Title: Uncle Ted: A G.I.’s Journal of World War II
Author: Barbara Gibby
Publisher: URLink Print & Media, LLC
ISBN: 978-1647538347
Pages: 372
Genre: History/Military
Reviewed by: Tony Espinoza
Hollywood Book Reviews
While war has always been a subject of great contention and study, only those who have lived through it can truly understand the consequences of war. While leaders throughout all of human history have waged war with one another, it is the soldier who has always paid the price, either in loss or in blood. As time has gone on, war has always evolved and grown to reflect not only our understanding of technology and tactics, but of violence as well. As John F. Kennedy once said, “Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.”
In author Barbara Gibby’s Uncle Ted: A G.I.’s Journal of World War II, the author explores their uncle Ted’s time as a G.I. during WWII. Exploring everything from his earliest days being drafted into the Army, to driving a fast truck for the Red Ball Express, to even experiencing the horrors of the Battle of the Bulge, the author takes the words of a beloved family member’s experiences and brings to life the terrifying and brutal journey that her Uncle and so many other G.I.’s experienced during that terrible war.
What stands out immediately in this book is the balance of history and research that went into the background of this book, and personal connection the author feels to her Uncle’s tales from the days of WWII. The author effortlessly flows in and out of these two very different facets of the book, and yet makes them blend seamlessly. The quick examination of how the war began, its impact on Europe early on, and the U.S.’s delayed response to the war before their soldiers became embroiled in the battle was a great setup for the narrative, while the experiences Ted had while overseas were both heartfelt and horrifying at the same time, showing the brutality of war and the terror so many felt in the throes of battle for months at a time.
This is the perfect read for those who enjoy historical non-fiction reads, in particular those that blend history with memoir and biography-style books. As a fan of history, it was both fascinating and emotional to read the personal experiences the author’s uncle underwent during such a horrific time. Even the more personal experiences Ted has, from having met and had interactions with General Patton, to fighting adrenaline in the heat of battle when taking German Prisoners of War, made the history and personal connections to that history feel more harmonious in the writing.
A gripping, thought-provoking, and engaging history read, author Barbara Gibby’s Uncle Ted: A G.I.’s Journal of World War II is a must-read non-fiction book. The attention to detail and the author’s own unique writing style really captured my thoughts as I delved into this personal narrative, while the balance the author brought to the history and personal stories of her Uncle Ted made this story feel well-rounded.