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Liked It “It was interesting that the South Korean leader Rhee was a Christian; educated in the States and ignored by us as the Russians ignored Kim Il Sung (p.67-8) Russia also boycotted the Security Council meeting so they not veto the UN participation (p.101). Sitwell’s comment about MacArthur being a...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“It was interesting that the South Korean leader Rhee was a Christian; educated in the States and ignored by us as the Russians ignored Kim Il Sung (p.67-8) Russia also boycotted the Security Council meeting so they not veto the UN participation (p.101). Sitwell’s comment about MacArthur being a general too long was also telling: That is not good for anyone” (p,104). “Gook” came from the Philippine war from the “goo-goos” a dark bark women used to wash their hair (p.110). During World War II MacArthur won more territory with less loss of life than any commander since Darius the Great (p,122). It was interesting to note McCarthy campaigned against the Democratic majority leader Sen. Tom Lucas, which got Everett Dirksen elected (p.385). Interesting story of Matt Ridgway sending Maxwell Taylor behind lines in Italy to find out what real support would have been for an airdrop in Rome and avoided a probable disaster (p.489-90). Truman thought MacArthur acted like McClellan did to Lincoln (p.603-4). Halberstam in his author’s note said through the process of interview his greatest lesson: “a respect for the nobility of ordinary people]” (p.660). Halberstam died in an auto accident shortly after completing this book on his way to interview Y.A. Tittle for a book about football (p.669).”
Jack R wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A compelling history of the reasons for and actions during the Korean War. Halberstam is famous for his narrative historical journalism, and this is the last book he completed before his untimely death.
Jen C wrote this review Thursday, October 22 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
I don't think this book translates extremely well to audiobook. Halberstam often digresses into the personal histories of the main figures and this leaves the listener without a good timeline or contextual locator.”“Halberstam does a good job of putting the Korean conflict in the context of the post-war American and world political situation, but it doesn't have the same level of detailed, ground soldier perspective that was in Fehrenbach's "This Kind of War".”
Mike S wrote this review Sunday, March 1 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“This has to be one of the best books I have ever read. Typically, if a book about a war gets too technical about the battles, my interest dwindles quickly. Halberstam, however, was able to surround the battle with personalities and scenarios that I could relate to. All through the battle scene, I was trying to keep track of some of the characters (the actual soldiers) to make sure that they live through it. This book provides short biographies of all the men involved in decision making for the war...Truman, MacArthur, Chairman Mao, General Ridgeway, Ned Almond and the list goes on. Quite an impressive tome....unfortunate that Halberstam has now passed. I picked up his Best and the Brightest out of respect and interest.”
Parth V wrote this review Saturday, July 26 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I did not know that much about the Korean war until I read this book. I do know this book coers it ALL! I especially enjoyed the battle scenes because he gave the reader both sides of the battle. I can see why it took ten years to write. I felt like I lost a good friend when David passed on. Great job, Mr. Haberstam. Rest in peace. --Gerard Zemek, husband of author of "My Funny Dad, Harry" ”
Gerard Z wrote this review Wednesday, June 4 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Unfortunate that this is Halberstam's final book, but it is one of the best I've ever read. One of the most informative retellings of one of the least understood and covered wars in US history.”
adamsi74 wrote this review Wednesday, May 14 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Greetings:What I gleaned from "The Coldest War" was not the usual war story ie tactics,units, etc. It was the many circumstances that went back years that all had something to do with the N.Koreans crossing the 38thParallel.China,Russia,U.S.Vietnam,Japan.And then what also captured my attention was the insight of the personalities that were involved.The infighting of the American politics.The interests of the various countries involved. And of course the new change in how the U.S. would be fighting their future wars.ie Wars without victory but containment. Would be glad to hear some thoughts on this from you all. Semper Fi”
Ray and Maggie M wrote this review Friday, March 28 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Another Halberstam classic. Driven by ideology and domestic politics, America plunges into a little known country expecting to be greeted as saviors. Poor knowledge of actual local conditions and underestimating the Chinese response leave the US in a quagmire which costs it money and credibility with every passing day. Sound familiar?
John F wrote this review Saturday, March 15 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
A great book for all and superb for history lovers ”
