Book Briefs - August 20

Indestructible: The Unforgettable Story of a Marine Hero at the Battle of Iwo Jima by Jack Lucas

A candid story of hardship and courage from the youngest Medal of Honor recipient in the twentieth century. At fourteen Jack Lucas lied about his age, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and fought at Iwo Jima. His story, laced with bravado, including objectionable scenes of his “conquests” of women, will not be forgotten easily. We should all be extremely grateful for the likes of Jack Lucas and their true sacrifices for our freedom.

“I know God was, and is, working in my life. He placed me on the one ship out of two hundred anchored in the harbor, where my cousin was on board to help me stowaway. He jammed my rifle so that I would look downward and see the grenades at my buddies’ feet. He stopped my heavy bleeding when I asked Him to save me. He broke my fall from 1,200 feet when my chute did not open. He persuaded a young man to warn Maryland authorities that my life was in danger. The list goes on and on. I do not know why God spared my life so many times…I feel that He has entrusted me with the responsibility of passing on to other Americans my first hand knowledge of the enormous price that has been paid for their freedom.”

Triumph: The Untold Story of Jesse Owens and Hitler's Olympics by Jeremy Schaap

A triumphant story of overcoming racism during a pivotal time of world history. Jesse Owens performance in the Berlin Olympics was not only an important individual accomplishment but an important event in the social and political environment in Nazi Germany and the world of 1936. While illuminating the spirit of the times this narrative also gives us a fuller picture of Jesse Owens, and what he had to overcome, and dispels many of the myths of his transcendent performance.

“Nothing Jesse Owens did at the Olympic stadium diminished the horrors to come. He saved no lives. However, for those paying close enough attention, Owens, in Berlin, revealed essential truths. While the western democracies were perfecting the art of appeasement, while much of the rest of the world kowtowed to the Nazis, Owens stood up to them at their own Olympics, refuting their venomous theories with his awesome deeds.”

Hitch by Jeanette Ingold

An engaging novel narrated by a high school senior forced to provide for his family during the Great Depression because of his absent, alcoholic father. Moss Trawnley joins the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936 and leads other young men as they construct a camp, restore farmland and build a dam in Montana. A straight forward coming of age story needing more historical background and flavor, yet still providing a realistic, but sparse, view of what life was like in America during the Depression.

“Heeding the JP’s warning about his jurisdiction, Pa and I started walking north along a county road. As we walked, I tried talking about the newspaper article. “Maybe the CCC wouldn’t be so bad,” I said. “It would be a job anyway.” “Welfare,” Pa said. “I told you, me and mine is done begging for government handouts.” “But if I was working, I wouldn’t be begging.” “I told you, no!” he said, just before a trucker pulled up with an offer of a ride. Finally we were on our way west again, and I was braced to steady myself against the constant jolt and sway, jolt and sway of the car passing over rail joints.”