The site lets folks keep track of the books they've read from the various military reading lists. Just click on the appropriate "I've read it" links for the books you've already read, and then start reading new ones. For an example of what you'll see after you've read a couple books, here's my progress so far.
This is _not_ an official government site. All lists are published by a branch of the U.S. military; see the "Source" link next to each list's description for the original source. The descriptions of the books are from the "editorial reviews" section of amazon.com.
lennisaw read Ender's Game 2 days ago and commented:
First sci-fi I ever read. Orson Scott Card did a great job with this!
lennisaw read We Were Soldiers Once...and Young: Ia Drang - the Battle That Changed the War in Vietnam 2 days ago and commented:
An incredible book! One that is rereadable.
lennisaw read Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War 2 days ago and commented:
To me, this is a chapter of the military bible. An incredible work of art. My favorite book on modern warfare.
lennisaw read D Day: June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II 2 days ago and commented:
Very informational. Something I keep under my bathroom sink. One of my favorite World War II books.
Fred Kiesche (USA) read The Soldier's Load and the Mobility of a Nation 3 days ago and commented:
A pretty brief book (two long essays). S.L.A. Marshall has something of a reputation nowadays (especially after Hackworth's "About Face" came out), but has produced some good stuff. This essay, on how weight can kill an assault and how staff tends to overburden the soldier makes some great points. And there are some very funny bits that every commander should read, especially the one about the one commander who put on everything that staff had dictated a common soldier should carry--and presented himself to the general of the unit (who obviously had no clue of what his soldiers were being asked to carry!).
Fred Kiesche (USA) read The Korean War 4 days ago and commented:
A great look at our "forgotten war".
Fred Kiesche (USA) read Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War 4 days ago and commented:
I can't count the number of times I've read this (or "read" it as an audiobook--alas, abridged) or seen the movie. Excellent study of what went right (how people fought for each other) or wrong (no tanks, leadership mistakes, not sticking to what should have been part of the equipment, etc.). Very highly recommended.
Fred Kiesche (USA) read The Art Of War 4 days ago and commented:
I've read this several times (and have even "read" it as a audiobook). Be warned that there are multiple editions (and multiple translations). Most seem to prefer the edition by Sawyer, I'm still undecided. A classic work.
Fred Kiesche (USA) read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People 4 days ago and commented:
Had to read this for work one year. Some interesting stuff, but avoid all the "spin-offs" (Covey has run this horse into the ground.). Not everything in the book will work for all, but everybody should find something of use.
Fred Kiesche (USA) read D Day: June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II 4 days ago and commented:
My favorite book on D Day still remains the classic "The Longest Day", but this one by Ambrose (as well as works by Keegan and others) are good updates/expansions. Hopefully the third volume in Atkinson's "Liberation Trilogy" will be the capstone to this period of the war.
Fred Kiesche (USA) read The Innovator's Dilemma: The Revolutionary Book that Will Change the Way You Do Business 4 days ago and commented:
I read this during the dotcom bubble and even had the chance to see Christensen speak at a conference (and get my copy autographed). Good way of getting people to think "outside of the box" (which hasn't helped in herding the flock of cats that is my daughter's Odyssey of the Mind team! ;) )
Fred Kiesche (USA) read Master and Commander 4 days ago and commented:
I've run through the O'Brian tales of Captain Jack Aubrey and his friend Stephen Maturin several times now. They are among my favorites. Hint for new readers: M&C is somewhat slow to start, keep at it and you'll be rewarded handsomely!
"What a fascinating modern age we live in." (J. Aubrey, RN)
Fred Kiesche (USA) read The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference 4 days ago and commented:
Fah. Couldn't get through this one. Too much fluff.
Fred Kiesche (USA) read Starship Troopers 4 days ago and commented:
One of the best military SF novels out there. How can I say that? Look at the number of author's who have followed in the footsteps (Joe Haldeman, John Scalzi, John Ringo, John Steakley and many others). Good mix of how to train, philosophy and morals, and great action. On the bounce!
Fred Kiesche (USA) read Fire in the Valley: The Making of The Personal Computer (Second Edition) 4 days ago and commented:
An O.K., book, but somewhat aged. I prefer Tracy Kidder's "Soul of a New Machine" for a look on how the IT industry works (also aged, but just a better written book, so has stood the test of time more gracefully).
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