Dink-Gadink [Hardcover]

John Scanlan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2005

Based on real events and personal experiences yet presented as comical military fiction Dink Gadink depicts a week in the life of seven Plebes at the U.S. Naval Academy. Struggling to survive in an institution that constantly overwhelms them on a daily basis, these seven Plebes are as unique in their personalities and goals as they are similar in their struggle to survive. Told from a humorous perspective in vivid detail, Dink Gadink boldly takes the reader inside the hallowed walls of the U.S. Naval Academy. It depicts the hilarious and mischievous escapades of Homecoming week, leading up to a climactic football game against Air Force on Saturday. Finally, on a lazy Sunday morning, it reveals a priceless lesson about the true meaning of real world friendships that are formed in a crucible like the U.S. Naval Academy. Dink Gadink is as close as any reader will ever become to actually being a Midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John M. Scanlan is a native of Stoutsville, Ohio, where he grew up as the oldest of eight children in a childhood that would best be described as a Norman Rockwell painting. John is a 1983 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, where he was a member of the Twenty-Third Company, majored in mechanical engineering, and played rugby. He retired from the United States Marine Corps as a Lieutenant Colonel with approximately 2500 hours in the back seat of tactical fighter attack aircraft, specifically the F-4S Phantom II and the F-18D Hornet. He currently resides on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and is pursuing a second career as a writer.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 421 pages
• Publisher: John M. Scanlan Literary Services (July 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0975540513
• ISBN-13: 978-0975540510
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,360,859 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Meh., November 27, 2009

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Heather in WI - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Dink-Gadink (Hardcover)

The writing in this book was abysmal and the actual story was ... meh.

If you want to read a book about the Naval Academy, you're much better off with The Return of Philo T. McGiffin by David Poyer, A Sense of Honor by James Webb, or Darkside by P. T. Deutermann.

4.0 out of 5 stars Life in Mother B, September 11, 2009

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wogan "the book reader" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Dink-Gadink (Hardcover)

First let me say this is an enjoyable book. It gives a side of midshipmen life that is not normally seen. I've been associated with many aspects of the Academy and seen many friends and then sons go off to their plebe year and so much of how these young men think and react is so accurate and well it should be since it was written by a former Midshipmen. (I omit women, because so does John Scanlon, even though they were present during his years in Annapolis)
Despite the moans and complaining there are the thoughts, that do occur, that in 3 ½ years they could be asked to lay down their lives for "the greatest nation on earth". Those young men that I have witnessed go through this 4 year molding usually do feel that they have been given an opportunity to become better than they actually are; but as `Dink-Gadink' is mostly made up of - it is the sometimes seemingly absurdities of especially plebe (1st) year. The Dink-Gadink is the ever present clock in Mother B - Bancroft Hall where all the midshipmen live, and that is the sound those synchronized clocks made.
The humor is done admirably with the exception of the extraordinary lengths Scanlon goes to insult NIS, the Naval Investigative Service (now better known to the TV watching public as NCIS). Believe me most services have no love for their investigative services, but the absurdities that Scalon writes of are ridiculous. The NIS men drop guns and badges and use slipping wigs and over glued mustaches. It's really beyond insulting, especially if we are to believe the end where they uncover an illegal scam run by some upper classmen. Hopefully not to give away plots I also wonder where the selling of exams went. It seems to be forgotten as well as the ramifications of a non- reported honor code violation when plebes discover one of their friends is married (a huge honor code violation).
Despite my complaints this would be an interesting book to have any military incoming student read and probably one that would bring huge smiles and reminiscences of anyone who has attended any military academy.