Andy Cho

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Devotion: An Epic Story of Heroism, Friendship, and Sacrifice

by Adam Makos (Goodreads Author)

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Andy Cho said: " Devotion is a book written by Adam Makos, a true story about Tom Hudner and Jesse Brown, two pilots who served during the Korean War. Coming from completely different backgrounds, it is impressive to see them forming a bond like no other. As suggeste Devotion is a book written by Adam Makos, a true story about Tom Hudner and Jesse Brown, two pilots who served during the Korean War. Coming from completely different backgrounds, it is impressive to see them forming a bond like no other. As suggested by the book’s title, it is to share stories of heroism, friendship, and sacrifice during the war and to recognize the less-known heroes. Adam Makos is an American author and military historian who is most known for his books A Higher Call and Spearhead, which have both appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list. I started reading Devotion for a project in my English class, and while I usually find historical readings uninteresting, the storytelling and clear depiction of events drew me in. I quickly realized that this wasn't just a history lesson but an exploration of heroism and friendship that inspired me.

The book focuses on the unbreakable bond between Jesse Brown, the Navy’s first Black carrier pilot, and Tom Hudner, a white man from New England who served his country despite having a comfortable life. Although this may seem like a normal relationship nowadays, it was very unusual due to racial and social barriers. Adam Makos mentions the overall tension of the time like the freezing conditions at the Chosin Reservoir and vibrating decks of the USS Leyte. The wide range of emotions shown allows readers to become a part of the story. I was impressed by how Adam Makos makes a connection between military events or tactics with the heavy emotion of the racial restrictions in the 1950s. The details allowed me to empathize with the soldiers and picture the difficult conditions they had to fight in. “At the last second, Reem spotted the grenade and dived for it. He swept his powerful arms, pulling the grenade under his chest” (Makos, 219). When an enemy grenade landed right in the middle of his group, Lieutenant Reem threw himself onto the grenade to save his men. Although there are many important scenes throughout the book, I chose to mention this part of the story to appreciate the sacrifice of other soldiers beyond main figures like Jesse Brown and Tom Hudner. Every life on the battlefield matters and all individuals who served during war must be valued. This is an illustration of brotherhood, proving that devotion did not only exist between pilots but on the ground between marines as well. This quote also implies that Lieutenant Reem did not make a decision, but acted instinctively for the well being of his men. Devotion is measured by what one is willing to give up for another. Seeing these different friendships develop throughout adversities made the losses seem very personal.

I highly recommend Devotion, whether you are interested in historical stories or someone who wants to read a powerful story of human character. It is an amazing book that is both informative and heartbreakingly beautiful in the depiction of sacrifice. By telling the story of Tom Hudner, Jesse Brown, and unknown heroes, Adam Makos ensures that their courage will never be forgotten. If you’re looking for a book that will have a lasting impact on you and change your perspective on loyalty, Devotion is the book for you. ...more "

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(page 464 of 464)
"The title guides readers throughout the whole book. Heroism made Tom and Jesse pilots, friendship brings them closer together, and sacrifice is the result of unmeasurable loyalty. But the author decides to emphasize "devotion" since it showed that their commitment and care for one another outweighed everything else including survival. While war is seen as the setting, the actual plot of this story is the brotherhood." — Apr 19, 2026 05:36PM

Apr 23, 2026 05:20PM · see review