joyfulme's review against another edition
3.0
I will be sharing this book with my 7th and 8th graders as they begin to study the Pacific arena of World War 2. O’Reilly’s account is very readable; it’s a great introductory text to the conflict, with a who’s who photo directory, clear maps, and illustrative photos. The book recalls the horrific events in a very matter-of-fact way, giving particular information on the bomb testing process and the war effort as seen from the Japanese mainland. The descriptions of the immediate aftermath of the bombings are gruesome but appropriate to grasp the gravity of the topic. I don’t think O’Reilly’s intentions are to promote or villainize anyone in the conflict and I believe his report was relatively even handed, albeit an American perspective. Personally, I felt that this was effective in engendering my own sympathies to the Japanese civilians and American soldiers- more than an emotional appeal would have done- but it can also become numbing. Parental concerns may include war violence; there is no nudity (in the photos) or sensuality. There is also quoted use of the term “Japs,” now considered pejorative.
vinayakmalik's review
3.0
Short excerpts does not a book make. Even if historically accurate and thrilling to read
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