Bomb

by Steve Shienken

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Autumn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a thrilling story Bomb, Steve Sheinkin tells the true story of the creation of the world’s most deadly weapon. Spies from KGB attempt to steal sensitive information about the Manhattan project in the United States, a U.S. military team sets to take out a heavy-water factory in remote Norway and slow the Germans work, and scientists race to build the world’s first atomic bomb. It began in late December 1939 when Otto Hahn discovered that when placed near radioactive materials a uranium atom could split and release energy. This discovery was the spark that lit the fire burning in the hearts of scientists to search and study this new discovery and the possibilities that came with it. But with the world at war it was no longer pure science, but a race to win
This was a great book to read! Sheinkin included a lot of information, but wrote the book in a way that it flowed very well. I was really impressed by how he was able to show all sides of the conflict. I read another book, Hitler’s Last Days By Bill O’Reilly and it was from the point of Hitler and military officers.I compared the two stories and was able to see the connections between the two books. Some of the German scientists in this book were mentioned in Hitler’s Last Days. As I compare them, I realized how many aspects of WW2 there are. It’s not only about the Allies fighting the Nazis, but it was about who would come out on top as the main world power, democracies or communism? It’s terrifying to think what life would have been like if the Allies had lost. This story is a very hard one to tell, there are so many angles to explore and write about. One thing I wish had been in the book was a more clear showing of what exactly was happening in the Soviet Union during that time. The story line was very well written for the spies helping the Soviet Union, but you never get to see what happens to the stolen information and how it affected the war. There might not have been information available for that, but it’s something I would’ve really loved to learn about.
One of the themes in this book was about how situations affect people’s moral response to an action. President Truman chose to go against his morals to end the war. Whether this was a good or poor choice depends on the person you ask. On the other hand Robert Oppenheimer decided that he would no longer go against his morals. He tried to convince the United States government that they shouldn’t continue to build the weapons of mass destruction. Because he fought against building the weapons, his security clearance was taken away. Some people may argue that if Oppenheimer hadn’t backed out he would've had more influence on the weapon building and would have been able to work up a compromise. Either way, it’s a valid theme to consider, whether people should stick with their morales no matter what, or put them aside to accomplish a greater goal.
I would absolutely recommend this book to people. Especially anyone who has an interest in WW2, scientific history, or true stories. It was very captivating book with many themes that caused questions and made me wonder about how the war could’ve ended if America had not been the one to win the race in building the atomic bomb. I would suggest that people who read this book remember that while all of the action in this book was going on the Allies were still fighting the Axis powers. The Allies still were obligated to work together, even though they didn’t trust each other. They knew whoever won the race to build the atomic bomb would control the outcome of the war. I loved reading this book and I learned a lot! I would definitely encourage others to give it a try.

[Yvonne NC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a detailed and informative book on the whole process of the war! It’s perspective is something that not many know about, or even care to know about, usually. But this book made me more and more interested about the happenings of the war, and what happened behind the bombings and the militaries and violence and action. Things get a bit confusing in the beginning, but I feel for me at least, as it progresses, I start being able to connect the dots and actually learn so many new things! Glad my book club decided to pick this novel up! So interesting!

[Kayrene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good. Such a good story, behind the development of the atomic bomb.

[Húrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It puts history into books. It's great.

[Nolan I · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best reads I’ve had in a long time. Written amazingly well and keeps you coming back. Read a couple from this author and all are extremely high quality. Worth it for sure.

[Grace Taito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an eye-opener to what the war between the Germans and Hitler was really about. It speaks from different perspectives; the Soviet spies, the scientists who build the world's first atomic bomb and the government officials. There is a sense of patriotism and the need to do what is right, even if means to betray one's country and loved ones. This book has not only increased my understanding of world history but the internal war between serving our country versus doing what is right.

[Tad McDowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book!!

[Geoff Wyss · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for a 10-12 year-old, which is exactly its purpose.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with a friend and we enjoyed it a lot.