Overall Rating and Opinion of Shot Down

Heidi M Simone · Post by **Heidi M Simone** » 28 Apr 2016, 07:24

ShotDown wrote:I want to thank everyone for the wonderful compliments about my book, SHOT DOWN. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate them.

I particularly relish the positive comments made by people who are not into non-fiction and/or war books. When I wrote my SHOT DOWN, I definitely wanted it to appeal to history and World War buffs (hence a lot of technical information in the first half of the book), but I did not want it to be just a war book for guys. I wanted it to appeal to the general public; to people who had little knowledge and/or little interest in the war. I wanted it to be a story about people and the human spirit that would appeal to women as well.

So it really is two types of books in one. Although the story of the B-17 Susan Ruth crew is completely factual and based on first-hand testimony by the people who were involved in the events that took place, it almost reads like a novel. What I added to the story was a lot of history information and anecdotes about and surrounding the war to put it in context and add background. That part read like a history book.

Therefore, the opinions about SHOT DOWN are very insightful and right on the mark. They are what I was trying to achieve, and it is so very gratifying to read that you feel I was successful.

THANK YOU!

Steve Snyder

Thank you for your feedback! I am pretty particular on non-fiction text. Usually, WWII peaks my interest, but it's all about the presentation. If it's more like a textbook, my interest dwindles. However, I absolutely loved your presentation, so thank you for writing an informational text that can appeal to several people.

Post by **bookowlie** » 28 Apr 2016, 09:26

ShotDown wrote:I want to thank everyone for the wonderful compliments about my book, SHOT DOWN. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate them.

I particularly relish the positive comments made by people who are not into non-fiction and/or war books. When I wrote my SHOT DOWN, I definitely wanted it to appeal to history and World War buffs (hence a lot of technical information in the first half of the book), but I did not want it to be just a war book for guys. I wanted it to appeal to the general public; to people who had little knowledge and/or little interest in the war. I wanted it to be a story about people and the human spirit that would appeal to women as well.

So it really is two types of books in one. Although the story of the B-17 Susan Ruth crew is completely factual and based on first-hand testimony by the people who were involved in the events that took place, it almost reads like a novel. What I added to the story was a lot of history information and anecdotes about and surrounding the war to put it in context and add background. That part read like a history book.

Therefore, the opinions about SHOT DOWN are very insightful and right on the mark. They are what I was trying to achieve, and it is so very gratifying to read that you feel I was successful.

THANK YOU!

Steve Snyder

Thanks for the feedback! I agree that it was like reading two books in one. I am so impressed with the amount of research you gathered to write this story. Your father would be proud.

CPeterson09 · Post by **CPeterson09** » 29 Apr 2016, 20:59

I'm not sure this book is for me. I'm not too interested in non-fiction or WWII history

Kia · Post by **Kia** » 29 Apr 2016, 21:17

CPeterson09 wrote:I'm not sure this book is for me. I'm not too interested in non-fiction or WWII history

Never know until you try it!

Heidi M Simone · Post by **Heidi M Simone** » 30 Apr 2016, 02:45

Kia wrote:
CPeterson09 wrote:I'm not sure this book is for me. I'm not too interested in non-fiction or WWII history
Never know until you try it!

I agree with Kia - you never know until you try!

TheWriteAngel · Post by **TheWriteAngel** » 30 Apr 2016, 07:17

I've been looking for some books to read with themes of 'war'. Hope to pick this one up soon!

Post by **bookowlie** » 30 Apr 2016, 09:19

CPeterson09 wrote:I'm not sure this book is for me. I'm not too interested in non-fiction or WWII history

Sometimes it's nice to read a book outside your comfort zone. I have read a few gems through monthly book discussions here and in my in-person book club. A few were books that I would have never considered reading otherwise.

Heidi M Simone · Post by **Heidi M Simone** » 30 Apr 2016, 12:08

bookowlie wrote:
CPeterson09 wrote:I'm not sure this book is for me. I'm not too interested in non-fiction or WWII history
Sometimes it's nice to read a book outside your comfort zone. I have read a few gems through monthly book discussions here and in my in-person book club. A few were books that I would have never considered reading otherwise.

I agree wholeheartedly!

Taylor Razzani · Post by **Taylor Razzani** » 01 May 2016, 16:41

This book really wasn't what I usually read either. But luckily it is an interesting read and easy to understand so its a good one to introduce you to the genre!

CrescentMoon · Post by **CrescentMoon** » 02 May 2016, 13:45

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was very emotional and powerful and I found myself on a roller coaster of emotions. I generally do not read non-fiction but I do enjoy history and I thought this book sounded very interesting because in school we learn about the major historical events but they are so impersonal and broad. This story involved actual personal accounts and it was very enlightening.

Momlovesbooks · Post by **Momlovesbooks** » 16 May 2016, 14:40

This book is great if you want to learn more about the bravery and sacrifices of these pilots during WWII. It is touching and memorable. Thank you Steve Snyder, for taking the time to put memories to paper!

Shibrah Rafaqat · Post by **Shibrah Rafaqat** » 19 May 2016, 23:26

Just added this book to my shelf..looking forward to read it...

TrishaAnn92 · Post by **TrishaAnn92** » 11 Jun 2016, 11:09

Purchased a hard copy of this and look forward to reading it. History, particularly the wars, have been of interest to me lately.

LarkSpur25 · Post by **LarkSpur25** » 16 Jun 2016, 20:35

This book sounds like something both my father and my husband would love to read! I haven't read it as of yet but I hope to get it so all three of us can in the near future.