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War For the Hell of It: A Fighter Pilot's View of Vietnam
Ed, "Fast Eddie," Cobleigh served two tours of duty during the Vietnam air war, logging 375 combat sorties in the F-4 Phantom fighter/bomber. In War for the Hell of It, Cobleigh shares his perspectives in a deeply personal account of a fighter pilot's life, one filled with moral ambiguity and military absurdities offset by the undeniable thrill of flying a fighter aircraft. With well-crafted prose that puts you into the Phantom's cockpit, Cobleigh vividly recounts the unexplainable loss of his wingman, the useless missions he flew, the need to trust his reflexes, eyesight, and aggressiveness, and his survival instincts in the heat of combat. He discusses the deaths of his squadron mates and the contradictions of a dirty, semi-secret war fought from beautiful, exotic Thailand. This is an unprecedented look into the state of mind of a pilot as he experiences everything from the carnage of a crash to the joy of flying through a star-studded night sky, from the illogical political agendas of Washington to his own dangerous addiction to risk. Cobleigh gives a stirring and emotional description of one man's journey into airborne hell and back, recounting the pleasures and the pain. the wins and the losses. and ultimately, the return.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2005
347 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Ed Cobleigh
11 books9 followersEd Cobleigh was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee. After graduating from Chattanooga High School, he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech and a Masters Degree in Management at the University of Southern California.
Ed earned his pilot’s wings with the United States Air Force and eventually achieved the rank of Lt Col. As a fighter pilot, he flew the F-104 Starfighter, the F-4 Phantom, the A-4 Skyhawk, the Anglo-French Jaguar, and the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
He flew 375 combat missions in South East Asia during the Vietnam War in the Phantom, earning two Distinguished Flying Crosses. He was assigned as a Fighter Weapons Instructor Pilot with the USAF Fighter Weapons School, the US Navy Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun), and the Royal Air Force Qualified Weapons Instructor Course (Jaguar). He has flown with the US Navy, the Royal Air Force, the Imperial Iranian Air Force, and the French Air Force. Cobleigh also served as an Air Intelligence Officer working with the CIA, FBI, and the British MI6 branch on a variety of covert intelligence projects.
Ed Cobleigh resides with his wife, Heidi, in the Paso Robles, California wine country with their Arabian horses and Catahoula/Border Collie dogs.
Ed earned his pilot’s wings with the United States Air Force and eventually achieved the rank of Lt Col. As a fighter pilot, he flew the F-104 Starfighter, the F-4 Phantom, the A-4 Skyhawk, the Anglo-French Jaguar, and the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
He flew 375 combat missions in South East Asia during the Vietnam War in the Phantom, earning two Distinguished Flying Crosses. He was assigned as a Fighter Weapons Instructor Pilot with the USAF Fighter Weapons School, the US Navy Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun), and the Royal Air Force Qualified Weapons Instructor Course (Jaguar). He has flown with the US Navy, the Royal Air Force, the Imperial Iranian Air Force, and the French Air Force. Cobleigh also served as an Air Intelligence Officer working with the CIA, FBI, and the British MI6 branch on a variety of covert intelligence projects.
Ed Cobleigh resides with his wife, Heidi, in the Paso Robles, California wine country with their Arabian horses and Catahoula/Border Collie dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
July 17, 2018
A surprise from a guy in the sky
It was good to see and hear that there were officers who felt like some of us enlisted guys that the Vietnam war was much more than just a conflict and grossly missmanaged by the powers to be in Washington in a manner that seemed to intentionally drag it out and render it unwinable.
It was good to see and hear that there were officers who felt like some of us enlisted guys that the Vietnam war was much more than just a conflict and grossly missmanaged by the powers to be in Washington in a manner that seemed to intentionally drag it out and render it unwinable.
April 27, 2016
He Tells It Like It Was
An honest account of those turbulent times--the young American male propelled by forces greater than personal choice gets the journeys through Dante's hell and wonders of which Dante could not conceive.... His description of Clark Air Base was so accurate--I spent two years there, same time frame--he is a great writer: I smelled that SE Asian air again, those burning palm fronds used for cooking outside the huts (too continuously hot air temp to cook inside), the smoke from the burning stubble of the cane fields, the always present scent of fermenting vegetation. And the flaming vibrational racket of those F-4 flights taking off always filling the background. What wild and crazy times!
An honest account of those turbulent times--the young American male propelled by forces greater than personal choice gets the journeys through Dante's hell and wonders of which Dante could not conceive.... His description of Clark Air Base was so accurate--I spent two years there, same time frame--he is a great writer: I smelled that SE Asian air again, those burning palm fronds used for cooking outside the huts (too continuously hot air temp to cook inside), the smoke from the burning stubble of the cane fields, the always present scent of fermenting vegetation. And the flaming vibrational racket of those F-4 flights taking off always filling the background. What wild and crazy times!
February 10, 2018
Right On!
Captures the thoughts, sights, sounds, and smells of being an F-4 fighter pilot during the Vietnam War. Although I was a Tanker pilot and served at the tail end of the war, I came into contact with many of this fighter pilot's contemporaries during my early AF career. This book accurately portrays the heroic day-to-day activities in a. combat fighter squadron during this war. I've heard similar stories first hand.
Captures the thoughts, sights, sounds, and smells of being an F-4 fighter pilot during the Vietnam War. Although I was a Tanker pilot and served at the tail end of the war, I came into contact with many of this fighter pilot's contemporaries during my early AF career. This book accurately portrays the heroic day-to-day activities in a. combat fighter squadron during this war. I've heard similar stories first hand.
May 11, 2017
Reality
This book is the best book I've read about flying during the Vietnam war. It pulls no punches about politicians and protesters either. I flew in the Korean War so this was the real stuff. Straight from the shoulder no b s stuff
This book is the best book I've read about flying during the Vietnam war. It pulls no punches about politicians and protesters either. I flew in the Korean War so this was the real stuff. Straight from the shoulder no b s stuff
May 1, 2019
Good book telling of a F4 pilots experiences in the Vietnam war.
April 18, 2018
Before considering my review, know that I also was a fighter pilot in the Vietnam conflict.
I read this book eagerly as I knew it would bring back memories and give me a chance to compare my experiences with the author's. Insofar as he has attempted a sort of episodic history, the author has done a good job. The descriptions of the types of missions he flew are good, with just the right amount of detail. He has also done a good job of describing a fighter pilot's attitude towards his job, his fears and exhilarating moments and his love for his squadron mates.
Unfortunately, the author has sought to go beyond the flying and the pilot's experience. In several places, he adds essentially political comments, blaming higher-ups, especially the civilian leadership, for what he sees as foolhardy policies that precluded our winning the war. He may be right, but he's just repeating an all too familiar refrain. Also, he wastes time discussing his own salacious thoughts about the few women he met during his two years in Thailand.
I read this book eagerly as I knew it would bring back memories and give me a chance to compare my experiences with the author's. Insofar as he has attempted a sort of episodic history, the author has done a good job. The descriptions of the types of missions he flew are good, with just the right amount of detail. He has also done a good job of describing a fighter pilot's attitude towards his job, his fears and exhilarating moments and his love for his squadron mates.
Unfortunately, the author has sought to go beyond the flying and the pilot's experience. In several places, he adds essentially political comments, blaming higher-ups, especially the civilian leadership, for what he sees as foolhardy policies that precluded our winning the war. He may be right, but he's just repeating an all too familiar refrain. Also, he wastes time discussing his own salacious thoughts about the few women he met during his two years in Thailand.
May 30, 2016
F4's are for some reason my favorite all-time fighter. I remember seeing live fire missile shots at Pt. Magu Naval Air Station. Also wild weasels out at George AFB.
Anyway, this book gives you a good sense of how flying F4's was during combat. Big adrenaline rushes with emotional highs and lows of saving people and losing friends.
Nighttime missions when your wingman doesn't return to easier times escorting a hercy bird 130 with Bob Hope and entourage on board!
Audio version: Narrator was great!
Anyway, this book gives you a good sense of how flying F4's was during combat. Big adrenaline rushes with emotional highs and lows of saving people and losing friends.
Nighttime missions when your wingman doesn't return to easier times escorting a hercy bird 130 with Bob Hope and entourage on board!
Audio version: Narrator was great!
March 15, 2015
Not great writing, but well told stories. You can feel where he embellishs, but he tells you in the foreword he's going to. The highs and lows feel familiar.
He touches on some key points of the strategic war, but on a personal level. He relays the 'career moves' he made unabashedly but also didn't trump up his involvement in Paveway leading to Linebacker. He reuses idioms like crazy and mixes metaphors, but he gets right to the heart of his experience.
He touches on some key points of the strategic war, but on a personal level. He relays the 'career moves' he made unabashedly but also didn't trump up his involvement in Paveway leading to Linebacker. He reuses idioms like crazy and mixes metaphors, but he gets right to the heart of his experience.
March 23, 2011
Good read. I really liked the sarcasm of Cobleigh, through his very, very unique experience in Vietnam as a fighter pilot. There was a bit of political commentary, but it wasn't annoying and actually made sense. The description of combat from the air is very exciting, especially for an aviation-nerd like me.
February 1, 2016
If you like aircraft then read this book!
Some of the in-cockpit descriptions really make you feel like you're in there.
If you don't like aircraft? It won't grab you the same but there is still some more cerebral stuff about the thoughts of a US serviceman in Vietnam.
Some of the in-cockpit descriptions really make you feel like you're in there.
If you don't like aircraft? It won't grab you the same but there is still some more cerebral stuff about the thoughts of a US serviceman in Vietnam.
September 18, 2007
Gives me an interesting perspective on my father's experience as a fighter pilot. There were parts were I could really hear him saying what was written.
Read
August 7, 2015I wrote it, so I think it's not all that bad
May 31, 2023
A strong dose of living on the edge.
Although the author states he flies and fights for all of his squadron comrades, he is obviously also rather a semi-detached observer. Consequently we read a unglorified tale of what it is like to be an F4 Phantom pilot during two combat tours. These were flown during Operation Rolling Thunder from Thailand attacking communist units in North Vietnam but also, supposedly secret, strikes against ground targets in Laos and along the DMZ (Demilitarised Zone) dividing NVM from its southern neighbour. This is refreshingly frank as it is extemely critical of those in very high command but also examines his own failings. It is also exciting and as funny in places as it is informative, concerning the workings of the USAF at the 'sharp end'. 'Fast Eddie' (call sign) is obviously a very clever man who never directly alludes to his abilities; our realisation coming from the tasks he is assigned to carry out.
His experience of observing USN aircraft carrier operations are interesting, frightening and amusing all within a few pages, leaving me agreeing that flying into combat is bad enough but from an aircraft carrier, near beyond comprehension.
It is one of those books that will 'stay with me' and a tale that allows you to forgive a lot of aircrew arrogance as they have much to be arrogant about.
Although the author states he flies and fights for all of his squadron comrades, he is obviously also rather a semi-detached observer. Consequently we read a unglorified tale of what it is like to be an F4 Phantom pilot during two combat tours. These were flown during Operation Rolling Thunder from Thailand attacking communist units in North Vietnam but also, supposedly secret, strikes against ground targets in Laos and along the DMZ (Demilitarised Zone) dividing NVM from its southern neighbour. This is refreshingly frank as it is extemely critical of those in very high command but also examines his own failings. It is also exciting and as funny in places as it is informative, concerning the workings of the USAF at the 'sharp end'. 'Fast Eddie' (call sign) is obviously a very clever man who never directly alludes to his abilities; our realisation coming from the tasks he is assigned to carry out.
His experience of observing USN aircraft carrier operations are interesting, frightening and amusing all within a few pages, leaving me agreeing that flying into combat is bad enough but from an aircraft carrier, near beyond comprehension.
It is one of those books that will 'stay with me' and a tale that allows you to forgive a lot of aircrew arrogance as they have much to be arrogant about.
November 17, 2020
Another excellent read on the Kindle with no flaws. Not likely to appeal to everyone of course since there are a fair number of REMFs and Pentagonians, Governmentals who know who they are like the managers in Dilbert but join in the laughs... This is a familiar angle and I would not say it got in the way of the action but serves as a reminder that this war had two sides, at the front and way, way behind. Much like the Great War you might say these jocks (and grunts and sailors) were Lions Led by Donkeys... some things never change especially when the guns come out.
From the aviator or plane-fan angle you are in for a treat... Phantom phans of which I am one, should have this in their library alongside the many others but might find themselves reaching for it again and again... I learned a fair few things about the machines and the men not least his story of a sojourn with his naval aviator compatriots when trying out Paveways for the first time. But there is much more so get this book and fly in the backseat on some hair-raising adventures. Hope he does a follow up on post-Nam service.
From the aviator or plane-fan angle you are in for a treat... Phantom phans of which I am one, should have this in their library alongside the many others but might find themselves reaching for it again and again... I learned a fair few things about the machines and the men not least his story of a sojourn with his naval aviator compatriots when trying out Paveways for the first time. But there is much more so get this book and fly in the backseat on some hair-raising adventures. Hope he does a follow up on post-Nam service.
December 4, 2017
** Review of Audio Format **
20,000 Foot View
Well drawn portrait of the dirty realities of war from a fighter pilot's point of view. Fast Eddie does not like Washington bureaucrats and neither do most Vietnam Vets that I know. This is a poignant reminder of what war brings home daily. A reminder that our sons should only be sent to fight when our nation's sovereignty is at stake. A reminder that without military knowledge and experience, it is hard to know the fates you are sending your men to when you make that fateful call to arms. It also gives you a view into the mindset of the men who get those irrational orders. If you want to feel what a dogfight sounds like read this book.
My own father and father-in-law won't speak about their Vietnam experiences so books like this always intrigue me. I'm glad I listened.
The narration by Eric Martin was well done and a nice addition to this material.
I received this audiobook for free through Audiobook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.
20,000 Foot View
Well drawn portrait of the dirty realities of war from a fighter pilot's point of view. Fast Eddie does not like Washington bureaucrats and neither do most Vietnam Vets that I know. This is a poignant reminder of what war brings home daily. A reminder that our sons should only be sent to fight when our nation's sovereignty is at stake. A reminder that without military knowledge and experience, it is hard to know the fates you are sending your men to when you make that fateful call to arms. It also gives you a view into the mindset of the men who get those irrational orders. If you want to feel what a dogfight sounds like read this book.
My own father and father-in-law won't speak about their Vietnam experiences so books like this always intrigue me. I'm glad I listened.
The narration by Eric Martin was well done and a nice addition to this material.
I received this audiobook for free through Audiobook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2023
EXTREMELY WELL WRITTEN !
The author has great talent in putting to paper what for him was to achieve his boyhood dream of becoming a fighter pilot but then to find out what that meant. To fly in combat and learning the realities of the air war run by mere politicians and medal hungry senior officers abusing the system. But much closer to his ♥️ was the loss & deaths of his brothers in arms to an insane and ineptly fought war where his own name could easily end up on the butchers bill. The authors wry sense of humour is a very important attribute to this read. I will definitely be reading this book again and again so as to squeeze out every last drop of what this story has to offer. Thank YOU for all you did, the sacrifices you made and for having the guts to put it on paper to teach to others what you now know from the hell you went through. And to Jane Fonda, May you rot in hell for your traitorism.
The author has great talent in putting to paper what for him was to achieve his boyhood dream of becoming a fighter pilot but then to find out what that meant. To fly in combat and learning the realities of the air war run by mere politicians and medal hungry senior officers abusing the system. But much closer to his ♥️ was the loss & deaths of his brothers in arms to an insane and ineptly fought war where his own name could easily end up on the butchers bill. The authors wry sense of humour is a very important attribute to this read. I will definitely be reading this book again and again so as to squeeze out every last drop of what this story has to offer. Thank YOU for all you did, the sacrifices you made and for having the guts to put it on paper to teach to others what you now know from the hell you went through. And to Jane Fonda, May you rot in hell for your traitorism.
December 28, 2017
This is the type of book I was looking for when I started searching for a Vietnam book of memories from a fighter pilot's perspective. Ed Cobleigh manages to transfer to the reader his thoughts, emotions and even doubts while flying his tours in Vietnam.
I wouldn't recommend this book to someone looking for specific dates or chronological detailed facts. but it is definitively a must have for someone who is looking for a real recollection of missions flown in Vietnam by USAF pilots. What matters most is that Cobleigh doesn't only cover the sorties and the constant bureaucratic nuisance of Washington, but also conveys in the atmosphere of Thailand, Laos and other South Asian places during the conflict with beautiful realism.
I wouldn't recommend this book to someone looking for specific dates or chronological detailed facts. but it is definitively a must have for someone who is looking for a real recollection of missions flown in Vietnam by USAF pilots. What matters most is that Cobleigh doesn't only cover the sorties and the constant bureaucratic nuisance of Washington, but also conveys in the atmosphere of Thailand, Laos and other South Asian places during the conflict with beautiful realism.
March 23, 2020
Best fighter book of dozens read. Much new knowledge. Humerous, entertaining
An exceptional writer once you rise to his level. Wry, deprecating, sly, huberous, (hubris), but deeply introspective and delightful. I have not found this combination of communication in prose anywhere before. He's that good. Full of insider information I've not seen before and he describes thoughts, feelings and emotions with uncommon effect. This is as entertaining and informative and they come. Truly an interesting person, experience and perspective. Anyone would enjoy this book.
I have yet more appreciation for our lost -in-war and all veteran casualty and homecoming heroes that protect us with their sacred love and honor. This is a book among books, happy, funny and sad. Has it all.
An exceptional writer once you rise to his level. Wry, deprecating, sly, huberous, (hubris), but deeply introspective and delightful. I have not found this combination of communication in prose anywhere before. He's that good. Full of insider information I've not seen before and he describes thoughts, feelings and emotions with uncommon effect. This is as entertaining and informative and they come. Truly an interesting person, experience and perspective. Anyone would enjoy this book.
I have yet more appreciation for our lost -in-war and all veteran casualty and homecoming heroes that protect us with their sacred love and honor. This is a book among books, happy, funny and sad. Has it all.
March 7, 2019
Well written, funny, irreverent, iconoclastic, by all-American sceptic.
It was fun reading this insightful history of a phantom fighter pilot in Vietnam. I grew up on an Air Force Base which was a center for phantom fighter jocks in France. I have met these adrenaline junkies before and thank God that there are plenty of them around to fight our wars. Nobody likes war and killing except for a few psychopaths that never make the grade in our military. And yet, killing in war is a necessity if we are to defend our beliefs and values. I know you did not get this when you came back from Vietnam while I was in graduate school, but thank you for your service.
It was fun reading this insightful history of a phantom fighter pilot in Vietnam. I grew up on an Air Force Base which was a center for phantom fighter jocks in France. I have met these adrenaline junkies before and thank God that there are plenty of them around to fight our wars. Nobody likes war and killing except for a few psychopaths that never make the grade in our military. And yet, killing in war is a necessity if we are to defend our beliefs and values. I know you did not get this when you came back from Vietnam while I was in graduate school, but thank you for your service.
November 21, 2019
Forthright Pilot's Diary
The author served two one-year tours as an F-4 pilot based in Thailand. He has healthy reservations about Vietnam, but served honorably and with great skill in the front-line fighter of his day. He never saw an enemy airplane but not for lack of trying. Most missions were night bombing sorties on the Ho Chi Minh trail. He was early to the deployment of laser guided bombs and had great success with them. The book is not a narrative but a series of vignettes that capture the author's role and the atmosphere of Thailand and the USAF at the height the war.
The author served two one-year tours as an F-4 pilot based in Thailand. He has healthy reservations about Vietnam, but served honorably and with great skill in the front-line fighter of his day. He never saw an enemy airplane but not for lack of trying. Most missions were night bombing sorties on the Ho Chi Minh trail. He was early to the deployment of laser guided bombs and had great success with them. The book is not a narrative but a series of vignettes that capture the author's role and the atmosphere of Thailand and the USAF at the height the war.
July 9, 2017
I really enjoyed this book, normally I prefer reading books about the average soldier on the ground, as a result Cobleigh's perspective was a breath of fresh air. The book provides enough detail without being overly technical, and the other little details such as life in Thailand added to the depth of the book. I really felt drawn into the cockpit of an F-4 phantom without knowing much about the aircraft.
January 9, 2018
Different View
Having not read many books from the Vietnam war involving US Air Force, it was a different type of story that I read. I thank the author for his service and for writing this book. I now have a different perspective of the Air Force fighter pilot. I am sorry, for his experience with the Navy. Sad you didn't run into some of the enlisted they are a little sharper.
Having not read many books from the Vietnam war involving US Air Force, it was a different type of story that I read. I thank the author for his service and for writing this book. I now have a different perspective of the Air Force fighter pilot. I am sorry, for his experience with the Navy. Sad you didn't run into some of the enlisted they are a little sharper.
March 14, 2021
Excellent first hand account of flying combat missions during the Vietnam War. A period of time I’m familiar with through my time in the RAF and having friends who served in Vietnam in the US Air Force in the 1970s.
Attention to detail. The highs & lows of a combat mission and the downtime between missions. The seriousness combined with the necessary military humor to get you through the job.
Attention to detail. The highs & lows of a combat mission and the downtime between missions. The seriousness combined with the necessary military humor to get you through the job.
July 2, 2023
How Wrong Could I Be
I started reading this book and didn’t get it, I was going to delete it. A few pages into it and I was into the man and his experience , his descriptive powers may not be textbook but grabbed me and carried me through to the last sentence. I don’t know if he wrote about the rest of his career/life but if he has I would like to read it. I am left with a curiosity as to how it went.
I started reading this book and didn’t get it, I was going to delete it. A few pages into it and I was into the man and his experience , his descriptive powers may not be textbook but grabbed me and carried me through to the last sentence. I don’t know if he wrote about the rest of his career/life but if he has I would like to read it. I am left with a curiosity as to how it went.
January 14, 2018
A good vision of the real war.
Excitement, fear,anger and frustration, war is a young man's game. My friend Bob Boring lived in Klamath Falls OR. For years, and one day realized the F-4 mounted outside the gate at Kingsley Field was the one he flew front seat in Nam. His memories were some good and some not so good.
Excitement, fear,anger and frustration, war is a young man's game. My friend Bob Boring lived in Klamath Falls OR. For years, and one day realized the F-4 mounted outside the gate at Kingsley Field was the one he flew front seat in Nam. His memories were some good and some not so good.
November 13, 2019
Authentic, in the cockpit detail of combat flying. Well written stories of missions and experiences during the Vietnam war. Personal feelings of the leadership (or lack thereof) from Washington and the military hierarchy not willing to prosecute the effort and win the war. Cockpit detail and flying descriptions brought back many memories for this former USN A-7E pilot. Good job Air Force guy!
January 14, 2024
Reality Bites
Tells it like it was. No punches pulled. I remember little about the war as it was happening, the main memory I have is that of a helicopter pilot friend who re-upped a couple of times. I asked him why. After a few beers, he said he liked to be involved with killing bad guys. This book evoked that memory.
Tells it like it was. No punches pulled. I remember little about the war as it was happening, the main memory I have is that of a helicopter pilot friend who re-upped a couple of times. I asked him why. After a few beers, he said he liked to be involved with killing bad guys. This book evoked that memory.
February 20, 2018
Outstanding
I don’t read much about Vietnam. But this book as well as “The Bright Shinny Lie” give this cannon fodder time, bodies to keep the Great Industrial Complex running and the politicians in their seats of power.
Very good read from the hills of East Tennessee.
I don’t read much about Vietnam. But this book as well as “The Bright Shinny Lie” give this cannon fodder time, bodies to keep the Great Industrial Complex running and the politicians in their seats of power.
Very good read from the hills of East Tennessee.
February 21, 2018
An Eagles eye view of Vietnam
Written in a style that is both amusing at times but informative. Today's leaders should read and see one mans view of trying to fight a political war and a shooting war.
Written in a style that is both amusing at times but informative. Today's leaders should read and see one mans view of trying to fight a political war and a shooting war.
July 11, 2018
This book about fighter pilots and some of the absurd dictates from Washington about how to fight the Vietnam war left me in shock, entranced and ready to read more from the perspective of a pilot.
Kudos to Ed Cobleigh for exiting the war with grace and the wit to write this book.
Kudos to Ed Cobleigh for exiting the war with grace and the wit to write this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews