Joan Blair (2) (1929–2017)

A tremendous read. The authors tracked interviewed all the surviving POW's from a tragic sinking at the hands of the submarine force. Had the Allies been made aware of the cargo, thru a neutral nation as the Japanese did do in other events, the convoy would have sailed safely. The hardships suffered thru just to get to the shipboard event were staggering, to then be left in the ocean for up to 6 days without food or water defies belief. The determination and raw courage displayed by these Brits and Aussies is amazing. The crews of the US subs were tireless in their efforts to recover and then care for the survivors. In the most extreme case, the sub was carrying over twice the number of people for which it was designed. The sailors gave their bunks, clothes, went on reduced rations and even gave their money (until there was no more than pocket change on board). A worthwhile read that is horrible and uplifting at the same time.… (meer)

Basic book on Kennedy's early life. The authors seem to have interviewed everyone that had contact with Kennedy from birth through the 50's. This can result in an akwardness of style but produces an incredible amount of information that is unobtainable anywhere else. Anyone who has a serious interest in Kennedy's formative years should start here. Without being snarky they correct the authors of previous biographies. Considering the amount of information available here I am surprised that this book has so few followers in Library Thing.… (meer)