Review of Avoiding Muddy Foxholes

[Precious_Nzeakor]

[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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With the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt declared war on Germany, the Japs and their allies. This decision inadvertently changed the course of the life of Richard Loveless, a young man who was blossoming as an electrician just like his father. Richard enlisted in the military and was assigned to Fort Eustis for his basic military training in artillery. While completing his basic training, Richard learns he can avoid muddy foxholes and eating cold rations by signing up to be an Air Corps Cadet. Scaling through the interviews, Richard is well on his way to becoming an Air Corps Cadet and eventually a bombardier. He is deployed to East England in the 388th Bomb Group to fight against the Germans. What could the future possibly hold for him? Avoiding Muddy Foxholes by Jim Loveless captures the true life story and ordeal of 2nd Lieutenant Richard Loveless, better known as Dick, as an officer in the Second World War.

There were so many notable details about this book. Jim offers readers an inside scoop into the ordeals of soldiers during the Second World War by telling the story of his father, Richard. From a regular twenty-year-old apprentice at The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, he is trained and nurtured into a skilled bombardier. Nothing is left out, as the book covers the challenges, wins, losses, and harsh conditions he was subjected to while fighting to protect his country. There is a constant test of wills throughout the book for almost all the characters. Richard, just like other soldiers, is faced with enduring the rigorous training in the military and making sure he is never "washed out". Richard's family and relatives, just like other families, had to endure the pain of being separated from their loved ones. The details of the war and the preparations for it are sobering enough to teach empathy, kindness, endurance, and selflessness. The book is emotional and touching, especially when Richard and Mary Lu visit the graves of airmen.

The pictures in monochrome colour immensely helped in placing a face to the names and following the story seamlessly. I found some errors in the book. However, they did not lessen my enjoyment. I believe this book was professionally edited. I loved the impersonal tone the author adopted throughout the book. Without reading the introduction and epilogue, one wouldn't know his son wrote it. The impersonal tone gave the impression that he wrote the book without sentiments or bias.

However, I had a slight dislike as I read. At the beginning of the story, particularly chapters 1 and 2, it was hard to tell the present events the author was narrating from the reminisces of the protagonist. I had to rearrange a series of events myself. Although the dates the author added at the beginning of each chapter helped me, it would have been helpful if the events were narrated sequentially, particularly in these chapters.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. Consisting of 9 parts and 57 chapters, the book was well structured. The author gave a brief overview in the introduction and proceeded to the body, evoking a deep reflection and understanding of life as a military soldier in combat. The book is valuable for readers who have never experienced war or its horrors. The negative I mentioned is not enough to deduct a star. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading true stories, war books, or any book of social relevance.

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Avoiding Muddy Foxholes
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[Kelvinna]

I appreciate the well-structured review. The author's excellent book and its intriguing title have piqued my interest, prompting me to add it to my bookshelf without a doubt.

[Kelvinna]

The reviewer's critique stands out for me, appreciating both the well-written review, the rating given, and the recommendation provided. I must emphasize the quality of this piece, thoroughly enjoying the content while reading it.