Thank You, President Harry S. Truman

By: Roberto Rivera

Narrated by: Jeffrey Kyle Carpenter

Thank You, Harry S. Truman tells the compelling story of America's 33rd President from his humble beginnings as a dirt farmer in Missouri to his rise in the US Senate, on through to his election as Vice President and President of the United States. Overcoming adversity, physical challenges, and age limits, Truman found his way into the United States Army where, as a Captain, he led troops in battle without losing a single man.

The book focuses largely on Truman's accomplishments, postwar, most importantly his decision to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan once the United States had been engaged in World War II following the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. Author Rivera explores the difficulty of Truman's decision, the alternate plan of invasion, the estimated cost in lives for that invasion - both American and Japanese - and the ultimate decision to use the bomb.

With a guest chapter by James Martin Davis, Rivera has woven a complex portrait of a great man faced with an unimaginable decision. Through narrative, storytelling, and historical detail, Rivera makes the case for Harry S. Truman as one of the foremost politicians of the 20th century and one of the greatest American presidents of all time. Without Truman's fortitude and courage, Rivera claims, many of us would not be here today. For that alone, we can all say, Thank You, Harry S. Truman.

©2015 Roberto Rivera (P)2015 Roberto Rivera

Thank you, Roberto Rivera!

While I do not normally read/listen to many historical works, I did enjoy this one very much! Most of this material was new to me and was presented in a very concise and organized way. With the perfect amount of detail, the story maintained my attention and provided a nice flow. I loved the narrator's voice and pace, I was captivated as the tension mounted, almost like watching a documentary, and was sad when it came to an end. I would definitely like to hear more nonfiction books by this author/narrator combo!

Great Information on planned military invasion of Japan to end Pacific war of WW II

The narration was a bit difficult to listen to but the content makes up for that. The military statistics and estimates on what an invasion of Japan would have cost in human lives both American and Japanese was eye opening to say the least. I highly recommend listening for this information alone. ( All high school students should have to study all of WWII and learn this info. too. ) I know the Japanese were fanatical soldiers and the native population taught to be the same. Everyone was ready to die for their imperor god and country. The dropping of the atomic bomb was necessary and the right thing to do at that time under those circumstances.
As the daughter of a WW II Navy veteran that heard war stories first hand and has read much on the naval battles of the war and studied the war, I learned all new info from your little book! I appreciate this book and the research that the author, Mr. Rivera put into it. Thank you.

A Historical Hidden Gem

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would mainly due to the unique content of the story itself. The information the author shares was certainly unknown to myself. Never a bad thing to learn about history in ainteresting and compelling way.

What other book might you compare Thank You, President Harry S. Truman to and why?

I'm not sure I could compare to another book. I really haven't personally read many history type titles in the past. This title was clearly well thought out by the author and presented equally as well.

Which scene was your favorite?

The description of the wide variety of weaponry waiting to ambush the American troops on the different islands along with how the Japanese population had amassed a civilian army to supplement their defensive strategy.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Without a doubt the sounds of the impending delivery of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima sent goose flesh all over my body. It was very moving for me

Any additional comments?

For an author's first book this was indeed impressive. Again the amount of research and uncovering of little known facts regarding the build-up of a potentially earth devastating war was a great accomplishment. He should be very proud of his efforts in bringing to life a huge part of American history