Customer Reviews

Spindrift: Stories from the Sea Services

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As a former qualified diesel submarine Torpedoman in the `50s who made a WestPac run and who, in the `70s and `80s, was a civilian Special Agent with US Naval Intelligence assigned in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Iceland, in, I can say, that I have Been there, Done that!" The authors have apparently been there, and done that also. Many of the tales told, the events related, and the places mentioned (or at least similar ones) are all too real and still vivid in this reviewer's memory. On reading "Spindrift", they will become a part of yours also. Down to earth from the heart writing that "tells it like it is" (old memories not withstanding).

These stories are wonderful examples of real-life events seen by three brothers gifted with the ability to see humor and truth in everyday activity. They reflect the realism and intensity in extremely serious military situations that resolve into laughter in spite of all the pressure to "do it by the book." The stories are short and sweet, perfectly crafted, and they illustrate the great values and pleasures that come from a life in the service. Give yourself a treat and buy this book. At the end of it, you'll wish it was twice as long!

DAN BOB & PAUL THANKS FOR AN AMUSING BOOK OF SEA STORIES! AS ONE OF THE CHARACTERS, I FEEL HONORED TO HAVE BEEN A PART OF IT. DON COLYER U.S.M.C. RETIRED

Among the books I got for Christmas were Tom Brokaw's "The Greatest Generation" and Harold Evan's "The American Century." While skimming these books, I thought of "Spindrift" as well as Paul Gillcrist's earlier book "Feet Wet." Even though they didn't serve in World War II, the Gillcrist brothers are a part of the greatest generation and they helped make this the American century.

I fell through the cracks and did not serve in the military. That makes me all the more grateful for people such as these.

Now, having glorified them as part of a larger, admirable group, let me be quick to say that these men were not icons. Brave, loyal,dutiful and dedicated men but real people whose feet, though made mostly of granite, had just enough clay mixed in. In "Spindrift, they celebrate their own foibles along with those of the subjects about which they write. Humor is an important part of all of this. It's all through the book but I especially like entry number two in the Glossary.

Reading the book has been a good exercise for me. Vicariously, it made me feel that, had I served, I might have done so as responsibly as the Gillcrist brothers.

the book is written from the heart and is therefore honest and with great integrity. Teh cahracters are real and appear as sucha nd that kept me captivated throughout the story. GREAT JOB!!!

Fascinating stories about life aboard the earliest nuclear missile submarine, about Naval Aviation, and about women in Naval Aviation. Hilarious and poignant stories about the USMC, with some particularly vivid vignettes on race relations in the Navy during the 50s. This book tells what it was like for the folks who make up the Navy and Marine Corps. The submarine and USMC stories date from the 1950s. The Aviation stories cover the 50s to the 80s.

I really enjoyed this book. I have hundreds of books on military experiences, from the Civil to the Gulf war. I have a strong preference for books written by individuals about their personal experiences. This book definitely ranks among my favorites.

If you enjoy Tom Clancy, Ernie Pyle, or no nonsense "I was there" military books, you'll definitely enjoy this one. If you have friends or relatives who served in the Navy or Marines, this book will help you understand their experiences. I highly recommend it.

The Brothers Gillcrist have assembled a delightful anecdotal history of their experiences in more than 30 years of sea service, and bring sharp powers of observation to the task, along with a bedrock sensibility that conveys reality to the reader: they say what they mean and mean what they say. Anyone who has served or had a family member who served, will acquire a sense of kinship with the writers and will come away with many insights into the lives of military seafarers. (Disclaimer: I am biased in that I helped Paul Gillcrist with one chapter on the Royal Navy).

My father, Don "Pete" Colyer, was one of the main characters in the book, and his enthusiasm for this book is addicting. After my reading, I learned a lot about my father's history/past that I was totally unaware of. It makes me feel much closer to him and I feel that I know him a little bit more.