Pride Runs Deep

Library bookshelves are crowded with WWII submarine tales. Do we really need another? What could a newcomer possibly do that hasn't been done before? I picked up Pride Runs Deep at a used book sale-a low-risk experiment. But after a totally satisfying reading experience I'll be first-in-line for R. Cameron Cooke's next effort, due in January 2006. Pride Runs Deep is one of the most enjoyable, well-crafted books I have read in years. Why? First, the story is well-conceived and maintained. It is not simply a passive retelling of a series of naval battles with staple characters wining in the end. I like how Cooke focuses on only a few believable characters, and uses them successfully to advance the story. Other books in this genre often change the point-of-view so often that chapter headings are needed to help the reader keep track of where he is in the narrative. For example, many action/adventure novels switch back and forth between the protagonist's and the enemy's perspective. But Cooke avoids this crutch, keeping his focus on a set of characters we come to care about. We identify with them; we join in the perilous search for elusive clues as to the enemy's whereabouts and intentions. In addition to a good story, credible characters, and a skillful narrative, perhaps Cooke's strongest suit is his technical knowledge about submarine warfare. It's obvious he knows how a WWII sub really operates, and shows how individual judgments and actions made in the stress of warfare could make life and death differences. I give this book an A+.

What an amazing and captivating treat it was to read R. Cameron Cooke's new submarine book, "Pride Runs Deep." As a military and navy history researcher, I truly enjoyed the book and the way Mr. Cooke pulled in multiple layers of submarine history. I especially enjoyed the references to the old S-boats in Manila. One of the ways I measure a good book is - Can I put it down and walk away? The answer for "Pride Runs Deep" was no! The character development was remarkable and made you cheer for the good guy and want to punch out the jerk. The story developed around the early days for World War II before our Naval forces were fully replenished with new ships from our home front industrial might. The story does come to an abrupt end after the major battle and does not give any details on the trials and skill it took to return from Japanese waters to Midway. Nor does the book follow-up on many of the crew post-battle and return. I really wanted to know what happened to those crewmembers I grew to respect. Maybe those details are in the next book! We can only hope. Cooke's book is a sharp contrast to many of today's modern techno-thriller submarine books that tend to wow us with all the jargon and engineering. These new techno-thriller submarine books seem to be based on somewhat unrealistic or believable storylines and fall short in character and story development. This is not the case with "Pride Runs Deep." This book gives you the feel, information and knowledge of being onboard a World War II submarine without impressing upon the reader, "I know more than you" syndrome some submarine authors are following in today's sub techno-thrillers. I truly enjoyed the story, the compelling missions and leadership of the men of the USS Mackerel. More importantly, it reminded me to cherish the memory of those young men in World War II who went deep and still remain on patrol. Thank you Mr. Cooke for sharing your remarkable gift of storytelling with those of us who will never experience the deep!

I'm an active duty Navy Submariner and have spent most of my career in submarines. The little details Mr. Cooke added (the smells, standing duty, qualifying) in this book gave me chills. I could not put this book down. So much of the story rang true and caused me to recall some of my own experiences. My wife (also a Navy vet who maintained subs) also enjoyed this book. A definite must read from a guy who has been there.

My experience was the same... I started this book at 3:30 on a Thursday, finished it the same night about 9:00pm. I could not put it down. This book reminds me of Alistair MacLean's HMS ULYSSES... and the author has some of MacLean's skill at placing you right there...

I've always considered myself a fast reader, but this was the quickest I have ever made it through a book. If I dont like a book from the 1st paragraph, I'll put it aside & not read it. I picked up the this book at 3:00 on a Saturday and was done the next day before 2:00. 11 hours!! Couldnt put it down. No hokey BS catch phrase review here, just a solid & unbelievably entertaining read. Cant wait for his next one.