Books Like...
If you liked Marines!, here are the top 17 books to read next:
'One Bullet Away: The Making of a Marine Officer' by Nathaniel Fick is a memoir that delves into the experiences of a Marine officer in combat. It provides a detailed account of the training process, the impact of influential figures like Air Force Col. John Boyd on Marine battle doctrine, and the emotional and moral challenges faced during deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. The writing style captures the intensity of both the physical and mental challenges of being a Marine officer, while also reflecting on the complexities of leadership and the realities of war.
FIFTEEN OF US climbed aboard the ancient white school bus. Wire mesh covered its windows and four black words ran along its sides: UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS. Dressed casually in shorts and sandals, w...'Retribution: The Battle for Japan, 1944-45' by Max Hastings is a comprehensive account of the final year of World War II battles against Japan, highlighting the discords and concords among the allies, the enormous cost in blood and material for the liberation of the Philippines, and the stubbornness of the Japanese in fighting almost to the last soldier. Hastings weaves a compelling and informative narrative using the words of people at all levels of military and civilian life, presenting a well-rounded and unbiased view of one of the most cataclysmic times in modern history. The book delves into the struggles in continental Asia, on the Pacific Sea and islands, and the bombing of Japan, providing vivid descriptions of living conditions and the various perspectives involved in the conflict.
The author sheds light on the complexities of the Japanese military leadership, the Allies' differing strategies to press Japan to surrender, and the decisive factors such as the Russian invasion of Manchuria and the dropping of the atomic bombs. Through detailed accounts drawn from interviews and papers of those involved, Hastings presents both sides of the story without falling into moral ambivalence, offering a contextual understanding of the decisions made during that tumultuous period in history.
OUR UNDERSTANDING of the events of 1939–45 might be improved by adding a plural and calling them the Second World Wars. The only common strand in the struggles which Germany and Japan unleashed was th...David Halberstam's 'The Coldest Winter: America and the Korean War' provides a comprehensive account of the Korean War, shedding light on the political decisions and miscalculations made by both sides. The book delves into the forgotten war of the 20th century, exploring the conflict between a communist North and a non-communist South, and the involvement of the United States in protecting the South. Halberstam's writing style is described as engaging and informative, offering insights into the minds of military leaders and providing a detailed narrative of the events leading up to the war.
EVEN BEFORE THE Korean War began, the Truman administration had been operating in something of a crisis mode over two main issues. The first and less politically explosive was what a considerable numb...- #4
Save:'Outlaw Platoon: Heroes, Renegades, Infidels, and the Brotherhood of War in Afghanistan' by Sean Parnell is a memoir that provides a raw and honest account of a platoon of US soldiers in Afghanistan. Through the eyes of Parnell, the readers are taken on a journey that delves deep into the complexities of leadership, the realities of warfare, and the sacrifices made by soldiers on the front lines. The writing style vividly portrays the experiences, emotions, and challenges faced by the soldiers, offering a glimpse into the harsh realities of war and the camaraderie that forms among those who serve.
Speedometer needles touching fifty, Outlaw Platoon’s six armored Humvees blasted down the Afghan road, trailing plumes of dust that could be seen for miles. In an area that lacked even a single asphal... - #5
Save:Helmet for My Pillow by Robert Leckie is a memoir depicting the author's experiences as a Marine in the Pacific during World War II. Through vivid and intense storytelling, Leckie takes the reader on a journey from his enlistment, basic training, and deployment to the fierce battles in the Pacific theatre, including Guadalcanal and Peleliu. The book captures the horrors of combat, the camaraderie among the marines, and the day-to-day struggles faced by these young men in the midst of war. Leckie's writing style is described as honest, unsentimental, and at times poetic, offering a personal and gripping account of one man's war experience.
The war with Japan was not yet four weeks old, Wake Island had fallen. Pearl Harbor was a real tragedy, a burning bitter humiliation. Hastily composed war songs were on the lips of everyone, their hea... - #6
Save:'Generation Kill' by Evan Wright is a firsthand account of the 2003 invasion of Iraq from the perspective of front line grunts in the First Recon Battalion. The book focuses on the experiences, struggles, and impact of the war on the soldiers rather than just the tactical aspects. Wright provides a vivid and honest portrayal of the Marines, their camaraderie, challenges, and the intense situations they faced during the invasion. The narrative moves fast, capturing the essence of the whirlwind of battle and brotherhood within the platoon.
The book is described as thought-provoking, entertaining, and unexpectedly engaging. It offers a character study of the soldiers involved, showcasing their personalities, interactions, and how the war affected them on emotional and physical levels. Wright's writing style is praised for its unbiased and unvarnished manner, presenting the Marines' hopes, nightmares, successes, and challenges in a raw and authentic way. The book is commended for providing a unique and rare perspective on the war from a non-military standpoint, highlighting the hard work, brotherhood, and struggles of the Marines without a political agenda.
Major General James Mattis calls the men in First Reconnaissance Battalion “cocky, obnoxious bastards.” Recon Marines belong to a distinct military occupational specialty, and there are only about a t... - #7
Save:Flags of Our Fathers by James D. Bradley is a nonfiction book that delves into the lives of the men behind the iconic flag raising picture on Iwo Jima during World War II. The book provides a detailed account of the historical events surrounding the Pacific theater of the war and offers a humanizing perspective on the individuals involved in the flag-raising incident. Readers have praised the book for its ability to present real-life events in a narrative style that reads like a novel, capturing the heart-wrenching moments of the US and Asia Pacific history during the war.
IN THE SPRING OF 1998, six boys called to me from half a century ago on a distant mountain and I went there. For a few days I set aside my comfortable life—my business concerns, my life in Rye, New Yo... 'Quartered Safe Out Here' by George MacDonald Fraser is a World War II memoir that offers a vivid and honest account of the author's experiences as a soldier in Burma. The book delves into the life of a British infantryman on the frontlines, providing a personal view of the 'forgotten war'. Fraser's writing style includes phonetically spelled out accents and recreated conversations, bringing the characters to life and immersing the reader in the day-to-day struggles and camaraderie of the soldiers. The author candidly recounts the horrors of war, the challenges of memory recall, and his reflections on the past, all set against the backdrop of the XIV Army campaign in Burma.
THE FIRST TIME I SMELT JAP was in a deep dry-river bed in the Dry Belt, somewhere near Meiktila. I can no more describe the smell than I could describe a colour, but it was heavy and pungent and compo...'With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa' by Eugene B. Sledge is a first-hand memoir detailing the author's experiences as a Marine in the Pacific during World War II. The book provides a gritty and realistic account of the brutal battles at Peleliu and Okinawa, showcasing the horrors of war without any glorification. Sledge's writing style is honest, straightforward, and poignant, as he vividly describes the harsh realities of military life, the psychological challenges faced by soldiers, and the physical and emotional toll of combat.
I enlisted in the Marine Corps on 3 December 1942 at Marion, Alabama. At the time I was a freshman at Marion Military Institute. My parents and brother Edward had urged me to stay in college as long a...'Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman' by Jon Krakauer is a detailed account of the life and death of Pat Tillman, a former NFL player who enlisted in the US Army after 9/11 and was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan. delves into Tillman's decision to leave his successful football career, his time in the military, and the circumstances surrounding his tragic death. Krakauer's writing style combines investigative journalism with storytelling, offering a compelling narrative that sheds light on the complexities of war, politics, and personal sacrifice.
not only focuses on Tillman's life but also explores the broader themes of government cover-ups, military propaganda, and the impact of war on soldiers and their families. Krakauer's meticulous research and in-depth analysis provide a thought-provoking examination of Tillman's story, highlighting the challenges and moral dilemmas faced by individuals in times of conflict.
During Pat Tillman’s stint in the Army he intermittently kept a diary. In an entry dated July 28, 2002—three weeks after he arrived at boot camp—he wrote, “It is amazing the turns one’s life can take....
