'Til the Boys Come Home

'Til The Boys Come Home #1

by Jerry Borrowman

A gripping tale that brings to life the meaning of freedom and patriotism and how the now little-appreciated Great War engulfed the lives of young Americans. A valuable addition to LDS literature.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Lds Fiction, Fiction, Lds, Historical, War, Adventure

423 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Jerry Borrowman is an award-winning author of 21 commercially published books including military fiction, non-fiction, and co-authored biography. Jerry is a two-time recipient of the prestigious George Washington National Medal from the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge "for his contribution to the cause of freedom through his writing." Compassionate Soldier was the 2019 Gold Award Winner from Foreword Reviews in the War and Military category, and Invisible Heroes of World War II was the 2022 Silver Winner.

Jerry is known for his meticulous attention to historical detail, including the technology that is unique to each story.

Reviews

[Michelle Llewellyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

World War II gets all the attention. This book is a gentle reminder that before the Hollywood portrayal of The Good War in all its glory and Great American Heroes that spawned The Greatest Generation, there was another Great War, equally important in American history. Considering the one-hundred year anniversary of WWI this is the perfect opportunity to remind ourselves that human terrorism is always with us.
Here is the story of two young boys growing up in rural Idaho who would go on to fight in the War to End All Wars. One would experience the joy of learning to pilot an airplane as a World War I flying ace. The other would suffer the horror of the trenches. Will either survive and see their families again? Read this book and find out. It is hard not to get caught up in the drama Jerry Borrowman creates in his excellent account of what life was like in America pre-WWII.
The best way to study history is to read historical fiction. When a book like this comes along you can't easily put it down. Read it and pass it on.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. It is a WWI historical fiction with an LDS viewpoint. I love how it gives a lot of information about the time period and the type of fighting that occured during the war but weaves it into a story that captivates the audience and pulls you right along. The story takes place in 3 sections, beginning during the boys teenage years and the closeness they develop as part of a teacher's quorum at church. It is not until the middle section that some of them go off to war. I love how it ties in some church history, US history, and ultimately world history. I am planning on reading one of his WWII books next.

[Tami Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Borrowman's character development. And I loved how the main characters weren't invincible. It was a touching tale and educational for me. Not as gripping as other war novels, but I enjoyed it...a fast read.

[Lindsay Dalton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read if you like historical fiction, which I do. It really gives you an idea of the times and the hardship of WW1. It is also a great story of how much you can impact someones life, whether they were born into your family or put there later because they needed you.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed “Till’ the Boys Come Home” by Jerry Borrowman. Until I read this book, I knew very little about World War One, other than that it was a large war. But after reading it, I understood more and more about some really interesting, and really sad history about America. But the book isn’t entirely about World War One. This book also tells the story of a boy in a city in Idaho, and it’s was fascinating to see how the war affected the boy’s life and his family, and his values and standards as a person. The courage and sadness and especially the joy contained within this book makes it worth reading. I think that people who don’t even like historical fiction, would find this book entertaining and interesting to read. I really liked this book and hope that other people have a chance to read it as well.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this historical novel Borrowman provides a decent look at life in the United States on the cusp of the outbreak of the Great War and life from the point of view of American troops.

The first 120 pages are set in Idaho and delve into some nuances about Mormon life, but Borrowman missed opportunities to interlace major historical events into the lives of his characters.

The following 2/3 of the book is set in Europe and heavily focuses on trench warfare and air combat. This section covers from the time the US enters the war until more than one year post Armistice. The US storyline is practically forgotten. Unfortunately Borrowman was unable to simultaneously share both points of view.

This appears to be book one of a trilogy. I’m hesitant to see where the reader is taken next.

[WabbitSeason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in 8th grade and can confidently say that this is the only book I've ever cried over; it wasn't necessarily amazing writing, but rather the characters that made it one of my favorite books of all time (which I guess can be attributed to the writing). Release order is the ranking I'd give for the books in this series.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve noticed this author seems to ends abruptly to me. Not necessarily on a cliff hanger but it feels like it comes out of nowhere. But, I enjoyed the story of the boys growing up. It was interesting and engaging but didn’t have me on the edge of my seat. Overall I enjoyed the book and plan to read the rest of the series.

[Linzi Meldrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my husband’s favorite book, and after much pestering, I finally sat down to read it. Wowza, that was seriously one of the best books I’ve ever read!! It was such a page turner, hard to put down once you started! There was so much action and suspense, as well as heartbreak and reconciliation. Very beautifully written and a wonderful book!

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book and very well written. It started out with 4 boys growing up in a small town and how over the years there lives changed. Then WW i came and how each boy served in the military and how it affected each of their lves in a different way.

[Alyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is soooo good!!! And so sad! The characters were real and well developed, and the plot was cool, especially since we got to grow up with the characters! And the ending is just....!!!!!

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

l liked the book, but after something happened that I didnt like, I stopped reading it for a time. Then I allowed myself to finish it and it got good again.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

great story of two young men from Pocatello who become great friends in spite of very different social backgrounds. they end up volunteering during WW1. one a pilot, the other in the trenches

[Danni · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interesting couldn't put in down.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story. I enjoyed it. The writing was a bit flat and didn’t pull me in at times but overall was okay.

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heart felt and beautiful story!

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed learning more about World War 1. Loved the insight to trench and plane warfare of the time.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic look at the First World War from an LDS perspective.

[Dixie · Rating 2 out of 5]

WWI with an LDS bent. 2.5 stars

[Lillie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about WW 1 and how it affected people who lived in a rural, religious community. The characters were interesting and the story was inspiring and not totally predictable.

[Chappyfamily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great world war 1 book, didn’t take long to get interesting but took until the end before I felt emotionally involved.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story of friendship, family and forgiveness

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, great characters.

[Michael A. Cherup · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two good Mormon friends who went in different service branches for World War I. I enjoyed this historical fiction book and learned some interesting things about the church and the war. A good read.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book that takes place during World War 1. Well written and I definitely was engrossed in the story.

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounding up from 3.5. A good story that brought tears. It’s the story of relationships and healing during the years before, during, and after the United States’ involvement in WWI. The War is well-represented but isn’t the focus. The narrative is more on a YA level and the dialogue on almost a middle grade level. Religion is beautifully and respectfully represented.

[Meghan J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Til' the Boys Come Home was an action-filled, heartwarming, incredible tale about the great World War I. Borrowman did an outstanding job at capturing the audience's empathy because right away you fall in love with best friends Dan O'Brian and Trevor Richards. It's August 1911 when the novel begins. Trevor Richards is the new kid in town, and at first it seems highly unlikely that the two boys will become friends. But at time passes, Dan and Trevor realize how much they have in common and that they were destined to be together. In April 1917, America finds itself in World War I. Trevor is excited at this point, because this is the perfect opportunity to pursue his dream of flying so he goes and joins the Air Services. Nevertheless, Dan finds himself in the War as well, but he will share his part in fighting in the trenches down below. The boys find themselves in various attacks along the book that I found myself holding my breath for. Borrowman really made me feel as if I was going down for a nose dive in the fighter plane with Trevor, or laying down in the disgusting, muddy trenches with Dan. Either way, as I was reading I found my anticipation rising and rising by the second. You'll find that you'll tear through this novel, because you're dying to find out if they've come out alive. I absolutely enjoy history, and my knowledge of WWI has increased highly because of this novel. Not only did I learn so much, but I found myself addicted to a heart-warming tale of great friends who try to survive to see each other at the end of a horrible war. You'll anticipate the ending, and find yourself in shock for an ending that will hurt your heart. But most of all, you'll find yourself waiting until the boys come home.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feels a little like a history textbook, lots of telling of info about the time. Would be less interesting if unfamiliar with SLC. Set in Pocatello during WWI.
3 changed to 4 stars, after it ended I went back and reread some of the key parts, a little cheesy.
I wasn’t planning on continuing the series but now I want to.


------------------SPOILERS------------------

•Trevor Richards - dad Jonathon is English and wealthy, mom Margaret trains him to sing, they become closer than family to Danny. Has a motorcycle he rides fast, it goes to Danny when he dies. Wants to fly and becomes pilot in the war, face burned, arm broken. Dies saving many other men.
•Danny O’Brien - dad Frank is inactive, physically & verbally rough/abusive, older brother Kelly is a bully/football star, dies in war. Teachers quorum president, have meetings at Richards. Likes to sing. Excellent aim so sniper for war. Doesn’t even hunt because doesn’t want to kill anything. Mustard gas damaged his voice so he learns to play the organ. Right before his dad dies of cancer he apologizes. Friend Jody Wilkins killed rescuing him. Trevor saved his life without realizing and many others. Had been coming for a visit with Danny. Pulled to safety by Philip Carlyle an English chaplain. Both were injured so become friends while healing. He’s interested in the church.
•Leonard Whitman - good friend of Danny, knows a lot about cars. Loses leg in bear attack, Trevor tackled the bear and Danny shot it.
•Elmer Peterson - good at math, successful breaking codes during the war.
•Sam Carter - farmer, doesn’t go to war.

Be meticulous in your preparation, don’t leave anything to chance. Ch 7

[Taylor G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently read “ ‘Til the Boys Come Home: A World War 1 Novel" by Jerry Borrowman. I honestly didn't enjoy this read. Not only was the book slow and drawn out in the beginning, but I had a challenging time getting through the book due to its large size. I appreciated the author specifying the boys' childhood and their growing friendship, and experiences, but it truly was WAY too detailed and I didn't feel it applied to the actual topic (World War 1), until I continued to read to the second part. This is when main characters, Danny O'Brian and Trevor Richards, go into war on the front lines. Part two was when the book became somewhat interesting. Both boys went through training; Danny trained to be a sniper, and Trevor learned how to battle in the skies with an airplane (this was again a VERY lengthy and monotonous section), but if you are interested in details of training you may enjoy this part. Following the training, the friends get deployed to war; Trevor in the air and Danny in the trenches on the front lines. Predictably tragedy strikes, but you have to read the book to feel the overwhelming story of loss, beyond the boundaries of war. The ending was the most interesting part and applied to the topic (WWI). I couldn’t put the book down during the last few chapters and then I realized I had reached the last page. If you can get through the first 300 pages or so, the last 100 will have you intrigued to learn more about the First World War!