Review of I Was a Hero Once

Adrian Bouknight · Post by **Adrian Bouknight** » 06 Nov 2024, 11:51

Gerry!

Thank you for this review! This sounds like a very heartfelt narrative. I'll have to check this one out. A veteran, and man who has gone through 3 marriages sounds like quite the experience!

As always, thank you for your detailed reviews, Gerry.

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
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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
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Post by **Mona Alves** » 07 Nov 2024, 16:36

Great review. While not a book I would read, I do find the author's journey to be very interesting, to have partaken in war and then be against it. A anti-war veteran it's a important perspective to have.

Kayode Kolawole · Post by **Kayode Kolawole** » 08 Nov 2024, 06:02

Wonderful, I'll like to read this book, or a book like this.

Faithful Tourde-Akari · Post by **Faithful Tourde-Akari** » 12 Nov 2024, 13:53

I would love to read this book as it has to do with Mahoney's experience with the military.
And I love reading things about the military

Mary John 10 · Post by **Mary John 10** » 15 Nov 2024, 17:31

I Was a Hero Once by Peter P. Mahoney recounts his journey from a rebellious teenager to a man involved in significant causes, including the Vietnam War, the VVAW, and supporting Native Americans at Standing Rock. The book explores the meaning of heroism through Mahoney's dedication to social justice and personal ideals.

Ajisafe Adeyinka Ahmad · Post by **Ajisafe Adeyinka Ahmad** » 17 Nov 2024, 12:20

I am definitely checking this out. I will like to know more about the Vietnam war from the author's perspective.

Drue Tibbits · Post by **Drue Tibbits** » 19 Nov 2024, 23:21

There are a lot of reasons a person might write a book, but I really like the author's reason: to let his children know what he'd done in his life, and why. "I Was a Hero Once" sounds like one of the more interesting autobiographies. Great review!

Post by **Bethel Saint Bright** » 22 Nov 2024, 06:52

Everyone has a definition of who a hero is. However, it all boils down to the good you allowed humanity to experience while you are here. Like, the author, our paths to heroism differs.

Post by **Bethel Saint Bright** » 22 Nov 2024, 06:53

Meanwhile, I enjoyed reading your review my good friend.

Thainy Lopes · Post by **Thainy Lopes** » 24 Nov 2024, 09:56

*"I Was a Hero Once"*, by Peter P. Mahoney, seems to be an engaging and heartfelt story, likely blending humor and emotion to explore themes of heroism and personal reflection. Based on the OnlineBookClub.org review, it’s a great read for those who enjoy relatable and inspiring narratives.

Post by **Martina Sette** » 15 Dec 2024, 07:20

Your review offers a heartfelt and thorough exploration of Mahoney’s life and the book's themes. The admiration for his activism and honesty comes across clearly. Great job!

Naimah Agboluaje · Post by **Naimah Agboluaje** » 25 Dec 2024, 09:14

Well now, this review here sure makes me wanna get my hands on that book! I tell ya, a fella like Peter P. Mahoney, he's a real hero in my book. Riskin' his own well-being for important causes, fightin' in Vietnam, standin' up against the war, and supportin' them Native Americans. It's a story about ideals and family, and it sure seems like a good read. The writer's honest, the flow of the story smooth, and it's edited without a hitch. I reckon I'll give it a solid 5 outta 5. Can't wait to take a gander at what Peter P. Mahoney's been through! Compelling storytelling, skillfully woven and compelling.

Post by **patricia MGBEMENA** » 09 Jan 2025, 04:09

I liked that Mahoney was eager to explore and dreamt of exploring and doing something significant. I would love to find out his experiences in the events he participated in.

Post by **Jane Gent** » 14 Jan 2025, 05:41

I loved this review! Having just recently read an intense story of two Vietnam veterans I was able to appreciate even more what these soldiers went through. Of course, imagining is nothing like the horror of the real thing.
Your introduction was thought-provoking, and of course, many people are heroes in different ways, as you rightly point out. I imagine we have all been through periods of intense problems and find ourselves what may be considered a 'hero' in other people's eyes, myself included, although I wouldn't count it as such. For this reason alone, it would entice me to read this book.

With his many endeavours, it sounds like he lived a life to be proud of. I wonder what his mother thought of this in the end. How many people have done so much with their life? His real contribution is just trying to make a difference and be heard. I hope that by reading this book, others are encouraged to do the same.

This was a comprehensive review of a man's life on a mission determined to do some good in this world, and I will now seek it out to find out more.

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 14 Jan 2025, 15:35

Jane Gent wrote: ↑14 Jan 2025, 05:41 I loved this review! Having just recently read an intense story of two Vietnam veterans I was able to appreciate even more what these soldiers went through. Of course, imagining is nothing like the horror of the real thing.
Your introduction was thought-provoking, and of course, many people are heroes in different ways, as you rightly point out. I imagine we have all been through periods of intense problems and find ourselves what may be considered a 'hero' in other people's eyes, myself included, although I wouldn't count it as such. For this reason alone, it would entice me to read this book.

With his many endeavours, it sounds like he lived a life to be proud of. I wonder what his mother thought of this in the end. How many people have done so much with their life? His real contribution is just trying to make a difference and be heard. I hope that by reading this book, others are encouraged to do the same.

This was a comprehensive review of a man's life on a mission determined to do some good in this world, and I will now seek it out to find out more.

Thank you for your feedback, Jane. This man was an outlier in a very good way. He stayed true to his beliefs and convictions. I enjoyed reading his book. I am sure you will too.