SPIT-SHINED
Like The Church, the USMC is an enduring institution maintained by servants whose human frailty may belie the principles they espouse, and respect, and defend. A memoir-based comic novel, SPIT-SHINED watches young TSgt. Jonas (USMCR) ricochet from Old Corps to new, peacetime to (mock) combat, aspiration to disappointment, embarrassing Waikiki liberty to the danger of life-risking chopper malfunctions. It reveals life aboard the Navy's clumsiest aircraft carrier, tourist-happy Hawaii, and U.S. military bases in Japan, all alien locations to the boys made men by the Corps. Through it all Jonas tries to emulate his grandfather (Gunnery Sgt. Michael Jonus, USMC Ret), who'd taught him:: Never apologize. Never explain.
REVIEWS:
Interesting and humorous insights into the "old" corps. Worth reading by both former Marines and anyone curious about the life lessons learned by the young men who had the privilege to serve in the United States Marine Corps. - LANCE CPL. DALE EK, USMC 1957 - 60
Spit-Shined, another jewel from the talented Richard E. Peck, spans forty-nine days with Marine Corps helicopter pilots in a 1959 training exercise held in the South Pacific. Brash young USMC 1st/Lt Jonas comes of age during the story and has us rooting for him from the first page. A must read for all veterans. - PATRICIA SMITH WOOD, author of The Easter Egg Murder
Multitalented novelist, playwright, and jack of all genres Richard E. Peck has written a winning memoir combining his military service with his trademark wit and insight to produce Spit-Shined, . . . a treasure of pathos, humor, satire, and truth in the peacetime military, where petty tyrants jostle for promotion and make life Hell for those under their command. Yossarian and Ensign Pulver would feel right at home. - COL. ROB KRESGE, USA 1968 - 98
Genre: Thriller
Like The Church, the USMC is an enduring institution maintained by servants whose human frailty may belie the principles they espouse, and respect, and defend. A memoir-based comic novel, SPIT-SHINED watches young TSgt. Jonas (USMCR) ricochet from Old Corps to new, peacetime to (mock) combat, aspiration to disappointment, embarrassing Waikiki liberty to the danger of life-risking chopper malfunctions. It reveals life aboard the Navy's clumsiest aircraft carrier, tourist-happy Hawaii, and U.S. military bases in Japan, all alien locations to the boys made men by the Corps. Through it all Jonas tries to emulate his grandfather (Gunnery Sgt. Michael Jonus, USMC Ret), who'd taught him:: Never apologize. Never explain.
REVIEWS:
Interesting and humorous insights into the "old" corps. Worth reading by both former Marines and anyone curious about the life lessons learned by the young men who had the privilege to serve in the United States Marine Corps. - LANCE CPL. DALE EK, USMC 1957 - 60
Spit-Shined, another jewel from the talented Richard E. Peck, spans forty-nine days with Marine Corps helicopter pilots in a 1959 training exercise held in the South Pacific. Brash young USMC 1st/Lt Jonas comes of age during the story and has us rooting for him from the first page. A must read for all veterans. - PATRICIA SMITH WOOD, author of The Easter Egg Murder
Multitalented novelist, playwright, and jack of all genres Richard E. Peck has written a winning memoir combining his military service with his trademark wit and insight to produce Spit-Shined, . . . a treasure of pathos, humor, satire, and truth in the peacetime military, where petty tyrants jostle for promotion and make life Hell for those under their command. Yossarian and Ensign Pulver would feel right at home. - COL. ROB KRESGE, USA 1968 - 98
Genre: Thriller
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