It’s jarring to read my own writing after finishing a captivating book from a talented author. It reminds me that there’s still ample room for improvement! I think the true mark of a skillful writer is when the reader doesn’t realize there is any skill involved. The words drift into the mind effortlessly.

I just finished “Ghost Soldiers” by Hampton Sides. It is a disturbing and enlightening account of a rescue mission for POWs in the Philippines during WW2. I highly recommend it. The story was eye-opening for me.

I became aware of this book through my father-in-law. His mother gifted it to him since his father lived in the Philippines during the time of the Bataan Death March. I originally read it to learn more about an aspect of Filipino history, but came away with a moving story of American and Filipino cooperation during the war. I also couldn’t believe some of the horrible atrocities that are detailed in this book. I am filled with gratitude for living when and where I am. Our nation is not perfect, but this is an incredible story of heroism and redemption in the face of extreme difficulty.