Summer Reading List-2007

[Pat Holscher]

Summer's nearly here. Time for those long leisurely reads at the beach. . ., or in the airport lobby. . ., or maybe on cattle trail, or whatever.

So, what's on the summer reading list around here, with this well rounded, thoughtful and eclectic group? Reading anything you recommned, or don't?

So far, here's what has been on mine (with a premature declaration of summer being ongoing presently):

1. Triumph Forsaken by Moyer. This book re-examines the Vietnam War from 1945 to 1965. It's excellent. If you have a passing interest in the Vietnam War, or frankly if you want some books to help give you insight to the present war, this excellent book is very highly recommended.

2. Horseman, pass by, by McMurtry. Okay, I don't usually read novels. But, I like the movie Hud, which is based on this book, and I finally grew curious enough to read this novella, Larry McMurtry's first.

Frankly, it's not as good as the movie. It's okay, but features the usual McMurtry oddities which are sort of his signature. But it is an interesting small look at modern ranch families. I wouldn't rush out and buy it, however, as the screenplay is better, and the movie much better, without loosing anything.

3. A Savage War of Peace, by Horne. I just started reading this book on the Algerian war yesterday. It certainly looks like it'll live up to its promise.

4. The Blitzkrieg Myth by Mosier. A good friend sent me this to read, and I intend to read it later this summer. As its a hardback, and I was contemplating some airplane travel time, I thought I'd read the paperback Savage War of Peace first. I don't know anything about this book one way or another, but Mosier's book on American involvement in WWI (which I also haven't read), was fairly controversial amongst WWI students.

5. Finally, I anticipate being able to read the recent book on the North Australia Observer Group this summer, again, through the assistance of a friend.

So what are you folks reading?

Pat

[Bob Rea]

Have one book on white captives during the post
Civil War Indian wars to read for a review. I am
reading "Custer Fell Here" by Sandy Barnard that is a
compilation of historic and modern photos of the
Little Big Horn. Since I know Sandy I thought I would
read just in case he asks. I am also reading Doug Scott's new
paperback book on the LBH Medal of Honor recipients.
I also have Doug McChristian's new 2 volume set from OU Press on the Weapons, Accroutments, and Uniforms from 1880 to 1891. I would give
exact titles except I am at home at present the books are at work.

Bob Rea

[deddygetty]

If you can find a copy, THE OUTPOST OF THE LOST, by General David L. Brainard. I just bought a copy for $270.00 to donate to the 2nd Cavalry museum. Published in 1929, it was signed by the author in 1934, and contains a signed letter from his wife dated the same year.

The book is the diary of then Sgt. Brainard during the Greely Arctic Expedition of 1882-84. David Brainard was one of the few survivors of the expedition, and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant upon returning to the Second Cavalry, where he had started his Army career as a Private in 1877.

Don't attract gunfire. It irritates the people around you.