My War

Andy's "War" was a new and unique view of a subject we've all heard so much about over the past half century. His tour of duty as a war correspondent for the Stars and Stripes gave him unique first-hand experiences, and his maturity as a commentator gives him a special ability to relate those experiences to us in a way that is both informative and entertaining. I had no prior knowledge of Andy's WWII experience, so this book was quite a surprise. I've enjoyed Andy for many years on the "60 Minutes" show, and now this book gave me a new way to enjoy his astute observations. His ego-deflating stories about General Patton were particularly revealing about a WWII icon. The book was very enjoyable, and a good read for anyone with a historical interest in the way Americans performed during this horrific war. Highly recommended!

I am not a fan of 60 minutes but after reading this I will never see Andy Rooney in quite the same way. This is a very honest and humble account of one man's experience in WWII. An ordinary guy placed in extraordinary circumstances with the ability to record what he witnesses in straightfoward and honest language. Rooney's voice and style from his 60 minutes editorials is evident throughout and in this context the result is a combination of respect for the men Rooney encountered in combat situations and an ability to find humor and irony in those situations as well. Overall this is an excellent account of the European war from a journalists perspective. Highly recommended.

As someone who loves to read about history, this book encompassed all that I appreciate so much in an historical account: straight, to the point, no nonsense telling of the facts and emotions rellenvant to a time in history as seen through the eyes of an ordinary person. Rooney does an excellent job showing to the reader that there was nothing special about him or how the events unfolded for him. He was just any young man dragged into war and left to experience the events as they happened. That he was able to begin a long and enjoyable career in journalism thanks to the war is quite typical of how life seems to unfold (how many of us look at where we are in life and realize that just a slight curve in the road got us here?). Beyond that, it was a pleasure to read an account of WWII by a person who's honesty and intelligent wit are so looked foward to on sunday nights.

Short, punchy style typical of the way Rooney talks on 60 minutes. Very good view back of WWII as he saw it. Very entertaining and informative view of some historical figures-esp. Gen. Patton. Lots of wry humor/sarcastic wit.

As Mr. Rooney states early in the work, writing it is was a cathartic exercise to lay some of his old ghosts to rest. This he certainly does, confessing to past sins, relating old jokes, and paying honor to some of World War II's unknown heroes. Being the grandson of two WWII veterans, I read with awe and began to understand the incredible and heroic actions that were standard behavior for the soldiers of this war. I also understand why they are reluctant to reopen those memories and discuss them. While reading this, I begin to realize the amount of history that is contained in, and dying with, the collective memories of these veterans.