Ronald A. (rarendt) reviewed Daring Young Men: The Heroism and Triumph of The Berlin Airlift, June 1948-May 1949 on + 107 more book reviews
An excellent recounting of the Berlin Airlift - a major achievement for the newly created US Air Force. I enlisted in USAF in '56 and knew at least one person who had participated in the airlift. Since I spent 21 years in the Air Force, I especially enjoyed the air traffic control dialogue which was very true-to-life.
The only criticism I have is the reader, who I thought really detracted from my enjoyment. He insisted on spicing up the quotes by employing various dialects (Southern, British, German, etc.) which I thought he was not very good at.
Also, if you're going to narrate a story which takes place in Germany and uses many German words, you ought to get some help with pronunciation. I spent three years in Germany, and am fairly fluent in the language - his attempts were laughable. Actually, he didn't do much better with other language pronunciations. He ought to stick to American stories.
Fortunately, I have the book in hardcover and look forward to reading it without the distraction of the lousy narration.
The only criticism I have is the reader, who I thought really detracted from my enjoyment. He insisted on spicing up the quotes by employing various dialects (Southern, British, German, etc.) which I thought he was not very good at.
Also, if you're going to narrate a story which takes place in Germany and uses many German words, you ought to get some help with pronunciation. I spent three years in Germany, and am fairly fluent in the language - his attempts were laughable. Actually, he didn't do much better with other language pronunciations. He ought to stick to American stories.
Fortunately, I have the book in hardcover and look forward to reading it without the distraction of the lousy narration.
Cheryl (boomerbooklover) -
Interesting account of the Berlin Airlift. About one third of the book is about the political situation, and the balance about the logistics and operations, people of Berlin and fliers. One item that puts the effort into perspective: At first, old duffle bags were used to transport coal. Enlisted men devised a method of lining the cargo holds with canvas, and then sweeping the canvas clean after unloading. These sweepings resulted in five hundred TONS of coal dust.
