American Eagle Books

This is a "pick it up, and cant put it down" book. Bold and honest in it's writing and also pays respect to the other units involved in the bastonge battle. This rates as one of the better books I have read with regard to the Bastonge battles. The freshness and clarity of the accounts shine through, having been written shortly after the battle and make this book a good read. The hand drawn maps showing company movement supports the written work well. A must read. 5 stars. I will be reading more of Don's work

This is the best of the 4 books that Burgett wrote (and all are excellent). This book does a fantastic job of summarizing just how outnumbered, outgunned, under-supplied, and exhausted the 101st was at Bastogne. After reading this book, I've got a new interest in the Bulge and will be buying more books on the subject.

This is an excellent book, the kind you can devour in an night or a few days. I agree with the other reviewer that this book would be worth of 6 stars.

all four of his books are great first person accounts of his military service as a WW2 paratrooper.a very easy read.

This third of Burgett's four books about his experiences in the 101st Airborne during World War II reveals a young man (19 at the time) at what could be easily seen as his finest (or worst) hours. The author gives this book an intense personal touch that is missing in many accounts of this unit during its defense of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. Burgett takes the reader into the hell he lived through, vividly describing the shortages of basic military necessities such as weapons and ammunition, the incredible struggle for Noville in the early days of the battle and the withdrawal back to the main lines, and the difficulties of being ready to fight after coping with the harsh winter of the Ardennes and the lack of sleep, food, and water.

But what really comes through most clearly in this account is death. Burgett sees much of it in just a few weeks. He sees close friends (the "old men" of his company) and replacements die in what seems to be a random pattern. He takes the lives of German troops without a shred of remorse, yet almost shoots a fellow paratrooper who shot a prisoner of war.

Burgett does not portray himself as a hero--only as a man doing his job. He was very good (and I would also say lucky) at what he did. His story is not the nice neat narrative found in many accounts of the Bulge. It is dark, chilling, and brutal. It makes one wonder what men like him endured--both during the war and the many years since. I highly recommend it and the others volumes about his time in the 101st.

Donald Burgett gives a great view of WWII through the eyes of a 101st airborne paratrooper.

Anyone with a background in Boy Scouting will love and appreciate this book. Oh my gosh, the memories that it brought back. I will definitely read this again.

A great read, very uplifting.
Captures the positive difference that Eagle Scouts and Boy Scouts create in our world.

This is a priceless book for someone who is into scouting or who is an Eagle Scout. I bought this book for a family member who was extremely pleased. I would highly recommend purchasing this book!

A second class scout, I left Scouting at 16, became a father at 21, joined as an adult leader when my eldest of two sons turned 11. Two months later, the Scoutmaster announced at a Court of Honor that his job had gone away and I was taking over as Scoutmaster, and I was too surprised to say no. Steve came home from his first meeting and announced that he was going to be an Eagle Scout as soon as he could, and two years and 4 months later, his mother pinned his Eagle on his shirt, and I, as his Scoutmaster, MC'd his Eagle Court of Honor. His younger brother took a longer route, with more encouragement, and after I despaired of his ever getting there, he decided he also wanted the honor, and had his board of review the eve before his 18th birthday. I bought 3 copies of the book, after reading it, to give one each to my two Eagles, and one to the troop, which I still serve as a troop leader and counselor for several merit badges, in the hope that it will encourage several more boys to achieve. Years later, their Eagle awards opened doors for my sons, and in a way, I am still "paying thier dues".
As an adult leader, I have organised and led our sons and others to most of the high adventure bases, and many other high adventure trips, and as many of those quoted in the book, get more out of Scouting than I put in.

Legacy of Honor: The Values and Influence of America's Eagle Scouts This is a great book for all Eagle Scouts, both new and old. Makes a great gift for a new Eagle. Solidifies the importance of the rank of Eagle latter in life. I bought two and gave them to knew Eagles. It was a great hit. Not likely to be a duplicate gift and something to refer back to as the scout gets older.

Any sports fan who picks up "Eagle Blue" will not be disappointed, although you should like this one even if you could care less about hoops....Basketball is the stage for the story, but not the story itself. This isn't your typical book depicting some world-weary NBA star or jaded coach. D'Orso makes you care about the players and coaches at a tiny school literally in the middle of nowhere, thus their wins (and losses) somehow become your own. If that were as far as this book took you, it would be satisfying just on that basis. But it doesn't end there.

By the time you're done reading "Eagle Blue", you'll likely become sympathetic with the people populating its pages. Theirs is a culture that has been decimated, and you can see very real defeat among many tribal members. Note: D'Orso interjects his own politics when he talks about ANWR, but it's not as much a distraction as it could've been. The real story is how a group of teenagers galvanizes a town with nothing else to cheer about despite the efforts of some people, mostly outsiders, to kill what they have, and he thankfully keeps the focus on that.

If you're at all like me (and God help you if you are), you'll fight to stay awake until 3AM because you literally do not want to put this book down and fall aleep.

Boldly honest, "insiders" perspective from an outsider. Interesting insight into modern Native life in Arctic Alaska.

D'Orso's honest, unembellished presentation of everyday life for the characters - team members and townspeople of Fort Yukon - allows the reader to gain an open true look at what everyday life entails in this part of Alaska. It brings out the difficulties of living in the outposts of Arctic Alaska, Native vs. modern culture, politics vs. the land/natural resources/hunting/etc., and of course the tale of a group of young men and women representing their town as members of high school basketball teams. The pressures faced by these young men as individuals, family members, and town members and how each deals with it and grows shows a great view of life as it unfolds for them. Their daily lives are woven around the story of the basketball team and the course of a season sharing the success and adversity over the course of the year. A wonderful mix of human interest and basketball.

Highly enjoyable read.

This review of a basketball team's season is about an entire culture and about life. You'll be rooting on the Eagle Blue as you read this true story.

Excellent book on life and sports. I'd recommend this to everyone, especially players and coaches at all levels.

I've read many books about a sports season that, in a boring way, review game highlights. D'Orso reviews the entire culture, what basketball means in bush country, Alaska, in prose that is wonderful and intelligent.

The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Florrie Binford-Kichler, Founder of Patria Press, Inc.- an award-winning independent publisher and Member of The Children's Book Council; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.

The animals of Peaceful Valley live a happy life filled with enjoyable games with all of their friends. One beautiful day, Blue Eagle, Arny, Pete, Timber, Toby and the rest of the gang start playing a fun game of Sneak and Peek, rather like the human game of Hide and Seek. Unfortunately, their game is suddenly disturbed by Clugar, a cougar wanting to cause trouble and maybe have one or two of Peaceful Valley's friends as a meal. Blue Eagle, as the protector of all of the animals in Peaceful Valley, decides to teach Clugar a lesson.

The Ballad of Blue Eagle is the first of a series of books about Blue Eagle and his friends. The inhabitants of Peaceful Valley are so very loveable and cuddly. Readers will quickly pick a favourite character while gaining an appreciation for nature. The rhythmic sing-song nature of this story makes it a really fun book to read aloud. This aspect also makes the story easier to read or to mimic for new readers and pre-readers.

The Ballad of Blue Eagle is a charming book that tells the story of a blue eagle that protects the animal friends who live in Peaceful Valley. It is a rhyming book that pulls the reader into the story and teaches children the fun of learning how to rhyme words and tell a story.
The book is beautifully illustrated throughout and allows the reader to see the friendship between the animals and helps them become involved in the story. It shows community, friendship, and how to work together to help each other when danger is near.
The Ballad of Blue Eagle is a winner of the prestigious 'Mom's Choice Award' from "The Just For Mom's Foundation." This is a story that was passed from a father to his son. Then his son, in turn, illustrated the tale.
Steven E. Jones has graciously shared a favorite family story with children that will be a keeper on many shelves to be read and shared often through the years.

Sometimes we don't always see the clear reason for our
actions right way. Steven Jones had listened to many a tale
from his Father. He put this one into poetic form after his
Father's passing. But then it sat and patiently waited for the
next generation to play it's part. And when Steven Jr. asked to
illustrate the story it had come full circle.

This is not so very different from what happens in this
tale. Days pass easily in Peaceful Valley, but then an event
occurs that shakes up the residents and new respect is
given to two average members of the group. Meanwhile,
flying over head, having shown up just when he was needed
was Blue Eagle, the spiritual version of Jones's Father.

With a catchy tune to finish things up and wonderfully colorful
illustrations capturing all the expressions the members of
Peaceful Valley go thru during this story we should all be ready,
when we finish reading, for a romp in the nearest meadow.
Even if that meadow's only in our dreams!

I read this book to my 4 year old grandson (going on 6!)and his little 3 year old friend. I honestly believe I had as much enjoyment reading it to them as they did by listening and following along page by page. Here they are sitting on the edge of their little chairs, studying the pictures, occasionally pointing to the beautifully illustrated critters and repeating their names. They listened intently and got very excited when an incident occurred in the Peaceful Valley which the author uses to teach a powerful lesson! Excellent book not only for the classroom but in the home as well.

This is a great read, wonderful adventure and intimate characters. If you have already read "She Who Remembers" this tale will further the story and you'll be sad when the journey must come to an end.

This book was an excellent read, the best in the series, and I have read it many times. I have a huge problem with a few holes in the story line however, and if you are like me, the magic of a good book can be ruined by careless editing.

A) Several times throughout the book, characters names are interchanged. Antelope becomes Kwani, Yatosha becomes Tolonqua, characters names are changed from what they were in "She Who Remembers"

B) Acoya discusses his love for WhiteCloud.... before he meets her.

C) Characters that are killed or die of natural causes will occasionally re-appear in the book.

D) "Lapu" is used as an insult by Kwani directed at Owa. It is said to mean the shredded bark used as diapering and toiletry. It is said by the author to be highly insulting, and would never be used as a name. Yet a few chapters later, she introduces a character, a young boy in the Eagle Hunters, named Lapu.

E) Antelope names her baby daughter Kwani, after her mother. However, in the next book in the series, Antelope's daughter's name is Skyfeather.

All in all, if you can close your mind to the errors, this is a wonderful work of fiction, and by far the most engaging and entertaining book in the series.

Once I started reading this book on my way to work while riding the bus, I couldn't wait until I could ride the bus home, so I could pick it up again. Ms Shuler does a fantastic job with detailed description of Native American culture and artifacts,an exciting plot line,and very interesting characters. There is love, pain, joy, faith, terror, friendship, paranoia, sadness, hope, disappointment and passion in this book, showing us that the Native American people in the 12th century experienced all the emotions that we still experience today. One of the best books I have ever read!

I travel to New Mexico every year to visit my in-laws and every
year I fall in love again with the land, the people, the history, the turquoise jewlery.... and the stars. And every time I leave I am heartsick of the big sky, beautiful mountains, exotic plants and sweet air. Reading Voice of the Eagle is the only cure for my "desert seperation". Mrs. Shuler's talented storytelling and compelling characters make this book one of the best in pre-historic fiction. This book is sweeping in its plot of love, duty, and ceremony among the ancient Towas of Cicuye.
I can close my eyes and see again the vast landscapes, the endless blue sky. I love this book!

I bought this novel over 5 years ago. I read it 3 times, and recently was entrapped again for the 4th time. I love this book! The story, natural settings, characters are so real it fells as if you are alive in there village. I'm looking forward to reading the third novel from Linda Lay Shuler.

Quite simply as my review title indicates, every Division or unit that served in the Normandy campaign, deserves an author of Mark's calibre. I am a working tour guide of the D-Day battlefields, and I wish that every unit was covered in the same incredible detail as Mark Bando covers the 101st Airborne in his books. If you want to really get "under the skin" of a WWII combat division and hear true and verified stories of young men in combat, then this book is a must have. The only danger is that after reading this author's books, works by other authors on other units will seem dull and lifeless in comparison.

If you have gained an interest in the 101st because of computer games or a TV series, then BUY THIS BOOK. There is nothing to compare for personal stories of the men who jumped into the area behind Utah beach on D-Day. Unlike other books, these are not re-hashed anecdotes relayed third-hand from other works, these are fresh, exciting, gripping and moving accounts from the author's 35 year hobby of interviewing and more importantly befriending the veteran Screaming Eagles.

Mark Bando, the author of this exposition of the bigger-than-life adventures of the fabled 101st Airborne "Screaming Eagles" at Normandy, is an old acquaintance and comrade from the Detroit Police Department. We spent time together years ago as writers for our police patrolmen's union newspaper, the Tuebor. We have happily renewed our acquaintance of late, and while I remember Mark as an astute and accomplished writer, my less-than-passionate interest in military affairs had, until recently, kept me from reading this fine book. Now that I have finally done so, I deeply regret that I waited so long.

"101st Airborne: The Screaming Eagles At Normandy" is a marvelous work on several fronts:

It is beautifully bound and presented; the layout and format are perfect for the subject matter; the photographs (many of them rare and quite beautiful) are heartwarming or bone chilling, as the case may be; the narrative is painstakingly researched from personal interviews of old soldiers and authentic military records; and, most importantly, the writing is masterful...accurate and careful as from a shrewd reporter's practiced and skeptical eye...loving and lyrical as from the pen of a writer of first rate fiction. I suspect Mark's experiences in "combat" on the dangerous streets of Detroit over the years have engendered in him a unique capacity to understand the special sensibilities of the combat veterans depicted in his book. Quite simply, "101st Airborne" is an astonishing accomplishment, worth reading more than once, and worth buying as gifts for the whole family, whether students of military history or not.

Mark has been very kind in his assessment of my own work elsewhere on this website. I am only sorry that I took so long to offer my heartiest endorsement of this first rate book. Get it. Read it. You'll be very happy you did.

Using the mixture of photography, facts and quotes, 101st Airborne: The Screaming Eagles At Normandy, can serve as a great historical document. Within the pages of this great book, eye-catching photographs bring to light those events from World War II and the Normandy Invasion. The actions and reactions of the soldiers that fought in that war are caught forever through the historical eye of a camera, through famous and infamous quotes and accounts of the heroes from World War II.

The pages show the heightened moral and anticipation of the men prior to the invasion. Then the reader is brought into the middle of the battle with stories and quotes not just eye-opening photographs. This technique brings you side by side with the people of the villages and into the ranks of the soldiers marching off to fight another battle. I believe one of the best chapters is the true story of the movie �Saving Private Ryan�. This chapter, Saving Sergeant Niland, shows the true-life drama of a man that Hollywood has made famous.

The book brings to light some of the things that are never seen in movies and footage of events of the war. I am sure that this book, as well as its predecessor The 101st Airborne at Normandy, will bring back memories of the way it was behind the lines during that part of the war to those who served. Even though there is a predecessor to this book both stand independent of each other.

When my uncle past away last year, my aunt showed me the 101st Airborne in Normandy, a book by Mark Bando. In the section on combat experiences, the first soldier profiled was my uncle Manny Gesulga. Manny was part of the 101st paratroop drop behind enemy lines at Normandy and his combat exploits read like something out of a GI Joe comic book. After living his harrowing experiences in Normandy, he went to fight in Operation Market Garden (wounded by sharpnel) and the Battle of the Bulge (wounded by sniper fire) and came out to live a full, productive life. He never mentioned his role in WWII but I am glad Mr. Bando gave credence to him and other heroes of the 101st. This book is a must read for all history buffs and really brings home the sense of duty and committment to freedom that is the legacy of the young men of America.

Outragous book, my father was in this book and I had to call him to recount the details to me first hand. Because of this book, I now know more of the war my father fought in.

The Tiny Warrior is a collection of timeless messages that apply to business, personal life, and all people young and old. Look out Covey and Ziglar, D.J. "Eagle Bear" Vanas is a rising star that will inspire you in a whole new way. Vanas will open your eyes, challenge you to achieve your goals, and lead you to the path of a more effective life.

Everyone Can Learn the Secrets to Become a Warrior in their Everyday Lives!
Whether you're a corporate executive or a struggling student, heading in the right direction or languishing in what feels like a dead-end situation, The Tiny Warrior is a must read. Vanas has written a simple tale rich with inspiration and rooted in the Native American story-telling tradition. You'll find priceless gems of hope and motivation on every page!!

I have read and listened to many, many "motivational" authors and speakers. Not until reading The Tiny Warrior did I find the ultimate in inspiring and motivational guidance. Vanas has the rare skill of packing large messages into few words. Skilfully written, this book appeals to all ages from 7 to 70 and is a "must read" for anyone striving to realize their full potential.

This book is amazing!!! As a Sale VP responsible for the performance of a national sales team, I've read many books on motivation, leadership and sales success. This book is the best yet. It is concise, to the point, and an easy read for the busiest sales executive. It delivers a knock-out punch that grabs the soul and draws on the inner strength to succeed. It is formatted in a manner that can be quickly referenced, making it a great self-motivation tool. This is the perfect book to hand-out to every member of your sales team.

If you think you've read "all those inspirational books" before, then you haven't read this one. D.J. Vanas has crafted a tight and illuminating book that is guaranteed to make you see your life in a new way. Engaging, reflective, and often humorous in humble way, The Tiny Warrior condenses an amazing amount of wisdom into less than 100 pages. I spent more time pausing to consider what I had just read than I did actually reading it - and that's the way it should be.

I am a [...] student and I have read the entire Eagles Encyclopedia. I am a consistent reader and, being one of the biggest Eagles fans, have to say this is my favorite book of all time. It consists of everything you want and need to know to be a true Eagles fan. I would even recommend this to non-Eagles fans. It includes:

*The Frankford Yellowjackets
*Bert Bell and the founding of the Eagles
*All of the big time Eagles players in history
*A complete recap of the Eagles greatest moments including The Miracle in the Meadowlands, Cunninghams 91 yard punt, 99 yards:Jaworski to Quick, and more.
*An All-Time Roster
*Scores and Schedule for every Philadelphia Eagles season

and more!

I highly recommend this book to everyone. Ray Didinger is an amazing writer and I also recommend his latest book "One Last Read."

This one-of-a-kind almanac of facts about the Philadelphia Eagles would make the perfect gift for any Eagles Fan.

The book is really great. The history of Philadelphia football is very good. The stats are absolutely remarkable. I often refer to the book during an Eagles game. Every Eagles fan should own this gem.

The Eagles Encyclopedia is a great tool for your guide to the Philadelphia Eagles past and present. A franchise with this much history, The Philadelphia Eagles need to have their stories told. From Bednariks' hit on Gifford in the 1960 playoffs to Superbowl 39 it's all there. Great book.

A comprehensive easy read. Full of facts, and interesting stories about the franchise that is really "America's" team. Little bios of many of the personalities that have worn the green and white. Every time I opened up the book there was something new to learn. Written for the everyday Joe, you will not be dissapointed if you love the Eagles. The Eagles are my squad so this may be slightly biased... Shout out to Randall...

I've always leaned toward offensive drill and theory books, and I have dabbled with reading special teams books as well. This off-season I have dedicated to learning a little more about football from the "bad guys'" perspective and bought "Football's Eagle & Stack Defenses" by Ron Vanderlinden.

Well I must say, I'm close to wrapping the book up and it is one of the BEST FOOTBALL BOOKS PERIOD. It is EXTREMELY THOROUGH, and covers everything about the Eagle & stack fronts, Coverage adjustments, Stunts, and run fits vs. popular runs.

There are also sections describing in detail the characteristics required to play the positons, game planning, individual read/drills by position, fundamental techniques for all 11, and goal line modifications.

Many diagrams but no filler pages. Literally 229 pages of great information.

The biggest advantage this book has over many books I've read is that it delves into the theroy; the reason behind the calls, stunts, adjutments IN DETAIL. If you want to learn about a solid defensive system, this book is necessary.

I now consider this book a must read, and possibly held in "FOOTBALL DEFENSIVE BIBLE" status.

And I'm not even a Penn State fan...

Coach Vanderlinden describes his Eagle and Stack concepts in great detail in a book that is both entertaining and informative. I found this to be an easy to read description of solid defensive concepts that could be applicable to almost all levels of football. The book gives thorough descriptions of each positions responsibilities including alignment and assigment. There are numerous helpful diagrams and illustrations that round out each chapter. Coach Vanderlinden does a decent job of explaining the process of how he pairs coverages with his fronts and pressures. It is possible that this book could be used as a stand alone playbook for a high school football team.

This book is by far the best defensive oriented book that I have ever read. I am a JV defensive line coach, and even though we run a completely different scheme, we applied several of these concepts successfully to our team and it worked incredibly well.

This book is seriously something you grab and review from time to time as your Co-Defensive Coordinator. If you don't want to rely on the offense to dictate your strength of formation all the time and want something that has proven to be successful, I would highly, highly recommend this book.

I purchased this book on the eagle and stack defenses and found it to be very informative. It reads easily and I will be using alot of the schemes in this book in my defensive package.

As a young coach and an avid reader I am always looking for new football books on the market. I picked up Coach Vanderlinden's book and couldn't put it down until I had absorbed everything in it. Coach Vanderlinden does an excellent job of teaching the intricate details and complexities of the Eagle & Stack Defenses in a simple language that any coach can understand. The detail included in this book is exceptional. It really is a must read for every coach from the high school level to the BCS. Offensive coaches would benefit from reading the book to gain a better understanding of the manner in which Eagle & Stack defenses choose to attack, and Defensive coaches will learn the not only the schematics, but the thought process behind using all of the calls in certain situations. Reading the book is like being able to sit in on a staff meeting at Penn State surrounded by coaches with 20+ years of experience at the highest level.

Brian Fleury
Defensive Coordinator
Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, CT

I just finished reading the whole set and loved them! I read all 7 in one month. I hope he writes more in this series. I can't wait to read the other books he has written!

The entire set of books is great for people who like history with christian principles.

Gilbert Morris is definitely my favorite author. His books are so well written, so captivating and so exciting to read. This book, "A Gathering of Eagles" was one of my favorites. I was glad to see that the storyline wasn't completely predictable-- it was a page turner! I've just finished it, and am desperately hoping there'll be more to come in this series. The Wakefield Dynasty is by far the most wonderful set of books I could ever hope to read--keep writing, Mr. Morris!

Gilbert Morris is definitely my favorite author. His books are so well written, so captivating and so exciting to read. This book, "A Gathering of Eagles" was one of my favorites. I was glad to see that the storyline wasn't completely predictable-- it was a page turner! I've just finished it, and am desperately hoping there'll be more to come in this series. The Wakefield Dynasty is by far the most wonderful set of books I could ever hope to read--keep writing, Mr. Morris!

Gilbert Morris is definitely my favorite author. His books are so well written, so captivating and so exciting to read. This book, "A Gathering of Eagles" was one of my favorites. I was glad to see that the storyline wasn't completely predictable-- it was a page turner! I've just finished it, and am desperately hoping there'll be more to come in this series. The Wakefield Dynasty is by far the most wonderful set of books I could ever hope to read--keep writing, Mr. Morris!