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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Jeff Shaara's THE RISING TIDE.
Janice from Glendale, AZ
Have you previously read a book by Jeff Shaara?
Yes, the first one I read was THE KILLER ANGELS. Then my husband and I read (listened) to the audio version of GONE FOR SOLDIERS. We followed that with RISE TO REBELLION.
What other historical fiction authors do you read?
We just finished TEAM OF RIVALS by Doris Kearns Goodwin. I absolutely love Isabel Allende, but is she really historical fiction?
What did you think of THE RISING TIDE?
It was easy to read and get interested in. It flowed along very well and was not overpowered with too many details. I would have loved to have the maps in the galley proof I read, which really enhance books, especially war novels. The choice of certain dialogue helped characterize the main players in the war, especially Eisenhower and Churchill. All the characters came alive for me. I was not bogged down with war details, but was reading a very personal, intense and passionate account of a time in history. My father-in-law was a paratrooper in Italy during the war, and I was mentally comparing his accounts with the book. It gave it verisimilitude. I would guess that other veterans who read this would find their story here, too.
Would you ever read a future book by Jeff Shaara?
Yes, definitely. I haven't read them all yet.
Mary from Summerfield, FL
Have you previously read a book by Jeff Shaara?
No, this is the first time I have read one of his books. I was very impressed by his writing style and characterizations. I felt like the author brought me into the story.
What other historical fiction authors do you read?
Rose Wilder Lane and Sam Barone.
What did you think of THE RISING TIDE?
There have been many books written on World War II, and it makes it hard for a writer to bring the events to life because of all the video footage and photographs available, especially considering how multimedia-oriented our culture has become! But, I thought the book was very well-written. I enjoyed seeing the different personalities of the characters as they interacted. I thought it was interesting how he placed such focus on Rommel, a much-hated figure in the history of the war. He, by no means, tried to make him a likable character, but he does make him a human character. So often, it's easy to not think about how this person, however evil, had a home life of some sort, a wife and a child. How did he think? Why did he think that way? What sort of a background would make a man act as he did? Shaara explores all of these considerations, and it proves very interesting and insightful. I also enjoyed the bit of education I got along the way, about the different technology, tanks and arms available to the warring factions.
Would you ever read a future book by Jeff Shaara?
I would if it were on a topic of interest to me. Perhaps, if he explored something the current generation of the American public knows less about, such as the Korean War.
Ann from Spokane, WA
Have you previously read a book by Jeff Shaara?
This is my first book by this author.
What other historical fiction authors do you read?
None, really --- I usually read true crime or fictional crime stories or World War II autobiographies.
What did you think of THE RISING TIDE?
I just finished this book last night. As I thought when I first heard about it, I believe it is the definitive book on World War II --- especially when the trilogy is completed. I liked it a lot. It was fast paced and I felt like I was right there, seeing what they saw and feeling what they felt.
Would you ever read a future book by Jeff Shaara?
Absolutely, I would read another book by this author.
Donnell from Highlands Ranch, CO
Have you previously read a book by Jeff Shaara?
Yes, I read one of his Civil War books, but I don’t recall which one.
What other historical fiction authors do you read?
Diana Gabaldon, Geraldine Brooks, and Robert Harris.
What did you think of THE RISING TIDE?
I enjoyed the history and the stories of the generals very much. However, for my personal reading taste, there was too much intricate military strategy.
Would you ever read a future book by Jeff Shaara?
Definitely.
Ellie from Albuquerque, NM
Have you previously read a book by Jeff Shaara?
I had never read a book by Jeff Shaara, but will definitely read others by this wonderful author.
What other historical fiction authors do you read?
I read Susan Vreeland, David Liss and Louis De Bernieres.
What did you think of THE RISING TIDE?
THE RISING TIDE is an excellent novel of war, [featuring] desert warfare, challenges of command and prominent historical figures. This dramatic book has military and political heroes who are shown in detail. I appreciate reading and learning from this type of novel that is vital in understanding history.
Would you ever read a future book by Jeff Shaara?
I will [read] other books by this author.
Jeremiah from Ocala, FL
Have you previously read a book by Jeff Shaara?
I have heard of this award-winning author, but his prior subjects were not to my liking. I'm not a Civil War fan. After reading THE RISING TIDE, I'm a devotee, since the World War II era is one of my major interests; I would greatly appreciate being considered as an advance reader of the next two books in this series.
What other historical fiction authors do you read?
W.E.B. Griffin's The Brotherhood of War series is a knockout! James Clavell's Noble House series is right up there too, to name just a few.
What did you think of THE RISING TIDE?
What a read!!! [The book] is riveting in its portrayal of the men and times on both sides of this world conflict, which leaped off the page. I can't imagine what it takes to be inside of a metal oven boiling during the day and freezing at night, thousands of miles from home for both armies. Character development was outstanding, and you felt that you knew these men personally. Like his father, Shaara is a natural storyteller. He could be compared to John le Carré for espionage fiction vs. his outstanding historical fiction. Like taxes, this novel kept me up nights. [It was] difficult to put down.
Would you ever read a future book by Jeff Shaara?
[I will] not only read his future novels, but buy them. I hope to own this trilogy on audio, of which I'm a big fan since I can then multi-task while listening! I hope you will consider releasing this in unabridged audio format in both the CD and MP3 formats.
Kathy from Lake Oswego, OR
Have you previously read a book by Jeff Shaara?
This is the first book by Jeff Shaara I have read. How come I didn't know about him before???
What other historical fiction authors do you read?
I've read historical fiction by Edward Rutherfurd, Sharon Kay Penman, Philippa Gregory, Margaret George, Diana Gabaldon, Jean M. Auel and Sena Jeter Naslund.
What did you think of THE RISING TIDE?
Loved it. I was amazed by the scope of the story. So many of the sights, sounds, and emotions were brought to light through Jeff's characters. My father served in Europe in World War II and would talk about it occasionally, but this book filled in many of the untold gaps in Dad's stories. I really like the way he told the tale through the eyes and words of many of the war's most famous figures, [as well as] many of the "unknown heroes" of the war. I was taken on a journey of the theaters of the war, the desert of North Africa, Italy, and France and the events that led to the stories we all know. Even though I know what happened in the end, I am eager to read on, and on, and on.
Would you ever read a future book by Jeff Shaara?
I hope Jeff is hard at work, I am anxious for the second book.
Lynn from Columbus, MS
Have you previously read a book by Jeff Shaara?
I have never read this author before, but I am looking forward to the trilogy now that I have begun.
What other historical fiction authors do you read?
Although not an avid historical reader, I enjoyed Julie Myerson's outstanding book and tend to use biographical writings of historical nature to fill that need in my reading experience.
What did you think of THE RISING TIDE?
Illness kept me from starting THE RISING TIDE as soon as I received it, but I am well into it now. While [it took] real effort getting into it, I like the writing style and find myself becoming more involved "in" the story as I go along, which makes me eager to see the trilogy through.
Would you ever read a future book by Jeff Shaara?
I definitely would read a future Jeff Shaara book.
Melissa from Hogansville, GA
Have you previously read a book by Jeff Shaara?
Yes, I've read the GODS AND GENERALS books.
What other historical fiction authors do you read?
I love John Jakes. I also read Louis L'Amour and Diana Gabaldon (although I don't know if she qualifies).
What did you think of THE RISING TIDE?
I enjoyed the book greatly, but I think the best testament is that I let my grandfather --- who was in World War II --- read it and he loved it. He sat down and finished it in one sitting. He said that he can't wait for the next one to come out.
Would you ever read a future book by Jeff Shaara?
Yes.
Nancy from Henderson, NV
What other historical fiction authors do you read?
I also have enjoyed reading Irving Stone, Stephen E. Ambrose and Thomas Fleming.
What did you think of THE RISING TIDE?
As a very poor history student [who resented] every moment I had to be in class, I must admit I am enjoying the book and Shaara's writing style very much. He puts in enough detail, for my taste, without being too technical. A war lay-person's dream book!
Would you ever read a future book by Jeff Shaara?
Yes, I would read other books by Jeff Shaara. Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to read and enjoy this book.
Shannon from Portland, OR
Have you previously read a book by Jeff Shaara?
Jeff Shaara was a name I always read with respect to historical fiction, but I had not read any of his work.
What other historical fiction authors do you read?
I read Victorian fiction: Anne Perry and Caleb Carr, etc.
What did you think of THE RISING TIDE?
I liked the book a lot. I haven't read a lot [about] World War II, except Ward Just's novel. I do wish the proofs had the maps in them; that would have helped. I also like the variety of narrators. Usually this is hard to track, but Shaara made it very easy.
Would you ever read a future book by Jeff Shaara?
Yes, I will definitely read more of his works. I will go back and read his earlier materials. I like the fact that he tells the characters' stories, not the situations.
Megan from Austin, TX
Have you previously read a book by Jeff Shaara?
I have not previously read a book by Jeff Shaara.
What other historical fiction authors do you read?
Lyon Sprague de Camp, Bernard Cornwell, Charles Dickens, Umberto Eco, James A. Michener, Sharon Kay Penman (my favorite) and Harry Turtledove.
What did you think of THE RISING TIDE?
I really liked the Rommel's portrayal; other parts of the novel were not as strong.
Would you ever read a future book by Jeff Shaara?
I might read another book and would probably purchase the rest of the series. My father enjoys World War II novels and rapidly read this one. I might enjoy his Civil War books more.
Yisrael from Easton, PA
Have you previously read a book by Jeff Shaara?
Prior to THE RISING TIDE, I hadn't read a book by Jeff Shaara. I am curious to know if his style carries over to his other books.
What other historical fiction authors do you read?
Authors in the historical fiction genre I've read are Gore Vidal, Kenneth Roberts, Donald Richie, E. L. Doctorow, Mark Helprin and Jimmy Carter (I was one of the few who liked his book --- hope he writes others).
What did you think of THE RISING TIDE?
Before I'd buy a book by Jeff Shaara, I'd look through it very carefully to see if I'd want to commit cash and patience (and hard-earned pleasure). His action scenes move along well, [but] the interior monologues afforded me little enjoyment because after reading a few pages, I got his "MO" and the characters' subsequent thoughts fell into place right on time. I should say this about the book's "feel." The small type and crowded pages are off putting; the front cover illustration has men wearing American World War II helmets; the tank they're shooting from appears to have lost most of its front as the soldiers near the cannon are clearly at ground level. Come to think of it, Shaara reminds me of a teacher I once had who tried to make history "come alive". But the difference is that in school, we were reading history textbooks with brief stops so the teacher could add a few human interest bits. Shaara tries (and often succeeds) to place the reader in a "you are there" situation, which continues as we follow each character along. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but one sure thing about that process, for me, is that it led to boredom. There were few surprises in the book. One would think that if you're making things up based on a chain of events, you might want to impart surprise and excitement so the reader can join in those necessary components of a good read. This was World War II 101. Likely, I would have skipped the class.
Thanks for the opportunity to read THE RISING TIDE.
Dian from Hiawatha, IA
Have you previously read a book by Jeff Shaara?
I had not read a Jeff Sahara book before this time.
What other historical fiction authors do you read?
I have read John Jakes primarily for historical fiction.
What did you think of THE RISING TIDE?
THE RISING TIDE was good, but not my kind of reading for historical fiction. It is well researched and covered this aspect of World War II well. I didn't realize it would have so much on the military aspect, and I got bogged down.
Would you ever read a future book by Jeff Shaara?
I probably would not read another one of his books. A person who really enjoys the military portion of wars would find this a wonderful book to read.
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