Lost in the Pacific, 1942

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

The date is October 21, 1942 - the setting a B-17 carrying a WW 1 flying ace hero ( Col. Eddie Rickenbacker), and 7 other men crash lands in the Pacific Ocean. All survive the crash and now must survive in rafts hardly large enough for 1 man, let alone 2-3 floating in a shark infest ocean with no idea where they were. Are they near Japan? Are there any friendly islands near by? They have few rations, lose their flare gun when one raft flips over, and suffer an enduring threat from sharks, malnutrition and dehydration. They are in dyer straights. The author does a great job with the narrative about the physical and mental misery the men suffered. The black and white photos add much to the impact of the story. This is a great historical fiction that not only gives the reader a great image of what it was like to endure such a situation, but also great lessons on leadership, how to help others as you work together to survive the ordeal, and a great adventure story to read! However - there is one historical fact that is wrongly stated - it says the President declared war and actually it's Congress who declares war.

Overall Book Score: very good