I knew this would happen, I'm thinking of changing books for the November theme read. I am considering reading one of these two titles first:"..."

You're correct, but I thought for the purposes of this group we considered Pacific Theater the war versus Japan? Under your definition, the Malayan campaign and the fall of the Dutch East Indies wouldn't apply. Right?


message 278: by Gerald (last edited Oct 26, 2013 09:38PM) (new)

Gerald Churchill | 435 comments The Malayan campaign would definitely not apply, but I am not so sure about the Dutch East Indies. Is the Java Sea an arm of the Indian Ocean or the Pacific Ocean?


message 279: by Manray9 (new)

Manray9 | 4785 comments Gerald wrote: "The Malayan campaign would definitely not apply, but I am not so sure about the Dutch East Indies. Is the Java Sea an arm of the Indian Ocean or the Pacific Ocean."

We'll have to choose a geographical dividing line or get a ruling from Aussie Rick in his capacity as moderator.


message 280: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19986 comments Both points of view are correct however I prefer a very broad definition of the Pacific Theatre for the theme read. This can include any area where Japanese forces were fought by allied powers including the Chinese mainland.


message 281: by Gerald (new)

Gerald Churchill | 435 comments Yes, we will. I view the Java Sea as part of the Pacific Ocean, but Rick will have to rule on this.


message 282: by Gerald (new)

Gerald Churchill | 435 comments 'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Both points of view are correct however I prefer a very broad definition of the Pacific Theatre for the theme read. This can include any area where Japanese forces were fought by allied powers incl..."

Ok. There we have it.


message 283: by Manray9 (new)

Manray9 | 4785 comments 'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Both points of view are correct however I prefer a very broad definition of the Pacific Theatre for the theme read. This can include any area where Japanese forces were fought by allied powers incl..."

I agree. We don't want to break it down too much. We could end up with four or five "Pacific Theaters."


message 284: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19986 comments I'd like to make sure members aren't too restricted in their reading enjoyment but in discussions we can tighten up a number of definitions as required.


message 285: by Gerald (new)

Gerald Churchill | 435 comments 'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Both points of view are correct however I prefer a very broad definition of the Pacific Theatre for the theme read. This can include any area where Japanese forces were fought by allied powers incl..."

In that case, if it is not too late, may I include Alan Warren's Burma 1942: The Road from Rangoon to Mandalay? I am reading it now, but I will not finish it until early November.


message 286: by Chin Joo (new)

Chin Joo (quekcj) | 284 comments Thanks Manray9, Gerald and Rick for the clarification. Until recently, I myself have a somewhat restrictive perspective of the term Pacific Theatre. To me it is always between the US and Japan, and from a timeline perspective, between Pearl Harbor and Nagasaki. Either way, the November theme is a great opportunity for everyone to read what have been lying on your shelves. :)


message 287: by Bob (new)

Bob Weber | 104 comments 'Aussie Rick' wrote: "I knew this would happen, I'm thinking of changing books for the November theme read. I am considering reading one of these two titles first:

[bookcover:Shanghai 1937: Stalingrad on the Yangtze|17..."


Oh Rick,I hope the theme stays in the Pacific. Because we live in the west coast of USA & my husbandwas at Pearl Harbor, we were always more concerned about the Pacific area of the war. I think all aspects of the Japanese involvment should be included.


message 288: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19986 comments Nothing to worry about Trinette, November's theme is still on the Pacific Theatre :)

Gerald, Alan Warren's Burma 1942 is the perfect book for the theme read and I will look forward to hearing your views on the book and the fighting in Burma soon.


message 289: by Dj (new)

Dj | 2295 comments Chin Joo wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "I knew this would happen, I'm thinking of changing books for the November theme read. I am considering reading one of these two titles first:"

China's War with Japan is a ver..."

Everything against Japan, minus the CBI.


message 290: by Lilo (new)

Lilo (liloh-p) | 586 comments Anyone who might want to get an eye-witness account of the attack on Pearl Harbor, might want to read Trinette's book From Shaniko to Pearl Harbor by Bob Weber From Shaniko to Pearl Harbor

It is a very well written short read and could be read in between books of epic volume. Trinette's husband, Bob Weber, witnessed the attack on Pearl Harbor as a 12-year-old child. Trinette wrote this book in her late husband's memory.


message 291: by Robert (new)

Robert Hays (goodreadscomroberthays) | 275 comments Lilo wrote: "Anyone who might want to get an eye-witness account of the attack on Pearl Harbor, might want to read Trinette's bookFrom Shaniko to Pearl Harbor by Bob WeberFrom Shaniko to Pearl Harbor

I..."


Thanks, Lilo--and everyone else for the great suggestions. My interest/research/writing always has been so focused on the ETO that I'm almost inclined to forget the rest of the war. Obviously, I have a lot of catching up to do.


message 292: by Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces (new)

Geevee | 3811 comments Interesting discussion on the views of and definition of the Pacific war for both reader's own minds and the group theme read.

Rick has mentioned it above and when we were chatting about these theatres/areas it was with a wide definition so it would as inclusive as possible for people's interests and also to source books for our international group. We also hoped it would introduce us not only to new books but perhaps new areas or actions and learn from members own backgrounds and family ties.

Personally I view the Pacific theatre as primarily the war at sea and the islands campaigns and the air offensive on Japan. The China/Burma/Malaya/Hong Kong theatres is separate and looms large for me with the British interest.

But both are really intertwined as the war started for both at near the same time and both then a good mix of allies and cooperation/tension (US, UK, Australia, NZ, Netherlands, Canada and China) plus varied ways of making war and all that comes in between.

It should be a great reading month.


message 293: by Manray9 (new)

Manray9 | 4785 comments Geevee wrote: "Interesting discussion on the views of and definition of the Pacific war for both reader's own minds and the group theme read.

Rick has mentioned it above and when we were chatting about these t..."


Geevee: As I understood AR's views on the subject (Msg 280), for the purposes of November's theme, we will consider the Pacific Theater to be the allies' war against Japan -- everywhere it was fought. Correct?


message 294: by Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces (new)

Geevee | 3811 comments Yes Manray9 - sorry I hadn't meant to confuse people and as you describe is what I meant in my para 2 in that we wanted it to be as wide and as inclusive as possible.

The other paras below was my answer to Chin Joo's question...hope that helps confirm/clear up any confusion I created!


message 295: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19986 comments I see you guys are having fun, all worked out now?

:-)


message 296: by Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces (new)

Geevee | 3811 comments Think so! :)


message 297: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19986 comments I know it's a fairly broad and generous definition for this theatre but as you have mentioned Geevee it allows members a greater range and diversity of books to read for this particular theme month.


message 298: by Lilo (new)

Lilo (liloh-p) | 586 comments Robert wrote: "Lilo wrote: "Anyone who might want to get an eye-witness account of the attack on Pearl Harbor, might want to read Trinette's bookFrom Shaniko to Pearl Harbor by Bob WeberFrom Shaniko to Pe..."

What is ETO?


message 299: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19986 comments Hi Lilo, ETO - European Theatre of Operations


message 300: by Lilo (new)

Lilo (liloh-p) | 586 comments Thank you, Rick. I would have never guessed.


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