I am currently reading ...

[Redd]

I like WWII books done from a personal pov. Just picked up Luftwaffe Fighter Ace by Norbert Hanning. Be interesting to see how his experiences compare to that of Erich "Bubi" Hartmann that I read about a long time ago. Always interested in the view from the other side.

Bob

I've read a few myself. I always remember a quote but can't remember who was credited with it (Richthofen or Galland - or if just apocryphal), when asked the question over any guilt for shooting down pilots replied 'I don't shoot down pilots, I shoot down enemy planes'

 

[Lord Fatboy]

That's a good point, I must get the KW book. KW features a lot in the Brandreth diaries as well - not always in a good light, particularly if he was not the centre of attention.

TBH He doesn't come off much better in his own diaries, but I suppose that shows he at least knew it.

 

[R181]

I've read a few myself. I always remember a quote but can't remember who was credited with it (Richthofen or Galland - or if just apocryphal), when asked the question over any guilt for shooting down pilots replied 'I don't shoot down pilots, I shoot down enemy planes'

Yes, I think I have heard that before too. I believe it was pretty common to view it as destroying an enemy machine, be it aircraft, ships or tanks, and not killing a human being. The latter came later when there was time for some inner reflection on the matter.

I will always remember my Uncle, who survived 4 years on the Russian Front, saying that it did not matter how good a soldier you were that it was luck that got you through in the end. I think I will take an old "Sand Hassen's" word on that.

Bob

 

[flip-68]

Waldron by Thoreau. So far pretty interesting (10 pages in )

 

[Francorelli]

I love Abercrombie's First Law series of books, so it was a veritable treat to discover this fine collection of short stories from the First Law world.

 

[Lord Fatboy]

I like reading one non-fiction and one fiction book at the same time, so...

 

[JamieM]

Just finished this book what a incredible Man Jim Corbett, quite shocking the reality of how many individuals these Man eaters actually killed.

 

[Chris]

Still A Song of Ice and Fire...

 

[Francorelli]

Recently finished The Gunslinger. After reading King's magnificent The Stand a few years ago, I was looking forward to reading more of his work but found this a little lacklustre in comparison.

Back on to more reliable territory now with the ever-accessible Reacher.

 

[R181]

Lost Victories by Field Marshal Erich von Manstein . It is interesting to read the views of a man who was well respected by the ordinary soldiers who served under him.

Bob

 

[mike_the_kraken]

 

[Francorelli]

A new author for me. Watson shares some similarities with Joe Abercrombie's style of writing.

Thoroughly enjoying it.

 

[Slant_Fan]

After all these years I finally read True Grit by Charles Portis. I had seen the movie in 1968, with John Wayne, as well as the newer version, but never read the book. Couldn't put it down. Great read.

 

[Francorelli]

Hobb's concluding book in the Fitz & The Fool saga. I'm currently a third of the way in, and it's as epic and compelling as I could have ever hoped for.

 

[Lord Fatboy]

"Crash" by Ballard - one of three novels I've started several times and never finished.