<p>I think we can all agree that "Absolutely American" is a must read for anyone interested in the Academy, and I'll be the first to say the "Once an Eagle" is a bible for anyone with even a mild interest in becoming a quality leader. Besides that, though, I'm not sure what to tackle next. I've got a trip coming up and I'd like to spend my extra time catching up on some long overdue reading. Thanks for any ideas.:cool:</p>
<p>PS- This isn't limited to "military" books, either. I'd appreciate any book with a worthwhile story/message.</p>
<p>I thought that the Da Vinci Code was really good....you just have to remind yourself that it's all fictional...that is if you're a Christian. The book isn't related to the academy in any way, just really entertaining.</p>
<p>I probably should read The Davinci Code before the movie comes out. </p>
<p>Taffy: What is "Culture of Fear"? I'm going to a big mock Congress thing in DC and I don't want to overload myself with political stuff. If its about nature of terrorism, or something along those lines, I would consider reading it, but none of that "Evil Conservative vs. Bush-bashing Liberal" nonsense.</p>
<p>Reefer Madness is also interesting. its not all about reefer, mostly about madness. it has 3 sections: marijuana prohibition, prostitution/porn, and illegal immigration. It talks a bunch about the black market and how it is about 10% of the US Economy. Interesting fact: 75% of US $100 bills are not in the US... drug traffickers' currency of choice.</p>
<p>I'm huge on current military books if you dont notice by the reading list:
(Book : Topic)
None Braver: AF PJ's
The March Up: Marine invasion of Iraq
No Excuse Leadership: Ranger School
Generation Kill:Recon Marine Invasion of Iraq
One Bullet Away: Same unit as above except from perspective of Officer Lt. Fick, from beginning of his training
Spare Parts: Marine infantry reservists first Gulf War
In the Company of Soldiers: 101st Airborne invasion of Iraq
Band of Brothers: Duh..
Masters of Chaos: Stories from Special Forces
American Soldier: Tommy Franks Biography</p>
<p>All are decent or atleast worth a look at. My favorite was probably One Bullet Away, Generation Kill was also good but I would read this or One Bullet Away because they tell pretty much the same story just from different perspectives. American Soldier is a great autobiography, Tommy Franks did a good job on this. Honestly I found them all entertaining, so feel free to take a look at all of them.</p>
<p>EDIT: Add Thunder Run the list. That one of the best on the list. It survived me through Boys State. Anyone else go to NY Boys State? What an experience.</p>
<p>PS: Where you going Envee? I'm off to the Dominican Republic in a week myself.</p>
<p>Junior State of America is holding a huge mock Congress with students coming from all over the eastern US. Every school has to submit 2 bills, and I've got to push a Line Item Veto through. I tried to stay away from any hot button issues and focus on curbing some of the more corrupt practices that actual Senators/Representatives are too friendly with. My biggest problem is convincing everyone that it's within the bounds of the Constitution, all in a 6 minute speech.</p>
<p>What are you up to in the Dominican Republic? Is it some sort of mission trip? I've always wanted to go on one of those but we're kind of limited as far as those opportunities go. For all my talk about "serving others," I get to do precious little good with all the activities I'm wrapped up in.:(</p>
<p>Haha, not quite a mission trip. We're just going for a family vacation. A week of sandy beaches and 90 degree weather should be a nice change from the foot and a half of snow we got today.</p>
<p>C'mon, I gave you a huge opening there!:) You should've said, "Yeh, we're going to live in a primitive village for a couple of days, build a few churches, spread democracy, maybe raise money for an orphanage. With any luck we'll get to rescue a few injured dolphins, too." Actually, I think I'm confusing Haiti with the Dominican Republic, but will ignore that for the moment.</p>
<p>I have to add one book to the recommended reading. I'm applying to West Point and hope to go into arctic combat or 10th Mountain Division (we'll see). The only reason I think I would want to go into those specific units is because of my Lapp (north Finland) heritage and my uncle who was one of the very first in the legendary 10th Mt. Div. Anyone, especially those interested in arctic warfare or elite special forces, should read the book "The Last Ridge" by McKay Jenkins. It's a well-told tale of how the 10th Mt. Division came together out of professional skiers, mountaineers, and arctic outdoorsmen. I have read this book (and a lot of other ones including Absolutely American) and found it to be one that should be set beside Band of Brothers and books like it. Another book on the 10th Mt. Division is "Climb to Conquer" by Peter Shelton. Haven't read it yet.</p>
<p>I also strongly reccommend to anyone interested in Scandinavian history, military history, arctic warfare, Soviet history, or any subject should find and read material on the Winter War of 1940 between Russia and Finland. A new documentary film on the war has been made which I give 5 stars to- "Fire and Ice". Look it up and find it. The story of the Winter War is far greater than the tale of Bastogne, D-Day, and countless other events. The link below will take you to a place to purchase the film and a book called "A Frozen Hell' which is supposed to be a great book on the war.</p>
<p>A note to those who look up and study the Winter War- Casualty placements on the Russian side vary greatly from 400,000 to 1,200,000. Nikita Kruschev's memoirs, published in the 70's I believe, coupled with other information sources, tag the Russian death toll at 1,000,000. That's the real number. Don't expect to see it though. Anyway, find books on it, and Carl Gustav Emil von Mannerheim (Gustav Mannerheim), the hero of Finland and the Winter War.</p>
<p>Well I am going to say the most logical book with the most logical title. "The West Point Candidate Book" I suggest reading. It has interviews with the authors and many other very helpful information.</p>
<p>Duty First: West Point and the Making of American Leaders by Ed Ruggero is much more comprehensive than Lipsky's Absolutely American and is a better (but longer) read IMHO</p>
<p>I forgot about Ed Ruggero's book "Duty First" too. I found his writing far better than Lipsky's "Absolutely American", but Lipsky has a nice earthy feel to his book. If I was to give a literary criticism, Ed Rugerro's book is of the higher writing caliber, giving a coprehensive view of what West Point is and what her cadets are. However, I would say that David Lipsky's attempt to relate with the cadets he wrote about shows in his ability to capture the undercurrent of emotion in the story. They compliment each other very well because of the angles they write from and the way they concentrate what I call the "word-space" factor. I recommend reading both of these books. The bigger question is which one to read first.</p>