“Hey Buddy” by Gary W. Moore

" Hey Buddy is a wonderful and magical journey to find Buddy Holly -- the man, the legend, and his music. You will be blown away by what you hear and what you learn from Holly. From the crash investigations, talking to the Dwyers', and just exploring a decade of music, you thought you knew. This one is a keeper."

“Hey Buddy”- In pursuit of Buddy Holly, My New Buddy John, and My Lost Decade of Music

by Gary W. Moore
2011, Savas Beatie Publishing
219 Pages
 
I must start this review by saying I have never in my life, borrowed, checked out, read, listened or reviewed a book on music or musical artist(s). It is just not a subject that interested me. I was looking over Savas Beatie’s offering for 2011 and for some reason this book stood out to me, almost calling me. I went back to the page several times before ordering my copy.
 
“Hey Buddy” is Not a Biography on Buddy Holly. It IS a wonderful and magical journey to find Buddy Holly – The man, the legend and the music. We learn quickly that the author shared my view on music history; knowing a little but not really interested until that one night changed his life forever.

After being dragged to an event called the “Winter Dance Party” performed by John Mueller who impersonates Buddy, Gary W. Moore was transfixed, mesmerized and struck to the core. What this entire book revolves around his the quest to find the music.
Gary W. Moore book “Hey Buddy” is a Masterpiece. He takes us on the journey with him. We are there from the first moment that these emotions hit to the final visit to the crash site. You will find yourself researching, looking, listening and reading to what he did. Seriously, do not be surprised if you find yourself on the computer until 2-3AM.

Even though this book is a personal journey for Gary; his writing, his research; it is strangely perceived at the end as personal journey for you the reader. The reason I am stating this as a Masterpiece is that although this is his journey. I found myself not really seeing him that much in the book. I was in his skin, in his shoes and experiencing this journey for myself. It was my story!

Along this epic ride we take with us a host of characters; some serious, some funny, some sad and some angry. All of them culminate to bring this story to life. “Hey Buddy” will be one of your all-time favorites as it is now for me. This is a book and a journey you will have to experience for yourself and I promise you will not be disappointed.

“Hey Buddy” is for the hardcore Holly Fans and for those who have just heard about him. You will be blown away by what you hear and what you learn about Holly. From the crash investigations, talking to the Dwyers’ and just exploring a decade of music you thought you knew. This one is a keeper.
 
Craig Anderson
Our History Project

OHP Book Review - Lion of Liberty by Harlow Unger

“LION OF LIBERTY” Patrick Henry and the Call to a New Nation
Harlow Giles Unger
Da Capo Press-2010
321 pages

In this magnificent book Harlow Unger paints a portrait of Patrick Henry that will inspire, recharge and get us excited; if not passionate; about what freedom is and why we as Americans strive, desire and covet that ideal.

Harlow Unger, I have to admit is one of my favorite authors. He combines true story telling mixed with sound academic research and writing that leaves nothing out. Each chapter referenced is Healy laden with reference notes (18 pages), which include writings from Henry himself to letters of others, firsthand account documents, Court records, Church records and more. This serves in giving you, not only personal insight on his views, but a complete portrait of how others viewed him at the time.

The opening leaves you in suspense as the young Henry makes his first appearance in a courtroom, seemingly not sure what to do. The Judge was on the verge of throwing out the case and awarding the other party the victory. We find out later that Henry, a master of the courtroom stage was more than ready to argue almost any point. We see his love of family, love of country and love of law shine through.

In this work we see how Patrick Henry developed his skills in the backwoods. We see who his first audience (the animals) was and how he crafted his art and performance. As the book progresses we see his genius from soon to be peers to taking on challenges of the mother country in respects to the legal standings. These accounts you will just have to read for yourself, and I will say it is well worth the read.

This book sounds the cry of freedom and political statement s that are as relevant today as they were then. “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” may be Henry’s legacy to our Nation, but what you will find is that he left so much more. This Masterpiece and Portrait of Patrick Henry is something every American should read, regardless of your viewpoints; left or right. To continue on as a nation we have to have an understanding of who we are and the other viewpoints of the opposition, then we can grow. As much as Van Buran brought us party politics, Henry brought us the will and the determination to speak out, stand up and demand to be heard.

Reviewed by
Craig Anderson
Our History Project, Inc.

WWW.HISTORY-PODCAST.COM

Introducing a brand new way to tell your friends about Our History Project. To make it easier to find us by finding us by what we do and provide "History Podcast". Podcasting history has been a great tool for us to reach not only the historical community but also the classroom. We have had a vast number of educators bring our History Podcast to their classroom and because of it we have been invited to speak in 4 States so far.

We will continue to bring you quality content and stories of Our America. If you know a history lover send them to www.ourhistoryproject.com/.org/.net/.us or now to www.history-podcast.com  .

Any of the links and names will find us!

"FOR LOVE OF COUNTRY" by William C. Hammond

In this second novel in the Cutler Family Chronicles, Bill Hammond paints for us a well-rounded, colorful portrait of life in early America.  He also profiles for us a loving and close-knit family that lives on both sides of the Atlantic and in Barbados, a family that becomes caught up in world events that affect not only the family's business fortunes, but also the very lives of several of its members.

What struck me most in For Love of Country was how historical figures became three-dimensional in the blink of the eye. One example is the meeting between Richard Cutler with Thomas Jefferson, America's consul in Paris in 1789.  Within three paragraphs I felt as though I knew Jefferaon personally. I was there to see his reactions, facial expressions, his humor, his intellect, his political views.  Just as in an actuall meeting, I drew a mental picture that allowed me to judge the person I was meeting for myself.

For Love of Country profiles the growing pains of a post-revolution America that struggles to find its roots and its place on the world stage.  We learn of the Barbary pirates and the complex role they played during this time in history.  Later we see France in turmoil as the leaders of the budding United States make bold and far-reaching decisions that will define what kind of country the United States is going to be. We come away with the understanding of what was and continues to be the driving force of our economy, the concept of free trade, and we understand what our enemies and out"fair weather friends" did in collusion to try to block our commercial growth. Importantly, we also learn what it took to finally convince our newly-formed government to authorize the construction of a navy to protect our sailors and merchant fleets.

Bill Hammond is a superb researcher and student of history.  His knowledge of American history is broad and deep enough to bring to  a radio show called the “Relic Roundup” a cogent discussion of the artifacts of that time period, and to suggest what a collector today might look for as relics of our nautical history.

For Love of Country is an engrossing novel and an important book.  I highly recommend it.

Craig Anderson

Our History Project

The Road to Iwo Jima by Tom McGraham

The Road to Iwo Jima
Tom McGraham
River Road Press, 2010
157 pages


The Road to Iwo Jima is a unique book in today’s publishing market, easy to read, to the point(s) and very enjoyable. I stated that this is a unique book so let me explain: The Road to Iwo Jima is not quite a memoir and it is not quite a novel. Our History Project had the chance to interview Mr. McGraham at a Military Writers Society of America conference about his experience and this book. He described that his story was meant to be for his family, a memory to be passed down, but was encouraged by many after reading his accounts to publish this piece, which he did through River Road Press.

When you read this book it is more in the flavor of a Grandparents Book. It did cover his career, combat and experiences; also it spoke of friends, hopes, dreams and accomplishments. It brought those who read it into not the story but his life, simply…he tells his story. The book like Mr. Tom is full of energy, humor, wit and the unmistakable free spirit of being young and just letting yourself be blown with the wind; “making the best you can with what you’ve got”. It does also describe the horrors of war and the price one pays to witness it, but it is done the empathy of the fallen and not lingered on. I think it will make it to the AR (Accelerated Reader) List that is popular or required in schools today.

Most people and even some historians forget that as we view, research and study our “History”, that the key phrase should be “His” or “Her”-Story. That is exactly what Tom McGraham gave us here: his-story and I am grateful to him for sharing it. It is a quick and interesting read for adults and children age 8 and up. You will not be disappointed in this one.

Craig Anderson
Our History Project

NEW DAWN, The Battles for Fallujah by Richard Lowry

New Dawn, The Battles for Fallujah
Richard S. Lowry
Savas Beatie Publishing 2010
352 pages including index

I have heard of Richard Lowry, however before "New Dawn" had not the chance to pickup one of his books. After reading this one, I believe it was a huge mistake on my part and I will actively seek out his other works. This book and the stories contained within are amazing. Honestly while reading I could not put this into a definite category - it is the Non-Fiction which reads like a Fiction.

The strangest and hardest thing to grasp I found, was at the end of the book, I had to remind myself that this was real. Real men and women, who lived through these larger than life events. I was caught up in the movie I was watching and the novel I was reading. I was there; it bears repeating, I was there; with these units on some extraordinary journeys. I got caught up in the moment and the events, cheering, praying, hoping and wishing for the "characters" of this story.

Chapters one (1) one through (6) six brings you the background of the war in Iraq and sets the stage for the players, units and politics, going on in the region at the time, building the foundation to take you the rest of the way. This part is pretty much what I expected of the book and looking at the war from a historical point of view. Then it happened...and to this day I still do not know where, even after several readings; somewhere in chapter (7) seven this story took on a life of its own. It sucked me in, held on tight and brought me home. What a book!

Over 135 interviews were made for this book and several of these stories are in the documentary film "Perfect Valor". In this read you will not only get the personal accounts of the men and women on the ground but you will also see why the American Military is considered the Best in the World. The passion, dedication and strength are all there for you to see and feel. One of the greatest aspects of hearing these events is that most of these brave souls are still with us. They may not share their story with you, but thanks to Richard we have been fortunate to have them documented for all time.

It was truly an honor for Our History Project, to interview Richard about his book "New Dawn" and you will not be disappointed in the read either. I can whole heartedly recommend that you put this one on your reading list. Richard has several interviews available online including a video presentations on Book TV. Grab the book, listen to an interview or watch the presentation. Anyway you can get it....do.

Craig Anderson
Our History Project

THE BUCK STOPS HERE - OHP BOOK REVIEW

THE BUCKSTOPS HERE by Thomas Craughwell and Edwin Kiester, Jr.
Fair Winds Press 2010
288 pages including index

The byline of this book is “The 28 toughest Presidential decisions and how they changed the world”, which drew me to this book in the first place. I was intrigued to read what the authors declared the stories to be in the top 28, and why they made it into the book. The first chapter on the Whisky Rebellion was quite good and covered the story very well.

Ok, it’s a sale...I bought one and brought it home.

Now I must say at the beginning of this review, I love chapter books like this. It is fast paced and allows you to take 10 minutes or a whole day for a read; it’s literally up to you.

The book goes chapter by chapter building a case for their pick of top stories, telling you the beginning, middle and end of each story and how it transpired to bring about a change, not only in America but how the decisions were felt around the world. The only one to me personally that did not fit as self evident was the Whiskey Rebellion. It really does fit, but there are pains and a prehistory that must be known to put this story into one of this books byline category. In defense of my statement; or rather, in the defense of the authors (you pick); the authors did do exactly that with the introduction to the book, explaining the scenario.

The book was well researched and documented; over seventy five (75) sources; and brought the reader into the fray of the events that were happening at the time. I liked that it gave you a feel of the everyday person who had little or no knowledge of what was going on, to the turmoil and stress that the Executive Office of the President was facing, both from inside and outside the political wrangling of our country as well as the pressures outside our borders.

I had the opportunity to speak with Thomas Craughwell for an interview for Our History Project and he was a most delightful guest (released on 6-12-10). We covered two (2) chapters of this book in detail; Chapter 1 - “George Washington puts down the Whiskey Rebellion and dooms the Federalist Party” and Chapter 14 “Woodrow Wilson claims an American place at the table of the world”. His knowledge expands so much beyond this book that I look forward to more writings and projects from him.

Pick up “The Buck Stops Here”, you will not be disappointed, it is written in an quick and easy flow for the reader, while maintaining the primary and secondary sources that regardless of your level you will enjoy the read. If you looking to give this as a gift, I would recommend age 10 and up.

Craig Anderson
Our History Project