Review of Men of the 65th: The Borinqueneers of the Korean War by Talia Aikens-Nunez ~ Giveaway | #YoungAdult #NonFiction #PuertoRican #Borinqueneers
A book blog tour from Goddess Fish Promotions.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Marianne & Judy at Goddess Fish for providing me with the information for this tour.
Book Details
Men of the 65th: The Borinqueneers of the Korean War by Talia Aikens-Nunez Published by Zest Books on May 2, 2023
Genres: Non-fiction, Young Adult
Format: eBook, Hardcover, Paperback
Pages: 174
Source: Goddess Fish PromotionsHonor and Fidelity. That is the motto of the 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Borinqueneers, the only Puerto Rican unit in the United States Army.
Since the regiment’s creation in 1899, the men of the 65th have proudly served the US through multiple wars, despite facing racial discrimination. Their courage, loyalty, and patriotism earned them hundreds of accolades, including the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014.But the honor and fidelity of the men of the 65th came into question in 1952, in the midst of the Korean War, when ninety-one Borinqueneers were arrested and tried for desertion and disobeying orders. How could this happen in one of the most distinguished and decorated units of the Army?
In this telling of one of the forgotten stories of the Korean War, author Talia Aikens-Nuñez guides us through the history of the Borinqueneers and the challenges they faced leading up to what was the largest court martial in the entire war. Rediscover the bravery of the men of the 65th through Aikens-Nuñez’s thorough writing and the soldiers’ firsthand accounts of the Korean War.
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Excerpt from Men of the 65th
The US public was shocked to discover that during the war, 162 soldiers of the 65th Infantry Regiment had been court-martialed and ninety-one of those soldiers found guilty of disobeying orders and desertion.
The US military kept the courts-martial quiet. But the soldiers of the 65th sent letters to their families describing what was happening, which led to public outcry and confusion from the press. How could one of the most distinguished regiments of the Korean War, whose soldiers had only months before been praised by General Douglas MacArthur for their “brilliant record of heroism,” become involved in the largest mass court-martial of the Korean War?
Did the Borinqueneers lose their bravery and heroism in such a short time? Or were they victims of discrimination in a prejudiced and segregated system? Were they betrayed by the country they risked their lives for?
This is the story of one of the bravest and most decorated regiments in the history of the US military. It is a forgotten story in a forgotten war. But it is a story of patriotism, loyalty, and bravery in the face of danger and discrimination, and it is one that deserves to be told. -page 10
Excerpt provided by the author/publisher for use in this post.
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Purchase Links for Men of the 65th
Amazon – OneLink for every country
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My thoughts on Men of the 65th
“Men of the 65th: The Borinqueneers of the Korean War” by Talia Aikens-Nunez is a remarkable and inspirational journey through the often-overlooked history of the 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Borinqueneers. In this meticulously researched Young Adult Non-Fiction book, Aikens-Nunez sheds light on the honor, fidelity, and extraordinary courage exhibited by the soldiers of this Puerto Rican unit throughout their history.
The book begins by introducing us to the motto of the 65th Infantry Regiment, “Honor and Fidelity,” setting the stage for a captivating narrative of valor and patriotism that spans multiple wars. Despite facing racial discrimination, these brave men served their country with unwavering loyalty, earning numerous accolades, including the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal in 2014. The author’s vivid storytelling brings to life the sacrifices and dedication of the Borinqueneers, making it easy for readers of all ages to connect with their struggles and triumphs.
Aikens-Nunez skillfully guides readers through the history of the Borinqueneers, leading up to a pivotal moment during the Korean War in 1952. This is where the narrative takes an unexpected turn, as ninety-one Borinqueneers are arrested and tried for desertion and disobeying orders. The author’s thorough research and firsthand accounts from the soldiers who lived through this challenging time immerse readers in the heart-wrenching story of the largest court-martial in the entire Korean War.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its ability to shed light on a forgotten chapter in history. The revelation that 162 soldiers of the 65th Infantry Regiment were court-martialed, with ninety-one found guilty, sends shockwaves through the reader. Aikens-Nunez skillfully navigates the confusion and public outcry that followed, raising essential questions about the sudden fall from grace of a unit once praised by General Douglas MacArthur for its “brilliant record of heroism.”
The author addresses critical themes of discrimination and prejudice within the military system, prompting readers to reflect on whether the Borinqueneers were betrayed by the very country they risked their lives for. This narrative challenges us to reevaluate the notion of bravery and heroism and the impact of discrimination on the soldiers’ experiences.
“Men of the 65th” is not just a history lesson; it’s a testament to patriotism, loyalty, and bravery in the face of danger and discrimination. Talia Aikens-Nunez’s meticulous research is complemented by primary source quotes, maps, and historical information, enriching the reader’s understanding of Puerto Rico, the US military, and the global conflicts the Borinqueneers faced. Furthermore, the book’s glossary, timeline, and excellent source notes make it an invaluable resource for young readers, particularly those in middle-grade and high-school.
In Conclusion
“Men of the 65th: The Borinqueneers of the Korean War” is an inspirational and action-packed journey through history. Talia Aikens-Nunez has breathed life into a forgotten story, illuminating the contributions of people of color in the US military and highlighting the importance of honor and fidelity in the face of adversity. This book is a must-read for its historical significance and the invaluable lessons it imparts about resilience and the pursuit of justice.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
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I love my Amazon Kindle Unlimited Subscription. So many books, so little time!
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About Talia Aikens-Nunez
Talia Aikens-Nuñez is passionate about sharing with young readers the little known stories, accomplishments, and contributions of people of color from all throughout history. Aikens-Nuñez is the author of Small Nap, Little Dream, a bilingual Spanish/English picture book. She and her husband live in Connecticut with their two children.
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Purchase Men of the 65th online from a local bookstore.
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Easy Amazon Info Link
Amazon – OneLink for every country
If the above link does not take you to your country, here are a few more:
Please send me a note if your country isn’t listed and you would like to purchase using my links. Using my link does not change the price you pay. Amazon pays me a minimal amount out of their share.
Men of the 65th: The Borinq...Shop on Amazon
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Giveaway!
Talia Aikens-Nunez will award a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Visit more stops on this Goddess Fish tour for extra chances to win!
Official Tour Page for Men of the 65th
Full Tour Schedule:
September 18: Westveil Publishing
September 19: The Avid Reader
September 20: Literary Gold
September 21: Sandra’s Book Club
September 22: Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
September 25: Kenyan Poet
September 26: The Pen and Muse Book Reviews
September 27: Hope. Dreams. Life… Love
September 28: Fabulous and Brunette
September 29: Readers Roost
October 2: Long and Short Reviews
October 3: Our Town Book Reviews
October 4: Locks, Hooks and Books
October 5: fundinmental
October 6: Boys’ Mom Reads! review
October 9: Gina Rae Mitchell review
October 10: Straight from the Library
October 11: It’s Raining Books
October 12: The Faerie Review
October 13:Travel the Ages
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The book sounds very interesting. Thanks!
I’m interested in reading more!
Thanks for stopping by Jessica! It’s a fascinating story.
What inspired you to read this book
I spotlighted the book earlier this year and was quite intrigued. Since one of my goals for 2023 is to read more non-fiction, I jumped at the chance to read it for the tour. I hope you get the chance to enjoy it.
I like the blurb. Sounds really interesting.
Thanks for stopping by, Marcy.
Sounds like a good book.
Thanks for stopping by!
What , in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?
Thank you so much for featuring this book and review.