Fighting Bob

by Bob Stockton

"You are most suited to complete the mission that I require." With those spoken words I began a ten day journey with the ghost of my great-great-great grandfather Commodore 'Fighting Bob,' a journey filled with adventure, danger and conquest. I would witness the duels with British Officers while narrowly avoiding capture and imprisonment, subdue both Barbary Pirates and savage tribesmen and invade the California Territory, wresting it from rebel armies in pitched battle. Why was I selected? What skills or knowledge did I possess that I was the one uniquely qualified to carry out his mission? It wasn't long before the answer to these questions and more would be revealed. I was about to embark on an unforgettable odyssey.

Genres: Historical Fiction

172 pages, Hardcover

First published April 10, 2010

About the author

Bob Stockton was born in Trenton, New Jersey. Leaving school in his junior year Bob began a twenty year Navy career in 1957. During the course of that twenty year career Bob has sailed the seven seas while serving in surface vessels (destroyers), diesel electric submarines, auxiliary vessels, aircraft carriers, reconnaissance attack squadrons and patrol gunboats in Vietnam.

Following Navy retirement as a Chief Petty Officer, Bob has earned undergraduate and graduate degrees and has worked as a shipyard welder's helper, university adjunct graduate instructor, epidemiologist, pharmaceutical trainer, small business owner and radio host.

Bob currently receives full Veterans Administration disability compensation from exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam. He resides in Jacksonville, Florida in close proximity to his three children and three grandchildren.

Reviews

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this as a good reads first reads giveaway. I had a little bit of a hard time tracking the story. It was interesting and I enjoyed the history, just was a little hard to keep track.

[Lydia Granda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a history buff and delving into my own families genealogy, I found the concept of this book to be very interesting, then I read it and was not disappointed. Bob Stockton found a way to explore what it would be like to actually sit down for 10 days with an amazing, captivating ancestor and commodore to boot, who has a wonderful and adventurous past which takes the reader into his exploits with Barbary pirates, the war of 1812, early days in California, action packed battles and early American history. It is filled with historical detail, imaginative and his writing style is easy and fun to follow. He does something in this book that many of us wish we could do, bring an ancestor to life. You can tell that he did his research.
What does a man leave behind but his name and the stories told about him, that grasps what this book encompasses. Recommend for lovers of history.

[Laura Wyles · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I read this book I felt it was best suited for those that have a deep interest in maritime history. I am afraid I began to tire of the various encounters of unknown named ships .I was also not keen on the structure with the narrator constantly using " modern phrases " I assume to remind the reader of the time differences between the characters. This I found irritating .

[Melissa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this through a Goodreads giveaway and it was very good. I will (hopefully) write an in depth review at some point on my blog, but right now I have a packed schedule due to prior commitments.

This was book was highly entertaining and packed full of historical detail, which is great for a history buff like me! Go pick up a copy!

[Melinda M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fighting Bob by Bob Stockton is a telling of his great-great-great grandfather Commodore 'Fighting Bob" 's adventures.It is well written and contains history including maritime history. It is an interesting read especially for a history buff. It keeps your attention. it is a good review of early American history in the 1800's.

I received a copy thru a Goodreads Giveaway.

[Anthonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful tale that i enjoyed reading very much. A well written tale that was entertaining and had some historical points to it. A must read for adventure lovers everywhere.