Review of I Was a Hero Once

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 29 Oct 2024, 20:14

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "I Was a Hero Once" by Peter P Mahoney.]

5 out of 5 stars

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What is a hero? Could it be someone who risked their well-being to support an important cause? Could it be someone who tried to be true to their ideals? Could it be someone who dedicated their time to providing and caring for their spouse and children? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should consider reading the book I Was a Hero Once by Peter P. Mahoney.

Mahoney, at the age of 18, ran away from home. He did not like the constraints his mother placed on him. He dreamed of going on adventures and doing something meaningful. His travels and idealism paved the road for him to participate in the following events and organizations: the Vietnam War, the VVAW (Vietnam Veterans Against the War), the Gainesville Eight, and the New York Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission. He also went to the Soviet Union as a member of a delegation of Vietnam veterans to support Soviet veterans who served in the Afghanistan War. Several years later, he decided to drive to the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, situated across the border of North Dakota and South Dakota, to support the Native American community in their quest to stop a pipeline from being passed through their lands.

After two failed marriages, Mahoney fell in love with a Russian woman, married, had two children, and settled down.

Mahoney wrote this book so his children could know about his previous endeavors. Although he had been involved in many causes to better the world, Mahoney felt that the results always fell short of his expectations, and he explained why. He did not shy away from sharing his opinion concerning the history of the United States, its foreign policy, and its political system over the last sixty years. He was disappointed that his boomer generation did not capitalize on the opportunity to better the world. He hoped that young people, who read his book, would be inspired to improve their world.

I enjoyed reading about Mahoney’s experiences of joining the army, being an activist, falling in love, settling down, working for international aid organizations, and retiring. I admired his willingness to leave his home and travel long distances to support worthwhile causes. I learned how this critical-thinking American felt about his life, his country, and the world around him.

Mahoney’s writing style was easy to read, and his narration flowed well. I had the feeling that he was honest about everything he shared. His tone was frank yet humble. I think he was a hero because of his activism, storytelling, and being a family man. His well-written story was impeccably edited. I did not find any grammar errors and could not find anything to dislike about his book. Therefore, I gave Mahoney’s story 5 out of 5 stars.

******
I Was a Hero Once
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Post by **Stephen Christopher 1** » 31 Oct 2024, 00:04

Vietnam vets were treated so poorly when they returned to the USA, and it sounds like Mr Mahoney did a lot to educate people on the plight of his comrades. he certainly does sound like a hero in every aspect of the term. Thanks as always for the review.

Post by **Sarah Zain** » 31 Oct 2024, 02:12

ج Maybe the book isn't the kind that would grab my attention to read it. But I appreciate the author's life and his desire to record what he went through. Great review Gerry!

Qwerty Writes · Post by **Qwerty Writes** » 31 Oct 2024, 02:20

It sounds amazing! Mahoney sounds like a free spirit. (Though a lot like the guy from Police Academy)

It's rather intriguing how his running away lead him to all his adventures. Though I hope he's not encouraging it. It was a fantastic read, Gerry.

Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis · 31 Oct 2024, 08:00

Another fantastic review! My husband is a Vietnam Vet and he said that when they got off the plane, they couldn't even wear their uniforms for fear of being attached. They were spit on and had rocks thrown on them. It has only been recently that people are starting to praise the guys from Vietnam.

Terry Kimble · Post by **Terry Kimble** » 31 Oct 2024, 14:20

This sounds like a heartfelt autobiography. I'm interested in the author's opinion concerning the history of the United States, so I will check it out. I enjoyed reading another of your comprehensive reviews, Gerry!

Amy Luman · Post by **Amy Luman** » 31 Oct 2024, 14:54

There are several different ways to be a hero. Most people think of superheroes, but that’s very rare to be one. The everyday heroes are much more common. Someone willing to share their own story for the betterment of others surely qualifies. Thanks!

Creole · Post by **Creole** » 31 Oct 2024, 20:34

The author's involvement in many worthy causes portrays him as heroic. I hope many will be inspired by his experiences and try to improve the world for themselves and others. There are many lessons we can take away from this story. Thanks for a fantastic review.

Laney K · Post by **Laney K** » 01 Nov 2024, 02:38

While this book is not one I'd probably read, it does sound perfect for those who enjoy autobiography. The author's time in the army and travels could make for an emotional read.

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 01 Nov 2024, 03:15

From your review, I can see that the book is well-written. Readers who enjoy reading autobiographies would adore this one!

Post by **Jeff Kanda** » 01 Nov 2024, 03:53

From your review, this seems to be quite an intriguing book. Mahoney's life seem to be challenging but but he eventually overcomes the hardship. I'm looking forward to reading this book.
Thanks for the engaging review!

Corinna Borsato · Post by **Corinna Borsato** » 01 Nov 2024, 04:54

I love how the review starts with the key theme: what does being a hero mean? When can one identify as a hero? Despite all his efforts, the protagonist will never be completely satisfied: heroes should save the world but history and politics show that this world seems damned, corrupted from within. People do not always fight for peace like the protagonist. They do not advocate for a better future of equality and prosperity. This is the sad truth that will be valid for every generation who crosses this planet. Anyway, it is now more than ever fundamental to educate the new ones.

Post by **Anu Anand** » 01 Nov 2024, 05:29

Mahoney’s story seems inspiring and full of life lessons. It’s impressive that he kept following his ideals, despite challenges. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this book.

ZCReviews · Post by **ZCReviews** » 01 Nov 2024, 14:27

Gerry Steen wrote: ↑29 Oct 2024, 20:14 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "I Was a Hero Once" by Peter P Mahoney.]

5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review

What is a hero? Could it be someone who risked their well-being to support an important cause? Could it be someone who tried to be true to their ideals? Could it be someone who dedicated their time to providing and caring for their spouse and children? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should consider reading the book I Was a Hero Once by Peter P. Mahoney.

Mahoney, at the age of 18, ran away from home. He did not like the constraints his mother placed on him. He dreamed of going on adventures and doing something meaningful. His travels and idealism paved the road for him to participate in the following events and organizations: the Vietnam War, the VVAW (Vietnam Veterans Against the War), the Gainesville Eight, and the New York Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission. He also went to the Soviet Union as a member of a delegation of Vietnam veterans to support Soviet veterans who served in the Afghanistan War. Several years later, he decided to drive to the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, situated across the border of North Dakota and South Dakota, to support the Native American community in their quest to stop a pipeline from being passed through their lands.

After two failed marriages, Mahoney fell in love with a Russian woman, married, had two children, and settled down.

Mahoney wrote this book so his children could know about his previous endeavors. Although he had been involved in many causes to better the world, Mahoney felt that the results always fell short of his expectations, and he explained why. He did not shy away from sharing his opinion concerning the history of the United States, its foreign policy, and its political system over the last sixty years. He was disappointed that his boomer generation did not capitalize on the opportunity to better the world. He hoped that young people, who read his book, would be inspired to improve their world.

I enjoyed reading about Mahoney’s experiences of joining the army, being an activist, falling in love, settling down, working for international aid organizations, and retiring. I admired his willingness to leave his home and travel long distances to support worthwhile causes. I learned how this critical-thinking American felt about his life, his country, and the world around him.

Mahoney’s writing style was easy to read, and his narration flowed well. I had the feeling that he was honest about everything he shared. His tone was frank yet humble. I think he was a hero because of his activism, storytelling, and being a family man. His well-written story was impeccably edited. I did not find any grammar errors and could not find anything to dislike about his book. Therefore, I gave Mahoney’s story 5 out of 5 stars.

******
I Was a Hero Once
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Even though he does not feel that way, from what you've explained, it seems like Mahoney achieved a lot of what he wanted when he ran away from home. All the adventure, excitement, and traveling. Although his life may not have been without challenges, it appears that he led a fascinating life and made many contributions to the causes he believed in. I hope his book accomplishes everything he wants it to. Great review!

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 01 Nov 2024, 15:49

Peter P Mahoney lived a life that was complicated but most cercainly intense. During the Vietnam war, he saw things that most people never see and decided to act on that, also supporting other veterans, in the USA and in the USSR. His memoirs seem very interesting for that. Thank you for your great review!