Month: December 2024

Marine Sniper

Background

Published in 1986, “Marine Sniper: 93 Confirmed Kills” is a biography by Charles Henderson that chronicles the life and military career of Sergeant Carlos Hathcock, a legendary Marine sniper during the Vietnam War. Born in 1942, Hathcock developed exceptional marksmanship skills from a young age, which he honed throughout his service in the United States Marine Corps. During his deployment in Vietnam, he achieved 93 confirmed kills and numerous unconfirmed ones, earning him a formidable reputation among both allies and adversaries. Hathcock’s missions were marked by extraordinary feats, including a 2,500-yard shot that set a record for the longest sniper kill at the time, and a perilous solo mission to eliminate a high-ranking North Vietnamese general. Beyond his combat achievements, Hathcock contributed significantly to sniper training and tactics, leaving a lasting impact on military marksmanship. His career was cut short after sustaining severe injuries while rescuing fellow Marines from a burning vehicle, an act that exemplified his bravery and dedication.

Marine Sniper
Marine Sniper

My Thoughts

This book was recommended by a coworker and is part of the lore surrounding the Marine Corps. I hadn’t heard of this one before, but I was glad to get the chance to read it. Carlos Hathcock is the personification of the classic hero. He is humble, modest, honorable, got the job done and doesn’t need to tell you all about it.

Recommendation

A good read if you enjoy military books. There are some moments that aren’t for kids.

A Christmas Carol

Background

Published in 1843, “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, is a timeless novella that tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly and bitter old man who detests Christmas and all it represents. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his late business partner, Jacob Marley, and three spirits: the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Through these encounters, Scrooge reflects on his life, witnessing the pain he has caused and the love and joy he has missed. Transformed by these revelations, he awakens on Christmas morning with a renewed spirit of generosity and compassion.

A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol

My Thoughts

There is nothing quite like going right to the source of a story that has been told and retold as many times as this. It was a relatively quick read and felt rushed in comparison to most more contemporary versions. Scrooge’s change of heart happened much quicker in this version and there was very little following up after his interviews with the spirits was over.

It was also interesting to see the common elements that persisted through the various retelling and see which version was the most true to the source document. Oddly enough, the Muppet Christmas Carol came the closest to any version I can recall. The first time I saw it, I didn’t much care for the Spirit of Christmas Past. However, the Muppet version was very true to the original. Also, several lines are pulled directly from Dickens. Of course, the singing, the rat clerks, and the hybrid frog-pig-abominations of the Cratchett family certainly were not in the original.

Recommendation

A classic and a good quick read. The language may be hard to navigate, but it shouldn’t be too difficult for a modern reader.