Apart from my reading theological, biblical works, I spend most of my casual reading in the history or biography genre. Pearl Harbor was an interesting read for me because it was the first encounter I have had with history as a novel. Gingrich and Fortschen have produced a worthy read. It is the first of three in the Pacific War Series. As a novel, the storyline holds the reader's attention, and as always, the historical data is both thought provoking and insightful.

There were three particular insights into the events leading to one of America's darkest days that I found especially interesting. First, there was a mutual respect and admiration between the military personnel of Japan and America. Some of the key players on both sides of the attacks on December 8^th had known and respected each other for years. But as with war, the call to serve one's country is a higher call than the commitment to a friend, particularly if the friend happens to be a citizen of the enemy.

Second, America's hesitation to enter WWII when it was evident that diplomacy would not deter a dictator and tyrant was perceived as naivety and over-confidence. It would appear from the complete surprise of the first two waves of attack on December 8^th, 1941 that the diagnosis was accurate.

Third, Gingrich and Fortschen propose through their telling of the history behind the attack that the quest for oil was at the heart of Japan's Imperialistic expansion program. The explosion of industry and military around the world left the island of Japan in a desperate search for sufficient oil supplies to keep their nation on par with the growing, great nations of the world. It is an interesting note that oil still plays a major role in the wars being fought today.