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Compassionate Soldier: Remarkable True Stories of Mercy, Heroism, and Honor from the Battlefield
Compassionate Soldier illuminates some of the most fascinating and yet largely unknown stories of men and women whose humanity led them to perform courageous acts of mercy and compassion amid the chaos and carnage of war. Arranged by war from the American Revolution to the Iraq War and global in perspective, it features extraordinary stories of grace under fire from valiant soldiers and noncombatants who rose above the inhumanity of lethal conflict and chose compassion, even knowing their actions could put their lives and liberty at risk. These inspirational stories illustrate that even in the midst of unspeakable horrors of war, acts of kindness, mercy, compassion, and humanity can prevail and, in doing so, expand our conventional thinking of honor and battlefield glory. Summary of Stories
208 pages, Hardcover
Published May 2, 2017
About the author
Jerry Borrowman
41 books155 followersJerry Borrowman is an award-winning author of 23 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 and Why We Fought were Silver Winners.
Jerry is known for his meticulous attention to historical detail, including the technology that is unique to each story.
Jerry is known for his meticulous attention to historical detail, including the technology that is unique to each story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
May 29, 2017
When I think of war, I think of the lives lost. We study and learn why there was a war and hear about the heroes, look at the statistics of all who died and not learn of the everyday soldier.
During this Memorial Day season, I am thrilled to read a book about names that aren't necessarily in the history books. This book is dedicated to the humanitarian side of war, the heroes who made a difference by being compassionate.
There is a tribute to Confederate Sergeant Richard Kirkland of the Civil War. He could not sit and do nothing as soldiers were crying out for water. These soldiers were injured and dying between the warring factions. As he would climb the wall to provide aid, both sides stopped firing on each other. I always knew, but am happy to have confirmed, that soldiers are made up of good people who have a difficult job to do.
Jerry Borrowman highlights people who were involved with different wars. It is not just soldiers who made a difference, but nurses, pilots..... Heroes from the Revolutionary War to recent times stories are told.
This book is told in an interesting way. It doesn't read as a history book. But it does provide a brief look into the lives of extraordinary people.
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
During this Memorial Day season, I am thrilled to read a book about names that aren't necessarily in the history books. This book is dedicated to the humanitarian side of war, the heroes who made a difference by being compassionate.
There is a tribute to Confederate Sergeant Richard Kirkland of the Civil War. He could not sit and do nothing as soldiers were crying out for water. These soldiers were injured and dying between the warring factions. As he would climb the wall to provide aid, both sides stopped firing on each other. I always knew, but am happy to have confirmed, that soldiers are made up of good people who have a difficult job to do.
Jerry Borrowman highlights people who were involved with different wars. It is not just soldiers who made a difference, but nurses, pilots..... Heroes from the Revolutionary War to recent times stories are told.
This book is told in an interesting way. It doesn't read as a history book. But it does provide a brief look into the lives of extraordinary people.
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 18, 2017
I love history and I love true stories in history- especially ones that inspire me and bring hope. This book is full of stories of people who showed compassion, kindness or mercy during the struggle of war.
The author goes into some depth to describe the events surrounding each person and their circumstances. This really helps set the tone for what made their acts so profound. I received an ARC copy of this book so mine didn't have the photos that I think are included in the final copy. I wish I could see those pictures.
War brings such devastation and loss. These stories brought this out but I love reading about people who, in the midst of such devastation and loss, still found a way to extend kindness. I loved the story of Richard Kirkland who heard the cries of the wounded and dying during an ongoing battle and just had to do something to help. At the risk of his own life, he carried water to men on both sides of the battle. He was a young man and died later in a battle but his kindness and mercy will always be remembered. The other story I really loved was about Edith Cavell who was a nurse and helped wounded men recover and then escape the enemy during WWI. She put her life at risk and was executed for it. I loved her integrity because at the end, even though she was warned that people were coming for her, she continued on with her nursing and care. She didn't run, she didn't lie and she didn't apologize for helping save people. She died with her head held high, full of confidence and truth. These are only two of the stories but probably my favorites though all of them are good.
This book was hard to read in many ways, but also brought the hope that good things can still happen in the middle of awful events because of good people who care. I love that this collection of stories honors a few of those people.
Content: Some description of war and violence
- I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
The author goes into some depth to describe the events surrounding each person and their circumstances. This really helps set the tone for what made their acts so profound. I received an ARC copy of this book so mine didn't have the photos that I think are included in the final copy. I wish I could see those pictures.
War brings such devastation and loss. These stories brought this out but I love reading about people who, in the midst of such devastation and loss, still found a way to extend kindness. I loved the story of Richard Kirkland who heard the cries of the wounded and dying during an ongoing battle and just had to do something to help. At the risk of his own life, he carried water to men on both sides of the battle. He was a young man and died later in a battle but his kindness and mercy will always be remembered. The other story I really loved was about Edith Cavell who was a nurse and helped wounded men recover and then escape the enemy during WWI. She put her life at risk and was executed for it. I loved her integrity because at the end, even though she was warned that people were coming for her, she continued on with her nursing and care. She didn't run, she didn't lie and she didn't apologize for helping save people. She died with her head held high, full of confidence and truth. These are only two of the stories but probably my favorites though all of them are good.
This book was hard to read in many ways, but also brought the hope that good things can still happen in the middle of awful events because of good people who care. I love that this collection of stories honors a few of those people.
Content: Some description of war and violence
- I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
May 17, 2017
This is a really great book! I really loved reading stories that I'd never heard from some of these battles that I've heard of in history classes all of my life. I loved the new perspective that this book gave me.
I wanted to share a little bit about one of the stories that really touched me. It's about a woman named Edith Cavell, she was a young British nurse. She believed in the Florence Nightingale method of nursing. That was basically having a clean hospital, nurses being clean and letting in the outside air. All of these things were kind of rare at the time. She was matron of a hospital in Belgium, which ended up being on the wrong side of the German lines in World War I. Anyway, Edith was a brave woman. She ended up using the hospital to hide a lot of soldiers from the other side of the war and not only did she hide them, she ended up helping them get to Holland and eventually to England. And we're not talking just a few soldiers either, the number was somewhere around 1000. The Germans got suspicious and started taking out the underground network. Something I found amazing about Edith was that as she saw members of the network, who I'm sure were her friends, be arrested and dealt with by the Germans, she did not go into hiding or try to get away at all. She stood her ground and continued on with her normal activities. She ended up being executed by a German firing squad for her part in getting these soldiers to safety. What an amazing woman! I hope I can be a little like her and try to always stand up for what I believe is the right way to be or the right way to act.
I really enjoyed all of the stories in this book! Jerry Borrowman has a way of writing historical events in a way that makes it seem almost as if you were there. Make sure you make the time to read this one!
I wanted to share a little bit about one of the stories that really touched me. It's about a woman named Edith Cavell, she was a young British nurse. She believed in the Florence Nightingale method of nursing. That was basically having a clean hospital, nurses being clean and letting in the outside air. All of these things were kind of rare at the time. She was matron of a hospital in Belgium, which ended up being on the wrong side of the German lines in World War I. Anyway, Edith was a brave woman. She ended up using the hospital to hide a lot of soldiers from the other side of the war and not only did she hide them, she ended up helping them get to Holland and eventually to England. And we're not talking just a few soldiers either, the number was somewhere around 1000. The Germans got suspicious and started taking out the underground network. Something I found amazing about Edith was that as she saw members of the network, who I'm sure were her friends, be arrested and dealt with by the Germans, she did not go into hiding or try to get away at all. She stood her ground and continued on with her normal activities. She ended up being executed by a German firing squad for her part in getting these soldiers to safety. What an amazing woman! I hope I can be a little like her and try to always stand up for what I believe is the right way to be or the right way to act.
I really enjoyed all of the stories in this book! Jerry Borrowman has a way of writing historical events in a way that makes it seem almost as if you were there. Make sure you make the time to read this one!
July 7, 2017
I received the book from Goodreads for an honest review.
I had two big problems with the title. The word "Soldier" does not belong in the title because all of the people mentioned in the book are not soldiers. The word "Battlefield" does not belong in the subtitle because all of the stories do not take place on the battlefield. I really have trouble with that.
Some other main flaws in the stories: 1. There were some God references that I thought represented an author intrusion. I don't think they belonged quite the way they were fit in. 2. I thought the simplicity of the writing made it a better fit for young adult reading, perhaps high school. But point #1 needs to be considered as well as the few moments of extreme situations of violence.
Other than that the stories are inspirational. I also praise the author for treating "enemy" soldiers with respect.
I had two big problems with the title. The word "Soldier" does not belong in the title because all of the people mentioned in the book are not soldiers. The word "Battlefield" does not belong in the subtitle because all of the stories do not take place on the battlefield. I really have trouble with that.
Some other main flaws in the stories: 1. There were some God references that I thought represented an author intrusion. I don't think they belonged quite the way they were fit in. 2. I thought the simplicity of the writing made it a better fit for young adult reading, perhaps high school. But point #1 needs to be considered as well as the few moments of extreme situations of violence.
Other than that the stories are inspirational. I also praise the author for treating "enemy" soldiers with respect.
June 11, 2026
My husband is a soldier. These stories are so meaningful and many brought tears to my eyes. The most touching story was about Kim Phuc. You know who she is. You’ve seen her picture. She was the little girl whose clothes were burned off her body in a napalm attack during the Vietnam War. A photojournalist captured the atrocity on film then drove her to a hospital in Saigon. Another touching, more recent story was about the Happy Factory in Utah. A couple makes toys for children for free. No hidden agenda. Everyone who works there is a volunteer. Their wooden toys have been given to children in Iraq and Afghanistan to make the lives of these war-weary children a little brighter. GREAT BOOK!
December 27, 2019
A wide-ranging collection of short stories compiled under the heading of heroism on the battlefield in its many forms from women in nursing to humanitarian giving to the children of Iraq, it spans each war including the first story related to the Revolutionary War and George Washington specifically to the present day wars. The stories are plenty-well researched and delivered in a no-fuss factual way.
It captures the humanity in wars fought near and far and related to images that no one will ever forget.
It captures the humanity in wars fought near and far and related to images that no one will ever forget.
July 18, 2024
This is a series of examples of people who overcame their fears or prejudice to do what was kind or just during war. Some of the stories truly brought tears to my eyes. I was so touched by the Confederate soldier who risked his own life at Fredricksburg to take water and blankets to the wounded of both sides who had been left suffering on the battlefield. The story of Kim Phuc the girl who's picture may have helped speed the end of the Vietnam War really touched me. I remember that photo so well. Hearing more of her story has prompted me to buy her biography. I was also deeply moved by the story of the sinking of the Indianapolis and the injustice done to her commanding officer that finally led him to take his own life. The campaign to clear his name occurred after his death, but it was a valiant effort to right a wrong. These stories go from the American Revolution to the conflict in Iraq and give a hopeful look at mankind.
May 16, 2017
War is such a horrible thing and yet millions of people have experienced the horrors of it. But stories like the ones told in this book give one hope that despite "man's inhumanity to man" there is still hope for the human race. Borrowman starts with an intriguing story from the Revolutionary War about a time when George Washington could have been killed but because of the honor of a British soldier was not. Some of the stories here are familiar to me such as the one about the Angel at Fredricksburg, the Confederate soldier who risked his life to provide water to dozens of wounded Union soldiers, as well as the story about a group of German teenagers who risked their lives to oppose Hitler. Additional stories about a nurse, a German fighter pilot, a Nazi prison guard, and a German general all tell remarkable tales of people who had the courage as well as compassion to help others when it would have been so much easier not to. Borrowman does a nice job of providing context for each of his stories so it's easier to understand just how much each of these individuals risked and sometimes lost their lives for. A powerful collection of stories that I highly recommend for reading when the bad news threatens to win the day.
June 27, 2018
WoW! I loved these 15 short (true) stories about selfless heroes from different wars. Quick read and highly recommended.
"That's what makes the stories in this collection so meaningful -- small actions by brave and compassionate individuals can have a profound effect on future lives. The passage of time magnifies the impact of their generosity." -p. 183
I was so touched by the story he tells about Herr Rosenau and Alex Lurye. Here's a retelling of their story: http://www.jewishmag.com/3mag/story/c...
"That's what makes the stories in this collection so meaningful -- small actions by brave and compassionate individuals can have a profound effect on future lives. The passage of time magnifies the impact of their generosity." -p. 183
I was so touched by the story he tells about Herr Rosenau and Alex Lurye. Here's a retelling of their story: http://www.jewishmag.com/3mag/story/c...
April 3, 2022
¨Compassionate Soldier¨,written by Jerry Borrowman, is a historical book that focuses on the fairly unknown stories of courage and bravery of soldiers throughout time. When it comes to reading, I personally prefer non-fiction books. The stories are easier for me to follow and I enjoy learning facts. When we were assigned this unit in class, I roamed around the library and this was the first book that caught my eye.
This book covers a lot of stories that you necessarily wouldn't find in many of your schools history books. The focus is on courageous acts of mercy and compassion throughout the chaos of and carnage of war. The stories span from the American revolution all the way up to the Iraq War.
¨He is at once both gentle and strong, representing what is best in the men and women who serve in uniform, whether at home or abroad.¨ That is the final quote in the second to last story about Shawn Mckinnon. He was a U.S. marine who cared for a lot of the citizens in Iraq during the war. I feel that the quote beautifully represents what the military stands for. My favorite aspect about the whole book was the individual stories. All of them were interesting in their own ways and weren't all navigated during gunfights. A lot of them happened off the battlefield. My favorite story was still the first one. Talking about how George Washington was almost shot but the guy chose not to shoot.
For someone who doesn't enjoy reading all that much, this book had me intrigued. I feel that everyone could find a part in this book that they enjoy. It's about heroes throughout war and heroes can be any shape or size and come from any country. If you enjoy short stories about sacrifice and courageous acts, this book is for you. A similar book is ¨Band of Brothers¨ by Stephen Ambrose.
This book covers a lot of stories that you necessarily wouldn't find in many of your schools history books. The focus is on courageous acts of mercy and compassion throughout the chaos of and carnage of war. The stories span from the American revolution all the way up to the Iraq War.
¨He is at once both gentle and strong, representing what is best in the men and women who serve in uniform, whether at home or abroad.¨ That is the final quote in the second to last story about Shawn Mckinnon. He was a U.S. marine who cared for a lot of the citizens in Iraq during the war. I feel that the quote beautifully represents what the military stands for. My favorite aspect about the whole book was the individual stories. All of them were interesting in their own ways and weren't all navigated during gunfights. A lot of them happened off the battlefield. My favorite story was still the first one. Talking about how George Washington was almost shot but the guy chose not to shoot.
For someone who doesn't enjoy reading all that much, this book had me intrigued. I feel that everyone could find a part in this book that they enjoy. It's about heroes throughout war and heroes can be any shape or size and come from any country. If you enjoy short stories about sacrifice and courageous acts, this book is for you. A similar book is ¨Band of Brothers¨ by Stephen Ambrose.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2017
This book is a wonderful collection of true stories that, for lack of a better phrase, gives you warm fuzzies, and renewed faith in humanity. I've never been able to really wrap my head around war-it seems like such a barbaric method to get what you want. But, it is, sadly, the way of our world, and it was refreshing to read about some unlikely heroes.
Compassionate Soldier is perfect to read one of the 15 stories at a time, or several. It's not a long book, but if you have a short period of time it's nice to read one story and then come back to the book when you can. Historical information is given in the different sections, and also some information about other people who influenced the events at the time.
One thing that stood out to me came in Chapter 3. Kaiser Wilhelm II is not looked at very favorably in history, but this chapter shared that during the war he granted a British officer, who was a prisoner of war, leave to visit his ailing mother. It was nice to read about compassion and trust.
I received an advanced reader's edition of this book, and sadly this version is missing the pictures that are at the beginning of each chapter. I'm sure they are a great addition.
Compassionate Soldier is perfect to read one of the 15 stories at a time, or several. It's not a long book, but if you have a short period of time it's nice to read one story and then come back to the book when you can. Historical information is given in the different sections, and also some information about other people who influenced the events at the time.
One thing that stood out to me came in Chapter 3. Kaiser Wilhelm II is not looked at very favorably in history, but this chapter shared that during the war he granted a British officer, who was a prisoner of war, leave to visit his ailing mother. It was nice to read about compassion and trust.
I received an advanced reader's edition of this book, and sadly this version is missing the pictures that are at the beginning of each chapter. I'm sure they are a great addition.
September 22, 2017
War is not my favorite topic. But the last non-fiction book I read from Shadow Mountain publishing surprised me with its narrative, research, and knack of making history feel human that I decided to read Compassionate Soldier. Smart choice.
This is a very brief but detailed review of past wars and people who exhibited compassion during mayhem and power struggles. I appreciated the summary what brought about the conflicts in each chapter. Why was Florence Nightingale's or Edith Cavell's compassion unusual? The author provides a summarized history of the war and the subject's past to frame the action they took and the ripple effect it had.
The last chapter was full of hope for those who do not travel to foreign fields embroiled in war. It is the story of a retired couple in Utah who began making small wooden toys for their family. The project grew from family to donations to local children's medical facilities to worldwide distribution made possible by families sending toys with their deployed soldiers to give to the children and more.
This book showed me the good that is in this world and how it is love that impacts and changes more than criticism, force, and anger.
This is a very brief but detailed review of past wars and people who exhibited compassion during mayhem and power struggles. I appreciated the summary what brought about the conflicts in each chapter. Why was Florence Nightingale's or Edith Cavell's compassion unusual? The author provides a summarized history of the war and the subject's past to frame the action they took and the ripple effect it had.
The last chapter was full of hope for those who do not travel to foreign fields embroiled in war. It is the story of a retired couple in Utah who began making small wooden toys for their family. The project grew from family to donations to local children's medical facilities to worldwide distribution made possible by families sending toys with their deployed soldiers to give to the children and more.
This book showed me the good that is in this world and how it is love that impacts and changes more than criticism, force, and anger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2018
Opening line:
"Imagine you are on the battlefield in the throes of fighting a war."
I really enjoyed Mr. Borrowman's stories of unsung heroes during different wars. I learned about Captain Ferguson and the Ferguson rifle AND how he choose not to shot soldiers in the back, which ended up saving George Washington's life.
How WWI probably started (egos!) was fascinating!
But I think I loved the story of Edith Cavell the best. The nurse who risked her life time after time to save wounded soldiers and help them to the safety of a neutral country. When she was arrested, she stood her ground. She didn't hide and she didn't lie. When they asked her condeming questions, she answered them truthfully. She was killed by a German firing squad. That might have been the end of her story, but her death rang around the world and protests and demonstration in her honor stopped the Germans from killing her associates.
If you would like a different look at wars, maybe a more compassionate look at the men and women in the middle of war, this is a great book to give you a little more faith in humankind.
Thanks for the early read netgalley!
"Imagine you are on the battlefield in the throes of fighting a war."
I really enjoyed Mr. Borrowman's stories of unsung heroes during different wars. I learned about Captain Ferguson and the Ferguson rifle AND how he choose not to shot soldiers in the back, which ended up saving George Washington's life.
How WWI probably started (egos!) was fascinating!
But I think I loved the story of Edith Cavell the best. The nurse who risked her life time after time to save wounded soldiers and help them to the safety of a neutral country. When she was arrested, she stood her ground. She didn't hide and she didn't lie. When they asked her condeming questions, she answered them truthfully. She was killed by a German firing squad. That might have been the end of her story, but her death rang around the world and protests and demonstration in her honor stopped the Germans from killing her associates.
If you would like a different look at wars, maybe a more compassionate look at the men and women in the middle of war, this is a great book to give you a little more faith in humankind.
Thanks for the early read netgalley!
March 20, 2019
Inspiring true stories including these few examples:
- Richard Kirkland, a Confederate soldier who gave water to dying men at the Battle of Fredericksburg without a cease-fire;
- Patrick Ferguson, a British soldier who had the chance to shoot George Washington in the back during the Revolution, but chose not to;
- a WWII soldier who risked his life many times to save Japanese civilians by encouraging them to turn themselves over;
- the miracles of the salvation of Kim Phuc, also known as "The Girl in the Picture" or "The Napalm Girl" from Thang Bang in Vietnam, including the photographer who took the picture and the many others involved in saving her life (14 months in the hospital and 17 surgeries later);
- Iraqi veterans who gave clothing and toys to Iraqi children, leading to additional trust in American soldiers and giving hope to Iraqi families and children;
- the story of a little girl who was given a toy from The Happy Factory (non-profit org) and ultimately saved the lives of a convoy of American soldiers by warning them of a roadside bomb.
- Richard Kirkland, a Confederate soldier who gave water to dying men at the Battle of Fredericksburg without a cease-fire;
- Patrick Ferguson, a British soldier who had the chance to shoot George Washington in the back during the Revolution, but chose not to;
- a WWII soldier who risked his life many times to save Japanese civilians by encouraging them to turn themselves over;
- the miracles of the salvation of Kim Phuc, also known as "The Girl in the Picture" or "The Napalm Girl" from Thang Bang in Vietnam, including the photographer who took the picture and the many others involved in saving her life (14 months in the hospital and 17 surgeries later);
- Iraqi veterans who gave clothing and toys to Iraqi children, leading to additional trust in American soldiers and giving hope to Iraqi families and children;
- the story of a little girl who was given a toy from The Happy Factory (non-profit org) and ultimately saved the lives of a convoy of American soldiers by warning them of a roadside bomb.
April 4, 2022
Compassionate Soldier is a non fiction book that is a collection of true stories about kinds acts that occur during war that are meant to restore our faith in humanity. It takes during during various conflicts, including WWI, WWII, The Vietnam War, The Revolutionary War, The Cold War, and more. These stories are meant to show the kindness of those on both sides of these conflicts and intend for us to see each other as more human. My personal favorite was to read the story of Florence Nightingale, and it was nice to see some female representation in a topic that is mostly male-focused.
I loved reading this book so much and found it incredibly insightful. Though all these stories do take place during war time, they main focus is the acts of kindness, so I wouldn't say that this book is incredibly violent. It does mention PTSD for those who are sensitive to that as well as death. It does mention some injuries that have occurred to soldiers fighting in these wars. Because of the somewhat mature content, I would recommend this book for those who are in high school.
I loved reading this book so much and found it incredibly insightful. Though all these stories do take place during war time, they main focus is the acts of kindness, so I wouldn't say that this book is incredibly violent. It does mention PTSD for those who are sensitive to that as well as death. It does mention some injuries that have occurred to soldiers fighting in these wars. Because of the somewhat mature content, I would recommend this book for those who are in high school.
May 9, 2017
Reviewed for www.compassbookratings.com
Overall Review:
Compassionate Soldier: Remarkable True Stories of Mercy, Heroism, and Honor from the Battlefield will move and inspire readers. Written by award-winning author Jerry Borrowman, this fascinating nonfiction book shares little-known stories of courage during warfare. These touching incidents appear in chronological order and span several centuries -- starting with the American Revolutionary War to the Civil War, on down to the World Wars and the Middle Eastern conflict of present day. Borrowman is clear and concise in his writing, and his work is well-researched. Each chapter provides plenty of context and background information to familiarize readers. Although Compassionate Soldier is set during the darkest times of history, its pages will impress upon readers the good that can be found in humanity.
Review of an Advance Reader's Edition
For full content analysis, go to www.compassbookratings.com
Overall Review:
Compassionate Soldier: Remarkable True Stories of Mercy, Heroism, and Honor from the Battlefield will move and inspire readers. Written by award-winning author Jerry Borrowman, this fascinating nonfiction book shares little-known stories of courage during warfare. These touching incidents appear in chronological order and span several centuries -- starting with the American Revolutionary War to the Civil War, on down to the World Wars and the Middle Eastern conflict of present day. Borrowman is clear and concise in his writing, and his work is well-researched. Each chapter provides plenty of context and background information to familiarize readers. Although Compassionate Soldier is set during the darkest times of history, its pages will impress upon readers the good that can be found in humanity.
Review of an Advance Reader's Edition
For full content analysis, go to www.compassbookratings.com
June 17, 2017
One does not think of compassionate soldier during war. The soldiers in this book showed sympathy for others who are suffering. It is a book about kindness, caring and willingness to help others. To see that soldiers from the American Revolution to the Iraq War shows and reminds us of the humanity that is in all of us. War I think has a tendency to only think of the worse of the people involved in it, especially the soldiers.
The stories in this book are exceptional. Even at the worse of times, there were those who showed mercy and kindness. They had honor. Even if they knew they risked death, there was still the willingness to care about others. Many stories are heartwarming. It is a book not to be missed! Do read this remarkable book.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The stories in this book are exceptional. Even at the worse of times, there were those who showed mercy and kindness. They had honor. Even if they knew they risked death, there was still the willingness to care about others. Many stories are heartwarming. It is a book not to be missed! Do read this remarkable book.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
July 21, 2017
I have long enjoyed reading Jerry Borrowman's writings, and this was no exception. As a student of military history this book had a fabulous selection of some important, though mostly unknown, characters in history who made a difference to the world, to a people, or even just a few individuals. The characteristics exhibited by those featured in the book are ones we should be working on ourselves and teaching our youth. I have spent the last few years working for an Air Force museum, and stories like that of Bernie Fisher are ones I strive to share with visitors to emphasize the amazing acts of courage our servicemen (and others) are capable of.
I enjoyed that this was a quick read, which also makes it an easy book to reference should someone wish to share any of these awesome stories with others. Though the title suggests we'll only be reading about soldiers on the battlefield, Borrowman includes a variety of examples from those of all walks of life, making it relatable and offering something for everyone who ventures to read it.
I enjoyed that this was a quick read, which also makes it an easy book to reference should someone wish to share any of these awesome stories with others. Though the title suggests we'll only be reading about soldiers on the battlefield, Borrowman includes a variety of examples from those of all walks of life, making it relatable and offering something for everyone who ventures to read it.
October 28, 2017
Jerry Borrowman has an interesting formula for this book. Taking stories from wars — beginning with the Revolution against Britain all the way through to modern times — he has highlighted fascinating stories of heroism and kindness shown by warriors. Rather than focus on the evils of war, he has found examples of human decency between enemies in battle.
One example is comes from the example of Oswald Boelcke, a German fighter pilot in WWI. Boelcke was considered one of the best pilots in the world and had a perfect record in battle. But he also was a gentleman who refused to take advantage of his victims. He was even known to land and share coffee with fallen foes before he flew back to his base. His feeling was that despite being at war, he could still be kind to all he met.
Many other stories are shared and highlight the attitude Borrowman focuses on. Readers interested in war stories will enjoy most of the accounts from this book.
One example is comes from the example of Oswald Boelcke, a German fighter pilot in WWI. Boelcke was considered one of the best pilots in the world and had a perfect record in battle. But he also was a gentleman who refused to take advantage of his victims. He was even known to land and share coffee with fallen foes before he flew back to his base. His feeling was that despite being at war, he could still be kind to all he met.
Many other stories are shared and highlight the attitude Borrowman focuses on. Readers interested in war stories will enjoy most of the accounts from this book.
June 26, 2019
After reading and loving Barrowman's Invisible Soldier, I immediately started this one thinking I would enjoy it just as much. While some of the stories were compelling, there were a couple of things working against this one. First, I listened to it on audio and the narrator wasn't my favorite. He sounded (both in tone and delivery) like the lead penguin from the Madagascar movie. It wasn't an engaging delivery. I may have enjoyed it another star's worth if I had read it myself. Also, some of the stories were a bit unexpected. One was about a teenager who began a campaign to exonerate the captain of the WWII ship Indianapolis, another about a non-profit started by a retired couple that donates toys all over the world, including to troops overseas. I did appreciate the scope of the stories, which reached as far back as the Revolutionary War and went all the way through modern day activities (military and police training of local forces) in Iraq.
June 21, 2018
Compassion: a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune and suffering, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.
This is nonfiction History about how exercising compassion and being a soldier can coexist together. I liked this one. Within the first 30 seconds I was already thinking that I need to exercise more 'compassion' in my life. The author obtained a few war stories on heroism and compassion from different soldiers through various wars. I'm sure there are many unsung songs of forgotten soldiers that had stories that would fit into this book. I felt this could have been longer because the message was so pertinent, especially in our world today. I'm not sure what moves people to do extraordinary things especially when it is hard or if it means putting their own life on the line, but a me-me-me attitude probably isn't it. I liked the overall message here...so 4 stars.
This is nonfiction History about how exercising compassion and being a soldier can coexist together. I liked this one. Within the first 30 seconds I was already thinking that I need to exercise more 'compassion' in my life. The author obtained a few war stories on heroism and compassion from different soldiers through various wars. I'm sure there are many unsung songs of forgotten soldiers that had stories that would fit into this book. I felt this could have been longer because the message was so pertinent, especially in our world today. I'm not sure what moves people to do extraordinary things especially when it is hard or if it means putting their own life on the line, but a me-me-me attitude probably isn't it. I liked the overall message here...so 4 stars.
November 19, 2017
I loved reading this book and learning more about extraordinary people who were able to hold onto their humanity in times of war. I was truly inspired by their lives. Each chapter was devoted to the actions of one person. Admittedly some chapters were better than others but each person showed tremendous courage and integrity. This book was especially satisfying to read on Veterans Day. I'm sure there are 1000's of untold stories that could be told by those who serve in the military. I'm thankful for all who serve.
January 5, 2018
Compassionate Soldiers has several stories throughout history of acts of bravery through compassion. This will be one I purchase for my library. I cried during every story of these brave men who took the negative consequences of having a conscience. Beautiful stories, beautiful book. I’ve already told my kids all these stories in the book and they enjoyed them too.
This is also a good book if you ever have to give a talk in church or speech elsewhere. So many lessons to learn through these stories. Such an inspired book.
This is also a good book if you ever have to give a talk in church or speech elsewhere. So many lessons to learn through these stories. Such an inspired book.
July 24, 2017
Something I realized when I was designing a literature unit on war for a college education class, war expresses the very worst in humans and also, at the same time, gives people to express their very best. This book celebrates the best brought out in valor, mercy, and even compassion, describing the lives and the incidents that show the best of remarkably good military (and some civilians caught in war) from the times of George Washington to today.
January 30, 2018
The story: Medals are frequently given to those who display unusual valor on the battlefield, and frequently those who demonstrate their bravery by showing compassion go unrecognized. In this book, the author discusses various people who, throughout history, sacrificed to do the right thing--and occasionally paid for it with their lives. From nurses to WWI air aces, the people in this book, and their true stories, just might surprise you.
Liz's comments: Better for HS and up.
Liz's comments: Better for HS and up.
August 17, 2017
The first half of the book is sort of dry, covering events from 100 or more years ago, in the manner of a high school text book. However, that didn't make the actions any less heroic. The stories from WWII (the USN officer-translator; the USS Indianapolis aftermath) and Vietnam (Kim Phuc) seemed better written and were of considerably more interest.
November 17, 2017
I have to admit I took my time reading through these stories and took many breaks in between. There are many stories about the horrors of war but I have not seen too many on the lesser known kindnesses that happen during war. We need to remember what war is but I think we do need to temper it with how kind the human heart can be. I really enjoyed reading this book.
February 12, 2018
Unreliable, lacking in any serious research and absent sound historical context or judgment. Full of errors of gullible assumption and therefore also fact-free presentation, without context of the wider wars of which these erratically selected stories are a small but potentially interesting part. A missed opportunity by a too quickly off-the-mark popularizer, based on minimal "research." Too many of the very few cited sources, for example, are merely internet citations of unsubstantiated claims made by others.
June 29, 2017
I was expecting this book to be all about battlefield heroics. There was some of that, but also things that had a broader definition of "Compassionate Soldier". Still, I enjoy reading true stories, and this was very interesting. I like that the chapters were in chronological order.
August 31, 2017
I listened to Compassionate Soldier on my phone and had a hard time putting it down. The stories are all different, unique and most were ones I hadn't heard before. I love hearing about courage and compassion at the same time.
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