Refreshing! I bought this book because there was a review in the inside cover that said "reads like a novel". It does. Not a very good novel but compared to reading books of historical fact this and fact that, it is fun. The account from people who were there and their thoughts and perceptions I have always enjoyed. I could imagine sitting in a room with these fellows recounting their tales. If you like to listen to old men recant tales of youth or Grandfathers telling of life in the depression, then you may enjoy this short war novel.

This book is very insightful, and interseting. It keeps you wandering throughout the whole book what is going to happen next. It is extremely well written, and very fun to read. An overall great book! ( <>..<> )

Abe Baum and his men are true heros. This is a must read and would make a wonderful movie!

Pipe Clay and Drill: John J. Pershing, the Classic American Soldier by Richard Goldhurst is an interesting and informative biography of John J. Pershing. In general this text provides and accurate and objective account on Pershing's life and the changing world around him but in some areas I was disappointed. To say that this book is purely a biography would be misleading. I was hoping to read a book that would focus on Pershing as a person but this book was more about the political situations and wars that Pershing had taken part in. My disappointment does not reflect poorly on the author but it should be stated that this account is less about Pershing's humanity than I had hoped. Still a very good and informative read.