Which Shaara For You, Pick!

[ole]

I'll be darned! Have the three! Guess I won't have to buy one. But, if I forgot that I had them, none of them apparently made an impression.

ole

[5fish]

Originally Posted by ole

I'll be darned! Have the three! Guess I won't have to buy one. But, if I forgot that I had them, none of them apparently made an impression.

ole

I would at least read one of them for they are good books. if you got "Gone For Soldier", go for it. The Mexican-American war train many of the CW heros we know today.

[PINCKNEYUSMCRET]

Just bought Killer Angeles at a thrift store today. Will read it post haste.

Pinckney

[samgrant]

Of these, I've only read Killer Angels and that was so long ago (1994? when it's paperback was in front of the checkout counters of all the bookstores?), it was before I became seriously interested in the war. I vaugely recall that I liked it, but it was not something that spurred me into a greater interest in the war.


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[5fish]

It looks like dad is kicking his son's tail in this friendly contest...more votes needed to tell to sure.


Now go VOTE!

[Oxkern]

I too picked up 'The Killer Angels' in a thrift store. I've really been struggling to conjure up the necessary enthusiasm to get beyond the first four chapters or so. I'm find the writing style far too basic, and the characterisation far too flat.

[M E Wolf]

Dear List Members,

I had purchased Gettysburg, in DVD and then after liking Gettysburg; I bought the DVD movie Gods and Generals.

I do believe the DVD Gettysburg was better then Gods and Generals, to which at the end; the mention of 'Last Full Measure' was to be the last trilogy.

Because there was no DVD of "Last Full Measure"--the last installment of the trilogy; I bought the hard cover book by Jeff Shaara. To see what I am missing. I was glad the book was rather 'simplistic' and an easy read. I don't like to read, when I can watch it on DVD. So, I purchased Killer Angels and Gods and Generals in hardback book form. In reading the book; it is more historically accurate as far as people involved and can see where the DVD had taken great license to produce their works.

I also keep in mind, Jeff (the son) is trying to walk in his father's literary foot prints. Michael Shaara was a professional writer and his son Jeff has no formal 'writing' training. So, of course he won't shine like his father! However, I see Jeff using Michael's format of Killer Angels.
I do think Jeff has found success by learning from his estranged father's writing technique with Killer Angels. Now, that said -- I really do appreciate how the book is chaptered as to move our mind and focus from one character to another and not mix them.

Further, no book today can really tell 'the story' as well as those who originally created the story by participation. Seeing through their eyes via their official reports, letters home, etc.; will never be accurate as we're a cynical bunch I believe and, very easy to 'arm chair quarterback' from our modern times and scientific methods. But, I can honestly state that, the movie Gettysburg had awakened a sleeping interest in the Civil War.

For me, as an equestrian -- this war [Ref. Civil War] was the first American war that made more use of the horse and great changes of the Cavalry and Artillery Horses. In addition, the 'Iron Horse' (Railroad), weaponry and change of battle tactics that started to abandon the old as weapons affected the tactics. The invention of new methods of killing.

In addition -- I've never known, prior to Jeff Shaara--to be 'available' via his web site. The fact that Jeff invites constructive advice and comments; shows me that he is indeed trying to be a better writer and 'story teller.' I don't see other authors so 'reachable.'

Just some thoughts.

M. E. Wolf

[FSPowers]

The Killer Angels was the best Gettysburg book written, IMHO.

[Rebelchick318]

For me it's definitely The Killer Angels. I have read this book over and over again and I never seem to get bored with it.

[Ashbel]

Killer Angels is a great book. I have recommended it to many people over the years and everyone has enjoyed it.