Rick Antonson

The Kokoda Trail is a 60 mile grueling path through jungle up and down peaks, often muddy and slippery, and worst of all flanked by ghosts, lost artillery, and evidence of some of the fiercest Pacific battles in WWII. The American author hikes the trail along with a bunch of Aussies. Besides a death defying trek, the hike is an homage to the mainly Australian and the American troops who fought here. The author recollects many stories he learns from the guides and fellow hikers, including its reputation of cannibalism. I never knew the extent of Australia’s participation in WWII and I’m glad to learn it. The author also agonized with feelings about his close friends who are Japanese, versus his anger and hatred towards those who battled on Kokoda. The book encourages empathy in the reader for many complex feelings. This book is an excellent deep dive into learning about Papua New Guinea.… (meer)