Ghost Soldiers: The Epic Account of World War II's Greatest Rescue Mission

A Must Read

This is a disturbing book, well written and hard to put down. The publisher's notes and other comments make it clear what the story is about. My main comment: Why does no one know of this raid/rescue mission? I've read WWII history all my life, been in the military 20+ years, and never heard of it. It is almost as if it has been erased from our history. Was the US Army so ashamed at how it abandoned the Bataan prisoners that it indeed drew a cloak over the survivors? I don't know...but I do know this is a story every American should become familiar with. Also a movie...not as good as the book, but has actual video footage of the survivors at the end.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Ghost Soldiers recognizes not only those that were captives, but those that strove to bring them home

An engrossing read, though sometimes I had to put it down because I was truly troubled by the treatment our soldiers endured. Well written account -- a story that had to be shared

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Graphic

The book that I am reviewing is Ghost Soldiers. The author of the book is Hampton Sides. The book takes places in World War 2.
This book is about the prisoners of war (POW) and about a rescue mission. This book will tell you what it was like in World War 2 as a POW. Also it will get in depth into how they were treated.
My personal reaction to this book is that I enjoyed it. The reason I enjoyed the book is because of all the action that happens throughout the chapters. There are some disgusting parts in this book, like when a soldier digs out a women's fetus with a butane. The book has a lot of graphic scenes. I think this book is a must read for people who enjoy history, action, and war books

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Perfectly Written!

This is an absolute must read! I love reading about the wars, but even people not interested in military history would have to enjoy this story! It is heroic and exciting! It bounces around perfectly to provide the reader with the bigger picture! This book never drags, and I would recommend it to anybody!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Great Story of courageous people

Most people would recognize and understand what the Bataan Death March was and who was involved. Also most Americans would not know why it happened, how many people there were, and where was support from America to help these men and women. The author tells us about the men who were on the Death March, their lives as POW¿s on Bataan and the rescue mission by Army Rangers in 1945 of Cabanatuan POW Camp on Bataan. From this book I attained a deeper appreciation for the Filipino guerilla soldiers who were left behind by McArthur, and the determination of the American soldiers who marched, died and endured during this time. Many of these men and women felt ¿abandoned¿, lied to and discarded; but they never gave up. The rescue mission was a brilliant tactical operation attempting to free these forgotten soldiers.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A thought provoking novel that offers insight to the trials and tribulations of the American POWs during World War II

The novel takes the reader on an emotional journey while following the horrific experiences of the American soldiers stationed on the Philippine island of Bataan during World War II. With help from American not arriving, the soldiers are forced to surrender to the Japanese Imperial army. From here the reader is shown horrific personal accounts of innumerable war crimes committed against these Americans. While recalling these hellish experiences in a story like manner, Sides gives readers equal insight to the army group known simply as the Rangers. These men were called upon when the American army returned to the island of Bataan three years later. They were given an intricate precarious mission that would finally prove themselves as an elite fighting force. The mission's main objective was to secure all of the POWs in the Japanese death camp known as Cabanatuan. Yet to get there the men would have to march countless mile deep into enemy territory all the while keeping the element of surprise. The entire mission proves to be gripping and highly suspenseful, that will make it hard for readers to put the book down. Sides masterfully shows how cultural differences, racial aggression, and new found power come together to form a deadly cocktail that consumes thousands of American lives. The suspense of the novel takes a fare amount of chapters to develop, but the wait proves to be worth it in the end. The realistic elements of the novel, such as interviews and army documents add to the authenticity of the story, yet also add gruesome and sometimes gory scenarios. Due to these situations, if readers are offended by gore and fowl language, this book might not be suited well for them. Sides is also the author of Stomping Grounds and Americana and lives up to his reputation in Ghost Soldiers. This novel truly deserves all the accolades it receives which is why it deserves five stars.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Good

I have this book and im young i just learning about history and this book worked for that porpouse i reccomend

A Must Read....

This is a story that every American needs to know about and Hampton Sides tells it in a way that makes it hard to put down!

Very Interesting and informative

This book is very powerful! An excellently written portrait of such difficult times. Highly reccommended!

A must read

I loved reading this book. Hampton Sides did such a great job describing the surroundings, characters and emotions that it was difficult for me to continue to read the book because I was an emotional mess. And because it was so heart wrenching I could not stop reading because I needed to know what was going to happen next and how it would end. I highly recommend this book but be warned that it is very detailed and emotional.

For those interested in military history, this is a must read.

Excellent story, extremely well researched. A story of unthinkable brutality, severe suffering and true heroes who sacrificed their lives to save their American comrades. The story of a well planned and executed WW II rescue mission conducted under the most difficult tropical conditions. A rescue mission that would not have been successful without the support and sacrifice of our Philippine comrades. And all true. A must read.

Great Story!!!!

A great story and good detail about the people helping the POWs. Very moving descriptions of the good and bad during war.

highly recommended

great read

Wow

This is one of those books you can't put down. If you like WWII history this book should be on your list.

Highly Recommended

Ghost Soldiers would definitely be one of the top three books I have read in my life. It surpassed my expectations. Had me in tears as I read it. My professor even said that my book review made her cry. If you are debating on buying this book, buy it. I am planning on keeping mine and having my kids read it when they get older.

Excellent - Highly Recommended

Author's research was very thorough and historical facts were interwoven very skillfully. If you are studying WWII, put this on your list!

ghst soldiers

This book iamazing and awsome.

Very awsome book!! Highly Recommended!!!!

Ghost soldiers... is a thrilling World War 2 book and Mr. sides tells the story very well giving the captives, captures, and rescuers personalities alike. My opinion is that this book is vibrantly, powerful and seems alive on the page. This book is a thrilling tale of American courage and heroism ghost soldiers Hamton side brings to life a fogotten rescuer mission that changed the lives of 513 POWs in a hellish POW camp This rescue mission alone is one that you will always remember. This book is recommended to childern interested in America's greatist World War 2 rescue mission.

Icredible Book And A Must Read

This book should be read in conjunction with 'UNBROKEN'. A must read and an addition to your WWII collection. I couldn't put it down.

awesome

What a great book. Hard to put down. Buy it, read it!