I haven’t yet gotten to the main plot of this book, because for hundreds of pages the author goes on and on about the imperialist atrocities committed by every major country in the World, but mainly focused on those committed by the U.S. and Japan. The U.S atrocities against the Indians, Mexicans, and filipinos. Japan’s atrocities against China. The British, French, Dutch, and German atrocities against every country they colonized. I get it. The world is a very evil place and was especially so during the 19th and early 20th century when the world’s “civilized” countries were conquering/colonizing weaker nations. Obviously throughput history there have been many terrible atrocities committed by the U.S. as well as by most every powerful nation throughout history. But I thought this book was supposed to be about an amazing story of pilots during WWII in the Pacific War. I understand the need for a limitless back story on the U.S. and Japan, but I don’t need to read hundreds of pages about the many atrocities committed. A chapter or two would have sufficed.

I opted to read "the imperial Cruise" prior to "Flyboys" I wanted to read more of Bradley's work after "flags of our fathers"! All I can say is the first 8 chapters of Flyboys is pretty much The Imperial Cruise word for word like it was copied and pasted. I recommend reading one or the other but don't spend money on both!

Very well written and researched, this book imparts facts that most Americans have never heard. It's also a very thought provoking book that looks at cultural differences as they related to strategies in the pacific campaign. Bradley included just enough biographical material on his fly boys that the reader is emotionally engaged with them. This is a fascinating book that will keep you interested all the way through. People like Bradley should be writing our nations high school history books. I would love to see him write on other historical times, the American Civil War, Vietnam, etc. When I first began the book I got to a few places which made me feel a bit "uncomfortable" as it "called the U.S. out" on some of our nations earlier policies. He was imparting the unfortunate truth but I wasn't sure if I thought it necessary.

Well researched, enlightening, provided a balanced approach to what war is. It gives a different perspective. Some of the data was a surprise, I was aware of the casualties of the atomic bomb but unaware of the firebomb campaign and it's devastating effect. Very we'll organized and easy to follow.

This is an awesome book. I love history and James Bradley truly did a wonderful job telling the lives and an eye opening fact on how horrendous war is. I couldn't put the book down. Looking forward to reading flags of our fathers next.

Amazing story that really makes you think

Its a great book but I feel like the author went out of his way on the main subject of this book. I was hoping for a story line about flyboys during the whole thing of battles and adventures but it seemed like every paragraph was met with 5 pages of interesting but unnecessary information. Great book but it sounds like the author needed more to write about and through some stuff in, its more like an encyclopedia than a story.

Well written, bipartisan, open-minded, and deeply informative. This is the best book I have ever read. If WWII interests you, this is a must read. I thoroughly enjoyed the history review of the U.S.'s exploration and interest in Japan in the 19th century as well as the varying Japanese perspectives on WWII in the Pacific theater. Thank you Mr. Bradley.

Well written. Very informative and interesting. It takes the reader beyond the war strategies, into emotional connections with the Flyboys.

Decent read about someone in the airforce.