The book followed a group of recruits from their decision to join up, through boot camp, and the three main campaigns they fought in: Guadalcanal, Tarawa, and a third hideous island that I'd never heard of and can't remember the name of since I don't have the book with me.

It wasn't about history so much as culture. For instance, Flags of our Fathers by James Bradley is a great description of Iwo Jima and the events surrounding that most famous picture. Flyboys, by the same author, is an absolutely fantastic explanation of the roots of WWII and the Japanese samarai culture. It will make you sick to your stomach if you're anything like me, but I think it should be required reading in America.

But back to Battle Cry. Like I said, it included history obviously, but was more about explaining the distinct Marine culture -- how these men loved each other like brothers and why they would do the enormously heroic things they would do to protect one another. It was amazing, actually. I got a spiritual application from it, but I'm going to use it for today's podcast episode so you'll have to pop over there to listen if you want to know more. ;)