Rites of Passage: Odyssey of a Grunt Book

I enjoyed this short book quite a bit. There were three things that really struck me.

First, Roosevelt's approach to war was extremely interesting. It was very much an adventure to him. Although there was absolutely no need for this war, he considered it a just cause, and he openly promoted it. The war was an opportunity for men to prove their mettle, and he was proud when his men did. So it was very much an adventure, something to be celebrated in his mind. But at the same time, he didn't skimp on the tragedy of war. He spent a considerable amount of time on the stories of men killed in battle - not in a bloodthirsty way, but sad, describing the human tragedy. I found myself identifying with his perspective in some ways, but unable to really embrace it. It was an eye-opener, though to a perspective of war that isn't really aired in today's various debates.

Second, it's easy to see from his writing why Roosevelt was so popular. He was so interested in other people and their stories, he spent a good deal of the book talking about all of the people around him, their backgrounds, and the ways that they impressed him. I've read a little before about how friendly he was and about how people were drawn to him, and it's on display in his writing.

Third, I was very impressed with the writing. The whole thing is essentially built around one battle that ends halfway through the book, and the fact that the rest of the book keeps the reader's interest, I think, is a testament to good story-telling.

All-in-all, a very good book both for the history of the war and for the insight into Roosevelt. An easy, worthwhile read.