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MWSA Review
John J. McBrearty’s American History: A Veteran's Perspective is the first of two volumes of collected essays, “discussions,” and book reviews on American history through the lens of a combat veteran.
There does not appear to be an overarching theme, other than the veteran perspective, however, the material is presented in chronological order and understandably focuses on America’s wars of the past 250 years as a means to build up a loose but comprehensive historical picture of where we are as a nation today.
While somewhat disjointed when read continuously, each piece is self-contained, which lends itself to being read as stand alone, individual chapters. Written from a veteran’s perspective, most sections, especially the first eight chapters, present a comprehensive social, economic, and ethnic framework in which the specific conflict is presented.
Placing war in such a context educates the reader on how a war comes into being, and that it is not just a function of two competing militaries on the battlefield.
The author is to be commended for his long service to our country, and his effort to express his unique experiences to a general audience.
Review by Terry Lloyd (June 2024)
Author's Synopsis
General Gustave Perna U.S. Army Retired, Operation Warp Speed Commander
"Lt. Col. John McBrearty, a natural leader, combat Veteran, and family man, shares his unique perspective on history through his essays, reflections, and reviews. His personalized style provides the reader with a kaleidoscope of American history, in which he cleverly weaves his own military story within. This is a must-read for all Veterans and American history buffs alike."
Having risen from the rank of Private to Lieutenant Colonel, combat veteran John J. McBrearty shares his unique insight of American History through essays, reflections, and reviews. “Colonel Mack” takes the reader through the significant milestones of American History, starting with a discussion of the initial human migration of the North American continent right up to and through the Global War on Terror. He concludes his personal journey through American History with a speech given in honor of a fallen comrade.
Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle
Review Genre: Nonfiction—History
Number of Pages: 195
Word Count: 44,290