Ghostrider One

by Gerry Caroll and Gerry Carroll

Book Overview

Signing on for his second tour of duty in Vietnam, Commander Jim Hogan is appointed as executive officer to a haphazard unit for a daring rescue mission involving one of Hogan's close friends, Marine... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671753231
• ISBN13: 9780671753238
• Release Date: January 1993
• Publisher: Pocket Books
• Length: 439 Pages
• Weight: 1.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.5" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

SPECTACULAR

This book is splendid. It is not a great composition in the literary sense. One doesn't read it with the thrill of experiencing dazzling artistry of words. Shakespeare it is not. However, this is one of the best books I have ever read; and I have read it several times. It is the purest story of triumph of the human spirit. The most profound triumph is over self. This book explores the topic with dazzling brilliance. Timeless, moving, and inspirational, this book is one you are sure to never, ever forget. It will stay with me until I die, and I can only hope to be half the man the protagonist is. I would loved to have met the author - he must have been extraordinary. I can think of no novel more worthy of my reading time.

An Important Book

This is a good story, with a brisk pace, authentic action, and realistic characters. As a literary work it is probably only worth 3 and 1/2 stars, at best. But I think its real importance is in how it reflects the military's view of the war through the Tet offensive. Its importance becomes clear about when you compare the overall tone of the book towards the Vietnam war with Stephen Coonts' book Flight of the Intruder. The aviators in that book hold a very different attitude towards the war. From what I learned during the late 70's and early 80's while working with Naval Officers, both books are authentic, especially in the attitudes reflected by the military. For people who want to understand the Vietnam war and the effect of the civilian leadership on the military during this time, I strongly encourage you to read both books.

The Best Book Ever for Airplane Drivers

If you've ever driven airplanes, and especially if you've done so 'in country' then I know how seldom you've been able to read a novel that comes even close to 'taking you back'. I've got some good news - an I got some bad news. The good news is that this particular book is but one of a trilogy. Beginning with "no place to hide" and ending with "North SAR" this book sets itsself between the two. It is incredible in both it's authenticity as well as the character development. The bad news is that Gerry died and there will be no more.Thank you Sir.

One of the best carrier aviation/combat books I've read

The author is a true expert and knows first-hand what he is writing about. Add to this his great communication skills, great pen and good humor from the heart - and you've got it! Credentials of Lt.CDR Carroll are impeccable: he had flown 27+ types of military aircraft, had several tours of duty in Vie Nam; after the war was flying search-and-rescue. More importantly, people who knew him say that he had a big heart, trying to help whoever he could, regardless of what's the price. His description of events captivates you. You find action and history there, and possibly something more intangible - the soul of the people who put their lives on the line for their country. If you ever driven a plane, or contemplated doing it, been in the harm's way, or have a friend or a relative that was there - this book will touch your heart. I cannot come close to showing how great this book is. You owe it to yourself to try it, that's all I can say!

A moral lesson in an immoral world

Magnificent Obsession encourages one to be a better person for purely selfish reasons. The key is to do for others anonymously for the good it will derive you. This book picks up the story where Dr. Hudson's Secret Journal leaves off. A young man, Bobby, is on a course of mediocrity and indifference. He becomes inspired by Dr. Hudson, a respected surgeon who has an idiosyncratic view of life, through a freak accident. When he lives and Dr. Hudson dies, Bobby becomes obsessed with redeeming himself in the eyes of the community and more importantly redeeming himself in his own eyes. To do so, he must find out Dr. Hudson's secret and implement it. This is an excellent book with a morality lesson that is necessary for today' society. Unfortunately, since it was written many years ago, it's references and dialogue is somewhat stilted and dated. Fortunately, the message of dealing with others in a compassionate way while allowing them to keep their dignity will never be stilted or dated.