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Wounded Tiger
Wounded Tiger is the award-winning compelling true story of the Japanese pilot Mitsuo Fuchida, who led the attack on Pearl Harbor, who loved Japan and despised America, who lived for revenge, but who ultimately came to peace with himself and with his enemies. This expanded second edition includes over 250 rare historical photographs, maps and images and over 10,000 more words.
Winner of Book of the Year in War & Military by the Foreword Indies Review board. Amazon best-seller in four categories and a solid 5-star rating, one of the highest of any book in its categories.
Winner of Book of the Year in War & Military by the Foreword Indies Review board. Amazon best-seller in four categories and a solid 5-star rating, one of the highest of any book in its categories.
587 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2014
399 people are currently reading
2567 people want to read
About the author
T. Martin Bennett
1 book36 followersAfter attending Westmont College in Santa Barbara, T. Martin Bennett served as vice president of a nonprofit company with Keith Green, a leading recording artist, public speaker, and writer. He later co-founded a manufacturing company that grew to over 100 employees, $20M a year in sales, and won the national Small Business Administration Entrepreneur of the Year award.
In 2005, Bennett stumbled across rare information about Mitsuo Fuchida, the Japanese pilot who led the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Tennessee-based author, screenwriter, and entrepreneur says, “I’d never heard a single word about Fuchida, other than that he was a villain.” But as he started researching Fuchida’s life, Bennett knew he had to tell this incredible story. He said, “If it weren’t true, it would be hard to believe, but it is true.” After three years of research, Bennett first penned this as a feature-length, epic screenplay—later novelized into book form.
The result is the amazing true story, "Wounded Tiger," Bennett’s vivid, cinematic novel that has been called "an extraordinary story" by Associate Producer for "The Last Samurai," Yôko Narahashi, and "epic, compelling, and inspirational" by Wayne Jacobsen, author, pastor and collaborator on the multimillion bestseller "The Shack."
"Wounded Tiger" is an unbelievably true story of three incredibly different people whose lives connect in remarkable ways. This captivating, intense, and masterfully written story of war, defeat, and triumph will challenge your perspectives and may lead you to question your own battles in life and perhaps bring an answer or two.
Find out more about T. Martin Bennett and "Wounded Tiger" at www.woundedtiger.com
In 2005, Bennett stumbled across rare information about Mitsuo Fuchida, the Japanese pilot who led the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Tennessee-based author, screenwriter, and entrepreneur says, “I’d never heard a single word about Fuchida, other than that he was a villain.” But as he started researching Fuchida’s life, Bennett knew he had to tell this incredible story. He said, “If it weren’t true, it would be hard to believe, but it is true.” After three years of research, Bennett first penned this as a feature-length, epic screenplay—later novelized into book form.
The result is the amazing true story, "Wounded Tiger," Bennett’s vivid, cinematic novel that has been called "an extraordinary story" by Associate Producer for "The Last Samurai," Yôko Narahashi, and "epic, compelling, and inspirational" by Wayne Jacobsen, author, pastor and collaborator on the multimillion bestseller "The Shack."
"Wounded Tiger" is an unbelievably true story of three incredibly different people whose lives connect in remarkable ways. This captivating, intense, and masterfully written story of war, defeat, and triumph will challenge your perspectives and may lead you to question your own battles in life and perhaps bring an answer or two.
Find out more about T. Martin Bennett and "Wounded Tiger" at www.woundedtiger.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
April 26, 2014
Wounded Tiger will take you on an amazing journey of victory, loss, hatred, forgiveness and the power of faith and God's love. They don't get much better than this. It is striking that the entire thing is based on true events experienced by real people. If you like WWII Pacific History, and area a stickler for authentic details you won't be disappointed!
It was easy to read and easy to follow. Highly recommended.
This is screaming out to be made into a movie.
It was easy to read and easy to follow. Highly recommended.
This is screaming out to be made into a movie.
March 1, 2019
Wounded Tiger tells the story of three unlikely people whose lives intersect in a way only God could orchestrate. It is described as a "nonfiction novel," which is an entirely accurate description. It reads like a novel, but the story is true, thus appealing to fiction and nonfiction lovers alike. T. Martin Bennett chronicles the journeys of the Japanese pilot who led the attack on Pearl Harbor, an American POW, and the daughter of a missionary to Japan. As the story unfolds, both the pilot and the POW come to faith, and God transforms their hatred into love. Don't let the length deter you (it's nearly 600 pages), because there are numerous pictures throughout, and the chapters are fairly short. It was well worth the time I spent reading it. This is a beautiful, moving story that will inspire you and give you hope.
December 11, 2014
Wounded Tiger stirred me to the core of my being.
There are some typos and grammatical errors, BUT THE STORY IS...PERFECT.
I'm asking PAPA to Powerfully use this three-stranded-story of HIS Great Love to literally overwhelm and Transform everyone who reads Wounded Tiger!
To KING JESUS Be ALL The GLORY!!!
OORAH!!!
:-)
+
\o/
There are some typos and grammatical errors, BUT THE STORY IS...PERFECT.
I'm asking PAPA to Powerfully use this three-stranded-story of HIS Great Love to literally overwhelm and Transform everyone who reads Wounded Tiger!
To KING JESUS Be ALL The GLORY!!!
OORAH!!!
:-)
+
\o/
June 8, 2014
Disclosure: I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway on the premise that I would review it.
Mitsuo Fuchida was the flight leader in the attack on Pearl Harbor. Jacob DeShazer was a bombardier who participated in the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo. The Covell family were missionaries. This book weaves together their stories. The author bills this as “a nonfiction novel,” recreating conversations and thoughts as much as possible from the real life records and memories of those involved.
As a top pilot for the Japanese Navy, and later a leading officer, Fuchida participated in many important events of the Pacific Theater of World War Two. But the reason this book is about him is that after the war, he learned of a Christian’s forgiveness and service even though she had every reason to seek vengeance instead. Fuchida was shocked and intrigued by this news, and eventually converted to Christianity.
Jake DeShazer spent most of the war in Japanese prisoner of war camps after the raid on Tokyo. He was severely mistreated and some of his fellow prisoners were killed. But in the darkness of his cell, the Bible came to Jake and he fully embraced religion, Christ’s words of forgiveness and mercy.
The Covells were missionaries in Japan until the government made that unhealthy, then moved to the Philippines to teach, while their daughter Peggy went to college in America. When the Japanese invaded the Philippines, they eventually hunted down and killed the older Covells as supposed spies. But Peggy did not let this crush her or her faith, and worked to help Japanese POWs, the news of which eventually reached Fuchida.
The author originally wrote this material as a screenplay, and this shows in the very short chapters, and scene-setting date and place “intertitles.” There are scattered footnotes explaining some foreign words (or in some cases revealing the Japanese phrase translated in the text.) They’re inconsistently used, and i spotted a couple of typos.
There’s no bibliography as such, but the acknowledgements do mention published works of people the author consulted.
As the majority of this story takes place during a war, there is some disturbing subject matter, particularly in Jake’s prison experiences and the chapters on Hiroshima. As a result, I recommend parents review the book before giving it to junior high or younger teens to read. The book also touches on racism between the Japanese and Americans, which was exacerbated by the run-up to the war.
Real life is messier than we like, and some sins are more difficult to make a good story out of than others. Fuchida’s long-term marital infidelity is only mentioned in the chapter in which he ends it, which means that his mistress and their child are shuffled off the stage immediately after we learn they exist, with no explanation of how this happened or what became of them. One suspects that if the movie ever gets made, this is one of the scenes that will be cut.
The writing is okay, but some of the dialogue looks a bit “cleaned up” from how soldiers and sailors normally talk.
I’d recommend this book to World War Two buffs interested in the Japanese side of the conflict, and those interested in reading the life stories of Christian converts.
Mitsuo Fuchida was the flight leader in the attack on Pearl Harbor. Jacob DeShazer was a bombardier who participated in the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo. The Covell family were missionaries. This book weaves together their stories. The author bills this as “a nonfiction novel,” recreating conversations and thoughts as much as possible from the real life records and memories of those involved.
As a top pilot for the Japanese Navy, and later a leading officer, Fuchida participated in many important events of the Pacific Theater of World War Two. But the reason this book is about him is that after the war, he learned of a Christian’s forgiveness and service even though she had every reason to seek vengeance instead. Fuchida was shocked and intrigued by this news, and eventually converted to Christianity.
Jake DeShazer spent most of the war in Japanese prisoner of war camps after the raid on Tokyo. He was severely mistreated and some of his fellow prisoners were killed. But in the darkness of his cell, the Bible came to Jake and he fully embraced religion, Christ’s words of forgiveness and mercy.
The Covells were missionaries in Japan until the government made that unhealthy, then moved to the Philippines to teach, while their daughter Peggy went to college in America. When the Japanese invaded the Philippines, they eventually hunted down and killed the older Covells as supposed spies. But Peggy did not let this crush her or her faith, and worked to help Japanese POWs, the news of which eventually reached Fuchida.
The author originally wrote this material as a screenplay, and this shows in the very short chapters, and scene-setting date and place “intertitles.” There are scattered footnotes explaining some foreign words (or in some cases revealing the Japanese phrase translated in the text.) They’re inconsistently used, and i spotted a couple of typos.
There’s no bibliography as such, but the acknowledgements do mention published works of people the author consulted.
As the majority of this story takes place during a war, there is some disturbing subject matter, particularly in Jake’s prison experiences and the chapters on Hiroshima. As a result, I recommend parents review the book before giving it to junior high or younger teens to read. The book also touches on racism between the Japanese and Americans, which was exacerbated by the run-up to the war.
Real life is messier than we like, and some sins are more difficult to make a good story out of than others. Fuchida’s long-term marital infidelity is only mentioned in the chapter in which he ends it, which means that his mistress and their child are shuffled off the stage immediately after we learn they exist, with no explanation of how this happened or what became of them. One suspects that if the movie ever gets made, this is one of the scenes that will be cut.
The writing is okay, but some of the dialogue looks a bit “cleaned up” from how soldiers and sailors normally talk.
I’d recommend this book to World War Two buffs interested in the Japanese side of the conflict, and those interested in reading the life stories of Christian converts.
May 7, 2014
I found this to be a "couldn't put it down" book. These characters go way beyond forgiveness and other incredible qualities we have come to expect from the heroes of WWII. The suspense was surprising given that it was true story about a period of history we are somewhat familiar with. I appreciated the author making the war backdrop very simple and understandable. ..even had maps. Appreciated understanding more of the Japanese view point of the war as well as being reminded of the important skill sets that Americans brought to the war table. Amazing that 70 years later there are still very revelant stories that must be told like this one. So glad to "know" these incredible people! Thank you, T Martin Bennett, for taking the time to write such an honorable account!!
April 14, 2017
The story is complex and follows the lives of 3 different families during WWII. It is a wonderful story of redemption and God's providence in a chaotic era. Confusing at times trying to follow the families but it all comes together in the end. God is good and has a plan in the deepest, darkest moments. It is also interesting to read about WWII from the perspective of the Japanese pilot who led the attack on Pearl Harbor.
February 19, 2016
I enjoyed the story, but the writing wasn't so great.
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October 28, 2020Whew!!! This definitely has to be one of the most compelling non-fiction books I’ve ever read! It covers a time in history that fascinates me (WWII). It tells the story of the Japanese commander, Mitsuo Fuchida, who led the attack on Pearl Harbor. It also tells the side stories of the Doolittle raider Jacob DeShazer and Japanese missionary Jimmy Covell. Basically, the separate stories become tied together, and tell the main story of Fuchida’s turn to Christ.
This book also humanized Japan. I think Americans tend to look at Japan as a big evil that needed to be put in its place, but there were good people in Japan who felt pressured into the war, and I believe this story covered that very nicely. Also, the side stories were phenomenal!
This book also humanized Japan. I think Americans tend to look at Japan as a big evil that needed to be put in its place, but there were good people in Japan who felt pressured into the war, and I believe this story covered that very nicely. Also, the side stories were phenomenal!
July 7, 2024
Unreal. Mind blown. All glory to Christ for his perfect weaving of lives and salvation. Read if you’re interested in WW2, read if you want your faith grown.
June 22, 2014
I received a copy of this book, along with a really cool book mark, from the author in exchange for an honest review. I don't personally know the author, but was sent a copy of the book because of the interest that I showed for it in a recent goodreads giveaway.
If this book had been a work of fiction, I would say that it was a little far fetched at times, but being a non-fiction novel based on fact and true occurrences, I think this story is absolutely amazing. I'm not a religious person, but still got a lot out of the book. This book shows the capacity of the human spirit and the ability to even see our enemies as human.
Taking place in the Pacific theatre of WW2, the novel was written in chronological order with differing settings based on the various characters that pertained to the story.
"Wounded Tiger" was first written as a screenplay in hopes of making it into a motion picture. I hope that this does come to fruition because it would be one heck of an amazing movie. I highly recommend this novel to everyone.
If this book had been a work of fiction, I would say that it was a little far fetched at times, but being a non-fiction novel based on fact and true occurrences, I think this story is absolutely amazing. I'm not a religious person, but still got a lot out of the book. This book shows the capacity of the human spirit and the ability to even see our enemies as human.
Taking place in the Pacific theatre of WW2, the novel was written in chronological order with differing settings based on the various characters that pertained to the story.
"Wounded Tiger" was first written as a screenplay in hopes of making it into a motion picture. I hope that this does come to fruition because it would be one heck of an amazing movie. I highly recommend this novel to everyone.
July 5, 2014
Well-written true story of war, redemption and a time of extreme bravery and conviction. Martin is a splendid storyteller.
December 4, 2023
For the last week, I have been absorbed in reading Wounded Tiger. History has always been my favorite subject and I enjoy reading books that tell a historical story from those who were there too. This is a true story that will capture your heart and mind. A heartfelt story of God’s redemption.
One thing that had me enthralled was the way the author entwined several individuals' stories together. That is hard to do without losing your audience. I felt like the individuals were unique and relatable, and I felt like I was getting to know the characters.
The story takes place during War World II. Jacob DeShazer who decided to join the U.S. military, eventually becomes a bombardier on a bomber aircraft. He and his military unit do a dangerous mission over Tokyo. Jake’s life is forever impacted by that faithful flight. He spent most of the war in a prison camp and many prisoners were killed and badly mistreated. During that time a Bible came to him. There in the darkness and hopelessness, he came to know the King of Kings and embraced his Savior, Jesus.
Mitso Fuchida is a Japanese commander pilot who led the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was also instrumental in several events in the Pacific theater during War World II. Not until after the war does he learn of a Christian forgiveness who had every reason to hate him.
Peggy Covell was in Japan as a missionary with her family. Until Japan stepped in and the family moved to the Philippines. Peggy ended up going back to America for college. When the Japanese invaded the Philippines. Many of the Covell’s were accused and killed as spies when they lived in Japan. Even though Peggy’s family were only missionaries in Japan she clung to her faith after the tragic events that fell on her family in the Philippines.
This book was originally made as a movie script. Scattered throughout the pages are photos, documents, maps, letters, and newspaper clippings.
An inspiring story that is worth reading.
#woundedtiger #redemptionstory #historialfiction #bookstagram #christianbookstagram #woundedtigerstory @woundedtigerstory @frontgatem
Disclosure: I received this complimentary product in exchange for my honest thoughts. @frontgatem
One thing that had me enthralled was the way the author entwined several individuals' stories together. That is hard to do without losing your audience. I felt like the individuals were unique and relatable, and I felt like I was getting to know the characters.
The story takes place during War World II. Jacob DeShazer who decided to join the U.S. military, eventually becomes a bombardier on a bomber aircraft. He and his military unit do a dangerous mission over Tokyo. Jake’s life is forever impacted by that faithful flight. He spent most of the war in a prison camp and many prisoners were killed and badly mistreated. During that time a Bible came to him. There in the darkness and hopelessness, he came to know the King of Kings and embraced his Savior, Jesus.
Mitso Fuchida is a Japanese commander pilot who led the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was also instrumental in several events in the Pacific theater during War World II. Not until after the war does he learn of a Christian forgiveness who had every reason to hate him.
Peggy Covell was in Japan as a missionary with her family. Until Japan stepped in and the family moved to the Philippines. Peggy ended up going back to America for college. When the Japanese invaded the Philippines. Many of the Covell’s were accused and killed as spies when they lived in Japan. Even though Peggy’s family were only missionaries in Japan she clung to her faith after the tragic events that fell on her family in the Philippines.
This book was originally made as a movie script. Scattered throughout the pages are photos, documents, maps, letters, and newspaper clippings.
An inspiring story that is worth reading.
#woundedtiger #redemptionstory #historialfiction #bookstagram #christianbookstagram #woundedtigerstory @woundedtigerstory @frontgatem
Disclosure: I received this complimentary product in exchange for my honest thoughts. @frontgatem
December 29, 2018
I received Wounded Tiger via a goodreads giveaway. If there were a means by which I could give this author a higher rating, I would; I would like to thank the author for all of his research and dedication in writing this book. Everything I read concerning the Pacific Theater during World War II brings me a clearer understanding of my father, his life long actions, hatred and outbursts. It truly helped me understand why WWII veterans looked at Toyota vehicles as “Toyota, brought to you by the people who brought you Pearl Harbor.” It was something they could not let go!
When a young girl, my family traveled west biannually to see friends. Their son had married a Japanese woman, whom, with the exception of my father, my entire family fell in love with. She would never address my father unless on a very rare occasion, he addressed her. His eyes always burned hatred towards her, while her eyes shone a unique understanding, she was wise way beyond her years.
This book is more than a true tale of war, it is about a civilization that indoctrinated its youth into looking at the Emperor as a God. The indoctrination made the citizens follow with blind faith; feeling superior to other races and proving their superiority by never giving up, by facing death rather than surrender.
It also shows a nation of people whose fear over the attack at Pearl Harbor turned into a deep seated hatred towards an entire race. This was definitely a people against people clash in history.
There is much to be learned within these pages, and several photos (over 250) throughout add to the tale. It is a book of hatred and anger, of love and understanding. It is also a book that everyone should read for it has far more than historical or military significance. Maybe, if everyone would read this book and take its message to heart we really could live with 1000 generations of peace.
When a young girl, my family traveled west biannually to see friends. Their son had married a Japanese woman, whom, with the exception of my father, my entire family fell in love with. She would never address my father unless on a very rare occasion, he addressed her. His eyes always burned hatred towards her, while her eyes shone a unique understanding, she was wise way beyond her years.
This book is more than a true tale of war, it is about a civilization that indoctrinated its youth into looking at the Emperor as a God. The indoctrination made the citizens follow with blind faith; feeling superior to other races and proving their superiority by never giving up, by facing death rather than surrender.
It also shows a nation of people whose fear over the attack at Pearl Harbor turned into a deep seated hatred towards an entire race. This was definitely a people against people clash in history.
There is much to be learned within these pages, and several photos (over 250) throughout add to the tale. It is a book of hatred and anger, of love and understanding. It is also a book that everyone should read for it has far more than historical or military significance. Maybe, if everyone would read this book and take its message to heart we really could live with 1000 generations of peace.
March 6, 2019
This telling of World War II happenings is expertly interwoven by an author who makes the read worth every minute of your time spent with him. T. Martin Bennett interweaves some very dark moments of 20th Century history into a masterful non-fiction novel. It is a story that Bennett originally scripted as a screenplay. We will have to wait for that. The motion picture is still envisioned by the author vision as a future monumental event.
This book will mesmerize. The central character to the tome of nearly 600 pages is Japanese pilot Mitsuo Fuchida. He led the Pearl Harbor attack which shocked the world, drawing the United States into world conflict. Unless you have closely followed that war you most likely know little about Fuchida. By the end of the book you will be intimately acquainted with him.
You will be introduced to a group of missionaries in the Philippines who were butchered by the Japanese because of their Christianity. They were Baptists led by a man named Jimmy Covell. He had served on a mission to Japan. As things were turning sour on the world front, Covell and his group fled to a place in the Philippines now known as Hopevalle. The missionaries were bayoneted without mercy and became known as the Hopevalle martyrs. Those killings could have easily stood as an independent story had the author so chosen.
Before the massacre, one of Jimmy’s children left her mother and father to pursue a religious studies education at Kazuo College in the state of New York. Peggy Covell was almost finished with that educational pursuit when word came to her of the martyrdom of her parents. Tears for family were shed over a letter bearing the horrible news that came from the Army Service Forces in Washington, D.C. Later she worked at a prison camp assisting Japanese prisoners of war. One of the prisoners was an old friend of Fuchida, Kazuo Kanegasaki. He later told Fuchida of favorable impressions he had after an encounter with a most kind American daughter of the missionaries who had been slaughtered.
A fellow named Jake DeShazner plays a major part in the book. Jacob was part of the United States Army Air Corps when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. The Oregon boy was incensed, the attack sparking immediate resoluteness to become engaged in revenge. Fight he did. He served as a bombardier with Doolittle’s Raiders under the famous Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Doolittle. The Raiders were composed of a very special group of men formed with the express purpose of attacking Japan. After he was forced to parachute into enemy hands, DeShazner was captured in China by the Japanese. He was held as a prisoner of war there. During much of his captivity, he was in grave danger. But he survived to become a missionary to Japan.
It will be difficult to grasp that what happens towards the end of this story really occurred. The daughter of a missionary victimized by barbaric butchery somehow finds it in her heart to befriend enemy soldiers who tore her whole world apart. A guy like Jake who was hell-bent on revenge against the Japanese ultimately is so filled with Christian love after reading the Bible as a prisoner of war that he decides to become a missionary. The villain Fuchida turns out not to be such a villain as you thought. It’s a story with a nice ending. Bennett deserves high praise for Wounded Tiger: A True Story.
This book will mesmerize. The central character to the tome of nearly 600 pages is Japanese pilot Mitsuo Fuchida. He led the Pearl Harbor attack which shocked the world, drawing the United States into world conflict. Unless you have closely followed that war you most likely know little about Fuchida. By the end of the book you will be intimately acquainted with him.
You will be introduced to a group of missionaries in the Philippines who were butchered by the Japanese because of their Christianity. They were Baptists led by a man named Jimmy Covell. He had served on a mission to Japan. As things were turning sour on the world front, Covell and his group fled to a place in the Philippines now known as Hopevalle. The missionaries were bayoneted without mercy and became known as the Hopevalle martyrs. Those killings could have easily stood as an independent story had the author so chosen.
Before the massacre, one of Jimmy’s children left her mother and father to pursue a religious studies education at Kazuo College in the state of New York. Peggy Covell was almost finished with that educational pursuit when word came to her of the martyrdom of her parents. Tears for family were shed over a letter bearing the horrible news that came from the Army Service Forces in Washington, D.C. Later she worked at a prison camp assisting Japanese prisoners of war. One of the prisoners was an old friend of Fuchida, Kazuo Kanegasaki. He later told Fuchida of favorable impressions he had after an encounter with a most kind American daughter of the missionaries who had been slaughtered.
A fellow named Jake DeShazner plays a major part in the book. Jacob was part of the United States Army Air Corps when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. The Oregon boy was incensed, the attack sparking immediate resoluteness to become engaged in revenge. Fight he did. He served as a bombardier with Doolittle’s Raiders under the famous Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Doolittle. The Raiders were composed of a very special group of men formed with the express purpose of attacking Japan. After he was forced to parachute into enemy hands, DeShazner was captured in China by the Japanese. He was held as a prisoner of war there. During much of his captivity, he was in grave danger. But he survived to become a missionary to Japan.
It will be difficult to grasp that what happens towards the end of this story really occurred. The daughter of a missionary victimized by barbaric butchery somehow finds it in her heart to befriend enemy soldiers who tore her whole world apart. A guy like Jake who was hell-bent on revenge against the Japanese ultimately is so filled with Christian love after reading the Bible as a prisoner of war that he decides to become a missionary. The villain Fuchida turns out not to be such a villain as you thought. It’s a story with a nice ending. Bennett deserves high praise for Wounded Tiger: A True Story.
December 24, 2023
Though it started a little slow, it held my attention throughout the entire book. There was some swearing, but I would still recommend the book. It was fascinating to hear about the war from the Japanese’ perspective. I also enjoyed how the author shifted between three people’s perspectives as he wrote the book.
April 16, 2025
I didn't expect much from this book when it was given to me, but I was very pleasantly surprised when I started reading it. At the end, I was amazed by the story and it has given me a great deal to think about in my own life.
September 9, 2022
Great book! A bit long-winded is my only complaint, so 4 instead of 5 stars. Very different perspective on WW2 from what I’ve read in the past The story of Christians serving faithfully and God drawing people to himself through various means was really beautiful.
October 9, 2017
Wounded Tiger is an extraordinary book. I am very glad that I read it! I highly recommend it.
February 23, 2024
The book tells the story of the Japanese pilot who led the attack on Pearl Harbor which I found pretty interesting. The problem with the book for me is that he chose to tell the story of other people that would eventually intersect and I didn't care as much about their stories.
Maybe just my taste but I would have preferred a book exclusively about Mitsuo Fuchida.
Maybe just my taste but I would have preferred a book exclusively about Mitsuo Fuchida.
November 17, 2023
I really enjoyed this book.
For me, World War II is one of the most significant events that shaped the world in which we live today.
I so appreciate the author's in-depth work in his researching & writing of this historical nonfiction novel, which does so very well to present the three main characters' unique perspectives in such a captivating story. This book is filled with hundreds of historical photos that visually present the real-life faces of many people, who lived and died during the historic days of World Ward II making the words on the pages come even more to life in my mind. I definitely recommend this book.
For me, World War II is one of the most significant events that shaped the world in which we live today.
I so appreciate the author's in-depth work in his researching & writing of this historical nonfiction novel, which does so very well to present the three main characters' unique perspectives in such a captivating story. This book is filled with hundreds of historical photos that visually present the real-life faces of many people, who lived and died during the historic days of World Ward II making the words on the pages come even more to life in my mind. I definitely recommend this book.
May 16, 2014
Source: Free copy from T Martin Bennett in exchange for a review.
Summary of book is a YouTube from author.
link: http://youtu.be/-0HJDkNrPtQ
My Thoughts:
I'm amazed (more like blown-away) by the story T Martin Bennett, has captured in Wounded Tiger.
It's an epic account of three families whose lives were a historic part of the Pacific War during World War II. How the families came to be connected is only through a miracle of God. A distance of thousands of miles could have prevented an encounter. Hatred, bitterness, and unforgiveness, could have prevented a union.
A war and the aftermath of destruction could have dampened any effort for communication, or resolve of the past. But, with God all things are possible.
The three families are:
1. Mitsuo Fuchida, and his wife Haruko, and children.
2. Jimmy, and wife Charma Covell, and children. The eldest daughter Peggy, will have a principal role.
3. Jacob or Jake DeShazer, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrus.
The book reads similar to watching a film. The author stated he'd first written the screen play, then the book. While reading Wounded Tiger, I imagined each scene in my mind---actually a large panoramic screen. My technicolor vision was full of powerful images, for example: the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Battle of Midway, the devastation of the atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Wounded Tiger has contrasting elements: the hate and cruel nature of Japanese soldiers versus the love and forgiveness of the Covell family, or the vengeance and need for retribution of a POW versus a changed heart.
There were tender moments when I was captivated by the significance of a characters courage and faith.
"Early the next morning, the sun broke through the sky over the eastern mountain ridge and glazed the front porch in gold. Mr. Andrus carried two blue-speckled enameled cups of steaming coffee out through the screen door. Mrs. Andrus sat rocking in her high back chair staring at the distant mountains, creaking the wooden deck with each rock. As he held the cup to his wife, she looked up with a smile and an unusual appearance of contentment. 'Thank you, dear.' She blew across her cup, took the slightest sip, and sat back and slowly rocked some more, still with a peaceful grin. Mr. Andrus gently set his cup on the table between them and sat down, keeping his eye on his wife, mystified by her demeanor, even wondering about her sanity. 'Jake's not dead,' she stated flatly, then slowly sipped again." Page 265-266.
T Martin Bennett spent several years researching the story, reading archive material, interviewing family members, and "consulting" with historians. Bennett explains in the book: "I have made every effort to ensure accuracy and honesty to history, to culture, and to the individuals. Simply stated, the essence of every scene in this story is true."
I am heartbroken over man's inhumanity to man, but man does not have the final word, God does. Only God can radically alter another person's heart. Only God can cover evil with grace.
In seven years of writing reviews (and I've never stated this before), this book stands alone as a must be made story into a film.
Wounded Tiger is a powerful story! It's a God story.
While reading Wounded Tiger, I envisioned certain actors portraying the roles, a few examples are:
Jimmy Covell-Matthew McConaughey, or Kirk Cameron.
Peggy Covell-Shailene Woodley
Mitsuo Fuchida-Shigeki Hosokawa
Mrs. Andrus-Roma Downey
Jake DeShazer-Theo James
Summary of book is a YouTube from author.
link: http://youtu.be/-0HJDkNrPtQ
My Thoughts:
I'm amazed (more like blown-away) by the story T Martin Bennett, has captured in Wounded Tiger.
It's an epic account of three families whose lives were a historic part of the Pacific War during World War II. How the families came to be connected is only through a miracle of God. A distance of thousands of miles could have prevented an encounter. Hatred, bitterness, and unforgiveness, could have prevented a union.
A war and the aftermath of destruction could have dampened any effort for communication, or resolve of the past. But, with God all things are possible.
The three families are:
1. Mitsuo Fuchida, and his wife Haruko, and children.
2. Jimmy, and wife Charma Covell, and children. The eldest daughter Peggy, will have a principal role.
3. Jacob or Jake DeShazer, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrus.
The book reads similar to watching a film. The author stated he'd first written the screen play, then the book. While reading Wounded Tiger, I imagined each scene in my mind---actually a large panoramic screen. My technicolor vision was full of powerful images, for example: the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Battle of Midway, the devastation of the atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Wounded Tiger has contrasting elements: the hate and cruel nature of Japanese soldiers versus the love and forgiveness of the Covell family, or the vengeance and need for retribution of a POW versus a changed heart.
There were tender moments when I was captivated by the significance of a characters courage and faith.
"Early the next morning, the sun broke through the sky over the eastern mountain ridge and glazed the front porch in gold. Mr. Andrus carried two blue-speckled enameled cups of steaming coffee out through the screen door. Mrs. Andrus sat rocking in her high back chair staring at the distant mountains, creaking the wooden deck with each rock. As he held the cup to his wife, she looked up with a smile and an unusual appearance of contentment. 'Thank you, dear.' She blew across her cup, took the slightest sip, and sat back and slowly rocked some more, still with a peaceful grin. Mr. Andrus gently set his cup on the table between them and sat down, keeping his eye on his wife, mystified by her demeanor, even wondering about her sanity. 'Jake's not dead,' she stated flatly, then slowly sipped again." Page 265-266.
T Martin Bennett spent several years researching the story, reading archive material, interviewing family members, and "consulting" with historians. Bennett explains in the book: "I have made every effort to ensure accuracy and honesty to history, to culture, and to the individuals. Simply stated, the essence of every scene in this story is true."
I am heartbroken over man's inhumanity to man, but man does not have the final word, God does. Only God can radically alter another person's heart. Only God can cover evil with grace.
In seven years of writing reviews (and I've never stated this before), this book stands alone as a must be made story into a film.
Wounded Tiger is a powerful story! It's a God story.
While reading Wounded Tiger, I envisioned certain actors portraying the roles, a few examples are:
Jimmy Covell-Matthew McConaughey, or Kirk Cameron.
Peggy Covell-Shailene Woodley
Mitsuo Fuchida-Shigeki Hosokawa
Mrs. Andrus-Roma Downey
Jake DeShazer-Theo James
July 22, 2014
One of the most inspirational and compelling nonfiction novels I have had the privilege of reading is "Wounded Tiger" by T. Martin Bennett. The story revolves around the war with Japan where victory doesn't just come from the defeat of a mighty military nation, but from the unrelenting spirit of men and women who suffered through its terrors, bloodshed and atrocities, and after the chaos subsided wanted to share the miracles and love that changed their lives with a defeated nation.
With vivid description T. Martin Bennett brings to life a war that begins with an alliance between Germany, Italy and Japan
and sweeps across Europe, encompassing nations in the Pacific. He delves into the deep rift that develops between Japan and the League of Nations after WW1 and the growing bias against the people of Japanese extraction. With the use of Japanese words, excepts from propaganda and news reports the author builds realism into an epic drama that's often forgotten.
Cleverly he seamlessly weaves the lives of three main characters- their hopes, dreams, and perspectives- into the climatic events that brought about a titanic clash between the United States and Japan.
Through the eyes of Mitsudo Fuchida, as he climbs the ladder of success through the upper eschelons of the Imperial Navy after Japan's momentous victory at Pearl Harbour, the reader gains a sense of the honour, duty and loyalty that binds the Japanese people to their Emperor and Nation. A brilliant strategist and visionary who with determination, a smattering of cockiness and impulsiveness overcame his sensitivity of being small and shy as a child Fuchida rises to become the Air Operations Commander of the Entire Combined Fleet when Japan suffers defeat in their final naval battle. But this man who continually asks questions about his existence, why he survives when others are killed will not only find the answers at the end of the war, but will find victory in the midst of defeat.
The other two threads of this engrossing story begin with an obscure and likeable Oregon farmhand, Jimmy "Jake" DeShazer who accepts an attractive paying job as a bombadier only to have his plane shot down. Captured in the early years of the war with seven others after the infamous Doolittle's Raid over Japan he's interrogated, tortured, imprisoned and starved, his hatred for the Japanese overpowering any compassion taught him as a child by his devote Christian mother. But after being given a bible to read in his small dank cell Jake not only finds the God he abandoned and forgiveness, but a promising future. In the Philippines Jimmy Cavell, a missionary, teacher and pacifist struggles to survive with his wife and other faculty members in the densely forested mountains near Panay. Knowing that any American caught by the Japanese is instantly killed, they hold tight to their faith, stirring the hearts of not only the Philippine people but insurgents and even a Japanese officer. It is his legacy of faith and love of the Japanese people that impels his daughter to serve in a Japanese prisoner of war camp.
I can't say enough about the power of this amazing story in whose pages we see faith, victory and hope. Yet there's also the realization that man never learns from past mistakes and that without God Armageddon could once again be a breath away. This is a great novel that would make a wonderful movie.
With vivid description T. Martin Bennett brings to life a war that begins with an alliance between Germany, Italy and Japan
and sweeps across Europe, encompassing nations in the Pacific. He delves into the deep rift that develops between Japan and the League of Nations after WW1 and the growing bias against the people of Japanese extraction. With the use of Japanese words, excepts from propaganda and news reports the author builds realism into an epic drama that's often forgotten.
Cleverly he seamlessly weaves the lives of three main characters- their hopes, dreams, and perspectives- into the climatic events that brought about a titanic clash between the United States and Japan.
Through the eyes of Mitsudo Fuchida, as he climbs the ladder of success through the upper eschelons of the Imperial Navy after Japan's momentous victory at Pearl Harbour, the reader gains a sense of the honour, duty and loyalty that binds the Japanese people to their Emperor and Nation. A brilliant strategist and visionary who with determination, a smattering of cockiness and impulsiveness overcame his sensitivity of being small and shy as a child Fuchida rises to become the Air Operations Commander of the Entire Combined Fleet when Japan suffers defeat in their final naval battle. But this man who continually asks questions about his existence, why he survives when others are killed will not only find the answers at the end of the war, but will find victory in the midst of defeat.
The other two threads of this engrossing story begin with an obscure and likeable Oregon farmhand, Jimmy "Jake" DeShazer who accepts an attractive paying job as a bombadier only to have his plane shot down. Captured in the early years of the war with seven others after the infamous Doolittle's Raid over Japan he's interrogated, tortured, imprisoned and starved, his hatred for the Japanese overpowering any compassion taught him as a child by his devote Christian mother. But after being given a bible to read in his small dank cell Jake not only finds the God he abandoned and forgiveness, but a promising future. In the Philippines Jimmy Cavell, a missionary, teacher and pacifist struggles to survive with his wife and other faculty members in the densely forested mountains near Panay. Knowing that any American caught by the Japanese is instantly killed, they hold tight to their faith, stirring the hearts of not only the Philippine people but insurgents and even a Japanese officer. It is his legacy of faith and love of the Japanese people that impels his daughter to serve in a Japanese prisoner of war camp.
I can't say enough about the power of this amazing story in whose pages we see faith, victory and hope. Yet there's also the realization that man never learns from past mistakes and that without God Armageddon could once again be a breath away. This is a great novel that would make a wonderful movie.
June 18, 2014
First, thank to T. Martin Bennett for sending me his book.
I read this book like a novel and not at all like a non fiction book. I really enjoyed the way the story is built with the fact to have the different points of view of the main characters, from the japanese or the american side. I also like a lot the writing, the style is very vivid with a lot of dialogues through short chapters. I didn't know much this part of History about the Pacific War and I really enjoyed to learn about it through the way men and women were living. At the beginning I was a bit afraid that battle or war strategy take a big part in this book but on the contrary it was moving and heartbreaking with great characters. I highly recommend this book to people who like History and amazing men and women.
Avant tout je remercie l’auteur T. Martin Bennett pour m’avoir envoyé son livre.
J’ai lu ce livre comme un roman tellement l’histoire était prenante et l’aspect historique intéressant. Pourtant à la base, je n’aime pas trop les récits de guerre, particulièrement dans leur côté militaire car j’avoue que j’ai peu d’intérêt pour l’aspect stratégique des batailles et pour le matériel militaire mais comme j’aime beaucoup le Japon je me suis lancée. Finalement j’ai beaucoup aimé ce livre et je lui ai donné une note de 4 sur 5. J’ai particulièrement apprécié la façon dont l’auteur a construit son récit en intercalant des chapitres qui mettent en scène ses différents personnages principaux, qu’ils soient japonais ou américains. Cela permet au lecteur d’avoir plusieurs points de vue, dans différents pays, selon leurs implications dans le conflit. Au-delà de l’aspect historique de cette guerre, c’est surtout l’aspect humain qui est mis en avant dans ce livre et c’est d’autant plus émouvant quand on sait que les personnages ont existé. Le lecteur se retrouve complétement immergé dans l’histoire aux côté de Fuchida le japonais, de Jake le pilote américain ou de Jimmy le professeur expatrié et caché dans la jungle avec sa femme pour échapper à la guerre. Cette façon de construire le récit permet une approche particulière des faits historiques à travers la vie et les sentiments des personnages. C’est un récit émouvant du début à la fin qui m’a beaucoup intéressé car je connaissais finalement très peu ce conflit en dehors des grandes lignes que l’on nous apprend à l’école.
Le livre, construit en chapitre courts avec de nombreux dialogues, permet une lecture très dynamique et facile pour moi dont l’anglais n’est pas la langue maternelle. Le style est vivant avec quelques mots japonais qui apportent une touche de réalisme supplémentaire. J’ai eu la chance de recevoir la version Hardcover, particulièrement soignée avec un beau papier et une typo agréable à suivre. De nombreuses cartes au début de certains chapitres permettent au lecteur de situer immédiatement l’action en cours et j’ai trouvé que le livre en lui-même était un très bel objet.
Je conseille ce livre à tous ceux qui aiment découvrir l’histoire à travers ses héros ordinaires et extraordinaires. J’ai vraiment apprécié ce récit pour son côté historique et son aspect humain, ce fût vraiment une belle découverte.
I read this book like a novel and not at all like a non fiction book. I really enjoyed the way the story is built with the fact to have the different points of view of the main characters, from the japanese or the american side. I also like a lot the writing, the style is very vivid with a lot of dialogues through short chapters. I didn't know much this part of History about the Pacific War and I really enjoyed to learn about it through the way men and women were living. At the beginning I was a bit afraid that battle or war strategy take a big part in this book but on the contrary it was moving and heartbreaking with great characters. I highly recommend this book to people who like History and amazing men and women.
Avant tout je remercie l’auteur T. Martin Bennett pour m’avoir envoyé son livre.
J’ai lu ce livre comme un roman tellement l’histoire était prenante et l’aspect historique intéressant. Pourtant à la base, je n’aime pas trop les récits de guerre, particulièrement dans leur côté militaire car j’avoue que j’ai peu d’intérêt pour l’aspect stratégique des batailles et pour le matériel militaire mais comme j’aime beaucoup le Japon je me suis lancée. Finalement j’ai beaucoup aimé ce livre et je lui ai donné une note de 4 sur 5. J’ai particulièrement apprécié la façon dont l’auteur a construit son récit en intercalant des chapitres qui mettent en scène ses différents personnages principaux, qu’ils soient japonais ou américains. Cela permet au lecteur d’avoir plusieurs points de vue, dans différents pays, selon leurs implications dans le conflit. Au-delà de l’aspect historique de cette guerre, c’est surtout l’aspect humain qui est mis en avant dans ce livre et c’est d’autant plus émouvant quand on sait que les personnages ont existé. Le lecteur se retrouve complétement immergé dans l’histoire aux côté de Fuchida le japonais, de Jake le pilote américain ou de Jimmy le professeur expatrié et caché dans la jungle avec sa femme pour échapper à la guerre. Cette façon de construire le récit permet une approche particulière des faits historiques à travers la vie et les sentiments des personnages. C’est un récit émouvant du début à la fin qui m’a beaucoup intéressé car je connaissais finalement très peu ce conflit en dehors des grandes lignes que l’on nous apprend à l’école.
Le livre, construit en chapitre courts avec de nombreux dialogues, permet une lecture très dynamique et facile pour moi dont l’anglais n’est pas la langue maternelle. Le style est vivant avec quelques mots japonais qui apportent une touche de réalisme supplémentaire. J’ai eu la chance de recevoir la version Hardcover, particulièrement soignée avec un beau papier et une typo agréable à suivre. De nombreuses cartes au début de certains chapitres permettent au lecteur de situer immédiatement l’action en cours et j’ai trouvé que le livre en lui-même était un très bel objet.
Je conseille ce livre à tous ceux qui aiment découvrir l’histoire à travers ses héros ordinaires et extraordinaires. J’ai vraiment apprécié ce récit pour son côté historique et son aspect humain, ce fût vraiment une belle découverte.
December 24, 2024
This amazing story follows the lives of some significant historical figures who forever changed the lives of many.
June 14, 2021
This is a lousy book. Its written more like a movie script than a novel. The characters are paper thin, the staging is lazy, there is little to no excitement or insight or depth. The book plays out the WWII Pacific Theater as subtext for religious conversion.
August 6, 2017
If you liked Laura Hillenbrand's Unbreakable, the true story of Louie Zamparini, you must read Wounded Tiger. This is a truly incredible book relating the true story of Fuchida, the lead pilot who led the raid on Pearl Harbor, and one of the Doolittle Raiders, Jake DeShazer and a Missionary in the Philipines, Jimmy Covell and how their lives were ultimately intertwined and ultimately led to Fuchida and Jake being Christians and later meeting in Japan after the war. Jake Deshazer, after the war wound up returning to Japan as a missionary to the Japanese people, who tortured and starved him for 4 years after he was captured when his plane crashed in China after the raid on Tokyo. Jake also was reunited with one of his captors Aota, who also wound up becoming a Christian and helping Jake in his evangelistic ministry to the Japanese people. This book provided an excellent view from the Japanese soldier's and civilian perspective of what it was like being a Japanese citizen during the war. A must read for anyone interested in the War in the Pacific during WWII and the power of the gospel to change broken lives and transform hatred and revenge into love and peace.
January 7, 2019
How does one take a subject as large as World War II and pull out a story that is fresh and moving yet compact enough to hold interest and resolve issues? Bennett does it through following the lives of three families complete with their world views, biases, and struggles with hard facts.
I read a review somewhere that criticized the lack of notations for a non-fiction treatise on WWII. I admit to feeling the same discomfort when Yamamoto’s famous line from the movie Tora! Tora! Tora! is absent. Not only is it not there; it likely wasn’t there based on this book. As Bennett portrays Yamamoto (and the general mindset of the Japanese toward America before bombing Pearl Harbor), his description is more believable. Without resources quoted, the reader is left with the question, which is accurate?
Bennett’s power of story more than compensates the doubts and continues moving the story forward to its surprising conclusion. Yes, surprising even though we know the outcome of the war. Fully enjoyable read.
I read a review somewhere that criticized the lack of notations for a non-fiction treatise on WWII. I admit to feeling the same discomfort when Yamamoto’s famous line from the movie Tora! Tora! Tora! is absent. Not only is it not there; it likely wasn’t there based on this book. As Bennett portrays Yamamoto (and the general mindset of the Japanese toward America before bombing Pearl Harbor), his description is more believable. Without resources quoted, the reader is left with the question, which is accurate?
Bennett’s power of story more than compensates the doubts and continues moving the story forward to its surprising conclusion. Yes, surprising even though we know the outcome of the war. Fully enjoyable read.
May 21, 2014
First - THANK YOU T Martin Bennett for sending me this book. I read it and now my Review on Wounded Tiger.
When I finished this book I did some research on the lives of the families involved in this Epic 'Nonfiction Novel.' I'm glad I did. More, a lot more could have been written about the main characters and families in this TRUE STORY. However, T Martin Bennett does a masterful job in getting the story across and finishes it with the reader thinking 'DANG' what a book, What A Story !!!
I've read many, MANY books on WWII and this is I believe one of the few like it. War - hatred - revenge - bible -redemption all come into play in Wounded Tiger.
WHEN this becomes a movie I'll be in line to see it - bringing my family and friends.
Charlie Halter
When I finished this book I did some research on the lives of the families involved in this Epic 'Nonfiction Novel.' I'm glad I did. More, a lot more could have been written about the main characters and families in this TRUE STORY. However, T Martin Bennett does a masterful job in getting the story across and finishes it with the reader thinking 'DANG' what a book, What A Story !!!
I've read many, MANY books on WWII and this is I believe one of the few like it. War - hatred - revenge - bible -redemption all come into play in Wounded Tiger.
WHEN this becomes a movie I'll be in line to see it - bringing my family and friends.
Charlie Halter
July 15, 2015
As a reader of war stories, I loved this book.
I had a friend post that this was a great book so I purchased it as I was reading Unbroken. I have now read it twice. I am not a person who will write a fancy review of a book to show my literary knowledge. Instead, I will say if you like reading a book that shows the ugliness of war and the possibilities of man when guided by God this is a great book. If you are a person who struggles with your faith this would be a great book to read. If you enjoy reading stories about WW 2 this is a book you will enjoy and I promise it will soften your heart and help you to see the goodness mankind is capable of.
I had a friend post that this was a great book so I purchased it as I was reading Unbroken. I have now read it twice. I am not a person who will write a fancy review of a book to show my literary knowledge. Instead, I will say if you like reading a book that shows the ugliness of war and the possibilities of man when guided by God this is a great book. If you are a person who struggles with your faith this would be a great book to read. If you enjoy reading stories about WW 2 this is a book you will enjoy and I promise it will soften your heart and help you to see the goodness mankind is capable of.
July 22, 2020
I love the historical facts of this book. There is a ton of literature regarding the germany and world war II, however I found myself fairly naive regarding the japanese involvement. Loved learning more about their involvement during this time. This last 1/4 of this book focuses more on the art of christianity and its driving force with the main characters. I am not an overly religious person and therefore this did not resonate with me. A good read, facts were wonderful to learn..
writing style is more of a historical presentation versus actual novel style.
writing style is more of a historical presentation versus actual novel style.
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