Deus Misereatur

  In good style Stephen Ambrose takes a moment in history and makes it readable, intelligible, and retainable. Written in 1975, the narrative is still relevant on so many different levels. It's not just about two fearless men, but a development of clashes and backgrounds through the decades up to the fateful moment, and a little beyond. Teens interested in history to the oldest adults will find it accessible. The two "downsides" to the book, for me, primarily relate to the author. First, the author seems to approach the Sioux with the "noble savage" mindset in the earlier chapters. That will begin to fade as he draws nearer to the clash at the Little Bighorn, but it's quite clear and obvious up front. Next, Ambrose's own social ethic comes out as he addresses Libbie Custer. He seems embarrassed that she didn't (or couldn't) become more, and was held back because the cultural customs of the day which he seemed to think pushed women back. In my min...

D-Day, June 6, 1944: The Battle for the Normandy Beaches by Stephen E. Ambrose My rating: 5 of 5 stars Ambrose does a delightful job wedding the reader's emotional engagement with historical events through his masterful storytelling of that fateful day in 1944. Not only does he supply the background material necessary to retain a sense of the preparations and intensity of operational tempo, but he also shows how even best laid plans can all go awry, since we are not master's of our own destinies....or landing zones! The author is a master storyteller. There were times when tears streamed down my cheeks as I read some of the episodes. There were other times I sat on the edge of my chair griping the book. I highly recommend the book for teenagers, younger and older adults, men and women. You will likely never let June 6 pass by thoughtlessly ever again. View all my reviews