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When Books Went To War

Decent Essays

As for this book investigation, the novel for this assignment is called, When Books Went to War, by Molly Guptill Manning. The purpose of this novel is to demonstrate how books helped soldiers in World War II. Throughout this book, it explains how American troops read textbooks to help escape the world around them. Soldiers turn to books to release the tension they have from the war. Most of the time veterans feel lonely or depressed and by reading novels, it helps them to manage their emotions. This novel is written because it indicates how powerful books are towards people. These books have the power to “... soothed troubled minds and hearts...” (Manning 110). As the author claims, books helped win World War II. Based on this edition, it seems as if the author is attempting to understand how books help America to win World War II. In the novel, it explains that it gives troops hope and strength to fight the war. As well, the author is trying to figure out why books affect soldier’s lives. The real historical question is how books become important in World War II? Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “In this war, we know, books are weapons” (48). Ms. Manning understands how books can become weapons in war. Eventually, the author explains that it gives American troops …show more content…

This book simply mentions a few things such as Pearl Harbor, Mein Kampf and details of the war. At the beginning of each chapter, it gives a brief detail about Germany invading Poland and France. Also, mentions racism towards African Americans about fighting in the war. Another discussion, that was discussed in class was the atomic bombs being used in Japan. However, in the book, there was nothing about the war itself. It was solely used to explain what was going on in the background and gives an idea of how books were affected by the events. There are a few events that need to be

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