From Classic Fiction to Current Events: 10 Military Must-Reads
1. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
This war novel published in 1961 is the ultimate satire. Readers follow protagonist John Yossarian and his comrades through a madcap existence on the island of Pinosa during the second half of World War II. The lives of the Soldiers are run by the laws of Catch-22, which are always contradictory and leave those faced by them in a bind. Most Soldiers probably picked up Catch-22 while back in school, but this classic is always worth a second look.
2. All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
Loosely based on Remarque’s own experiences during World War I, the story of Paul Bäumer is an intensely personal and powerful novel. The experiences of Paul and his fellow Soldiers completely reshape their beliefs and offer a dark perspective on the life of a World War I Soldier. One of the most classic war novels of all time, All Quiet on the Western Front offers readers a glimpse of the brutality of WWI combat and the effects on the men who fought in it.
3. The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien
The Things They Carried is a series of related short stories that stretch from the Vietnam draft to twenty years after the war. Most of the stories are narrated by Tim, the author; though he admits that he often blurs the truth in order to really tell the story the way it’s meant to be told. The stories offer personal insights about the motivations of Soldiers and the stories they have to share.
4. Blackwater: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army by Jeremy Scahill
This newer nonfiction title takes a look into the United States’ use of civilian contractors in Iraq. Based primarily around the business dealings and actions of members of Blackwater USA, Scahill offers an openly liberal look at the use of mercenaries in modern warfare.
5. Enemy Women by Paulette Jiles
This novel published in April 2007 examines a side of the Civil War that has rarely been looked at closely. The story follows the trials and tribulations of Adair Colley an 18 year old woman living in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri during the Civil War. Adair will stop at nothing to save her family, and her heroic efforts make for a page-turning read.
6. 1776 by David McCullough
Though many historical works about the year of 1776 focus on the politics of that momentous year; McCullough takes a different angle by focusing on the military happenings. The book focuses in particular on the military strategizing of George Washington and King George III. Since its release in 2006, 1776 has been a hit with critics and audiences alike. With all of the gripping drama, readers may just forget that they are experiencing a work of nonfiction written by a historian.
7. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
Arguably one of the most classic war novels of all time, War and Peace tells of the struggles of characters living through Napoleon’s conquest across Europe. The epic tale of the challenges war presents for all types of individuals will be difficult to put down as readers find themselves drawn further into the world of early 19th century eastern Europe.
8. A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway’s classic war novel tells the story of Lieutenant Frederic Henry and his struggle with choosing between love and duty. In the end, the protagonist’s love for the woman Catherine wins over, only to be marked by tragedy shortly thereafter. A Farewell to Arms is Hemingway’s artistry at its finest and an absolute must read for all ages.
9. The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara
Published in 1974 and still a top seller today, this war novel centers around the Battle of Gettysburg and makes use of the real heroic individuals who put their lives on the line. The book delves deep into the intricacies of the military and the strategies involved in successful battles. Whether you’re a civil war buff or fan of great literature, The Killer Angels is guaranteed to make for a compelling read.
10. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
Always a critical success, Cold Mountain gained mainstream attention following the hit movie based on the novel. The book follows the intertwining lives of soldier-on-the-run Inman and his true love Ada. Inman’s journey takes many twists and turns along the way, but his goal to find Ada remains strong. This is a dramatic story of love and courage during the Civil War that is not to be passed up.
william kimbrough
August 10th, 2007 at 3:07 amI am about to read “Life and Fate”, Vassily Grossman’s novel set in the Soviet Union during World War II. From all accounts, it is a classic. Howard Bahr’s US Civil War novel, “The Black Flower” is very good.