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The Candy Bombers: The Untold Story of the Berlin Airlift and America's Finest Hour Audiobook
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(4.00) - 438 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Acclaimed author Andrei Cherny tells the gripping saga of a rag-tag band of Americans-with limited resources and little hope for success-keeping West Berliners alive in the face of Soviet tyranny, winning the hearts and minds of former enemies, and giving the world a shining example of fundamental goodness. "[Written] with the flair of a novelist ."-Kirkus Reviews
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"So most people, including myself read about great WWII battles and decisive victories that led to the end of the war. So what happened right after the war? Yeah, all the soldiers came home to ticker tape parades, got married and enjoyed an economic boom. The Candy Bombers tells how the Soviets broke all of the agreements made by the Allies for for a post war Germany and Europe. They tried to starve the citizens of Berlin and force communism on the Germans much like they did to several Eastern European countries. WWIII was dangerously close. The Candy Bombers follows the political climate in The United States surrounding the 1948 presidential elections and the Truman administrations foreign policy in regards to the Soviets. It also details the chess match between General Clay and the Soviets over control of Berlin. The vast historical detail is made more interesting by detailing the Air Lift that brought millions of pounds of food and supplies to the isolated and starving citizens of Berlin. It also shows how in a few short years how countries that had very bad blood between them because of two world wars forged an alliance in only a few short years after WWII. You should read this book right after reading Truman by David McCullough."
— Xon (5 out of 5 stars)
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“An exciting, inspiring, and wonderfully written book.”
— Walter Isaacson, New York Times bestselling author -
“A gripping, suspenseful narrative history…Reminds me of Stephen Ambrose at his best.”
— Douglas Brinkley -
“Andrei Cherny tells this story vividly, placing it on the broader canvas of the incipient Cold War.”
— US News and World Report -
“A fine eye for character and detail.”
— Bloomberg News -
“A successful work of popular history…An enjoyable, timely narrative.”
— Dallas Morning News -
“Emphasizing figures prominent in the crisis—military governor Lucius Clay, Truman critic Henry Wallace, and pilot Gail Halvorsen––Cherny readably synthesizes this milestone Cold War confrontation.”
— Booklist -
“Written with the flair of a novelist.”
— Kirkus Reviews
The Candy Bombers Listener Reviews
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" This book is a wonderful weaving of the story. However, the title can be misleading. This is about a great deal more than the candy bombers, and it's a great deal more than the Berlin airlift. This book begins not in 1948, when the airlift took place. It begins in 1945, when WWII ended. I have read much history of the 20th century. However, this weaves much diverse information into a tapestry that is a beautiful and evocative story of the triumph of human spirit, on both sides of the air lift. It tells of the political maneuvering which led to the need for an airlift, and not merely the government wrangling, bu the military wrangling and political posturing. Well told and well performed. Highly recommended. "
— Bur, 6/22/2016 -
" Excellent description of a Key event in History. "
— Ron, 2/19/2014 -
" Excellent book--everyone should read it and become familiar with what happened to Berlin after WWII and how close all of Europe was to be taken over by Communism. "
— Krista, 2/17/2014 -
" John is listening/reading this book. He frequent tells me about the good parts and has me read chapters so I feel like I'm reading it too. Inspiring and true story about the Berlin Airlifts after WW2! We love Hal- Uncle Wiggly Wings as the German children called him. Makes us proud to be Americans and grateful for our many freedoms. "
— Sarah, 2/12/2014 -
" A long book, but a touching story. The story was very interesting and I learned alot about the Berlin Airlift. I'm amazed at what people will sacrifice for freedom. "
— Sharah, 2/11/2014 -
" While the books drags on a bit, the story is terrific. Lots of history on the post WW II Berlin. "
— Craig, 2/1/2014 -
" this is a great book. very well written. the subject may not be for everyone but very interesting. "
— Betty, 1/31/2014 -
" The story of how the Candy Bombers got started....takes the whole Berline airlift down to a personal story of the hardships ....such a good story. "
— Marlise, 1/23/2014 -
" Great read. A well written account of the events, politics, and public policy decisions surrounding the Cold War at the front lines and at home. "
— Todd, 1/10/2014 -
" I was torn in rating this with 3 stars; it's really 3.5 but I couldn't give it 4 stars. The story is one of the most amazing in the history of the US and the book started very strong, but the writing was dry and the ending was a bit of a disappointment. And it was very long. "
— Jeff, 1/1/2014 -
" I really enjoyed this. Very uplifting (no pun intended) story of America's heart for the German people in spite of the atrocities of WWII. "
— Jack, 12/28/2013 -
" Information for Americans, by Americans. "
— ted, 12/28/2013 -
" Simply incredible. One of the best pieces of creative nonfiction I have ever read. Highest possible recommendation. "
— Marc, 12/23/2013 -
" A little bit long during the political parts but it does show how the Berlin airlift affected more than just the people involved. I love the kid who gives directions to his house and is upset that no candy is dropped. "I gave directions. How did you people win the war anyway?" "
— Ayelet, 12/13/2013 -
" So informative! Interesting to meet all those in that had a part in it. I hope we can learn from it and use it in other situations. "
— Vicki, 12/9/2013 -
" I really liked the human interest portions of the book (5 stars), but the political portions were quite dry. I learned a lot about how East and West Berlin came into being. "
— Jennifer, 10/4/2013 -
" I really liked the stories of the individuals involved in the Berlin Air Life. Especially the guy who's idea it was to drop the candy to the children. I confess I knew very little about the situation, and I now realize that Truman did not take the idea of dropping atomic bombs lightly. "
— Tom, 6/27/2013 -
" Incredibly interesting, I just wish it hadn't been so long. Covers what went on behind the scenes in the States and in Berlin after WWII + onset of the Cold War. "
— Shana, 3/1/2013 -
" Recommended by a good male friend, I really like this story of the real American heroes who helped the Berliners after World War II. This was informative and helpful for me to read...and it wasn't boring history. I would recommend this book, especially for history buffs. "
— Risha, 7/14/2012 -
" Feel good story of the supplying of Berlin . "
— Susan, 5/11/2012 -
" So far this is a great read. I've heard several interviews with the author and am anxious to get to the part in the book when the candy is being dropped! So far it is a good review of US politics during and right after WWII. "
— Sheryl, 3/30/2012 -
" This book was great. More than just going into the details of the airlift itself, this book gave a indepth look at the politics and the people who formed the policies leading up to this great event. "
— John, 2/26/2012 -
" Great book about the Berlin Airlift and the men (mostly misfits) who were involved in it. My dad was in the Berlin Airlift but he wasn't in the book. "
— Cara, 3/15/2011 -
" Very interesting read (listen). Good history of the Berlin airlift and the history of early occupation of post war Germany. "
— Chad, 12/10/2010 -
" Great, easily readable account of the Berlin Airlift. My only complaint is that the book got schmaltzy at the end. "
— Stephanie, 2/5/2010 -
" Once again I learned something no one taught me in school. This is a precious story of good over evil. So enjoyable. "
— Seena, 10/25/2009
About Andrei Cherny
Andrei Cherny is coeditor of the idea journal, Democracy. A former White House speechwriter and senior fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, he is the author of The Next Deal and has written on history, politics, and culture for the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times. He is an officer in the Navy Reserve. He, his wife, and son live in Phoenix.
About Jonathan Davis
Jonathan Davis has been inducted into the Audible Narrator Hall of Fame. A three-time recipient and fourteen-time nominee of the Audie Award, he has earned accolades for his narration from the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, the American Library Association, Booklist, the Audio Publishers Association, AudioFile magazine, and USA Today. He has narrated a variety of bestsellers and award-winners for top publishing houses. He also narrated over forty titles of the Star Wars franchise for Lucasfilm Ltd./PRH Audio, including several iconic movie tie-ins, has participated with Star Wars Celebration, and has built a significant fan base. His work as a narrator includes films and programming for National Geographic Television, NOVA, PBS, VH1, and Francis Ford Coppola. He grew up in Puerto Rico and speaks Spanish, Portuguese, and Hebrew.