Reviews

The actual title of the book is Flying the Lifeline: Volume 1, Marine Helicopter Pilot. It is written by Patrick R. Shaub and is the first part of a three part set. This first book covers the main character’s life from childhood until the end of his career in the Marines. It has 324 pages, including a helpful glossary of Marine and flying terminology. The style of the novel is first person, written from the perspective of a man named Paul Stone, who is, I believe, closely associated with the persona of the author. What I Liked: I really liked the first chapter. Without spoiling anything, it sets the reader in the life and death situation of the Vietnam War in general and helicopters in specific right away. The rest of the book flows from the emotional center of that event even until the very last word. I also liked that the book was written with the precision of military language and nomenclature, but at the same time it was careful to explain what was being described. The author does a great job of helping non-military people like myself appreciate the book without having to learn a whole other language. I enjoyed the details of the book. Shaub is clearly an aviation expert, and this comes through. There are times he reminds me of Tom Clancy–the way he can spend four or five pages describing the rotors on a helicopter, how it looks, why it is designed that way, what the upward thrust is, how it sounds and so forth. Shaub is writing a different kind of book than a Clancy thriller, but the love affair with the technology and machinery is similar. What Was Challenging: Some readers might find the immersion into the Marine lifestyle a little daunting. Although the author does not use strong profanity or imagery, there is still plenty of testosterone-filled, boozing, bravado in the book that might not be comfortable for everyone. A second challenge, that is actually a positive, is the MC’s flaw. Every character needs a flaw to be sincere and genuine, and through the first half of this book I couldn’t spot the flaw. Then I realized, that since it is written in first person, the MC probably doesn’t know his own flaw, but by the last third of the book it was evident that the flaw was arrogance. What was of Special Interest: In my reading of the book, individual Marines seem like great people, but the Marine Corps as a whole looks like it is run by self-absorbed jerks. Having never been in the military, I don’t know if that is accurate or not, but when I finished reading it I was mad at the Marines and wanted to go Google some of these people mentioned in the book and write them some nasty letters, then I remembered this was fiction. Or is it? Who Would Like It: People interested in military, military history, The Vietnam War, flying, helicopters, The Marines, or biographical novels in general. It is biographical fiction, so people who like that will really enjoy this book. I also think that young people who are thinking about the military as a career would benefit from it, because it shows in very stark terms both the positives and the negatives of the military life. I am anxiously waiting for Volume 2.

Pat Shaub uses a personal and descriptive writing style as he shares experiences of Marines in the field and military helicopter pilots. You will feel as if you are right there with him as learns the best techniques to train new pilots and deals with the long standing Marine Corps philosophy and tradition. Having grown up as the son of a Marine and having flown the H-46 in Vietnam in HMM-265 with some of the people he writes about, I can attest to the accuracy of his writing and look forward to reading the next book(s)sure to follow. This book brings back many special memories of wonderful and sometimes very frightening flight experiences off Navy ships at sea and flights in the mountains in poor weather conditions and learning to fly "blind" in the dust and sand that blows up when flying to or from dry dusty landing areas. But more importantly it reminds me that the memory of our lost comrades influences us even now...decades after such tragic deaths. It is a great book and one that reminds us of the debt we owe our service men and women.

While the book indicates the author feels wronged by his failure to advance his military career, it seems rather obvious to me why. You cannot make your superior look bad and do things behind his back no matter what his actions are towards you. You have to make your commander look good. If he looks good and advances so will you. It is not always fair how you are treated, so learn how to either cope or jump laterally when those blockages occur. Not taking the plum assignment flying Helo-1 was not a good career choice. I liked the authors style and content. It was a great read and you really felt as if you learned something of the military and the jargon. I would read another by this author.

I was quickly drawn into this story and experienced a wide range of emotions as I read. As a retired military officer and aviator I was able to identify with the many complex professional and family issues military members face each day. The love of country and family, and the delicate balance that must be maintained, is portrayed well. The sacrifices made by service men and women are great and Pat does a great job making the reader aware, as well as forming an emotional tie to the characters in this book and the issues they face daily. I cannot wait for the next book; this one left me hungry for more.

This author has excellent wordsmith skills! The descriptors of people, places and emotion draw the reader i quickly into the story...friendship and loss is wriiten raw, readers exuberantly feel joy and success. The back story memorializes a young boy's real life hero and a wiser man's elusive father-son relationship. "The Few, the Proud" will recognize the traditional dynamics, the protagonist's perceived failure is really just the beginning of his life-long success. Excellent read. Waiting for Vol. 2!

Written by an experienced pilot, instructor and forever a Marine. Pat puts you in the pilot's seat and tells stories that can only come from a seasoned veteran. You will enjoy every page and probably learn something in the process.

Pat's retelling of the life of a Marine Corps helicopter pilot is filled with the daily anecdotes and ready room banter that brings the story to life. His prose captures the emotions, from the highest sense of accomplishment and achievement, to the deepest sense of loss upon the death of a fellow Marine. It's a page turner, offering great insight into the life of a Marine aviator and helicopter pilot.

Brought back memories of my time in the Corps. Well written and interesting. Honest account of the military world and happenings.