Book Reviews of Flyboys : A True Story of Courage

This book was quite an eye opener for me as to the atrocities done on both sides of the war. Be prepared though, there are some very graphic details described in the book. Not recommended reading for the squeamish. It does give some pretty good insight into the mind set of the opposing sides. I have to rate this very high in the must read books about WW II.

One of the best books I have ever read on WWII. Be prepared though, James Bradley doesn't pull any punches.

This book really changed my views about the behavior of the Japanese troops during WWII. I've read about and met survivors of the Bataan Death March. I've read about the atrocities in China, the Phillipines and in Thailand and could not imagine what had driven their sadistic behavior. Bradley makes a convincing case justifying these attitudes tracing back to Perry and his landing in Japan. He tells how the American (Christian) treatment of the Indians reinforced the Japanese idea of sub-humans and justified purging the natives of conquered armies and countries. He tells about the brutality of the Japanese NCOs and officers towards their own troops. He tells of the brutality of LeMay's firebombing of the cities in Japan. He also shows the character of the elder George Bush. He tells of some extremely kind actions and in the end I learn I have to get over it - that was then and this is now. If the participants can put aside their bitterness we need to do it as well.
A great history story but also a great story of the triumph of the human spirit. A real change agent and I'm very glad I read it.

Harsh reality. A bit "newsy" in flow, but one of the thousands of examinations of small isolated incidents during WWII, and true to the memories of "the greatest generation."

An intriguing history of events surrounding a Japanese held island during WWII. Although history, Bradley's story-telling makes this a real page turner. He includes background information about the cultural differences between Japan and the west, and how the U.S. government controlled information, that makes for a fascinating perspective on the war in the Pacific.

The absolute best book that I have read concerning the factual information about what actually happened to our pilots who were downed by the Japanese. Outstanding stories about training,comraderie, and the gruesome details about our POW's and what the Japanese did to them and how they were treated. Brief story about pilot and ex-president George Bush and the close call that he had. I previously had no idea that he had been that close to capture and probably death. A "must read" for any WWII history buff.

Great read! Bradley weaves the true story of 8 US Flyboys whose lives ended on a small island off the coast of Japan. Bradley gives great insight into the complex & difficult decisions that are made during war and how individuals on both sides can get caught in circumstances over which they have little or no control. One cannot read this story and not come away with the words - war is hell!

Mass murder, rape, decapitation, cannibalism; this book had all the elements of a movie that I would be too squeamish to see. The background info was a bit heavy, but I couldn't put the book down when I got to the second half. This was a story that needed to be told and Bradley did a great job telling it.

I loved this book so much. I read it then put it on my bookshelf to share as it was so wonderful, then decided i had to have it again for a friend to read, so ordered it again and now that she has enjoyed it--here i have listed again as this was so good it needs to be shared,

This book was very well written but was not easy to read due to the subject matter. There is a lot of cultural insight which is very interesting but also troubling.

Very well written,honest and to the point.