Rating: 
Summary: This book is an absolute masterpiece!
Review: After reading "Into Thin Air" a year ago, I thought that it would be a long time before I read anything quite so mesmerizing. Well, "The Nightingale's Song" rivals "Into Thin Air" in this regard. Written by a Naval Academy graduate, Robert Timberg, "The Nightingale's Song" is chock full of incredibly interesting insights about the lives and careers of five Naval Academy graduates who are somewhat familiar to anyone with an interest in national politics. Additionally, Timberg's nuanced analysis of the political innerworkings of the Reagan Administration which contributed to the Iran Contra debacle seems to be completely on the money. Relative to the five individuals profiled (Messrs McCain, North, Webb, Poindexter and McFarlane), Timburg paints five fascinating profiles which honestly deals with the strengths and weaknesses of each. One can read the book and still feel great respect for Oliver North, whose penchant for excess is thoroughly documented, due to his undying commitment to getting the mission accomplished (whatever it might have been). Case in point: Timberg's account of how North went back to Vietnam (after having ended his tour) on his own time and money to defend a former colleague on an unfair charge is one of the most inspiring of many inspiring stories in the book. My admiration for John McCain, which was high before I read the book, is through the roof after reading about the courage and tenacity with which he conducted himself while in the Hanoi Hilton. If anything, Timberg's own personal connection with the Academy gave him a great perspective with which to delve into the lives of each of these men and what forces might have shaped their individual characters. I can't recommend this book strongly enough. Timberg is now one of those writers that I would automatically buy (if he ever writes anything else). Given this tour de force, it would be a shame if he doesn't take another crack at a major work.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent biography of five Annapolis graduates.
Review: As a Marine Corps officer, I read with great interest Mr. Timberg's account of these men. All played integral parts in government during the Reagan years. I found very informative the stories regarding their education at the Naval Academy and experiences in Vietnam. Overall, I think the book is excellent. The only problem I have is that Mr. Timberg too easily comes to criticize Mr. North with 20/20 hindsight. This seems to be a disturbingly consistent affliction with many members and veterans of the services: that they somehow have the right to judge another's deeds simply by virtue of the belief that they served without making mistakes. Mr. Timberg's implied bashing of Mr. North turned me off and is the sole reason I do not rate this book 5 stars.
Rating: 
Summary: What's the big deal?
Review: As a member of the "vast right wing conspiracy" I'm always hesitant to read anything on the Reagan years without first knowing the authors background and motivation. Timberg is obviously a guy who's earned his stripes and writes with the knowledge and experience of what the five characters are all about, BUT he assumes that everyone who reads the book thinks Iran Contra was some kind of Pearl Harbor or JFK assasination. It's simply assumed that everyone knows all about the trading of arms for hostages. If anything, the lack of detail in the book speaks volumes of what a media created joke the whole affair was. To me this book is a well written, short story biography of five very interesting and honorable men, all of whom had the their shortcomings. I still find it hard to see the "tragedy" in any of these men's lives or careers. Sure life's tough, but come on! A lot of people would trade for their resumes. It seems to me if Mother Theresa were USNA '68, Timberg would find some problem or cover up in her career to vent his dislike for Ronald Reagan. I look forward to his book on the Clinton years. Now there's real some material.
Rating:
Summary: Enlightening
Review: Each of the men in the book have played prominent roles in American society so this book is an excellent study of both the men and the Naval Academy. I particularly enjoyed the profile of John McCain who had a less than distinguished record at the Academy, yet absorbed enough of its lessons to ensure hellish treatment as a POW in Vietnam and eventually triumph in the end over his captors. The book also gave the best explanation of why the Iran-Contra scandal occurred-when men of out of their depth particularly Oliver North, without orders do what they feel was right even though it broke every tenant of the USNA honor code. This book would be useful for anyone contemplating a military career.
Rating:
Summary: An Absolute Winner
Review: I first read this book when it was originally published. Now, with the potential presidential campaign of John McCain unfolding, I revisited it, and in so doing, reaffirmed to myself what a tremendous story this is. Robert Timberg presents a fascinating study of five contemporary American men, their formulative years, their central experience...Vietnam, and then their post-war life and public service. During Iran-Contra, I was never a fan of either MacFarlane or Poindexter. North was something else, though, especially intriguing in his defiant testimony before Congress. But I came away from this book with a much different feeling towards these three men. My impression of Poindexter changed very favorably, not because of his actions but because of his sense of responsibility. I found myself to be very sympathetic towards MacFarlane ...a reasonably good man in a situation out of control. North, to me, became the villain...an extremely loose cannon with no controls from above. My admiration of McCain and Webb continues to grow. McCain's experiences, especially aboard USS Forrestal and then as a prisoner of war, are riveting. The parallel heroics of McCain's wife during the war is just as inspirational. But I found James Webb to be the most interesting character. Here is a very young man distinguishing himself as a outstanding combat leader, but powerless to prevent the slaughter of his men. Returning to law school, he faces an almost hostile enviornment, ridiculing his service and the sacrifice of his comrades. In the midst of this, Webb embarks on a process of establishing himself as a significant author, and also becomes a significant but controversial figure within the Navy. This is a book dealing with service, courage, honor and commitment, of paths which diverged and paths which converged. Above all, it is a book dealing with obediance to orders, and the consequences this obediance can produce. Read this book.
Rating:
Summary: 5 Lives, 5 Stories, excellent reading
Review: I read this book while working on Capitol Hill. I was particularly interested in how Iran Contra came about, and how where John McCain came from. Both of these questions are dealt with in great length in this interesting book by Timberg. The portions dealing with Oliver North are very interesting and taught me some very valuable leadership, "what not to do," lessons. I would suggest further that Oliver North was a great case study in what not to do in leadership. While personally I can tolerate North and his obvious drive for success, his story is very intriguing in spite of his moral failings. This is a great book, especially if you are interested in the military, specifically the Navy and Marines. I would recommend checking it out.
Rating:
Summary: Good and Bad, author betrays his political prejudices
Review: I sincerely thank Robert Timberg for writing this book. It is a very compelling character study of 5 very interesting and related characters. It gave me insight into the commonalities and differences of those who become professional naval officers. The author's snide anecdotes about Oliver North had unintended consequences -- I GAINED respect for Ollie. Even the title of the book is a small-minded and unsupportable attack on those who believe in "God and Country." This book greatly improved my opinion of the men it studied, but greatly diminished my respect for Mr. Timberg. What's really interesting is that Mr. Timberg is also an alumnus of Annapolis, but he sneers at the values that the academy promotes. What does it say about him that he was able to make such a personal commitment for so long, to associate closely with other Annapolis students, continue to be a member of the fraternity even today, yet keep his ideology quite separate? Perhaps some defining event drastcially turned him from the plebe that he once was to what he is today? Mr. Timberg. explain yourself.
Rating:
Summary: The Best and the Brightest go to War.
Review: Robert Timberg has written a deeply compelling and somewhat tragic account of five men and how Vietnam shaped and molded their respective character. The book moves quickly and is irresistable after a few pages. A real page turner. Of all the characters within the book, John McCain comes out a real live American hero. Olliver North does not fare so well. Had North retired after his Vietnam stint there wouldn't be enough accolades to describe his service. However, ambition makes a fool of those who cater to its excess and North dives in head first without checking the depth of the water below. Some have criticized Timberg's work as "Anti-Reagan". That is not a fair depiction of the work. Reagan comes across as the "Nightgale" in the book's title. The fact that the song was sung simply and without shame should not provide a source of dismay for anyone who studies history. Reagan merely managed his administration differently than others who have occupied that office. The book focuses solely on five men (North, McCain, Poindexter, Webb, and McFarlane), and delivers a moving, emotional, and poignant portrayal of young men and how the smell of gunpowder can stir the soul and change the course of individuals. In the case of John McCain, the prison in which he suffered turned out to be his salvation as a human being. In the case of Oliver North, the battle scars he carried only seemed to reflect his driving passion to succeed. This is a must read for all who value American History and understand why old men should only send young men into battle as a last resort. The fact that we are mired in another "unwinnable" war only makes this work more compelling. This story will be valid until such time as man conquers his conquering urge.
Rating:
Summary: Liberals Used Timberg to Make the ChickenHawk Argument
Review: Robert Timberg is a great American patriot in his own right, an Annapolis graduate and former Marine, and Vietnam combat veteran.
Mr. Timberg, we owe you a debt of eternal gratitude for your service.
His interview with C-SPAN's Brian Lamb - the Book Notes interview was riveting. Mr. Timberg demonstrated that he is a man of honor and integrity.
Mr. Timberg's judgment on President Reagan and Reagan's supporters, is, however, poor. His conclusion parroted the liberal script: Reagan was at best a pep-talk guy who sucked in a bunch of angry Vietnam vets - only to screw them during the administration.
Liberals loved this book because reluctant warriors running for office now had a rich treasure trove to use against conservatives who were hawks but never served in the military or got draft deferments.
Please note also that this book is very well-written, a very rapid read - especially if you're fascinated by why America seems to sputter over the Vietnam syndrome during political flare-ups.
Non-politically, you will learn about how valuable an institution like the US Naval Academy is to the USA.
Mr. Timberg's focus is on Webb, North, MacFarlane, Poindexter, and McCain as a microcosm through which to see major events in the Reagan administration and back to Vietnam.
His journalistic vehicle is effective, but it came across to me as transparently anti-Reagan.
It comes across that Reagan is blamed more for the bombing of the Marine barracks in Lebanon than the actual terrorists. Mr. Timberg seemed more angry at Reagan than at the terrorists!!!
Mr. Timberg's reaction to Soviet expansionism and Reagan's effort to stop it is muted, as if Reagan was the chickenhawk par excellence and could not be trusted.
Somehow, the notion that Reagan's calling the Vietnam War a "noble cause" for America to fight was just a big lie to Mr. Timberg. And somehow the reader is supposed to conclude that, therefore, Reagan's tenure was a lie as evidenced in the Iran-Contra scandal.
There is too much of the aura of Beltway-Georgetown cocktail party liberal bias in this book. The book plays on people's guilt about Vietnam and guilt for supporting Reagan.
Mr. Timberg, maybe inadvertently, exalts the radicalized, resentful Vietnam veteran.
Mr. Timberg's is potentially an understandable anti-political cynicism given the way the anti-war Left spat on him and his fellow warriors. Now that Left Wing in power in the media wants to assuage their guilt and embrace the Timbergs of the world - as long as the Timbergs attack conservative hypocrisy, - as long as the Timbergs reject Reagan's principled anti-communism.
Rating:
Summary: A great book!
Review: That's all that needs to be said.
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