Review of Avoiding Muddy Foxholes

[João Ramos]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Avoiding Muddy Foxholes" by Jim Loveless.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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In Avoiding Muddy Foxholes by Jim Loveless, readers are transported to the tumultuous era of World War II through the compelling narrative of Richard "Dick" Loveless. As a promising young electrician from Washington, DC, Dick's life is abruptly altered by the onset of war. With a bright future in both career and love, he faces the daunting decision to enlist, ultimately joining the Air Corps. The book captures his journey from training to perilous bombing missions over Germany, culminating in a harrowing experience on his sixth mission. Authored by his adoptive son, this poignant tale honors a promise to share Dick's legacy of resilience and valor, ensuring his extraordinary story endures for future generations.

What I liked most about this book was learning about the details of someone's training in the American Air Force during World War II. I've read several books about the most tremendous conflict humanity has ever seen. Still, they were always from the perspective of soldiers on the ground and never from the standpoint of an aviator. The average reader has the impression that those who fight in the sky tend to have an easier life than those who fight on the ground (and that's what motivated the protagonist to enlist in the Air Force). Still, after reading the accounts of what he went through in the conflict, many will say, "Well, it depends."

I didn't find anything negative to mention here. Even though the author tells his father's story and has no military experience in the conflict (WWII), everything is realistic. I can say this because I have read many books about World War II. I found four grammatical errors, but other than that, the book's editing is decent.

Overall, Avoiding Muddy Foxholes is an addictive, well-written, and action-packed book. I am a voracious reader of all things WWII, and after reading many quality works, Jim Loveless has written a book that is on par with the best in the genre. Since there was nothing I didn't like, it deserves 5 out of 5 stars.

History buffs will love this book, especially those interested in World War II. However, as you might expect from a book like this, there are plenty of profane words and racial slurs. As such, the book should only be read by those over 18. In terms of violence and brutality, the more sensitive reader can rest assured that this book is far from being the most violent and "inhumane" when compared to similar books.

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Avoiding Muddy Foxholes
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[Joe Alex 2]

I like that the book’s creativity offers both personal and historical accuracy, making it stand out amongst other WWII accounts. Knowing it is action-packed yet not excessively brutal adds to its appeal. Your mention of the realistic narrative has made me eager to want to dig into it immediately. 

[patricia MGBEMENA]

It's sad that Dick's life plans are to be altered by the war, but I would like to see what life became for the successful electrician as he decides to join the Air Corps.

[Louis Donald]

Learning about WWII from the perspective of an aviator sounds fascinating, especially since it's a viewpoint I haven't explored much. The author's ability to make the experiences feel realistic despite not having firsthand military experience is impressive. I think I’d enjoy this, especially since I’m always interested in different aspects of history.

[Pearl Flourish]

The perspective of an aviator during WWII sounds refreshing, especially since most war stories focus on soldiers on the ground. It’s clear from the review that the book captures the real challenges faced by those in the Air Force, making it a unique addition for history buffs.