Author: Genyc79

Blogger, IT Admin, Nyctophile, Explorer and Brooklynite in the city that never sleeps.

Area 51: An Uncensored History of America’s Top Secret Military Base – Annie Jacobsen

On By Genyc79In American History, Investigative ReportLeave a comment

Of all the military installations, few are as mysterious as Area 51 which is located at Groom Lake in southern Nevada. The secretive military base has been the subject of rumors that the United States Government is holding the remains of an unidentified flying object (“UFO”) and extraterrestrial lifeforms. The theories are entertaining but remain unproven. This raises the question of what is Area 51? Annie Jacobsen, author of the best-selling book ‘Operation Paperclip: The Secret Intelligence Program that Brought Nazi Scientists to America‘, takes us on a deep dive into the history of Area 51 to reveal as much as possible about America’s most controversial and mysterious military base.

Prior to reading this book, I did not have any pre-conceived ideas about Area 51. Of course, I have heard and read of rumors that the United States Government is concealing alien lifeform and protecting dark secrets. The allegations are unfounded, but what we do know is that the area is heavily guarded and trespassing is forbidden. As a primer to the story to be told, Jacobsen discusses the controversial Robert “Bob” Lazar, a noted conspiracy theorist whose claims regarding secretive government operations have earned him an audience of likeminded individuals. To some he is a tin foil loyalist but was he completely off the mark? Well, the truth is complex but not as sensational as we might hope.

Looking back at the book, the crux of the story is the finale of World War II. We go back in time to 1945 when Allied commanders are on the brink of a Nazi defeat and a battered Japanese military. The development of the Manhattan Project was pivotal to the use of Little Boy and Fat Man against Japan in August 1945, and they were no secret to Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin (1878-1953). His counterpart in America, President Harry S. Truman (1884-1972), had been thrust into the role of commander-in-chief following the death of his predecessor Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945), and quickly learned of America’s secret weapon. Stalin’s infiltration of America’s military secrets set the stage for the next four decades and paved the way for the growth of Area 51, where research and development reached new heights.

The success of the atomic bombs Little Boy and Fat Man had convinced even the most pessimistic generals that air combat was equally as important as ground troops. But before the story kicks into high gear with the Cold War, Jacobsen discusses an incident in Roswell, New Mexico in July 1947 that provided the spark to the rumors of a hidden UFO. The incident reappears later in the story with a plausible explanation for its origins and a surprising revelation about the aviation parts discovered. However, some mystery remains as to what really happened in Roswell. Whatever took place was serious enough to warrant the attention of the United States military and America’s intelligence apparatus. Both would play crucial roles in the development of Area 51.

The book is engaging from start to finish, but Area 51’s story takes on a new dimension when Central Intelligence Agency (“CIA”) operative Richard M. Bissell, Jr. (1909-1994) is assigned control over the base, to the objection of Air Force Gen. Curtis E. Lemay (1906-1990), former commander of the Strategic Air Command and legendary veteran of World War II. Their feud would eventually come to a head in April 1961, when a new President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) agreed to a CIA mission doomed from the start. But while America was focused on Cuba, the Soviets continued their space program and surveillance on adversaries. The cat and mouse game between America and Russia heats up with U-2 spy flights, espionage, and the belief on both sides of a nuclear confrontation. In hindsight we know that nuclear war did not take place, but that did not stop research and development at Area 51. In fact, the bag of tricks only grew as innovative technology emerged to transform America’s military.

The U-2 spy flights, and the capture of Francis Gary Powers (1929-1977) are also discussed, and both are well-known historical events, but I found the section regarding the development of the aircraft interesting. The engineering behind the new stealth aircraft is surreal, but also not without tragedy through trial and error. Powers’ capture and ordeal made headlines around the world, but they did not stop operations at Area 51. Bissell was removed in 1961 following the Bay of Pigs disaster, but that did not stop Area 51. In fact, defense contractors found a new market as Soviet aggression increased, and a war loomed in Southeast Asia. And in the years to come, a modern technology known as a drone aircraft would take to the skies and change warfare forever. The development of the drone is another interesting section in the book, and we turned the corner with its introduction and use.

While I read, I realized that the book was more important than just Area 51. In fact, it is full of historical information, and Jacobsen’s writing style keeps the narrative going at the right pace. I was aware of some events discussed in the book, but I also learned added information about the height of the Cold War, and classified information which had remained hidden for decades. The more I read, the less I was focused on the existence of aliens or spaceships. It was clear that Area 51 was more than a dumping ground for UFOs. It is a core part of America’s defense and a hub of top-secret activity only those with a certain clearance level are allowed to see. I believe that some secrets of Area 51 will remain hidden for assorted reasons. However, I do not think it is because of sensational claims by conspiracy theorists but instead feel that its importance to the nation’s defense is far too critical to allow compromise. Area 51 will remain off-limits. But Jacobsen has revealed a wealth of information about the mysterious location in southern Nevada.

Readers looking for gossip about hidden aliens, UFOs and other strange items may be disappointed here, but readers interested in facts about the base, and its role in the Cold War and America’s defense network, will appreciate Jacobsen’s work. She admits that she could not learn everything about Area 51, and to be fair there are no public tours of the facility. However, this book is a thorough account of its existence, development, and importance to national security. I would have liked to learn more about engineer and scientist Vannevar Bush (1890-1974), a co-founder of Raytheon and will have to add a biography of him to my reading list. But in regard to Area 51, this book is exactly what I needed. Highly recommended.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B004THU68Q
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown and Company
Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 17, 2011

The Fighting Bunch: The Battle of Athens and How World War II Veterans Won the Only Successful Armed Rebellion Since the Revolution – Chris DeRose

On By Genyc79In American HistoryLeave a comment

When I saw the name Athens on the cover of this book I was surprised at first. Of course, I knew of Athens, Greece, but knew nothing about the city of the same name in Tennessee, a state I visited in October of last year. But such is the beauty and benefits of books. The story told within this book by Chris DeRose is of the “Battle of Athens” which took place between August 1 – 2, 1946. But what makes the story even more interesting is that the insurrection which took place was executed by American veterans of World War II who had become disillusioned and aghast at the corruption and voting suppression in Athens. This is a book of many stories which all culminated in that hot August night when Americans reclaimed the democracy they fought and died for across Europe and the Pacific.

At first, I could not believe that the insurrection occurred. The idea seemed surreal, and I had never heard of this event in school, nor had I seen anything about it online. However, not only did it occur, but it remains one of the rare times when Americans openly rebelled against a local government. In Athens, a political machine existed with a strong alliance between the powerful E.H. Crump (1854-1974) of Memphis, Senator Paul Cantrell (1895-1962), and local Sheriff Pat Mansfield. All the tricks known for voter suppression and grifting are on full display, and I found myself speechless at the brazen corruption. Political violence, intimidation, extortion, and outright fraud are rife early in the story. But what they did not know at the time was that their days were numbered. However, before we reach the climactic battle in August 1946, the author introduces the major players who lead the charge to retake Athens. And to do that, we go back in time to World War II. 

The back stories of the men who returned to Athens are equally as important as the fallout to come. I was glued to the pages as I read of their experiences in combat, as the Allied forces took on the Axis powers. The past comes alive as we learn of the deadly battles they survived, and the mental and physical scars they carried with them as they returned home to America. Putting the events in Athens aside, their stories could be a book of their own. They each return home changed men who had seen the horrors of war. We follow them as they adjust to society after the military, but it soon becomes apparent that in Athens, there is something very rotten taking place. The GIs have a plan of their own and form a non-partisan party to take on the machine. At the forefront is a veteran named Bill White who becomes the driving force to elect the veterans’ candidate and fellow veteran Knox Henry (d.1952). The powers in control pay little attention to the veterans at first but it soon becomes clear that a rigged election is not on the table. And when the machine pushes back against the GIs, the veterans realize that they may be home, but another war must be fought. The story picks up pace as the GIs turn the City of Athens upside down. 

White and his fellow veterans go to work dismantling the corrupt machine piece by piece. The collapse of Cantrell’s fiefdom is swift and ugly and leaves the corrupt politician with no choice but to exit quickly. However, White and the other veterans were far from done and left no stone unturned as they unseated and removed every politician and law enforcement official who had made their lives a living hell. As I read, it felt as if I were watching a feature film due to the author’s brilliant re-telling of the events. The narrative flows at the right pace with the right amount of suspense added in. Yet, I still could not wrap my head around the fact that this event happened in 1946. It is a story that should be told in classrooms across America. And the story should remove any doubt as to how precious and sacred democracy is. Following the downfall of the machine, the author provides a recap of events and an epilogue which should satisfy readers. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found inspiration in the veterans’ call to action to push back against a corrupt system which was nothing short of tyranny. If you are looking for a delightful book about Americans standing up for their rights and our democratic processes, this book is highly recommended. 

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B084M1Y65B
Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin’s Press, 2020

 

Just as I Am – Cicely Tyson with Michelle Burford

On By Genyc79In Autobiography, BiographiesLeave a comment

At the age of ninety-six, actress Cicely Tyson (1924-2021) was able to look back on a journey which no one could have predicted. And when she passed on January 28, 2021, it was another reminder of the mortality which confronts us all. However, there is much to celebrate about her life which she recalls in this autobiography presented to us with the help of author Michelle Burford. The cover caught my attention and once I began, I could not put it down. 

Following a recap of the family’s origins in the small Caribbean nation of Nevis, the story moves to New York City where her parents William (1897-1961) and Fredricka Theodosia Tyson (1897-1974) raise three children in a section of Manhattan Island known as Harlem. Their story is an immigrant tale, and young Cicely soon learns the cruelty of racial discrimination and witnesses the turmoil brewing between her parents. Unbeknownst to her at the time, the actions of her father would come back to play a role in her own life many years later. Cicely, sister Emily (1926-1999), and brother Melrose (1922-1991) each find ways to cope with the strains of family life. The maturing Cicely proves to be the one with the most to learn, and meeting with a pastor’s son named Kenneth throws a curve ball into the story that I did not see coming. And it forces Cicely to evolve from a teenage schoolgirl to an adult very quickly. 

Life becomes complicated for Cicely but eventually stabilizes for her and daughter Joan whom she adores. There are the typical worries about finances, security, and long-term goals. But an unexpected opportunity arises when she decides to answer a call for potential models. One thing leads to the next, and she catches the eye of someone who has connections in the film industry. However, Cicely is skeptical and does not see herself as a Hollywood talent. But she soon comes to terms with it and this quote from her stayed with me long after finishing the book: 

“My mother understood what I didn’t yet at the time, that there’s a path in this life with your name on it. What God means for you to have, no one can take away from you. It’s already yours. Our mission, as God’s children, is to surrender to what he has ordained—and to freely let all else just pass us by.”

As her Hollywood career takes off and the accolades come in, the story changes gears again with the entry of jazz musician Miles Dewey Davis, III (1926-1991). Readers familiar with Davis’s story will know it was beyond wild, but Tyson provides an interesting firsthand account of his battles with substance abuse which Miles himself discussed in his autobiography written with Quincy Troupe. Their story is an unusual account, and their romance did not develop instantly. In fact, Davis was with someone else when they first met. But fate had its own plans, and they would reconnect, find true love with each other, and walk down the aisle to exchange wedding vows. But behind the public image of the sharply dressed power couple, there were dark times due to Davis’s destructive lifestyle. The incidents which occur are surreal but highlight the seriousness of Davis’s condition. Their marriage was a roller coaster ride, and even after separating they remained closed. Tyson comments on an attempt by Miles to reconcile later in life as he continued to deteriorate caught my attention because his proposal instantly puts her on guard and signals that he was dealing with something just as dangerous as drug addiction. 

While Davis comes in and out of the story, Tyson continues to rise as a Hollywood star, and she explains the stories behind her iconic roles and friendships with stars of the past who are no longer with us. It is a fascinating look at the motion picture industry and the challenges faced by black women who find themselves in tinsel town. She waged a constant battle against the stereotypical portrayals of black women and that is part of her enduring legacy. Despite the sexual predators, offensive scripts, and rigors of the entertainment industry, she kept rising as a star and mastering her craft. And in her advanced years, she continued to appear in front of the camera to keep moving forward in life. This is one of the best autobiographies I have read. I only wish it were longer. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Tyson’s life and the people who were part of it. Recently, I was eager for another biography to read, and this book was just what I needed. 

“To examine, to question, to discover and evolve—that is what it means to be alive. The day we cease to explore is the day we begin to wilt. I share my testimony in these pages not because I have reached any lasting conclusions, but because I have so much to understand. I am as inquisitive about life now as I was as a child. My story will never be finished, nor should it be. For as long as God grants me breath, I will be living—and writing—my next chapter.” – Cicely Tyson 

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08425MPGS
Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperCollins Publishers, 2021 

Handsome Johnny: The Life and Death of Johnny Rosselli: Gentleman Gangster, Hollywood Producer, CIA Assassin – Lee Server

On By Genyc79In BiographiesLeave a comment

On August 7, 1976, a fifty-five-gallon drum was found floating in Dumfoundling Bay near Miami, Florida. Upon closer inspection, authorities were shocked to discover human remains which had been packed inside of the drum with the victim’s legs completely severed. The body was later identified as Johnny “Handsome” Roselli (1905-1976), a well-known Italian American crime figure who had made a fortune in Hollywood and worked with factions within the United States Government to assassinate Cuban leader Fidel Castro (1926-2016).  Roselli’s death was as mysterious as his life as a powerful figure in the criminal underworld. Author Lee Server explores his life in this interesting biography which gave me chills.

I knew of Johnny Roselli before reading the book due to his name appearing in books regarding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963). The Kennedy family makes their appearance in this book as well, when young Jack finds friends in Las Vegas through his connection to singer Frank Sinatra (1915-1998). But before we reach Roselli’s time on the West Coast, we first learn of his early life in Esperia, Italy, and the family’s migration to Boston, Massachusetts. At first it is a standard immigrant tale of the times but when Roselli’s father passes away, life for young Filippo Sacco as he was known then, is never the same. A stepfather enters the picture, but another curveball is thrown at the reader when we learn of the insanity surrounding his mother’s new love. I was speechless as I read this section, but I was not surprised that young Filippo soon found himself on the wrong side of the law which required an exit stage left.

Chicago is what you would expect, full of gangsters, corrupt politicians, and violence galore. And Johnny steps right into, engaging with some of the most dangerous figures in the annals of organized crime, including Alphonse “Al” Capone (1899-1947) and Frank Nitti (1886-1943). Eventually Chicago loses its luster, and an invitation to come out to California arrives. Seizing the moment, Roselli agrees and the biography changes gears as we revisit the golden age of Hollywood, Las Vegas, and their dark secrets. There is a lot to unpack but the author’s writing style is smooth and engaging, and I found myself soaking up the information as the pages went by. He provides the right amount of attention to each subject without affecting the pace of the book. Roselli was firmly entrenched in the film scene and found himself surrounded by the biggest names in the industry. Yet, no one knew anything about his past. He remained a mystery even to those who knew him well. But that anonymity and steady cash flow were derailed when Castro and his revolutionaries took over Cuba. Roselli may not have known it at the time, but his role in the efforts to silence Castro would seal his own fate in ways he could not have predicted.

When the decision is made to covertly approach the mafia to help oust Castro, the story morphs into a surreal tale of strange alliances, double crosses, and secret agreements. This part of the book is wild, and only the beginning. Roselli’s role and the fallout from the failed attempts to topple Castro are discussed in numerous books regarding Kennedy’s murder but Server provides a good summary of what happened to keep the focus on Roselli’s life story. However, what he does discuss is enough to leave readers with enough information to piece together the picture of the intelligence community’s desire to eliminate Castro. The White House was aware of the plans in store for Castro’s domain, and Roselli found himself in a usual position along with mobster Salvatore “Sam” Giacana (1908-1975), who plays a significant role in Roselli’s story and the Castro plots. There is also a discussion of the 1960 election which remains controversial due to claims that it was “fixed” for Kennedy’s win. When the covert plans between the mafia and government agencies are discovered, both Giacana and Roselli soon realize their lives will never be the same after the Government turned its attention to both.

Roselli finds himself on the radar of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) which begins to investigate his background, and what they find regarding his emigration to America comes back to haunt Roselli’s every move. I was not aware of this part of his story and could not help but think it is something we are currently seeing today as background checks take on a more serious nature. Criminal charges and a conviction for an unrelated issue arise, and following several years of incarceration, Roselli is freed in 1973. The author traces his steps as he relocates from California to Florida where his sister and husband reside. His life calms down as he keeps a low profile, but the past was not done with him. He had become a key witness for committees investigating the intelligence community and its bags of tricks. On July 28, 1976, Roselli took his sister’s car and left the house, never to be seen alive again. The author rightfully explains the gruesome death and the discovery of his remains, but the book does not go into motive or suspects. Instead, it concludes right after his body is given to his relatives. I think a discussion about the crime and who wanted him dead would have been beneficial, but the book is still a great read.

Johnny Roselli’s death remains unsolved, but there are theories as to who killed him. Personally, my first guess would be the mafia itself who saw him as a liability. The manner of his death and sudden disappearance have the markings of a mob hit. Whether that is what happened is unknown, but readers can come to their own conclusions. His death was tragic, but his life was anything but ordinary. He lived fast, spent lavishly, enjoyed access to powerful people, and died violently as powerful people covered their tracks and tied up loose ends. However, Roselli did leave his mark on Hollywood and in American history for better and worse. This is his story and a look at the Italian American mafia whose influence in the United States continues to fascinate readers and moviegoers alike.

ASIN‏ : B00AAYF9MK
Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin’s Press, November 13, 2018

Mob Boss: The Life of Little Al D’Arco, the Man Who Brought Down the Mafia – Jerry Capeci and Tom Robbins

On By Genyc79In BiographiesLeave a comment

On September 27, 1963, underworld crime figure Joseph M. Valachi (1904-1971) arrived as the U.S. Capitol to provide testimony to the Senate Select Committee on Improper Activities in the Labor or Management Field, formally known as the “McClellan Committee” due to the presence of its chairman, Senator John L. McClellan (1896-1977). Valachi’s testimony was eye opening and exposed secrets of La Cosa Nostra, loosely translated to “our thing” from the Sicilian dialect. Never before had a rank-and-file member of the Italian American mafia revealed what Valachi disclosed in an open hearing. But over the next forty years, more mobsters would agree to tell what they knew and become cooperating witnesses in federal investigations. Among them was Alphonse “Little Al” D’Arco (1932-2019), a former acting boss of the Lucchese Crime Family in New York City. This is his life story, told to authors Jerry Capeci and Tom Robbins. 

As a native New Yorker, I do have a soft spot for books regarding the Italian American mafia due to my childhood when the mob was all over the five boroughs. D’Arco’s name was familiar to me but I was unaware of his story likely due to his low profile. In fact, prior to his deception, few people outside of the mob and select law enforcement officials knew who he was. But looks can be misleading and some of the most powerful mobsters moved very carefully behind the scenes. The Lucchese family has had its share of press and was portrayed in the 1990 blockbuster film ‘Goodfellas‘ by award-winning director Martin Scorsese. The film continues to stand the test of time, but the real story is darker, grittier, and far more complex. D’Arco’s input sheds light on some things not shown on screen, but the crux of the book is his time in the life, and his decision to become a government witness. 

The story begins in Brooklyn, New York, and has the feel of a classic immigrant experience when parents left everything at home and emigrated to America in search of a better life. Their children, often born in America, did not always see things the same way and soon learned that the streets could provide more money than their parents would ever see in their lives. But before we reach D’Arco’s entry into La Cosa Nostra, we first revisit his time in the military and his marriage to wife Dolores, with whom he had five children. With each new child came more pressure to earn money and a meeting with Lucchese member Vittorio “Vic” Amuso (b. 1934), sets D’Arco on the path that would lead to his downfall and permanently change his family’s life.   

I instantly noticed that D’Arco did not have the vices I had expected in a mob biography. Aside from the money-making schemes he participated in, he does not come across like the gangster we envision when thinking of the mafia. But despite his gentle appearance, he was no pushover and did business with gangsters who found killing to be second nature. What is also interesting is that D’Arco and his sons ran legitimate businesses. And although they did not make him rich, it was steady money and showed that D’Arco was not an illiterate street thug but a highly intelligent and easygoing person who was surrounded by the dark figures in organized crime. As the story progresses, scores of mob figures enter the picture, and I found myself glued to the book as I read of their associations and the issues within the Lucchese family. 

Earlier I mentioned the film ‘Goodfellas’ and although D’Arco is not shown in the film, he did associate with the people we see in the movie such as James “Jimmy the Gent” Burke (1931-1996), Thomas DeSimone  (1946-1979), Henry Hill (1943-2012) and Paul Vario (1914-1988) who was D’Arco’s captain. All are discussed in the book, but Vario is the most relevant as captain, and unlike the others, D’Arco was a made member. Burke, Hill, and DeSimone were not. On a side note, D’Arco comments on the fate of DeSimone and his disappearance in January 1979. It is not known exactly when he was murdered but what we do know is that the Lufthansa heist at John F. Kennedy International Airport occurred on December 11, 1978 and by January 14, 1979, DeSimone had vanished and was reported missing, never to be seen again. There is no smoking gun, but if D’Arco was truthful which I do not doubt, what he says does match the statements of other former mobsters. And what he says about Jimmy matches Hill’s assessment. There are also Paulie’s sons Lenny (1946-1973) and Peter who was very important in the family. Lenny Vario died in October 1973 after suffering severe burns under mysterious circumstances in July of that year. D’Arco makes a comment about what really happened, but to this day the full story behind Lenny Vario’s death remains unknown. Frankly, the real Goodfellas were nowhere as glamorous as their Hollywood versions. 

Combined with the drama surrounding Vario, the Gambinos and Genovese families, D’Arco also has to contend with Vic Amuso and his underboss Anthony “Gaspipe” Casso (1942-2020), who was by far one of the most dangerous mobsters in New York City history. The two bosses eventually become fugitives, and communicate through D’Arco who becomes the acting boss, but their actions and decisions they make are strange, and leave D’Arco puzzled at times. But he follows orders while making mental notes of the paranoia spreading through the family. Murder became a constant tool and the instructions to murder men he once called friends leaves him with an uneasy feeling in his stomach. And it is not long before he begins to see that his own days are numbered. It is at this point that the writing is on the wall, and his choice to turn on the mafia deals a blow to La Cosa Nostra from which it would never recover. Along with him is son Joseph whose time in the life also ended as Uncle Sam became their new extended family. 

It was apparent that leaving the life was the most difficult Al and his son Joseph would ever make and there are no winners in the story. Everyone suffers and a key takeaway from this book is that life in the mob was destructive to families and it ruined lives. But D’Arco was able to live out his days in the witness protection program, far away from the people who began to plot his demise. On March 28, 2019, he died at the age of eighty-six, but his story has been captured infinitely in this book which peels back the layers on life in the mafia. If you need a good book about the mob and its impact on those in and outside of the life, this is a good addition to the reading list. 

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00C74VCC2
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thomas Dunne Books, 2013

 

Wilson – A. Scott Berg

On By Genyc79In BiographiesLeave a comment

Recently, I was in the mood for a good biography and saw this book for sale in my list of recommendations. I thought about current events, and the discussions regarding the system of checks and balances within the United States Government. Like millions of other Americans, I knew the name of the nation’s twenty-eighth President Thomas Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924), but did not know the story of his life. I have seen comments on social media about the pros and cons of his time in office but thought that it was crucial to learn for myself the impact he had on the United States of America. This biography by A. Scott Berg is thorough, well-written and has a beautifully flowing narrative that kept me engaged from start to finish. I came away from the book with a range of feelings but also with a deeper understanding of American history.

This book is long, well over seven hundred pages, but at no point did I feel a sense of boredom. In fact, the opposite occurred, and I found myself eager to keep reading as Wilson’s life moves forward until the end. As the story begins, the author points out that although Wilson was not born in the American South, he was a Southerner and had sympathy towards the region. That is not to say he was a supporter of the Confederacy, but his upbringing in the South impacted his decisions later in life, which are explained in the book. From the beginning, religion is a significant aspect of the story with Wilson clinging to his faith through all trials and tribulations. Today we would call it prudence, but in Wilson’s era the bond between politician and the gospel were deeply intertwined. Wilson was not fanatical, but his daily routine removes any doubt that he believed in the Lord’s book.

Wilson was exceptionally bright, and I was not surprised by his academic advancement in the book. I was not aware that he served as president of Princeton University. That part of the story is fascinating, and his endeavors to move the school forward pay off exponentially. But his time as president is not without its difficulties, and we see in the story that even on campus, politics in administration are a source of consternation. However, Wilson remains steadfast and attracts the eye of political donors who see in him a candidate for public office. And it is at this point in the book where the story changes gears.

Politics is not on his radar, and today we would call Wilson a “book worm”. We would also call him “progressive” in some ways and “regressive” in others. The public soon learned when he was elected Governor of New Jersey. This section of the biography moves quickly, and the reason is that Wilson was in office briefly before he takes another leap to the White House in 1912. That story is surreal, and I am sure for Wilson it was mind boggling to be on the brink of becoming the nation’s commander-in-chief. He went on to win the election but also inherited much larger problems not only affecting New Jersey, but the entire country. At his side is first wife Ellen (1861-1914) who bears him three daughters and proves to be the source of support Wilson needs as the rigors of the oval office take their toll. Wilson proves to be a competent leader, well-liked across the nation and blessed with oratorical skills paralleled by few. But tragedy strikes in 1914, leaving him a shell of himself. This is compounded by health issues, one of which returns later in life to wreak havoc on his body. The health episodes occur quite early in his life and never go completely away. The lack of television and social media made it easier to safeguard the physical issues which were significant. And during the last year of his presidency, the secrecy went to new levels as the public remained in the dark about Wilson’s fading health.

A second wife Edith (1872-1961) becomes the rock in Wilson’s life and from all accounts, they enjoyed a happy union like his first marriage. Edith would outlive Wilson by thirty-seven years and even attend the inauguration of another president blessed with the gift of speechmaking. However, there was another woman in his life named Mary Hulbert Peck (d. 1939). The the jury is still out on whether she was his mistress and while the author suggests that it was not an “affair” in the way we think of it, the truth remains unknown. What we learn in the story is that Wilson wrote her letters, sent books, and remained in contact with her throughout his life. But his wives met Ms. Peck and Wilson never hid his affection for them from her. This part of the story is curious but there is no smoking gun.

Wilson’s presidency is the crux of the book and paramount during this time was World War I, a conflict in America had remained neutral until 1917.  Wilson lays out the case for America’s involvement. It is interesting, and an eerie premonition of what would happen in 1941, as another president and Wilson protege Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) gave a moving speech in the wake of the Japanese attack on the Pearl Harbor naval base. Following the allied victory, Wilson is convinced another world war is lurking in the future and throws his support behind the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations. But first he had to convince America that both were in its best interest, and to do so, he embarks on a cross-country tour speaking directly to American about the future of the planet. I found this part to be absolute gold because it is no frills, just the president speaking to the people in the way only Wilson could do. But for all his successes and crowd moving, Wilson failed in other areas.

I had once heard that Wilson “segregated” Washington. While he did not give any such orders himself, his decisions did result in re-segregation of the federal workforce, and his justification for allowing it to happen is beyond short-sighted. Wilson was undoubtedly a product of his times, and had Southern beliefs when he came to race relations although he did not believe in slavery and wanted blacks to excel in life. However, he fell short of being the progressive president he was seen as by many when failing to confront racial discrimination headfirst. The author pulls no punches about Wilson’s shortcomings when it comes to African Americans, and the missed opportunities to correct the nation’s wrongs. Added to this is the screening at the White House of a film which reinforced the vision of the Confederacy and set blacks back decades. To be fair, the author shows no proof that Wilson was a supporter of the film, nor did he promote it but regrettably kept silent. While I read, I had hoped to see a statement condemning the film, but it never came. For Wilson, racial discrimination was a problem, but it would always take a back seat to world issues. I should point out that he made the mistake of surrounding himself with people who had no desire to see blacks ever have success in America. Frankly, his cabinet had its share of white supremacists. And one of Wilson’s subordinates marries the first couple’s youngest daughter, which adds a layer of complexity to his second term and personal life.

Health remains a constant issue in the book, and Wilson’s decline is evident as the story progresses. After leaving Washington, D.C., he makes several public appearances as discussed by the author, but the Woodrow Wilson of old is long gone. Left behind was a senior ravaged by strokes and the stress of the presidency. Edith does her best to keep him in good spirits but father time spares no one and the former president takes his last breath on February 3, 1924. The last moments of his life are without fanfare, and when he makes his departure, it marks the end of an incredible life that I enjoyed reading about. I neither admired nor despised Wilson but did feel he could have achieved greater ideas and goals. But I also reminded myself that the world was a different place in 1924. But the past is always prologue. This biography is a fair look at the life of Woodrow Wilson and America under his watch. If you are watching the world’s events and want to know more about how we reached this point, this book is a good addition to every library.

ASIN : B00B1FG7QO
Publisher: Berkley, September 10, 2013

Southern Storm: Sherman’s March to the Sea – Noah Andre Trudeau

On By Genyc79In UncategorizedLeave a comment

In September 1864, the Union Army continued to advance across the South, and had made its way to Atlanta, Georgia, and engaged Confederate before General John B. Hood (1831-1879) eventually gave orders to evacuate as the Union continued its onslaught under the command of Major General William Tecumseh Sherman (1820-1891). Having taken Atlanta, Sherman and Union commanders set their sight on the rest of the state in an effort to cripple the Confederacy. This book by author Noah Andre Trudeau tells the story of Atlanta’s ordeal and Sherman’s “March to the Sea” which changed the American Civil War.

Before continuing, I must point out that the book is not a biography of Sherman. While some aspects of his personal life are part of the story, they are far and few in between. The author’s focus is on Sherman’s march across the South and its impact on the war. Early in the story we are introduced to the military figures on both sides of the war whose lives would be irreversibly changed by the raging conflict. Sherman is by far the most complex figure in the book but emerges as a brilliant tactician determined to see the Confederacy’s downfall. In an unsettling irony, he held racially biased views of blacks whose lives would also be changed by the war he was attempting to win. It should be noted that Sherman was not the only Union troop who did think blacks had a place in society equal to whites as can be seen in the book. And across the South, Sherman became the face of evil for his successes on the battlefield. However, what cannot be denied is his importance to the campaign across Georgia culminating with the fall of Savannah on December 22, 1864.

The story is captivating from start to finish, and the author provides maps as each significant chapter begins to provide readers with a geographical idea of where the troops are located at that time. Admittedly, it is a challenge to keep up with their movements but as the story progressed, it became clearer as to the path they had embarked on. Readers may benefit from keeping their own map nearby. There is a wealth of information on troop formation, supplies and post-battle events, and the added component of newly freed blacks, which presents more logistical challenges to Sherman and his fellow leaders. Frankly, as the South fell, the ramifications increased tenfold with each passing battle. What I also found to be interesting are the sections which detail interactions between Union troops, and the residents of Georgia who despise the Yankees for “interfering” with their way of life. As for Sherman, he had his orders and would not stop until the Confederacy surrendered.

As I mentioned before, Sherman was complex and an irony which I could not overlook was the adulation he received from blacks whom he held in low regard. However, to his credit at no point in the story is he either rude or abrasive towards any of them and is always cordial. Sherman’s views and dismissal of anything he considered trivial are common throughout the book. While troops wanted to win and survive, the war was life-changing for blacks. Freedom at all costs was a price they were willing to pay, and Sherman embodied the savior they felt could make this a reality. Sherman was victorious and disciplined but his racial views did not go unnoticed. The concern was so great that it earned him a visit from Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton (1814-1869). The full story is contained within and serves as a complicated mark on Sherman’s resume. Despite his personal feelings towards blacks, politicians, foreigners and southerners, Sherman is never overly cruel to anyone. In fact, at times during the story he is compassionate yet firm in his position. And his cold detachment is also what allowed him to be the commander needed if the Union were to succeed. He understood war and what was required to end it, even if that meant doing things you do not necessarily like or agree with.

Although Union troops were successful, they did suffer casualties and the war between North and South was nothing short of horrific. Recaps of the battles and the threats soldiers faced are provided to underscore the brutality of the campaign. While Union troops fraternized with freed blacks and scavenged properties which once belonged to southern families, the threat of death never wavered. Sabotage, disease, infection and battlefield wounds created a mix of danger which followed the Union all the way to Savannah. On the other hand, the reality of the situation began to sink in as Confederate troops were unable to hold their positions. Trudeau details the faults of the Confederacy starting with its president, Jefferson Davis (1808-1889). Following the fall of Atlanta, it becomes clear in the book that nothing is going to stop Sherman’s march, and as the suspense heightens, the fall of Savannah comes into focus. But first there was another mission to accomplish, and we revisit the taking of Fort McAllister which sealed Georgia’s fate and places the remaining Confederate forces in Union crosshairs. The saga is retold beautifully by the author who maintains the right pace throughout the book as the conclusion we are waiting for approaches. With a necessary supply line open, Savannah’s fate was sealed.

The fall of Savannah and the implications for the South cannot be overstated, and when Sherman wires Washington, the news is earth shattering. However, the war was far from over and the Union march continued. Sherman had accomplished one of the most important objectives of the war and his legacy was cemented in capture of Savannah. Looking back, we see a resolute soldier who found success, but a man who could escape personal grief nor disavow his racial prejudices. But above all, he valued the Union which was above any person or state, and his goal was to punish the people who had dared to break it up. A complex figure indeed but also a part of American history. The book is exhaustively researched and from start to finish it kept me on edge. Trudeau also includes anecdotes and memories from troops who survived the war which gives the book an added feeling of intimacy as we are able to read their words as they witnessed history. When I finished the book, I neither hated nor glorified Sherman, but did appreciate his abilities as a Union commander. He was flawed but he never presented himself as perfect and I did not expect him to be. To the South, he may always be the man who helped bring down their way of life, and in the North a celebrated figure. But both sides can agree that the Civil War cannot be studied without examining his impact.

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA, December 22, 1864 To His Excellency President Lincoln, Washington, D.C.: I beg to present you as a Christmas gift the city of Savannah, with one hundred and fifty heavy guns and plenty of ammunition, also about twenty-five thousand bales of cotton. W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B001AO0I7K
Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperCollins e-books

The Fires of Jubliee: Nat Turner’s Fierce Rebellion – Stephen B. Oates

On By Genyc79In American HistoryLeave a comment

On the night of August 21, 1831, black slaves in Southampton County, Virginia gathered around Nat Turner (1800-1831), a charismatic fellow slave who had gained a following due to this anti-slavery rhetoric and calls for action. Turner and his followers were determined to revolt against the dehumanizing system of slavery and chose that night to launch their rebellion. By the time it was over, fifty-five people were dead before federal authorities arrived to take control of the situation. Turner was later captured, tried, and subsequently executed on November 11, 1831. Although he failed to abolish slavery, Nat Turner inspired others to resist and to this day, his name is mentioned in discussions of slave revolts of the 1800s. When I saw this book, it immediately caught my attention because although I knew of Nat Turner, there were aspects of his life which were a mystery to me. And what I found in this book are the answers to the questions I had about his life, and a sobering picture of his rebellion which shook slave masters to their core.

Readers should be aware that this book is not a “feel good” story. Turner’s short life was turbulent and ended violently. Further, the author introduces us to life for slaves in the early 1800s, and what we learn about Nat’s early life is difficult to accept. Despite the sensitive subject matter, the story is intriguing, and I learned a great deal about Nat Turner and his evolution to iconic freedom fighter. Today it seems incomprehensible that humans were forced to live in bondage in a country which was founded on the idea of freedom. However, in 1831, that was a cold hard reality in America. The brutal system of slavery is on display here, and there are moments which are heartbreaking. And it is impossible to put into words the grief felt by slaves whose families were separated on auction blocks and at the deadly hands of slave masters fueled by vengeance. The constant dehumanization and lack of purpose in life, combined with the darkest aspects of slavery to create a potent brew which laid the foundation for Turner’s final act.

Eventually the eve of August 22, 1831, arrives and something is in the air. Nat gathered his devoted followers and informed them at this was the night to make their vision a reality. Early in the morning on August 22, the rebellion was in full swing, and a wave of carnage fell over Southampton County. At this point, the book takes a sharp turn as the violence escalates but the author is careful about describing the events. As a result, the unsettling story does not feel like a recitation of gratuitous violence but a trip back in time to an event which was unthinkable in the North and South. As Turner and his followers unleashed a campaign of terror, fear spread like wildfire across Virginia. Washington soon took notice and sent the calvary to restore order. But before the military reaches Virginia, retribution by slave owners and bloodthirsty whites against blacks in the state is nothing short of barbaric. The violence was so disturbing that even hardened soldiers were unnerved.  And had the military not reached Southampton County in time, things would have been far worse.

As Turner’s associates fall one by one, the writing is on the wall, and we know that the price to be paid will be death. However, Turner was not afraid and makes a statement to fellow defendants after sentencing showing that the rebellion was neither for fame nor riches. For Nat, it was from the heart and based on his belief that a violent overthrow was the only way to free black people. But was he justified in his actions? I am certain that readers will ask themselves this very question as the story progresses. I must warn you that after Turner is executed, the story is a little macabre. Frankly, post-mortem actions by those seeking to erase any physical trace of him are beyond sickening. But if you reach that part of the story it will come as no surprise. And as chaotic as the story is, I could not stop reading and found myself glued to the book. The story is nothing short of surreal.

After the main narrative ends, the author provides an epilogue which focuses on his modern-day visits to the areas in which the events in the story played out. His encounters with locals are unusual but reveal that America still has a long way to go in some regards. Nat Turner’s rebellion was short lived, but he earned his place in history through the rebellion he launched to dismantle the system of slavery which took everything from those in its grip. The story is unsettling at times, but a critical part of American history which is not always as glorious as we would like it to be. And though we are far removed from the era in which Nat Turner lived, his story and that of Southampton, Virginia, are reminders of America’s blook soaked. Oates’ book does not glorify or demonize Turner but presents the story for the reader to digest. Nat Turner’s name will forever be linked with slave rebellion, and the debate about his actions will also continue. He lived a violent life in a violent time, in a country that knows violence all too well. But history’s greatest gift is giving us the chance to make sure it is not repeated. If you want to know more about Nat Turner and his rebellion of 1831, this is what you are looking for.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B000XU4TAO
Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperCollins e-books

The Lockerbie Bombing: A Father’s Search for Justice – Jim Swire and Peter Biddulph

On By Genyc79In True CrimeLeave a comment

On the evening of December 21, 1988, Flora Swire boarded Pan Am Flight 103 at London’s Heathrow Airport for a transatlantic flight to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. At 7:03 p.m. (GMT) the Boeing 747 leveled off at 31,000 feet. Moments later an explosion ripped the fuselage apart as the aircraft passed over Lockerbie, Scotland. All 250 passengers and crew died, along with several fatalities on the ground. Jim and Jane Swire were at home when news broke of the disaster and immediately thought of their daughter Flora who was on the doomed flight. And sadly, it was soon confirmed that she had died in what became one of the most infamous air disasters in history. Here, Jim Swire tells the story of their family’s ordeal as they seek answers and justice for the death of Flora and the other souls who perished that night. 

This book was published in 2021, thirty-three years after that horrific night but the pain is still there for the Swires. Jim takes us back to the days before the disaster to explain Flora’s reasons for the trip and to provide a picture of their lives which were abruptly changed. Life for the Swires is typical of the average family, and when Flora decides to visit the United States, nothing seems unusual. But unbeknownst to her and other passengers, there were people planning an act of air terrorism which remains one of aviation’s darkest moments. Further, it served as inspiration for the the long-term ambitions of other terorist most notably  Ramzi Yousef, convicted for his role in the bombing of the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan on February 26, 1993. And by the time a conviction was secured, Swire would learn about the complicated world of diplomacy and hidden agendas. 

Flora’s death is beyond devastating and leaves the Swires with unanswered questions. Along with other families, he begins to search for answers and on October 1, 1990, a Fatal Accident Inquiry begins into the cause behind the destruction of Pan Am Flight 103. Swire also mentions the Lockerbie Air Disaster Group, composed of attorneys on both sides of the Atlantic, but its origin and plan remains mysterious throughout the book and I have not see anything further on it. As more evidence continues to evolve the story takes a sharp turn when Swire decides to visit Libya and confront its leader Muammar al-Quaddafi (1942-2011) about the country’s role in the crime. The move is shocking and results in a range of reactions explained by the author. In the United States, the Department of Justice announced Abdelbaset al-Megrahi (1952-2012) and Khalifa Fhimah as participants in the crime, and both men are put on trial. However, Swire begins to see that there is more than meets the eye.

As I read, I took note of strange aspects of the case which are still troubling. The statements of a break-in near the baggage where Pan Am 103 was parked by Raymond Manly, a security guard at Heathrow Airport, are unsettling. And the revelation of warnings sent to the airlines in the weeks leading up to the Pan Am disaster is gut wrenching. However, there is another dark side to the story which Swire addresses, but the full account is too long for the book. On July 3, 1988, the USS Vincennes shot down Iran Air Flight 655 over the Persian Gulf. This incident would come to haunt the investigation and subsequent trial and remain on Swire’s mind as the Lockerbie investigation and trial progressed. The appearance of a key witness named Tony Gauci (1944-2016) is also a pivotal moment in the story, but as readers will learn, there is more to his role and his testimony raised even more questions about the strength and accuracy of the prosecution’s case. The disturbing details surrounding Gauci’s role are discussed and raise questions regarding his truthfulness and the timeline of events. And the actions of powerful figures following al-Megrahi’s conviction and appeals, result in Swire’s view of western governments being altered. He and others believed that the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine General Command (PFLP-GC) was behind the bombing. Their arguments are compelling but officially the case is closed. However, it is up to the reader to decide if the convictions were the final word in the matter. 

I have recently learned that actor Colin Firth stars as Swire in the BBC television series ‘Lockerbie: A Search for Truth‘. While I have yet to watch it, the series is on my list of television shows to catch up on. There are also air crash investigation documentaries on YouTube about the Pan Am 103 disaster which are thorough. Of course, there are secrets about the disaster which will be lost to history, but we do have an accurate picture of a tragedy that had ample warning in the weeks leading up to it. And on September 11, 2001, the world would learn again about the importance of air safety after Boeing commercial jets struck each tower of the World Trade Center in my hometown of New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and the last jet crashing in Pennsylvania. I admit that going through airport security can feel like a hassle but it should remind us of the importance behind screening as the person sitting next to us may not have our best interest at heart. The victims of Pan Am Flight 103 will never have the security of modern screening, and their senseless deaths remain haunting and tragic. But we can be assured that Jim Swire will continue to search for the truth until his last day on this planet. Highly recommended. 

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B093YRXZ7C
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Birlinn (July 6, 2021)

End of a Berlin Diary – William L. Shirer

On By Genyc79In JournalLeave a comment

In December 1940, American Journalist William L. Shirer (1904-1993) made his departure from Germany as World War II intensified. On September 1, 1939, the Germany military crossed into Poland and ignited the word conflict mankind has seen to date. After arriving back on United States soil, Shirer turned the journal he maintained while living abroad into the best-selling book ‘The Berlin Diary: The Journal of a Foreign Correspondent 1934-1941 ‘. The book is a fascinating first-hand account of the Nazi seizure of power in Germany and the road to war. Following Germany’s defeat in 1945, Shirer returned to the country to survey the damage inflicted from Allied forces. This is the journal of his time in Germany following the collapse of German Chancellor Adolf Hitler’s (1889-1945) Third Reich, the trials at Nuremburg and the final days of former Nazi party officials and military officers. 

The book begins with Shirer back home in America, traveling from city to city. However, Germany remains in his thoughts and soon enough he is on his way back to the country he left as World War II heated up. I can only imagine the emotions Shirer felt upon his return, but what he writes in the journal makes it clear that he is both shocked and saddened to see the physical condition of locations he once frequented. As I read, I could picture the devastation he confronted as he drove through streets which one held Hitler’s rallies, restaurants, and other meeting places for social interaction. The physical destruction comes as no surprise due to the relentless Allied bombings and infantry operations as American, British, and Soviet troops closed in on Berlin. But Shirer is focused on more than that and takes a deep dive into the secret Reich documents discovered which reveal the road to war planned by Hitler and his co-conspirators. 

As Shirer explores the documents, the diary takes on more of a history book format in which planning sessions and other meetings are examined. While this does not fit the typical format for a “journal”, it does have a place due to his accounts from the trials at Nuremberg where captured Nazi officials face justice. I did find the secret documents interesting, and there are revelations within them about Hitler’s true feelings towards the Japanese and Soviet Union. Further, they remove all doubt as to Germany’s intention to violate Poland’s independence. The looming war eventually begins and at first, Germany rides a wave of success. But the entry of the United States into the conflict and the decision by Hitler to turn on the Soviets, were the initial stages of failure in the downfall of Nazi Germany. The mistakes made by Hitler and the insanity surrounding his war planning are on full display, and by 1943 it was clear to many that Germany would lose the war. But the concluding chapter was still two years away. 

Among the documents he focuses on are statements by people in Hitler’s underground bunker who had knowledge of Hitler’s death and the movement of his remains. This is a long-discussed topic, and we may never know for certain, but the statements provided are interesting. The people interviewed are also certain that Hitler died in the bunker and did not escape to South America. Aviator Hanna Reitsch (1912-1979) was one of the last people to see Hitler alive and was firm in her statement that he died in the bunker. Her interview is included as well as Shirer pieces together the last moments of the Reich’s leader.  

Eventually Shirer makes his way to Nuremberg to witness the trials of the Nazi officials. His reporter skills kick into high gear as he notes the mannerisms and reactions of the men who plotted world domination and sent millions of Jewish people to their deaths. The list of characters is too long for this book and Shirer does not attempt to cover the entire trial in his journal. However, he provides enough for us to see the unsavory and ridiculous people who made up Hitler’s cabinet, and why power in the wrong hands is extremely dangerous. It should also be noted that Shirer had interacted with Nazi officials personally as Hitler rose to power. He is not merely an observer but someone who was very well acquainted with the defendants and encountered them regularly as he wrote the Berlin Diary. He was a witness to history and his return to Germany provided more than enough proof that leaving in 1940 was a wise decision. 

While I do admit the Berlin Diary is rated higher in reviews, I personally liked this follow-up. Further, it was never intended to be the final word on the Nazi story. However, Shirer did cover that extensively in his masterpiece ‘The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany‘, which I strongly recommend for anyone interested in Hitler’s rise, the war, and the downfall of his empire. If you have read the Berlin Diary or are curious as to what Shirer found when he went back to Germany, this book should be added to your list. 

“One more wise remark from Plutarch that seems deadly timely today. Of the machinations of Cæsar, Antony, and Lepidus, which finally brought Cicero to his doom, he remarks: ‘Thus they let their anger and fury take from them the sense of humanity and demonstrated that no beast is more savage than man, when possessed with power answerable to his rage’. ” – The Berlin Diary, William L. Shirer 

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07H185X8F
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Rosetta Books (September 6, 2016)