N/F Lone Survivor-War is Hell HooYah!

 Luttrel's retelling of his miraculous & heroic survival from a Taliban attack in Afghanistan is a rare glimpse into the incredulous demands of SEAL training, the bonds of brotherhood, and the bloody horrors on battlefront.  "War is not healthy for children & other living things."  True, but trite given the 1st hand accounts of the gruesome realities of war killing too many of our nation's finest; and the heartbreaking collateral fallouts. "In times of uncertainty there is a special breed of warrior ready to answer our Nation's call; a common man with uncommon desire to succeed.  Forged by adversity, he stands alongside America's finest special operations forces to serve his country and the American people."  Retired Navy SEAL, Marcus Luttrell, said  "I'm an American.  And when the bell sounds, I will come out fighting for my country and for my teammates.  If neccessary, to the death."  The reconnaissance Operation Red Wing, June '05, claimed the lives of the 3 SEAL's in Luttrell's unit and the 8 SEALs shot down in their helicopter in their fatal rescue attempt.  Luttrel' reason for his book was "because of my three buddies Mikey, Danny, and Axe.  If I don't write it, no one will ever understand the indomitable courage under fire of those three Americans.  And that would be the biggest tragedy of all."  The ultimate tragedy is the killing of our nation's soldiers.  I found LONE SURVIVOR a story of unbelievable cruelty, amazing sacrifice & deep morality.  The Pashtun people in Afghanistan value "lokhay," the essence of humanity.  It's crucial Luttrel's book be read to honor our American soldiers.  It serves as an essential tool in the arsenal against war.  Congressional hearings must address what is required to protect our own when sent into battle.  "Under the laws of the country we are sworn to serve. They represent a danger to us; they undermine our confidence on the battlefield in the fight against world terror."  HOOYAH!

Gaskell's North & South: Britain's Indust Revolution

The novel North & South by British, Victorian writer, Elizabeth Gaskell is NOT about the Amer. Revolution.  Rather, it is about the Industrial Revolution of the mid-19th depicting social stratas of Britain (as in Downton Abbey; early 20th C.)  Gaskell's novel calls for social & relgious reforms.  Her literary prowess led to a strong friendship with Charles Dickens.  During a time of strict Victorian protocols, Gaskell was a pioneer for impoverished factory workers, religious dissenters & women's liberations.  The societal restrictions & limited opportunities for women left little else but to secure a "good marriage."  To "marry for love," was atypical. The heroine's life, Margaret Hale, parallels  Gaskell's life.  Both women were orphaned young, their fathers both ministers & they were raised by their affluent aunts.  North & South is Austen's Pride & Prejudice meets Sinclair's The Jungle.  Both the harsh struggles of the workers & the "idyllic" charmed lives of the upper classes are equally made clear.  This is a turgid historic novel yet prescient for it's clairvoyancy into labor negotiations between workers/management:  "its success necessitate personal intercourse, the formation of a plan as all had borne a part." As for the love interest for Miss Hale, Mr. Thornton is an admirable & misaligned ole chap, but he's no Mr. Darcy; but then who is?  Oh Mrs. Gaskell, you have written a compelling historic novel of social significance.

The Interestings - Is Anything But...

Meg Wolitzer's novel, The Interestings is insipid, self-indulgent, dull; anything but interesting.  Julie Jacobson from Long Island, get's taken in by the  NYC in-crowd @ summer camp during her early teens.  Julie, dubbed "Jules," morphs into an interesting, witty sophisticate with her new found click.  Good for you Jules, I'm glad you had a wonderful camp experience. Time to put your glory years behind and grow up.   Jules was "sad to be a fully grown, finalized adult, with almost no chance for reinvention."  Jules marries Dennis, a clinically depressed oaf.  Even Jules, a psychologist, is unable to be of aid.  Jules' saving grace are her life-long attachments to 3 of the friends she made at camp.  Nevertheless, Jule's bonds of friendship are shrouded in "a sustained level of envy," by their achievements.  I enjoyed summer camp as a kid.  If I went back, I'd toss this novel in the bonfire. There's nothing else to be gained from this drivel.  Kumbayah - Yuck!