Customer Reviews

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Salutes the Armed Forces

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I don't know who Uncle John is, but he certainly pulled together some great writers and some wonderful pieces of military facts, fiction, and lore when he put this book together. Completely enjoyable from beginning to end, you will learn something in every sitting. Every service is mentioned repeatedly, and actions from the amazingly heroic to the ridiculously stupid are given equal time. Everything is simply written, easily formatted, and continuously refreshing and entertaining. From the somber (Arlington) to the comedic (Beetle Bailey, Bob Hope), every aspect of military life is covered, and in such a way that the reader is both educated and entertained.

I especially liked the way the authors divide up large topics into easily manageable chapters appearing in different places in the book. That keeps the reader from getting too much of any one topic at one time, and keeps things moving. I also really enjoyed the little factoids at the bottom of each page, completely unrelated to the story. These were always short but very interesting; an added bonus on each page.

Full of facts and fun, this is a must for any military member's bathroom, and will be heartily enjoyed by anyone who either served or just has a passing interest in the military.

There are few books out today that will bring the reader such a interesting history of the American military. Written in a fashion that will attract everyone from the high school student to the retired combat veteran, this book is the highlight of the Uncle John's series.

They've taken all five branches of the service and given the reader dozens of little stories, facts, and vignettes from each. Some are funny, some are not, and many simply relate the unknown stories that makes up the fine tradition our military deserves: from Lt. John Yancy and his Marines fighting their way out of Chosin Reservoir, Bill Mauldin's cartoon characters Willie & Joe making their way across France during WW2,John Ripley (USMC) single handedly halting a North Korean advance at Dong Ha...to actor (and Navy veteran!) Eddie Albert's heroism at Tarawa...this book personalizes our fighting men in a way that most classical battles stories do not.

The book also takes the time to present some of the better books and movies that our Marines - Navy - Army - Air Force have spawned; while every military devotee has seen "Saving Private Ryan" and "Black Hawk Down", Uncle John suggests such movies as "They Were Expendable" and "Glory". His reading list is equally suberb: selections like "All Quiet on the Western Front" and Steinbeck's "The Moon is Down" serve to remind us that for all the music, flags, movies, and hoopla, wars are fought by some incredibly brave men who rise to an occasion thay'd never dreamed they'd encounter.

Interspersed in the book are the stories of the five young men who have earned the Medal of Honor -posthumously - while fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan; it's good to see Smith (USA), Dunham (USMC), Murphy (USN), Monsoor (USN), and McGinnis (USA) remembered.

This book will make great reading and a better gift - Bravo Zulu !!

My son is in Iraq right now on his 3rd tour.

We bought this book as a treat for him.

He always loved the Uncle John books.

I KNOW he will love this one as well.

Thank you Amazon also for your awesome staff and the fine job they always do for us.

Thank you Amazon! ! !

Another "Uncle John's" that has made an impression on me. Yup, it was too hard to put down and I've again spent so much time on the pot that I may have a bruise of a toilet seat on the hindquarters. Keep them coming, UJ!

From how the Pentagon got it's shape to top military movies to military history, this book covers much, much. Despite the "different" title, it's a "winner" for anyone in or interested in the military!

I gave this book to my father-in-law, who was career Navy. He just loves it. But, I've been giving him the Bathroom Readers series for years, they are so popular, fun and actually very informative.

I bought this as a gift for my dad. He is a veteran from the Air Force. He read it then I did. There was lots of history about the wars, (I,II). Overall, I enjoy Bathroom Readers. This one is much more somber than many. If you are looking for an uplifting story, try another book. The book was well written and well researched.

As a Navy veteran myself, I have learned so much more about the other services too! I have not even finished the book but have already deemed this one to be their best one yet! Bravo Zulu to the BRI!

This book is as good as the rest of the series. Nice book for anyone that you know in the military or for anyone who supports the military.

Great gift for my sentimental, former military, father. Short, quick stories.... he really loved it!