Mark Obmascik

Overall, I found this a bit dissapointing. I'm not all that interested in the competitive bird spotting aspects of the Big Year, I'm fine to just watch the birds in my backyard or out on a walk, so the drive to what seems like heights of misery was hard for me to understand. The birders themselves were a mixed bag as well, with Komito being someone I would probably not be able to stand for more than a few seconds. Miller and Levantin seemed more interested in the birding but I think my biggest complaint is it was very little about the joy of seeing a lovely bird and more about the joy of the hunt for it and the joy of success at finding it. I think it could have had a different approach and been a better book.… (meer)

First off, full disclosure, This was nearly a DNF for me. It could have been my mood, it could have been how parts of it seemed rather slow and over done. Whatever the reason, I am glad I pushed on and finished it. Well worth the effort.

This book attracted my attention because the blurb highlighted that it took place during WWII and in the Aleutian Islands. Japan invaded Alaska? Why did I never know about this?

Although this is a war story, there is so much more to it. It revolves around the lives of 2 men, whose lives are on opposite ends of the spectrum. Paul Nobuo Tatsuguchi was born in Japan, educated in California, became a doctor and returned to Japan. Dick Laird was a coal miner, raised in Appalachia. These 2 men met on the battlefield of Attu, and their lives were shattered.

This is a story of faith, family, love and forgiveness. Highly recommended.… (meer)