Flyboys

Abridged
Author: James Bradley
Narrator: James Bradley
Genres: History
Publisher: Time Warner Audio Books
Date: October 2003
Length: 6 hours
Ratings:
  • Book Rating: 3.5/5
Formats:
  • CD

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Overview

Over the remote Pacific island of Chichi Jima, nine American flyers—Navy and Marine airmen sent to bomb Japanese communications towers there—were shot down. One of those nine was miraculously rescued by a U.S. Navy submarine. The others were captured by Japanese soldiers on Chichi Jima and held prisoner. Then they disappeared.

When the war was over, the American government, along with the Japanese, covered up everything that had happened on Chichi Jima. The records of a top-secret military tribunal were sealed, the lives of the eight Flyboys were erased, and the parents, brothers, sisters, and sweethearts they left behind were left to wonder. Flyboys reveals for the first time ever the extraordinary story of those men. Bradley’s quest for the truth leads him to discover a mystery that dated back far before World War II—back 150 years, to America’s westward expansion and Japan’s first confrontation with the western world.

Selected Reviews

Flyboys

by Anonymous
  • Book Rating: 5/5

Flyboys

by Anonymous
  • Book Rating: 4/5

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Reviews (7)

Flyboys

Written by Anonymous on January 25th, 2008

  • Book Rating: 5/5

it was captivating. The WWII info was really interesting. The last chapter with aged President Bush and Japanese soldier talking made me cry. Although it could be a bit less graphic, this book really tells a wonderful story of sacrifice by "The Greatest Generation."

Flyboys

Written by Anonymous on January 5th, 2006

  • Book Rating: 4/5

Interesting and moving stories of WWII in the Pacific. Well researched and written, this book presents both American and Japanese views of these troubling times. Educational, but also very interesting and quite gripping. Leaves the reader with a solid grasp of certain aspects of the war in the Paciifc.

Great Tribute to our Finest Generation

Written by Charles Holland on November 21st, 2005

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Bradley, having a vested interest in WW II as the son of a Flyboy, has outdone most historians in portraying the fates of this heroic group of men. Grisly at times, humorous during others, the author (and reader!) did an absolutely wonderful job telling both sides of the story. I'm sure the Japanese have the version they teach in schools just as we have ours. Flyboys digs into the human element and shows how both sides viewed the other. Bradley's accurate historical accounts and interviews with American and Japanese soldiers creates an educational and gripping story that will keep you listening.

An Amazing Title and Tribute to our Veterans

Written by Daniel Wainwright from Fresno, CA on August 22nd, 2005

  • Book Rating: 5/5

A very compelling story into a horrible incident of WW II. This is a book along the lines of Stephen Ambrose's great WW II novels. Very interesting historical context included makes it all more enjoyable. A real heart wrenching story, that was well written, seemingly honest and a fascinating report.

flyboys

Written by Anonymous on June 27th, 2005

  • Book Rating: 3/5

A little graphic at times and monotone. The info on WW2 was great.

Job well done.

Written by Vincent Verdekal on December 14th, 2004

  • Book Rating: 4/5

I read his first book Flag of Our Fathers. This is a serious second effort. If you enjoy reading World War II books that celebrate life and values regardless of the combatant,s origin read this book. If you want to know who we Americans are, and even more could be read this book.

Great Book

Written by Anonymous on August 5th, 2004

  • Book Rating: 5/5

This was a great book to listen too. I really enjoyed not only the story of the flyboys but the authors study of the war and the American and Japanese cultures of the day.

Selected Reviews

Flyboys

by Anonymous
  • Book Rating: 5/5

Flyboys

by Anonymous
  • Book Rating: 4/5

More...

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Author Details

Author Details

Bradley, James

"James Bradley is the fourth child of flagraiser John ""Doc"" Bradley. Raised in Wisconsin, Bradley studied at the University of Notre Dame, Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan and graduated with a degree in East Asian History from the University of Wisconsin. Bradley has vast experience writing and producing corporate films and corporate meetings; he has traveled the world, living and working in more than 40 countries for nearly a decade. Bradley has run companies in the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy. He has jumped out of airplanes at 15,000 feet, has scuba-dove in deep waters worldwide, trekked to Mount Everest's base camp and walked among lions in Africa. He is an avid reader of history, enjoys discovering exotic cuisine, cliff diving, golfing and snow skiing.

Bradley has recently established a foundation in support of American and Japanese student exchange programs to offer young people the chance to experience each other's cultures.

He remains a professional motivational speaker and is working on his second book, Tales on The Road to Tokyo. He divides his time between homes in New York's Westchester County, and Jamaica."