Customer Reviews

Bataan: A Survivor's Story

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Boyt States that he wrote this book for 2 reasons: "First, I hope to contribute to a more complete history of both the Bataan Death March and the broader POW experience. Second, I feel compelled to bring my story to later generations of Americans." The author succeeds on both counts. This is an easily read, true, and impactful story that I found hard to put down. It puts into context the suffering endured by those who survived, and the many who died, during the Death March and being held as POW's by the Japanese in WWII. The discriptions are vivid including the heroric actions of the Philippeno people prior to and during the struggle. They also suffered greatly. I'm glad I added this book to my library.

The Bataan Death March left very few survivors, but the ones it did leave, like this author, were strong, brave heroes! The author shares the heartaches of war along with the joys of returning home to family and friends whose prayers were answered. I'm so glad I have this book, it is a genuine treasure trove of inspiration! God bless the memory of every man, woman, and child who suffered the horrors of World War II. We are indebted to them for their wisdom and their courage.

The book was well written and kept my attention - it was hard to put down! Everyone in my family read the book and it generated many conversations about family members who served in World War II, human nature, and Mr. Boyt's incredible will to live. My son used this book for a class assignment and all of the kids enjoyed the story - it gave an indepth look at just one of many heros who served in World War II. I highly recommend this book.

I plan to own two copies - one for each of my children to inherit. We owe it to those who served and suffered in sacrifice to our country to know their stories, so that our gratitude may be complete. We owe it to ourselves to understand what happened and why, not merely to hone our knowledge of history, but because it will help us to better deal with the conflicts of our time. Personal accounts of historical events are invaluable aids in coming to a more complete understanding of the event. The reader can "see" the events as they were and draw his own conclusions rather than rely on historians' biases in the retelling.

What I loved most about the book was Lt. Boyt's telling of how he survived and his attitude about the ordeal. He describes some of the most horrific episodes in human history in a calm, matter-of-fact, and sometimes even humorous way. Lt. Boyt's greatest legacy is the inspiration he is as a human being. To have suffered so much, and yet to have placed the evil he experienced in perspective with love and hope makes the book truly `a survivor's story' - not just survival of the body, but survival of the human spirit.

This is the story of my Grandpa. I hope you all enjoy this book! Now that my Pops is in a better place I can read this book and feel closer to him than ever. Through reading this book my family and I have learned so much that we never knew about our Pops. It shows the best and worst of the people of the Death March and the angels that helped my pops to survive so that I may be here today. I hope you enjoy this as much as we have! Thank you for reading it.
Shoni Boyt

This is a fascinating, well-written account of the life of a man who symbolizes the best qualities of "the greatest generation." Men like Mr. Boyt endured unimaginable suffering and then came home to live quiet, decent lives without seeking the attention and respect they deserved. We need to hear their stories and learn from them before they pass away. This book is inspiring and easy to read. I highly recommend it.

Great read! Clear, concise, draws you in. Gene Boyt's outstanding character and his attitude about the horrible ordeal he is forced to endure comes through clearly as a big reason for his survival. Mr Boyt's story is one of true heroism, although he states he considered himself only a survivor. This excellent book shares a special place on my bookshelf next to other stories of Mr Boyt's great generation. -Forever Greatful

Absolutly one of the best written books I've had the pleasure of reading, Mr Boyt was an incredable man not to want more spotlight on his endeavors.
To give more to his comrades, so unselfish. For this man to go through the trails and tribulations and the horrendous conditions.
This book leaves more to the imagination,a must read.

I've read about 40 first-person books written by survivors of the Japanese POW camps and this is one of the best. When I began reading the book I didn't realize that I knew Lt. Boyt's family and when I did the story became even more compelling. Lt. Boyt and his biographer did an excellent job of telling his story, outlining what life was like for the young people during the 1930s and early 40s and how overcoming the hardships of that life was what made this the "Greatest Generation". Boyt's story tells how he used determination to overcome barrier after barrier to become a successful and useful citizen. Those traits did him well when he was suddenly thrust into the horror of prison camp under the brutal heel of the Japanese. He and his buddies withstood more than is hardly believable. Young Americans should be required to read this book so they can better understand that this is the "Home of the Free BECAUSE of the Brave!"

Pleased with the prompt delivery. Good doing business with you.