Book Review: Why We Fought by Jerry Borrowman

 

My Rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis:

Indomitable amputee. Actress. Factory worker. Idealist. The the people that helped defend justice and humanity during World War II came from varied backgrounds and with varied skill sets. However, when freedom was on the line, each dug deep and found ways they could help fight against Nazi Germany and its allies. Each made incredible sacrifices--and for many, those sacrifices affected their daily life for the remainder of their lives, even after the war was won. In honoring these real, flesh-and-blood people, their stories need to be told, their courage and selflessness must never be forgotten.

Review:

I really enjoyed this book. I usually really enjoy a good WWII story to begin with, but I find it particularly exciting that these stories are real. They really happened, and it is humbling to realize that their incredible courage--which often placed them right in front of death itself--was real too. To think a human being can be so courageous, so self-sacrificing for the good of others is awe-inspiring. It makes me want to be a better person. 

There are some descriptions of the horrors of war, which is a terrible but real hallmark of WWII. However, Borrowman used these descriptions to help the reader comprehend what the 'good guys' were up against: heinous villains with their seemingly unending resources of intelligence and evil. It makes these stories all the more inspiring. At times, however, it was comical to read how the simplest of things made the Nazis stumble, which is also inspiring in realizing that the villain is not infallible. 

I recommend this book for middle school-aged readers and older.  Each individual who reads it will find an intriguing read and personal inspiration. 

Content Guide:

Sex & Affection--An actress dresses up in an attractive costume to perform for deployed soldiers.
Language--None
Drugs, Alcohol, & Substance Use--Some instances of smoking and alcohol consumption. A man is known for going into a drunken rage.
Violence & Crime--A description of prisoner treatment in Nazi concentration camps. Torture, lynching, looting, and war violence described in general terms. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.