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The Day the World Went Nuclear: Dropping the Atom Bomb and the End of World War II in the Pacific
Autumn 1944. World War II is nearly over in Europe, but in the Pacific, American soldiers face an enemy who will not surrender, despite a massive and mounting death toll. Meanwhile, in Los Alamos, New Mexico, Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer and his team of scientists are preparing to test the deadliest weapon known to mankind. Newly inaugurated president Harry Truman faces the most important political decision in history: whether to use that weapon.
Adapted from Bill O'Reilly's historical thriller Killing the Rising Sun, with characteristically gripping storytelling, this story explores the decision to use the atom bomb and the end of World War II in the Pacific.
Adapted from Bill O'Reilly's historical thriller Killing the Rising Sun, with characteristically gripping storytelling, this story explores the decision to use the atom bomb and the end of World War II in the Pacific.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published June 20, 2017
448 people are currently reading
751 people want to read
About the author
Bill O'Reilly
59 books3,442 followersBill O'Reilly's success in broadcasting and publishing is unmatched. The iconic anchor of The O'Reilly Factor led the program to the status of the highest rated cable news broadcast in the nation for sixteen consecutive years. His website BillOReilly.com is followed by millions all over the world.
In addition, he has authored an astonishing 12 number one ranked non-fiction books including the historical "Killing" series. Mr. O'Reilly currently has 17 million books in print.
Bill O'Reilly has been a broadcaster for 42 years. He has been awarded three Emmys and a number of other journalism accolades. He was a national correspondent for CBS News and ABC News as well as a reporter-anchor for WCBS-TV in New York City, among other high-profile jobs.
Mr. O'Reilly received two other Emmy nominations for the movies "Killing Kennedy" and "Killing Jesus."
He holds a history degree from Marist College, a master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Boston University, and another master’s degree from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Bill O'Reilly lives on Long Island where he was raised. His philanthropic enterprises have raised tens of millions for people in need and wounded American veterans.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/billor...
In addition, he has authored an astonishing 12 number one ranked non-fiction books including the historical "Killing" series. Mr. O'Reilly currently has 17 million books in print.
Bill O'Reilly has been a broadcaster for 42 years. He has been awarded three Emmys and a number of other journalism accolades. He was a national correspondent for CBS News and ABC News as well as a reporter-anchor for WCBS-TV in New York City, among other high-profile jobs.
Mr. O'Reilly received two other Emmy nominations for the movies "Killing Kennedy" and "Killing Jesus."
He holds a history degree from Marist College, a master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Boston University, and another master’s degree from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Bill O'Reilly lives on Long Island where he was raised. His philanthropic enterprises have raised tens of millions for people in need and wounded American veterans.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/billor...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
December 1, 2020
'The Day the World Went Nuclear' is an easy read, almost like a kid's book, yet it is packed full of information without wasting words. Maps and photographs complement the text. Not only is the history of the first bombs being developed, tested and used explained, but even some of the debate on whether or not to use them is included.
Part of the reason for the development of the bomb was due to Einstein's urging. He feared that the Axis might develop one first. Ironically, Einstein was not recruited for Oppenheimer's team to develop the bomb.
After providing a lot of the background to the story, the book slowed down for the day by day or hour by hour unfolding of this historic event. The citizens of Hiroshima, as well as the military, ignored that lone bomber that obliterated their city with a single bomb. By comparison, the defenses of Nagasaki, and a bumbling of errors almost saved their city.
Plenty of politics was involved in the planning. Surprisingly, General MacArthur was one of the few who opposed their use as he felt the war would soon be won. President Truman, who did not like MacArthur, felt that MacArthur was a glory hound and waited until the last minute to tell him about it, partly because he feared him a security risk.
The debate concerning the morality of their use continues today. Many servicemen, faced with the prospects of a murderous campaign costing thousands upon thousands of lives welcomed the bombing as it probably saved theirs. Some of the other reasons for their use included the fact that the Japanese military were willing to fight to the extinction of every man, woman, and child in Japan. As for the horror of the bombs, more people were killed in the fire bomb raids than the atomic bombings. It was common knowledge that the Japanese were slaughtering POWs rather than let them be liberated. There were reports of cannibalism among starving Japanese troops in Burma and on islands bypassed during the Allied offensive in the Pacific. They were murdering civilians in the occupied lands as well. One only has to consider the Japanese killing of some 300,000 Chinese civilians in Nanking to understand the depths of their barbarity and what they were capable of. Even when the Japanese emperor spoke to his people for the first time by the radio broadcast, his speech avoided the word surrender. So the war had to end quickly, and what better way?
Before closing I will ask this question. If civilians are to die in war, and they will, does it matter how? The Japanese died a lot quicker than the Chinese they raped and butchered in Nanking. Also, do the enemy lives count more than your own, even if they are women and children? War truly is hell.
Part of the reason for the development of the bomb was due to Einstein's urging. He feared that the Axis might develop one first. Ironically, Einstein was not recruited for Oppenheimer's team to develop the bomb.
After providing a lot of the background to the story, the book slowed down for the day by day or hour by hour unfolding of this historic event. The citizens of Hiroshima, as well as the military, ignored that lone bomber that obliterated their city with a single bomb. By comparison, the defenses of Nagasaki, and a bumbling of errors almost saved their city.
Plenty of politics was involved in the planning. Surprisingly, General MacArthur was one of the few who opposed their use as he felt the war would soon be won. President Truman, who did not like MacArthur, felt that MacArthur was a glory hound and waited until the last minute to tell him about it, partly because he feared him a security risk.
The debate concerning the morality of their use continues today. Many servicemen, faced with the prospects of a murderous campaign costing thousands upon thousands of lives welcomed the bombing as it probably saved theirs. Some of the other reasons for their use included the fact that the Japanese military were willing to fight to the extinction of every man, woman, and child in Japan. As for the horror of the bombs, more people were killed in the fire bomb raids than the atomic bombings. It was common knowledge that the Japanese were slaughtering POWs rather than let them be liberated. There were reports of cannibalism among starving Japanese troops in Burma and on islands bypassed during the Allied offensive in the Pacific. They were murdering civilians in the occupied lands as well. One only has to consider the Japanese killing of some 300,000 Chinese civilians in Nanking to understand the depths of their barbarity and what they were capable of. Even when the Japanese emperor spoke to his people for the first time by the radio broadcast, his speech avoided the word surrender. So the war had to end quickly, and what better way?
Before closing I will ask this question. If civilians are to die in war, and they will, does it matter how? The Japanese died a lot quicker than the Chinese they raped and butchered in Nanking. Also, do the enemy lives count more than your own, even if they are women and children? War truly is hell.
July 26, 2024
Another informative & fun read by Bill O’Reilly. I might not agree with O’Reilly’s political viewpoints. But I do enjoyed reading most of his books. This book covers the events preceding & succeeding the dropping of the atomic bombs on Japan during WWII as seen from the Japanese perspective & the American perspective. The contents of this book is very similar to the author’s other book, Killing the Rising Sun, except this book has a lot more historical photos & illustrations. I recommend this book to any casual reader who enjoys reading about modern war history.
September 9, 2025
Bill O'Reilly's historical books are like popcorn. Enjoyable, addictive, and over before you know it. This is no different. He writes about history in a way that reads like a thriller. Inside the narrative are countless facts that are easy to consume for the readers.
World War 2 is fascinating, and the only uses of the atom bomb ever make it even more engrossing. I did end up diving into AI because my curiosity peaked around the fact that the blueprints for these devastating weapons were never shared, so each nation in the possession of them today has their own version of it based on the same principles. That's a terrifying concept that one nation's might be the most destructive of them all.
This book gave me a lot of insight into the Japanese culture, especially at times of war. That level of animosity couldn't have disappeared entirely even in the present time. Definitely take another journey into the darkest period in world history with this one. If it stimulates your intellect, there is an extremely graphic documentary on Netflix on the bomb victims. It's a truly gruesome picture into the human suffering that followed.
World War 2 is fascinating, and the only uses of the atom bomb ever make it even more engrossing. I did end up diving into AI because my curiosity peaked around the fact that the blueprints for these devastating weapons were never shared, so each nation in the possession of them today has their own version of it based on the same principles. That's a terrifying concept that one nation's might be the most destructive of them all.
This book gave me a lot of insight into the Japanese culture, especially at times of war. That level of animosity couldn't have disappeared entirely even in the present time. Definitely take another journey into the darkest period in world history with this one. If it stimulates your intellect, there is an extremely graphic documentary on Netflix on the bomb victims. It's a truly gruesome picture into the human suffering that followed.
December 6, 2017
There are two factors to bear in mind when reading this book: 1) Bill O'Reilly started his career as a high school history teacher, and 2) the average American reads at about an eighth-grade level. Mr. O'Reilly has performed an important service by making the events surrounding the dropping of the two atomic bombs during WWII accessible to everybody. The book even has a few facts unknown to an old hand like myself. The day-by-day format of events along with numerous pictures should make the book worthwhile reading for most Americans.
August 6, 2020
Lots of really great information to help you understand what was going on in the world at this time and why this route was pursued. It is written for a younger audience, but I thought it was a really great history lesson that anyone could learn from.
He really describes it in a way that helps you understand the horrific magnitude of those bombs. I’m glad it ended the war, but can’t help but wish it hadn’t happened. Hurts my heart to think of the devastation it produced.
He really describes it in a way that helps you understand the horrific magnitude of those bombs. I’m glad it ended the war, but can’t help but wish it hadn’t happened. Hurts my heart to think of the devastation it produced.
July 26, 2023
Powerful short history of developing and detonating atomic bomb in 1945.
October 24, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! I learned so much more about the war. I will definitely be reading more of O’Reillys books!
July 29, 2018
Another great, educational tome about history and WW2. The raging war in the Pacific and the many actors of that war. President Truman, General Douglas McArthur, Japan's Tojo and Hirohito.
Many people have different opinions about whether or not it was necessary or right to use the atomic bombs on Japan. General then later President Eisenhower thought they were an evil 'Frankenstein Monster'. Presidents Bush (both) and Carter were in favor. Some think Japan was ready to surrender anyway. Especially with the invasion of the USSR imminent. Others say the bombs prevented one million military deaths by conventional forces. It is my personal opinion, not that it matters, is that a bomb is a bomb. Whether you destroy a city and kill people with 1,000 conventional bombs dropped from an airplane or one very powerful one from the Enola Gay, the effect is the same. But I also think and stipulate that it is the only time mankind has ever used a nuclear bomb in a war, and God willing, and human beings being rational and peaceful, will never happen again.
Many people have different opinions about whether or not it was necessary or right to use the atomic bombs on Japan. General then later President Eisenhower thought they were an evil 'Frankenstein Monster'. Presidents Bush (both) and Carter were in favor. Some think Japan was ready to surrender anyway. Especially with the invasion of the USSR imminent. Others say the bombs prevented one million military deaths by conventional forces. It is my personal opinion, not that it matters, is that a bomb is a bomb. Whether you destroy a city and kill people with 1,000 conventional bombs dropped from an airplane or one very powerful one from the Enola Gay, the effect is the same. But I also think and stipulate that it is the only time mankind has ever used a nuclear bomb in a war, and God willing, and human beings being rational and peaceful, will never happen again.
June 25, 2021
Great, quick read with tons of little known facts, told in that now famous style of Bill's books.
August 8, 2022
This book does a very good job at breaking things down into smaller, more manageable concepts, but still informative bits of information. I first read this maybe in 6th grade and was able to understand quite a bit of it. Now as a sophomore I reread this and learned quite a bit. It was very nice how you had the emperor's perspective sometimes and you really feel the predicament he is placed in. Overall very well done.
August 20, 2021
A quick read that focuses on mixed opinions of whether people felt the atomic bomb droppings were necessary or not. It gives a peek into what the developers of this weapon were thinking and how they felt about what they had created. The way the authors tells the whole story and gives details behind the events before and after the attacks is plain amazing; it makes me feel like I was in the aircraft with Tibbets, or I was in the room with Truman meeting world leaders, or I was in the room when the Emperor of Japan gave his infamous speech on surrender.
June 13, 2018
With some background information which enabled the development of the atom bomb, this book actually focused on the days and weeks before and after the two nuclear bombs were dropped on Japan to end the War in the Pacific.
A tremendous amount of information is relayed in the fashion of a series of snapshots from May to September of 1945. Each chapter ranges from a couple of sentences in length to a few pages with massive amounts of photos and a few maps thrown in. Watching as Truman is called to the White House to be told of Roosevelt's death. Oppenheimer pacing, waiting for the weather to settle so that Trinity can be tested. MacArthur's determination that the invasion of Japan be a military assault to rival Normandy with casualties in the thousands. Truman whispering in Stalin's ear about the United States "new weapon of unusual destructive force". The firebombing of Japanese cities and in the days before the nuclear bomb drops, the dropping of thousands of pamphlets telling the occupants to evacuate.
I actually read the entire book in less than three hours. It moved right along and I wish I had a history teacher like O'Reilly when I was in school because if he talks like he writes, modern history would have been alot more interesting. Note that I have never listened to his shows nor investigated any recordings that may be on the web so I don't know how he speaks.
This book seems to be written for a younger set - as there is a warning that some of the news clips could be difficult for sensitive viewers or even previewed by an adult.
Several other reviews have commented that this book is just a focused part of his book on "Killing the Rising Sun". I guess I'll have to investigate that soon so I can compare.
A tremendous amount of information is relayed in the fashion of a series of snapshots from May to September of 1945. Each chapter ranges from a couple of sentences in length to a few pages with massive amounts of photos and a few maps thrown in. Watching as Truman is called to the White House to be told of Roosevelt's death. Oppenheimer pacing, waiting for the weather to settle so that Trinity can be tested. MacArthur's determination that the invasion of Japan be a military assault to rival Normandy with casualties in the thousands. Truman whispering in Stalin's ear about the United States "new weapon of unusual destructive force". The firebombing of Japanese cities and in the days before the nuclear bomb drops, the dropping of thousands of pamphlets telling the occupants to evacuate.
I actually read the entire book in less than three hours. It moved right along and I wish I had a history teacher like O'Reilly when I was in school because if he talks like he writes, modern history would have been alot more interesting. Note that I have never listened to his shows nor investigated any recordings that may be on the web so I don't know how he speaks.
This book seems to be written for a younger set - as there is a warning that some of the news clips could be difficult for sensitive viewers or even previewed by an adult.
Several other reviews have commented that this book is just a focused part of his book on "Killing the Rising Sun". I guess I'll have to investigate that soon so I can compare.
January 25, 2019
Bill O'Reilly delivers exciting nonfiction for kids. The dropping of the atomic bomb on Japan to end World War II is one of the most incredible stories of all time, and yet most kids don't know about it. That's why this book is a must for every school library. The 6th grade teachers at my school do a nonfiction unit, and this book is going on my recommended reading list. The pictures are fantastic. The writing is perfection. O'Reilly doesn't waste your time with boring nonsense. His word choice and succinct sentences compel you forward. There's a sense of both mystery and urgency. You can feel the tension. Here he describes the bomb as it falls to its target.
"Forty-three seconds after its release, at an altitude of 1,968 feet over the Aioi Bridge in downtown Hiroshima, Little Boy's radar proximity fuse detonates. Within the bomb's inner cannon, the four cordite charges explode, sending the uranium bullet hurtling the length of the barrel, where it collides with the second mass of U-235. The chain reaction is instantaneous. In the blast that follows, a fireball spreads out over the target zone. It travels at one hundred times the speed of sound, rendering it silent. One millionth of a second later, the people of Hiroshima begin to incinerate."
O'Reilly's books are equal to those written by award winners Steve Sheinkin and Deborah Hopkinson. He will never win an award because of his openly conservative views, which is sad. This one for sure deserves an award.
"Forty-three seconds after its release, at an altitude of 1,968 feet over the Aioi Bridge in downtown Hiroshima, Little Boy's radar proximity fuse detonates. Within the bomb's inner cannon, the four cordite charges explode, sending the uranium bullet hurtling the length of the barrel, where it collides with the second mass of U-235. The chain reaction is instantaneous. In the blast that follows, a fireball spreads out over the target zone. It travels at one hundred times the speed of sound, rendering it silent. One millionth of a second later, the people of Hiroshima begin to incinerate."
O'Reilly's books are equal to those written by award winners Steve Sheinkin and Deborah Hopkinson. He will never win an award because of his openly conservative views, which is sad. This one for sure deserves an award.
December 3, 2020
It is a very interesting history book. You don't have to spend lavishly to get grip on a nice history about WWII and the nuclear tragedy in Japan. O'Reilley interestingly writes the plot so it won't bore people out. I like to read this one since, in my school time, I wasn't taught some specific roles in the war theater. I was just taught the big picture of how WWII started and ended. For many Americans, it could be common to know about McArthur, Mr. Truman, Hirohito, and so on, as a person, and it is nice bringing up by O'Reilley plotting these guys in the story.
I will not agree with the usage of nuclear power as a weapon. It is never a fair game and too big to bear for the consequences morally and spiritually. It is understandable that how Mr. Truman and Mr. Tibbet linger for the rest of his life defending themselves for being the prosecutors. Mr. Truman was always asked about the moral of approving these nuclear to be dropped on the enemy. Finally, Mr. Truman made a statement about his decision back then about the bomb. He didn't regret the decision and supported by the other presidents after his term. The surrendering of Japan in WWII has brought a chance for some countries to be free from Japan atrocity, such as Indonesia which has its independent proclamation on 17th August 1945, just a few days after Japan proclaimed its surrendering.
If only there was a way to stop the war not using the atomic bomb...
I will not agree with the usage of nuclear power as a weapon. It is never a fair game and too big to bear for the consequences morally and spiritually. It is understandable that how Mr. Truman and Mr. Tibbet linger for the rest of his life defending themselves for being the prosecutors. Mr. Truman was always asked about the moral of approving these nuclear to be dropped on the enemy. Finally, Mr. Truman made a statement about his decision back then about the bomb. He didn't regret the decision and supported by the other presidents after his term. The surrendering of Japan in WWII has brought a chance for some countries to be free from Japan atrocity, such as Indonesia which has its independent proclamation on 17th August 1945, just a few days after Japan proclaimed its surrendering.
If only there was a way to stop the war not using the atomic bomb...
July 18, 2017
THE DAY THE WORLD WENT NUCLEAR:DROPPING THE ATOM BOMB AND THE END OF WWII IN THE PACIFIC BY BILL O'REILLY takes a slice of history and gives us a minute account of the dropping of the bomb on Japan during WWII. I remember as a kid watching a show called You Are There, where they take an event in history and profile it. Bill O'Reilly has taken a slice of WWII and takes the reader back to the bloody Pacific war. O'Reilly shows the movements and the moments on both sides. We see MacArthur coming ashore in the Philippines & the Emperor of Japan, a living god to his people. We see the Japanese going about their daily lives not knowing the hell that awaits them. We see the Enola Gay, the plane that carries the bomb & the rest of history.
The dropping of the bomb on Japan during WWII has been a topic that is still debated in schools all over the country. Was Truman right to drop the bomb thus forcing the Japanese into surrender or should we have invaded Japan and lost thousands if not hundreds of thousands of American and allied troops That very question is asked of living Presidents as well at the end.
I have always enjoyed Mr. O'Reilly's history books. Being a history junkie or someone who wants to know a little bit more about WWII ,and the bomb ,you will as well.
The dropping of the bomb on Japan during WWII has been a topic that is still debated in schools all over the country. Was Truman right to drop the bomb thus forcing the Japanese into surrender or should we have invaded Japan and lost thousands if not hundreds of thousands of American and allied troops That very question is asked of living Presidents as well at the end.
I have always enjoyed Mr. O'Reilly's history books. Being a history junkie or someone who wants to know a little bit more about WWII ,and the bomb ,you will as well.
May 13, 2018
3.5 stars. A pretty good book. It could have been a lot better if it was written by Walter Isaacson or similar. The potential for details here was great such as explaining: the technicality of the atom bomb and how it works. I don't know if this was abridged or not but a longer book is imperative. I was bummed that Bill didn't narrate this. Rule of thumb: Nonfiction books should always be narrated by the author. It's your duty. I'd love to go to Japan now. I also want to visit the little islands in the Pacific that were significant in WWII. I'm envious of Phil Knight and how he was able to travel to Japan and see some of the destruction of post WWII Japan as he wrote in his amazing 6-star memoir, Shoe Dog.
This would have a made a great book to read while playing Plablo.
Questions I still have:
Why didn't the US bomb the emperor's palace? I'll never understand stupid rules of war.
How were the surrounding cities effected by the dropping of the A-bombs and for how long?
What did other countries think of the A-bomb and the US being able to make one?
Did/do the Japanese hate their idiot leader, Emperor Hirohito, for being responsible for all the deaths of his own people? Stupid saving face culture that Japan has. It literally led to their ruin and death. It's amazing they still keep that same culture value.
What if the bomb didn't work? What then, firebomb the rest of Japan?
Why was poor General MacArthur kept in the dark about the Manhattan Project? I hated that. They treated him like beep and he was key to winning the Pacific. I didn't like that MacArthur didn't want Hirohito to pay for his crimes. That was a crock. Almost as bad as Ford letting Nixon get away with his crimes.
Is Japan still forbidden to go to war and have a military? They agreed to that but I don't know if that was temporary or permanent.
Fun facts:
Joseph Stalin was afraid to fly. I need to read a book about him and Russia. I know nothing about those two entities.
Hiroshima was picked because it was the largest military supply depot for Japan. I don't know why Nagasaki was selected. Seems like they just picked it en route. Also there weren't as many casualties in Nagasaki because they missed their target by a several miles.
Truman didn't want to ruthlessly kill innocent people just because he could.
The US dropped flyers from planes into towns telling them to evacuate because we were going to bomb them.
FDR knew about the making of the A-bomb since 1939.
A trinitite is a stone made from the after effects of a nuclear bomb. I need to find one of these.
Einstein's brain was removed without permission. Good thing.
Bill got Tojo's death wrong. He died on December 23rd according to Wiki.
This would have a made a great book to read while playing Plablo.
Questions I still have:
Why didn't the US bomb the emperor's palace? I'll never understand stupid rules of war.
How were the surrounding cities effected by the dropping of the A-bombs and for how long?
What did other countries think of the A-bomb and the US being able to make one?
Did/do the Japanese hate their idiot leader, Emperor Hirohito, for being responsible for all the deaths of his own people? Stupid saving face culture that Japan has. It literally led to their ruin and death. It's amazing they still keep that same culture value.
What if the bomb didn't work? What then, firebomb the rest of Japan?
Why was poor General MacArthur kept in the dark about the Manhattan Project? I hated that. They treated him like beep and he was key to winning the Pacific. I didn't like that MacArthur didn't want Hirohito to pay for his crimes. That was a crock. Almost as bad as Ford letting Nixon get away with his crimes.
Is Japan still forbidden to go to war and have a military? They agreed to that but I don't know if that was temporary or permanent.
Fun facts:
Joseph Stalin was afraid to fly. I need to read a book about him and Russia. I know nothing about those two entities.
Hiroshima was picked because it was the largest military supply depot for Japan. I don't know why Nagasaki was selected. Seems like they just picked it en route. Also there weren't as many casualties in Nagasaki because they missed their target by a several miles.
Truman didn't want to ruthlessly kill innocent people just because he could.
The US dropped flyers from planes into towns telling them to evacuate because we were going to bomb them.
FDR knew about the making of the A-bomb since 1939.
A trinitite is a stone made from the after effects of a nuclear bomb. I need to find one of these.
Einstein's brain was removed without permission. Good thing.
Bill got Tojo's death wrong. He died on December 23rd according to Wiki.
February 26, 2019
In The Day the World Went Nuclear: Dropping the Atom Bomb and the End of World War II in the Pacific, the book starts off towards the end of WWII. Harry S. Truman is president and he is trying to end the war. Truman has to make a decision about how he will defeat Japan. Meanwhile, the war in Japan continues and many Americans are dying. Truman decides he will try to force Japan to surrender. Back in the United States, there is a new technology that could help end the war. The atomic bomb was created. Truman now had a very difficult decision to make. Truman had to decide whether or not to use this deadly weapon on Japan. Truman makes his decision and he drops the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and he tries to make Japan come to an unconditional surrender. This is a major tragedy for Japan. Hirohito, the leader of Japan, now will have to decide if he wants to end the war and let the Americans win or he can continue to fight. If he lets the U.S. win he will fail his country making Japan inferior to the U.S.and if he continues to fight he will risk losing many more of his people. This decision caused lots of tension between Hirohito and Japan. I give this book a rating of 3 out of 5 due to the way Bill O’Reilly wrote the book and the details about the event.
The first reason I gave this book a 3 out of 5 was because I liked the way Bill O’Reilly wrote The Day the World Went Nuclear: Dropping the Atom Bomb and the End of World War II in the Pacific. The book was written in third person which makes it very easy to distinguish what is happening all over the world instead of just in the United States. “Seven hundred miles west of the island of Peleliu, where marines are now mired in their fifth bloody week of combat, the sixty-four-year-old commander of Allied forces in the South-west Pacific leans over the rail of the USS Nashville” (O’Reilly 7). This is one example of how Bill O’Reilly lets the readers know what is happening all over the world. Even though the main focus is on the decisions Truman makes, the book also spends time talking about the rest of the world. For me, the way he wrote the book was very helpful and it allowed me to understand when everything was happening.
However, I feel like Bill O’Reilly could have gave more details about some events in the book. For example, “‘Within four months,’ begins the report brought to Truman in the Oval Office, ‘ we shall in all probability have completed the most terrible weapon ever known in human history, one bomb which could destroy a whole city” (O’Reilly 39). This is the first time the book mentions the A-Bomb and the book does not cover the next four months of building the bomb. I believe Bill O’Reilly could have spent some time talking about the building of the bomb instead of focusing on the motive for dropping the bomb. I think this would have gave the reader a better understanding of the A-Bomb.
Overall, I would rate this a 3 out of 5. I think Bill O’Reilly could have added more details to some of the events in the book. However, I really liked the way the book was written.
The first reason I gave this book a 3 out of 5 was because I liked the way Bill O’Reilly wrote The Day the World Went Nuclear: Dropping the Atom Bomb and the End of World War II in the Pacific. The book was written in third person which makes it very easy to distinguish what is happening all over the world instead of just in the United States. “Seven hundred miles west of the island of Peleliu, where marines are now mired in their fifth bloody week of combat, the sixty-four-year-old commander of Allied forces in the South-west Pacific leans over the rail of the USS Nashville” (O’Reilly 7). This is one example of how Bill O’Reilly lets the readers know what is happening all over the world. Even though the main focus is on the decisions Truman makes, the book also spends time talking about the rest of the world. For me, the way he wrote the book was very helpful and it allowed me to understand when everything was happening.
However, I feel like Bill O’Reilly could have gave more details about some events in the book. For example, “‘Within four months,’ begins the report brought to Truman in the Oval Office, ‘ we shall in all probability have completed the most terrible weapon ever known in human history, one bomb which could destroy a whole city” (O’Reilly 39). This is the first time the book mentions the A-Bomb and the book does not cover the next four months of building the bomb. I believe Bill O’Reilly could have spent some time talking about the building of the bomb instead of focusing on the motive for dropping the bomb. I think this would have gave the reader a better understanding of the A-Bomb.
Overall, I would rate this a 3 out of 5. I think Bill O’Reilly could have added more details to some of the events in the book. However, I really liked the way the book was written.
January 9, 2021
Filled with details of building the atomic bombs that would produce terrible annihilation of people and buildings in Japan.
The book lists some of the battles of WWII, but mainly explores decisions that led to the use of the bomb that would forever change the world.
On August 6th, 8:16 Colonel Paul Tibbets has traveled six hours to reach Hiroshima, Japan and is about to unleash terror unlike any experienced before.
All crew members must wear specially designed glasses that would render anyone not wearing them blind.
Heavy, loaded with fuel and a very heavy payload, as Tibbets turns sharply to the right, the Enola Gay (named after his mother) , lurches and now is rid of the heavy bomb. The bomb wobbles that then straightens, missing the intended target of a t-shaped bridge, it is only three hundred yards from the target.
Successful, Tibbet and his crew deem the mission successful. Later they will learn of the bodies immediately seared with their internal organs boiling. Approximately 70,000 are dead within seconds. Those who did not die are doomed to incredible pain from the radiation burns and skin that peals off various body parts.
Still the Emperor of Japan does not give any sign of surrender. He walls in his gardens while his people die.
Now, the second bomb, named Bockscar , is ready to leave from the North field of Tnian, Mariana islands. The date is August 9. Unlike the smooth run of the Enola Gay, this run to target Kokura, does not begin well and various issues occur throughout the journey to the intended target, making the necessity to change to drop the bomb in Nagasaki.
Bad weather has plagued the bomb. And, on their return flight, the Almost out of fuel, the trip home is tenuous. Landing so hard that upon arrival the bomber bounced 25 feet into the air. Lacking fuel, the engines one by one shut down. Remarkably, they are successful at landing at Okinawa, which was not the intended landing site.
Now, the world has changed forever. We deem these missions as justifiable by using Japan's surprise attack of US Pearl Harbor, and calculating the number of lives saved if the bombs were not used, Still, years later, we debate if it was necessary to use these bomb. While now, other countries have this potential as well.
The book lists some of the battles of WWII, but mainly explores decisions that led to the use of the bomb that would forever change the world.
On August 6th, 8:16 Colonel Paul Tibbets has traveled six hours to reach Hiroshima, Japan and is about to unleash terror unlike any experienced before.
All crew members must wear specially designed glasses that would render anyone not wearing them blind.
Heavy, loaded with fuel and a very heavy payload, as Tibbets turns sharply to the right, the Enola Gay (named after his mother) , lurches and now is rid of the heavy bomb. The bomb wobbles that then straightens, missing the intended target of a t-shaped bridge, it is only three hundred yards from the target.
Successful, Tibbet and his crew deem the mission successful. Later they will learn of the bodies immediately seared with their internal organs boiling. Approximately 70,000 are dead within seconds. Those who did not die are doomed to incredible pain from the radiation burns and skin that peals off various body parts.
Still the Emperor of Japan does not give any sign of surrender. He walls in his gardens while his people die.
Now, the second bomb, named Bockscar , is ready to leave from the North field of Tnian, Mariana islands. The date is August 9. Unlike the smooth run of the Enola Gay, this run to target Kokura, does not begin well and various issues occur throughout the journey to the intended target, making the necessity to change to drop the bomb in Nagasaki.
Bad weather has plagued the bomb. And, on their return flight, the Almost out of fuel, the trip home is tenuous. Landing so hard that upon arrival the bomber bounced 25 feet into the air. Lacking fuel, the engines one by one shut down. Remarkably, they are successful at landing at Okinawa, which was not the intended landing site.
Now, the world has changed forever. We deem these missions as justifiable by using Japan's surprise attack of US Pearl Harbor, and calculating the number of lives saved if the bombs were not used, Still, years later, we debate if it was necessary to use these bomb. While now, other countries have this potential as well.
January 7, 2023
I can’t stand this book. The information itself is good but literally everything else about it is terrible.
The chapters are incredibly short. There are multiple chapters that are half a page long. At that point, just combine chapters.
Information is left out about the people who made the bomb (such as Oppenheimer) and the decision to use the bomb itself. One moment O’Reilly is talking about how difficult the decision to use the bomb is, the next moment he offhandedly mentions that Truman has orders in place to use it and keep using similar bombs until Japan surrenders. There is no mention of his thought process or the arguments on both sides of the decision.
The writing itself is bad. It’s a nonfiction book written to read like a piece of fiction, yet it leaves out enough detail to remain nonfiction in nature. This is aided by the fact that there is almost no dialogue.
There are many pictures spread throughout the entire book, which break up the text in odd ways and distract the reader.
The first few pages are just lists of important officials in different countries and their pictures. It’s a lot of information at once and would be much better incorporated into the book instead of thrown at the reader at the beginning.
The back of the book reads like a dumping ground for everything O’Reilly forgot to write into the actual book or was just too unbothered to write in. It’s jumpy, out of order, and the writing style completely changes.
And now for my biggest complaint about The Day The World Went Nuclear by Bill O’Reilly.
The timeline at the back of the book is out of order. It cannot be that hard to organize a list of dates. I mean come on
The chapters are incredibly short. There are multiple chapters that are half a page long. At that point, just combine chapters.
Information is left out about the people who made the bomb (such as Oppenheimer) and the decision to use the bomb itself. One moment O’Reilly is talking about how difficult the decision to use the bomb is, the next moment he offhandedly mentions that Truman has orders in place to use it and keep using similar bombs until Japan surrenders. There is no mention of his thought process or the arguments on both sides of the decision.
The writing itself is bad. It’s a nonfiction book written to read like a piece of fiction, yet it leaves out enough detail to remain nonfiction in nature. This is aided by the fact that there is almost no dialogue.
There are many pictures spread throughout the entire book, which break up the text in odd ways and distract the reader.
The first few pages are just lists of important officials in different countries and their pictures. It’s a lot of information at once and would be much better incorporated into the book instead of thrown at the reader at the beginning.
The back of the book reads like a dumping ground for everything O’Reilly forgot to write into the actual book or was just too unbothered to write in. It’s jumpy, out of order, and the writing style completely changes.
And now for my biggest complaint about The Day The World Went Nuclear by Bill O’Reilly.
The timeline at the back of the book is out of order. It cannot be that hard to organize a list of dates. I mean come on
September 26, 2017
The Day the World Went Nuclear: Dropping the Atom Bomb and the End of World War II in the Pacific, by Bill O'Reilly, gives a new look at how the first atom bombs were developed and the challenges faced by both scientists and head military leaders about the dropping of the bombs. Scientist Robert Oppenheimer, in 1939, would be given the biggest task in the history of WWII, the making of the first atom bomb. For years Oppenheimer and a group of highly trusted scientists would work towards developing the atom bomb until December of 1946 when the first bomb test would be proven successful. After proven successful, two teams of highly trained airmen would be given the task of dropping the bombs on Japan to end the second world war.
The Day the World Went Nuclear: Dropping the Atom Bomb and the End of World War II in the Pacific is a story of creating one of the world's deadliest weapons and how America ended WWII in the Pacific. Bill O'Reilly is able to tell the story with such great accuracy and attention to detail that I felt I was right along with the pilots as they dropped the bombs over Japan.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about history and WWII as well as fans of O'Reilly's other amazing pieces of writing.
The Day the World Went Nuclear: Dropping the Atom Bomb and the End of World War II in the Pacific is a story of creating one of the world's deadliest weapons and how America ended WWII in the Pacific. Bill O'Reilly is able to tell the story with such great accuracy and attention to detail that I felt I was right along with the pilots as they dropped the bombs over Japan.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about history and WWII as well as fans of O'Reilly's other amazing pieces of writing.
August 17, 2018
Another excellent book written by the controversial Bill O'Reilly. Both my teenage boys read this and greatly enjoyed it.
I agree with the decision to drop the bomb. My thought is simple: war is horrible and should be avoided at all costs. But if war becomes necessary, then you must fight to win. Japan had made it clear that they would fight to the death. So either they died, or we died.
Another point to consider: America showed its true character by our use of nuclear power after the war. A truly imperialistic nation such as Rome, Greece, and of course, Germany and Japan would've used the atomic bomb to take over the world. Instead, to the nations that killed our young boys, we helped rebuild their countries and made them our allies. America is by no means perfect, but we are not inherently evil. I thank God that we acquired nuclear power first. Indeed, the whole world should be thankful.
Note: Bill O'Reilly "illustrated" books are excellent reads for younger folks. They don't contain the grisly and sexual details that the "killing" books have. I highly recommend them as they present America in a patriotic, but honest light, rather than the revisionist anti-American authors that are such a blight today.
I agree with the decision to drop the bomb. My thought is simple: war is horrible and should be avoided at all costs. But if war becomes necessary, then you must fight to win. Japan had made it clear that they would fight to the death. So either they died, or we died.
Another point to consider: America showed its true character by our use of nuclear power after the war. A truly imperialistic nation such as Rome, Greece, and of course, Germany and Japan would've used the atomic bomb to take over the world. Instead, to the nations that killed our young boys, we helped rebuild their countries and made them our allies. America is by no means perfect, but we are not inherently evil. I thank God that we acquired nuclear power first. Indeed, the whole world should be thankful.
Note: Bill O'Reilly "illustrated" books are excellent reads for younger folks. They don't contain the grisly and sexual details that the "killing" books have. I highly recommend them as they present America in a patriotic, but honest light, rather than the revisionist anti-American authors that are such a blight today.
May 26, 2020
I will be sharing this book with my 7th and 8th graders as they begin to study the Pacific arena of World War 2. O’Reilly’s account is very readable; it’s a great introductory text to the conflict, with a who’s who photo directory, clear maps, and illustrative photos. The book recalls the horrific events in a very matter-of-fact way, giving particular information on the bomb testing process and the war effort as seen from the Japanese mainland. The descriptions of the immediate aftermath of the bombings are gruesome but appropriate to grasp the gravity of the topic. I don’t think O’Reilly’s intentions are to promote or villainize anyone in the conflict and I believe his report was relatively even handed, albeit an American perspective. Personally, I felt that this was effective in engendering my own sympathies to the Japanese civilians and American soldiers- more than an emotional appeal would have done- but it can also become numbing. Parental concerns may include war violence; there is no nudity (in the photos) or sensuality. There is also quoted use of the term “Japs,” now considered pejorative.
December 19, 2017
O’Reilly, Bill The Day the World Went Nuclear, 294 pgs. Henry Holt and Company, 2017. $19.99 Content: Language: PG (2 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13.
This book explains the events leading up to the dropping of the nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Mostly based in 1945, the book goes back and forth between what is happening in Japan, Los Alamos and throughout the Pacific as World War II comes to a head. The key players in the United States government and the Japanese government are discussed, and their involvement in the war.
This is a succinct description of the final year of war in the Pacific. The devastation that the bomb causes in Japan and the opposition against it are discussed as well as the reasons why the United States decided to go ahead with the bombing. The violence includes mass killing and description of the effects of the nuclear bomb. There are great pictures included throughout and some primary documents.
MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
This book explains the events leading up to the dropping of the nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Mostly based in 1945, the book goes back and forth between what is happening in Japan, Los Alamos and throughout the Pacific as World War II comes to a head. The key players in the United States government and the Japanese government are discussed, and their involvement in the war.
This is a succinct description of the final year of war in the Pacific. The devastation that the bomb causes in Japan and the opposition against it are discussed as well as the reasons why the United States decided to go ahead with the bombing. The violence includes mass killing and description of the effects of the nuclear bomb. There are great pictures included throughout and some primary documents.
MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
June 10, 2018
An interesting and informative read. Though there has obviously been a lot of second-guessing about the use of atomic bombs in an effort to bring an end to World War II, I really try to look at it through the prism of time, as it's easy to pass judgement living in our current day and age. Perhaps it was best expressed in the following paragraph: "Thank God for the atomic bomb" is a common refrain among American soldiers and sailors, who have been dreading the bloodbath sure to come if American troops invade the beaches of Japan. To many of them, the bombing of civilians is not an issue--it's payback for the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. And if destruction could lead to peace, U.S. enlisted men almost unanimously believe it is worth it. For the first time since they put on that uniform, these soldiers and sailors can start planning for the distant future. "For all the fake manliness of our facades," a twenty-one-year-old infantry lieutenant will write, "we cried with relief and joy. We were going to live. We were going to grow up to adulthood."
December 27, 2018
I think that 80 years later so much “press” has been given to the Hilter/Jewish aspect of the Second World War that the Asian side to the war has fallen into shadow. Let’s be real though, the dropping of the two atomic bombs in Japan arguably has had longer lasting political and world effects than many of the atrocities committed by Hitler.
This book reminds us of how the decision to create the bombs and to use the bombs came into being. Japan did “start it all” with the attack on Pearl Harbor but was the use of atomic bombs the answer? In times of war people make decisions based upon emotion. Sometime those decisions are looked back upon as justified and others not.
Regardless of your feelings on it, O’Reilly does a nice job of giving the reader facts through the eyes of all the players (Truman, Stalin, Churchill, Hirohito, Oppenheimer, Einstein, FDR, MacArthur). It is an easy enough read, designed for the interested but not truly ready to become a scholar of the era.
This book reminds us of how the decision to create the bombs and to use the bombs came into being. Japan did “start it all” with the attack on Pearl Harbor but was the use of atomic bombs the answer? In times of war people make decisions based upon emotion. Sometime those decisions are looked back upon as justified and others not.
Regardless of your feelings on it, O’Reilly does a nice job of giving the reader facts through the eyes of all the players (Truman, Stalin, Churchill, Hirohito, Oppenheimer, Einstein, FDR, MacArthur). It is an easy enough read, designed for the interested but not truly ready to become a scholar of the era.
May 20, 2023
Supreme. Just, supreme.
This is a book that should recieve complete attention. It transports you to the battle fields of WW2 and is such an easy read but can still describe the great war in such an amazing way.
There is so much detail depth. It talks about how each and every person who was a contributor to the war felt each and every day. It described the destruction of Hiroshima. The feeling of pain and defeat.
And even has reviews of US soldiers who fought. The book itself is WW2. Just that it has been turned into a smaller version.
Each and every battle from Peleliu to the Battle of the bulge is included. The suspense of if the planes who dropped the bombs would escape and would the bomb even be successful???
The nail biting shivers and more suspense of when will Japan surrender?
The book has maps and letters of Trumman and Einstein, Oppenheimer and George Bush. The letters were all real. This is book is so real.
It is one to remember.
This is a book that should recieve complete attention. It transports you to the battle fields of WW2 and is such an easy read but can still describe the great war in such an amazing way.
There is so much detail depth. It talks about how each and every person who was a contributor to the war felt each and every day. It described the destruction of Hiroshima. The feeling of pain and defeat.
And even has reviews of US soldiers who fought. The book itself is WW2. Just that it has been turned into a smaller version.
Each and every battle from Peleliu to the Battle of the bulge is included. The suspense of if the planes who dropped the bombs would escape and would the bomb even be successful???
The nail biting shivers and more suspense of when will Japan surrender?
The book has maps and letters of Trumman and Einstein, Oppenheimer and George Bush. The letters were all real. This is book is so real.
It is one to remember.
June 18, 2018
Audiobook version
The book covers in a general history of the US atomic bomb research, development, training, the selection of the targets, the warnings provided to the Japanese to end the war before the bombs were deployed, and the actual deployment of the two atomic bombs on Japan in 1945. It covers the political decisions and debates as well, from both sides. It also discuss the aftermath of the bombings, including the Japanese attempt to have a military coup against the Emperor so they could continue fighting, the peace agreements, and the continuing debate even today whether the bombs should have been used. The author also sent out letters to various US presidents about their opinions on the use of the bombs. Both Bush’s and Carter replied and agreed that ultimately it was the right thing to had done and the time. Only Clinton and Obama refused to reply.
The book covers in a general history of the US atomic bomb research, development, training, the selection of the targets, the warnings provided to the Japanese to end the war before the bombs were deployed, and the actual deployment of the two atomic bombs on Japan in 1945. It covers the political decisions and debates as well, from both sides. It also discuss the aftermath of the bombings, including the Japanese attempt to have a military coup against the Emperor so they could continue fighting, the peace agreements, and the continuing debate even today whether the bombs should have been used. The author also sent out letters to various US presidents about their opinions on the use of the bombs. Both Bush’s and Carter replied and agreed that ultimately it was the right thing to had done and the time. Only Clinton and Obama refused to reply.
December 30, 2020
I finished Bill's book a few days ago and highly recommend it. Why can't this be required reading for high school history classes? It is easy to read, short chapters, each chapter dealing with a critical event; it is factual, but fast moving. The kids would get the information without being bored. I learned so much! There are pictures of Key Players from the US Government, the Japanese Government, Other International Key Players, and Others. Almost every chapter has a picture or a diagram or a map. The book covers the bomb making, Pearl Harbor attack, relocation of Japanese in the US, the bombing (even though I knew that the missions were successful I was nervous while reading about this)Japanese surrender, war crimes and after the war. At the end of the book O'Reilly recommends other books to read, and things to view. There is also a time line of all the events and time lines are good to keep everything in perspective. I will definitely keep this book as a reference for questions I may have later.
October 22, 2024
“The Day the World Went Nuclear: Dropping the Atom Bomb and the End of World War II in the Pacific” is an adaptation of Bill O’Reilly’s historical thriller “Killing the Rising Sun.” With O’Reilly’s signature captivating storytelling, the book delves into the pivotal decision to use the atomic bomb and the events that led to the end of World War II in the Pacific.
For readers interested in the development, reasoning, and impact of the atomic bomb during World War II, this book offers an insightful and detailed account. It skillfully examines the political climate of the era and the factors behind the momentous decision to deploy the bomb against Japan.
Even if you aren’t a fan of Bill O’Reilly’s political views, don’t let that stop you from exploring this compelling historical book and his series of books
For readers interested in the development, reasoning, and impact of the atomic bomb during World War II, this book offers an insightful and detailed account. It skillfully examines the political climate of the era and the factors behind the momentous decision to deploy the bomb against Japan.
Even if you aren’t a fan of Bill O’Reilly’s political views, don’t let that stop you from exploring this compelling historical book and his series of books
December 15, 2017
Japan feels threatened by the British and American new influence in Japan's section of the world. Justifications are reasoned by Japan to attack America's Pearl Harbor. America has now reasons to defend themselves.
Great scientists develop the magnificent theory on how to split an atom to create an huge release of energy then, they realize that you can make an atomic bomb if improperly used. Guess what, they are right on both counts: The theory is true and countries do rush to make atomic bombs. Like a movie or fairy tale: Once this door is opened it can't be closed.
Who is to blame for this or maybe there no one to blame?
Great scientists develop the magnificent theory on how to split an atom to create an huge release of energy then, they realize that you can make an atomic bomb if improperly used. Guess what, they are right on both counts: The theory is true and countries do rush to make atomic bombs. Like a movie or fairy tale: Once this door is opened it can't be closed.
Who is to blame for this or maybe there no one to blame?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews