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THE WORLD WAR TWO GROUP discussion

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BOOK DISCUSSIONS > Advice on WW2 Books

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message 1: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (last edited Jul 13, 2012 11:55PM) (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19804 comments description


Members can post questions or requests for information on any WW2 books they are interested in.


message 2: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (last edited May 09, 2012 12:02AM) (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19804 comments by Tom (new)
11 minutes ago

I've moved this post from Tom seeking advice on a series of books he is interested in:

Has anyone read any of the green books - US Army in Wold War II?

Found them online a while ago:


saw a couple in a used store. they look pretty good.


message 3: by Chris (new)

Chris I have not read the green books, but I've been meaning to. Some day I'll get to them lol


message 4: by Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces (new)

Geevee | 3810 comments Tom I have quite a number of them (ETO, Med and Technical plus War Dept series), and whilst not having read any cover to cover, they are very readable, and I use them as a reference when reading say memoirs or other accounts. Maps are good and found mainly in an end pocket/envelope). All the volumes I have are sizeable so not for commuting or whilst travelling light. All are bound in quality green cloth.


message 5: by happy (new)

happy (happyone) | 2270 comments I've got a couple of them - can be very dry


message 6: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19804 comments Can anyone offer an opinion on these two books:


The Americans at D-Day The American Experience at the Normandy Invasion by John C. McManus AND The Americans at Normandy The Summer of 1944--The American War from the Normandy Beaches to Falaise by John C. McManus by John C. McManus

They sound pretty good and I'm tempted in ordering some second-hand copies, any advice or information would be much appreciated.


²Ñí³¦±ðá±ô  Ó Gealbháin (miceal) I've read them both. They are very good. I've also read McManus' The Deadly Brotherhood, Alamo In The Ardennes and The Deadly Sky. He also has a new book being released in June regarding Americans in Operation Market Garden. I would recommend them.


message 8: by Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces (new)

Geevee | 3810 comments 'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Can anyone offer an opinion on these two books:


[bookcover:The Americans at D-Day: The American Experience at the Normandy Invasion] AND [bookcover:The Americans at Normandy: The Summer of 1944--..."


I'be both AR but read neither yet (normal story) and thanks Dr. Michael for the news on his new book that sound interesting too.


message 9: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19804 comments I've got a copy of his new book on order covering Arnhem; September Hope, so I suppose I better get these two books as well :)

September Hope The American Side of a Bridge Too Far  by John C. McManus by John C. McManus


message 10: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19804 comments Another request for members input on two books I am considering purchasing if anyone has any comments to offer on either of these titles:


Deadlock Before Moscow by Franz Kurowski by Franz Kurowski

Patton's Pawns The 94th US Infantry Division at the Siegfried Line by Tony Le Tissier by Tony Le Tissier


message 11: by Michael, Assisting Moderator Axis Forces (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) | 292 comments Was wondering who here as read Mein Kampf and if so was it worth while reading. I am in two minds whether to read it or not.


²Ñí³¦±ðá±ô  Ó Gealbháin (miceal) I've read it to put things into some sort of perspective. It is a worthless document however, if you want to get into the mind of a madman and gain perspective into the rise of the Nazis then it is worth giving it a try. BUT, it will make you angry.


message 13: by Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces (new)

Geevee | 3810 comments Michael I've not read it and have often considered it but never picked it up and started.


message 14: by carl (new)

carl  theaker | 1555 comments i tried to read it a couple times, but couldn't keep going because of its blandness, and i've read a few novels by henry james, so i thought i could get through anything.

as Dr M, sez, if you manage your expectations you could find it worthwhile.


message 15: by Michael, Assisting Moderator Axis Forces (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) | 292 comments Thanks for the advice I think I may venture into it's pages in the near future.


message 16: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19804 comments I have been looking for a good book on Operation Bagration and considering how large this offensive was and the bearing it had on WW2 there is not all that much about in English. I have a few books that I have read but I came across this title and was wondering if anyone here had read it or heard anything, good or bad, about it:

Why Normandy Was Won Operation Bagration and the War In the East 1941-1945 How Stalin and the Red Army contributed to the success of the Allies at Normandy by Ken Weiler by Ken Weiler


message 17: by [deleted user] (new)

In reference to Mein Kampf, I own a 1939 edition published in the US by Reynal & Hitchcock Publishers of NY, "by arrangement" with Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. The edition has a number of prominent writers and journalists listed as editorial sponsors... including John Gunther, Carlton Hayes, Walter Millis, and Raoul de Roussy de Sales. I have never read Mein Kampf from cover to cover, though I have read select chapters, and view it more as a "reference" book to further understand the mind of Hitler. I also have a US printing of Der Fuehrer by Konrad Heiden, translated by Ralph Manheim, published by Houghton Mifflin, Boston, in 1944.This book I read a number of years ago, probably in the 1970's.


message 18: by Tom (last edited Jul 14, 2012 10:45AM) (new)

Tom | 81 comments 'Aussie Rick' wrote: "I have been looking for a good book on Operation Bagration and considering how large this offensive was and the bearing it had on WW2 there is not all that much about in English. I have a few books..."

I don't know anything about that book.
Wikipedia article on it looks ok, here are a few references from it that may be of interest
Belorussia 1944 The Soviet General Staff Study by David M. Glantz by David M. Glantz
Analysis of Deep Attack Operations Operation Bagration Belorussia 22 June-29 August 1944 by William M. Connor by William M. Connor
Bagration 1944 The Destruction Of Army Group Centre (Campaign) by Steven J. Zaloga by Steven J. Zaloga




message 19: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19804 comments Thanks Tom for those titles. Another two good books that I did manage to identify are only available second-hand and the prices are a tad too high, a few hundred dollars!


message 20: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19804 comments I have found the site for the book; Why Normandy was won: Operation Bagration and the War in the East 1941 - 1945 which has some reviews and sample chapters. The book sounds very interesting so it may become a must have for my library. If others are interested in checking out the book try this link:




message 21: by Michael, Assisting Moderator Axis Forces (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) | 292 comments For our American friends with a Kindle at the moment Tigers in the Mud The Combat Career of German Panzer Commander Otto Carius by Otto Carius is available for free at the moment.


message 22: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19804 comments FREE!!!! That's not fair, I had to pay for mine :(


message 23: by Mike, Assisting Moderator US Forces (new)

Mike | 3546 comments That could almost get me to buy a Kin...Kin...Kindle...OMG HERESY!


message 24: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19804 comments Don't do it Mike, don't turn to the dark side!


message 25: by Michael, Assisting Moderator Axis Forces (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) | 292 comments This will make your mind up Mike for the next 24hrs Eastern Inferno The Journals of a German Panzerjager on the Eastern Front, 1941-43 by Christine Alexander byChristine Alexanderis only $1.99


message 26: by Mike, Assisting Moderator US Forces (new)

Mike | 3546 comments Arrrgh!


message 27: by carl (new)

carl  theaker | 1555 comments Mike wrote: "Arrrgh!"

imagine, just like the warped albums and the now
dusty CDs, your library could be contained in
a slender, well lit, gizmo. now if you could
just find where you left it ...


message 28: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (last edited Oct 13, 2012 06:24PM) (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19804 comments Anyone here read John Mosier's book Deathride and wants to offer an opinion if it's any good or not?

Deathride by John Mosier by John Mosier

It has received some very mixed reviews and I wonder if he is trying to be too revisionist in his writing?

Some interesting reviews on his book:






message 29: by Christie (new)

Christie | 336 comments Michael wrote: "Was wondering who here as read Mein Kampf and if so was it worth while reading. I am in two minds whether to read it or not."

Michael, was wondering if you ended up taking on "Mein Kampf" yet or not. I've attempted on several occasions to read it as I'm very intrigued by Hitler and his rise to power, but I just can't get through more than 30 pages.


message 30: by Adrian (new)

Adrian (adi37) | 26 comments 'Aussie Rick' wrote: "FREE!!!! That's not fair, I had to pay for mine :("

Michael wrote: "For our American friends with a Kindle at the moment Tigers in the Mud The Combat Career of German Panzer Commander Otto Carius by Otto Carius is available for free at the moment."
Had to pay for my copy too,was well worth it though.


message 31: by Michael, Assisting Moderator Axis Forces (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) | 292 comments Christie wrote: "Michael wrote: "Was wondering who here as read Mein Kampf and if so was it worth while reading. I am in two minds whether to read it or not."

Michael, was wondering if you ended up taking on "Mein..."


I have the audiobook version waiting to listen to.


message 32: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19804 comments Has anyone here read; Through the Maelstrom and can offer an opinion if its worthwhile reading?


Through the Maelstrom A Red Army Soldier's War on the Eastern Front, 1942-1945 by Boris Gorbachevsky by Boris Gorbachevsky


message 33: by Tami R (new)

Tami R Peterson (trpeterson) | 9 comments I think this is the right place for it but I wanted to let group members know that I have been able to find a lot of the books I am looking for on . It's a great resource for inexpensive used books on WW2 because most of them are former library books that have been withdrawn (the library has too many copies or whatever) and most are in great condition. Almost all of my WW2 books from there are hard covers that I got for $3.98 each. They also do a lot of great stuff for child literacy as well as helping to give old library books a new home!


message 34: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19804 comments Hi Tami, thanks for the link to that book site, I am sure a few members will follow that up :)

I am going to add the details to our Resource Sites for Members as well:

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/8...


message 35: by Christie (last edited Jan 29, 2013 02:34PM) (new)

Christie | 336 comments Tami wrote: "I think this is the right place for it but I wanted to let group members know that I have been able to find a lot of the books I am looking for on . It's a great resource fo..."

Awesome to hear about such a site. Thanks so much Tami. I'm afraid I may have to go "looking" :)
Just noticed they offer free shipping worldwide and offer discounts for multiple book purchases. This could be a very dangerous site for me!


message 36: by Michael, Assisting Moderator Axis Forces (new)

Michael Flanagan (loboz) | 292 comments Great site Tammi thanks for the link :)


message 37: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19804 comments A request from a member; David:

After having written two short stories, one a dark comedy about two little old ladies that murder Justin Bieber and a teen, horror novella. I'd like to try writing a piece about the women of WWII, those that were in the service, specifically the WASPs. But I want to better understand the trials, tribulations and triumphs that they had related to theri gender. Any one have any suggestions to help me in my research?

Any advice or recommendations would be gladly appreciated I'm sure.


message 38: by Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces (last edited Feb 12, 2013 01:30AM) (new)

Geevee | 3810 comments These would help I guess; both the text and references/bibliography within:

WASPs: Women Airforce Service Pilots in World War II by Vera Williams (not listed on GR) and

SISTERS IN ARMS The Women Who Flew in World War II (Pen & Sword Aviation) by Helena P. Schrader by Helena P. Schrader

and a quick Google brought this up:


This museum could offer information on a British perspective on the the challenges women tackled too:


message 39: by carl (last edited Feb 12, 2013 05:32AM) (new)

carl  theaker | 1555 comments if you're ever in the neighborhood of
Sweetwater, Texas. Also, Check out the book category:



This book has a couple chapters on the WASPS:

The Stars Were Big and Bright, Volume I The United States Army Air Forces and Texas During World War II by T E Alexander


message 40: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19804 comments Excellent suggestions, thanks for that.


message 41: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19804 comments I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who may have read; Why Germany Nearly Won. It has received some excellent reader reviews but also some mixed ones as well. Has anyone here read it and can offer an opinion?

Why Germany Nearly Won A New History of the Second World War in Europe by Steven D Mercatante by Steven D Mercatante


message 42: by Tom (new)

Tom | 81 comments 'Aussie Rick' wrote: "I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who may have read; Why Germany Nearly Won. It has received some excellent reader reviews but also some mixed ones as well. Has anyone here read it and can o..."

I have not read it but heres a review that may help ...



message 43: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19804 comments Hi Tom,

Thanks for the link to the review.


message 44: by Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces (new)

Geevee | 3810 comments Not read it Rick, but sounds interesting.


message 45: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19804 comments It's a bit pricey so before I commit to buying a copy I want to make sure it's worth the pain :)


message 46: by David (new)

David | 24 comments 'Aussie Rick' wrote: "I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who may have read; Why Germany Nearly Won. It has received some excellent reader reviews but also some mixed ones as well. Has anyone here read it and can o..."

As a somewhat related book, I recently re-read The Man In the High Castle by Philip K Dick about an alternate universe where Germany and Japan won WWII and divided up the world. As an interesting twist, within the main story there is a character who has written a book about the US and Britain having won and what the world would be like. It is somewhat dated but I still found it interesting enough to re-read it.

The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick


message 47: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19804 comments Thanks for that information David, much appreciated.


message 48: by Tionne (new)

Tionne | 255 comments Hi everyone! I'm starting up a history book discussion group at my library (its a lot of fun on goodreads so I thought it would be fun in person too! But there was no history one, so I'm having to start it up myself) and I need to pick a first book for the group to read. I do have some constraints, as it is a small library and they would have to do ILL because they usually only own one copy of a particular history book. But, its doable, so I just need to nail the perfect first book that would make people want to come and talk about it. My first thoughts would be Band of Brothers E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest by Stephen E. Ambrose because, well, its a fantastic book and it might generate some interest in the discussion group. Also, any book by John Keegan or Alex Kershaw is fantastic. Any thoughts, suggestions? I would appreciate it!! Thanks!!


message 49: by A.L. (new)

A.L. Sowards | 500 comments Tionne, it sounds like you're getting involved in a fun project!

I know there are mixed opinions about Stephen Ambrose, but Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest is one of my favorite books of all time. I think you're wise to pick something that's more popular at least to start with--it will be easier for other readers to find copies of (through ILL or used book stores, and hey, the mass market paperback copy isn't too expensive if they want to buy it).

Good luck!


message 50: by Tionne (new)

Tionne | 255 comments A.L. wrote: "Tionne, it sounds like you're getting involved in a fun project!

I know there are mixed opinions about Stephen Ambrose, but Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normand..."


Thank you, A.L.! That is what I was thinking. Grab a popular book that is all over the place. Plus its a great read. :-)


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