Something to Die for

Rating:
Summary: Didnt Age Well
Review: If I read this book in the early 90s when it came out, Id have been kinder. But its goings on seem impossible and perhaps irrelevant now. The basic premise is a rabidly agressive admiral with help from evil and compliant politicians generates an international crisis when he sends a Navy/Marine task force into Ethiopia without authorization to assist the French in countering a Soviet/Cuban attempt to shut down an internal rebellion. Helping the French? A Cuban mechanized division in Africa? Soviet Union? All ancient history. Add to that the book is riddled with Vietnam angst that has been largely (but not completely) squealched by the US Gulf War I victory. Sadly, this book became obsolete within months of its initial publishing.

And I do think it sad. The writing is excellent. The image of desert war rings true (especially amazing from a guy whose only military experience was in Vietnam). And most important the look at Washington politics is stunning. Please note, Mr. Webb was a Congressional staffer in the 1970s and worked in the Pentagon in various positions in the 80s. So his take on the DC political scene carries extra weight.

Its just a shame Mr. Webb didnt have a more believable backdrop to his story........

Rating:
Summary: Didnt Age Well
Review: If I read this book in the early 90s when it came out, Id have been kinder. But its goings on seem impossible and perhaps irrelevant now. The basic premise is a rabidly agressive admiral with help from evil and compliant politicians generates an international crisis when he sends a Navy/Marine task force into Ethiopia without authorization to assist the French in countering a Soviet/Cuban attempt to shut down an internal rebellion. Helping the French? A Cuban mechanized division in Africa? Soviet Union? All ancient history. Add to that the book is riddled with Vietnam angst that has been largely (but not completely) squealched by the US Gulf War I victory. Sadly, this book became obsolete within months of its initial publishing.

And I do think it sad. The writing is excellent. The image of desert war rings true (especially amazing from a guy whose only military experience was in Vietnam). And most important the look at Washington politics is stunning. Please note, Mr. Webb was a Congressional staffer in the 1970s and worked in the Pentagon in various positions in the 80s. So his take on the DC political scene carries extra weight.

Its just a shame Mr. Webb didnt have a more believable backdrop to his story........

Rating:
Summary: A great book.
Review: Webb is one of the best military authors out there. This book combines both the soldiers' view of life, as in Fields of Fire, with the seamy side of military life; our senior military and political leadership. If you enjoy any of the Clancy-type military/political thrillers you will enjoy this book and realize Webb actually inserts some thought and insightful commentary while giving a good read.

Rating:
Summary: Another Webb winner.
Review: Yep, you need to get this one. It's an excellent story about a battle that may very well happen - although the players may not be the same - the ground will be.

Well written - as usual.

Rating:
Summary: Another Webb winner.
Review: Yep, you need to get this one. It's an excellent story about a battle that may very well happen - although the players may not be the same - the ground will be.

Well written - as usual.