Title: One Step From Glory: America in World War One
Author: Sidney P. Little
Publisher: Blue Ink Media Solutions
ISBN: 9781641339605
Pages: 489
Genre: Historical Fiction, Military/War
Reviewer: Lily Amanda
Hollywood Book Reviews
One Step From Glory: America in World War One, is a deeply descriptive historical novel by Sidney P. Little that tells the story of America’s involvement in World War One. It follows a young man named Pat Littler and others like him as they go from farm life and college into the reality of war and while it’s based on real history, the book is fictional, showing how regular people lived, chose to serve, and fought during the Great War.
The story starts with rising tensions between the U.S. and Germany after which shortly German submarines attack American ships after President Woodrow Wilson decides enough is enough. We’re introduced to several characters like Wendell, a merchant sailor, and Captain Dennison, who works closely with the president. Then we shift to Pat, a young college student from Illinois, who is deeply affected by what’s happening overseas, which inspires him to enlist in the National Guard, despite knowing his decision will upset his family. His journey takes us from small-town life to training camps and eventually to the battlefields of Europe.
As the book goes on, we follow Pat and other young men as they learn what war really is. We are vividly shown how tough training can be, and how excited but nervous they are to head into something so unknown. Through these personalities, we gain an understanding of what it is like to serve in a war unlike any other the world has seen. From muddy trenches and machine guns to air raids and periods of silent anxiety, the book conveys a powerful feeling of the danger and heroism these young men faced, as well as the consequences of the war on individuals back home, such as Pat’s parents.
The book’s format is well organized, with each chapter focusing on a new stage of the journey. It sets sail from the early days of uncertainty and progressing to the eventual call to arms, then training, travel, and finally, combat. The book is written in a clear, easy to follow manner that makes it accessible even to readers who don’t know much about World War One. The language flows naturally, and the pacing is just right to keep the reader hooked throughout.
The plot revolves around significant themes of honor, sacrifice, and patriotism, as well as a strong feeling of duty shared by all of the characters, who when scared or unsure, they continue to do what they believe is right. The book also does a good job of showing the cost of war, not just in lives, but in how it changes people. Another strong theme is family, that comes out well through Pat’s relationship with his parents, and how difficult it is for them to let him go.
One Step From Glory is a moving story about a key moment in American history and a unique offering that effectively manages to teach the reader while still telling an emotional, human story. Sidney P. Little brings the time period to life through simple but effective writing and strong characters. If you enjoy war stories, historical fiction, or just want a better understanding of what World War One was like for Americans, this is a great book to read. Sidney P. Little offers a crucial and compelling addition to any history lover’s library.