Books

D-Day

Stephen Ambrose covers the D Day topic in detail and more broadly. 

It’s more or less a superset of the information and stories from The Longest Day. I’d give a slight edge to Ryan’s work for storytelling and writing. Ryan’s prose is punchier and more journalistic. Ambrose’s will only seem a little flat in direct comparison, though. It’s still very good. 

Both are incredible overall, and you can choose freely between the two based entirely on how many pages you want to read on the topic. 

I enjoyed them both so much that I’m currently reading Band of Brothers now. 

Well told war stories are as good as it gets. This is why our stick wielding ancestors learned language. 

Highest recommendation.

Band of Brothers 

The book that inspired the series that follows a special military unit from D Day to VE Day.

If you’ve seen the series (you should!), you know almost exactly what to expect here. The show does a remarkably faithful job of translating the book to the screen. 

A lot of the key dialogue lines are quotes from the soldiers, and a lot of the most memorable narration is pulled verbatim from Ambrose. 

If you haven’t experienced either, the series is so good that you can take your pick between reading the book or watching the show. If you already love the show, the book will be enjoyable but it won’t blow your mind. Better to go with the D Day book instead, which has the same feel but covers different ground. 

“‘Grandpa, were you a hero in the war?’ Grandpa said, ‘No. But I served in a company of heroes.’”

It brings me to the verge of tears every time. 

Highest recommendation. The definitive war story of the quintessential modern war. Magical from first to last.

JUST finished watching this show, it was so good!🔥