Playing with the enemy...

Were you surprised that the Americans decided to teach the German prisoners of war to play baseball?

Comments

[moderator]

Ted,

Wonderful observations, especially about the appeal of the book.

--moderator

[Ted Clauser, Jr.]

I liked this book because it presented a person as the standard everyday "hero." His life was not filled with massive world-changing events; however, the events told in his story were the type with which many readers can identify. They were not bragged about, they were lived through, and became a part of this hero's history. I, as a reader, liked the book because of the time period to which I could relate. I know that I saw the U-505 at the Museum of Science and Industry as a cub scout the very first year. I believe that it is also a book that a young reader could enjoy because of the daily life situations - loving baseball, being courted by league baseball associations, being involved with the military, starting a profession, and raising a family. These are the encounters that we all face.

[moderator]

Susan,

A particular relevant comment during these Winter Olympic Games!

--moderator

[Susan]

Sports are a universal bond between people of all countries. Regardless of our ethnic background, we all know the thrill of victory, the pain of defeat, and that being involved in the game is the most important thing. Am I surprised that the Americans taught the Germans? Absolutely not!