Anchor Books 2001
The book that inspired the film "The Great Raid," which unfortunately I never saw. Sides definitely knows what he's doing, which I'm sure is the way it goes for anyone with a book that is a "national bestseller". Ghost Soldiers is the account of the largest surrender in US history outside of the Civil War, the Bataan Deathmarch, and a prison break operation conducted by US rangers to free the captured soldiers. It's horrifyingly honest, clearly portraying the evils and hardships of war, and telling the story without sparing any of the brutal details.
As far as writing style, Sides takes an approach that is fairly unique, telling two stories taking place at completely different times in a parrallel fashion; going back and forth between the captured soliders' story and that of the rangers trying to rescue them, climaxing when the two stories come together as one and finish the book together.
The book is profound in alot of ways. I found myself writing down certain quotes from the soldiers and having a better understanding of life and living through the stories of these men. It's touching, and Sides certainly does an adequate justice. If you're into war novels, I'd recommend this for sure.
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