The Boys of Pointe du Hoc : Ronald Reagan, D-Day, and the U.S. Army 2nd Ranger Battalion |...

The Boys of Pointe du Hoc : Ronald Reagan, D-Day, and the U.S. Army 2nd Ranger Battalion | Douglas Brinkley | Ronald Reagan - more than the Boys of Pointe du Hoc

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The Boys of Pointe...

	The Boys of Pointe du Hoc : Ronald Reagan, D-Day, and the U.S. Army 2nd Ranger Battalion Douglas Brinkley WILLIAM MORROW, 2005 - 288 pages average customer review:based on 21 reviews view larger image
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A Different Approach

I was initially skeptical about ordering this book as I am not a big Reagan fan. But, this turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The author tied together both parts of the book very well. I was pleasantly surpised by the second half that brought out some of the inner workings of the Executive Office. As I think back, the author was right on in that President Reagan started the groundswell for recognition of the "Greatest Generation" as it exist today. Well written, flows nicely, and the President's visit to Pointe du Hoc was especially heartwarming. A keeper for my library.

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Ronald Reagan - more than the Boys of Pointe du Hoc

I was looking for a book on the ranger assault at Pointe du Hoc and was disappointed in this book. It is really about how the Reagan speach was written rather than how the Rangers played such a critical role in the D-day operations.

It's more about Reagan's White House than Rangers

This book has potential for greatness, but unfortunately it falls short of the target. Douglas Brinkley makes a valiant attempt of comparing the importance of the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaling Pointe Du Hoc during the D-Day invasion with the creation and delivery of Ronald Reagan's 40th anniversary speech at the same location. While this approach makes for an interesting read, it simply does not work. Reagan's speech that day (and the one at Omaha Beach) was excellent, but it does not come close to what the Rangers accomplished 40 years earlier.

Having said all that, I like this book. The topic is interesting, and the material is solid. It is also pretty short which makes for a nice summer read. But, it just contains too much about Ronald Reagan's White House staff, and not enough details about the brave Rangers who inspired the speech. Of course, my opinion is probably tainted since I enjoy military history a lot more than I do political history.

Also, I do not think this book adds anything to the history of the actual event - attack on Point Du Hoc. Brinkly basically compiles details found in many other books. Given his background I was expecting more from him.

I recommend this book if you are interested in learning more about Reagan's speech at Point Du Hoc. If you want to discover details about the men who made the brave attack - look elsewhere. RLTW!

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reviews: 1, 2, page 3, 4, 5

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