Fatal Second Helen: A Modern Veteran's Iliad by Josh Cannon

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MWSA Review Pending

 

Author's Synopsis

In the tradition of Jonathan Shay’s 'Achilles in Vietnam' (1994), Josh Cannon’s 'Fatal Second Helen: A Modern Veteran’s Iliad' brings to the audience a discussion of Homer’s Iliad that allows the ancient text to teach us about modern war. Cannon’s work differentiates itself from Shay’s by discussing the Iliad holistically. His book seeks to demystify the Iliad through connecting it to his military service via a presentation of his personal stories.

By sharing his story, Cannon’s book shares a new angle on an old tale. He makes the Iliad accessible to any audience and helps unearth a lesson that, despite being millennia old, still has much to teach us.

Format(s) for review: Paper or Kindle
Review genre: Nonfiction—Memoir/Biography
Pages/Word count: 178 / 50,000

Shipmate by Eileen Clancy Biegel

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MWSA Review

Eileen Clancy Biegel’s Shipmate is a moving tribute to her brother, a Coast Guard chief warrant officer. Through illustration and narrative, Biegel uses her brother’s nickname, “The Bear,” to recount her brother’s legacy onboard the Coast Guard cutter Southwind (a refurbished icebreaker).

A child will enjoy the illustrations of Chief and Betty Bear, while an adult could help explain the various adventures faced by the Southwind’s crew of bears: navigating through the world’s oceans, delivering supplies to the Antarctic, and dodging icebergs while rescuing ships in distress. Both the child and their adult reading companion will learn something new about Coast Guard service while reading this book.

Review by John Cathcart (July 2025)

 

Author's Synopsis

The Bear has recently joined the United States Coast Guard, and his first duty assignment is the United States Coast Guard Cutter Southwind. Eager to learn all that he can about his new job as a Quartermaster onboard the “Polar Prowler,” the Bear is lucky enough to meet his new boss who turns out to be his mentor as well.

The Southwind embarks on a once-in-a-lifetime journey around the world. The Bear and the crew rise to the challenges that life aboard an icebreaker may bring.

The Bear pays it forward and mentors other young “Coasties” during his career. The repercussions of sharing one’s gifts and talents are felt for generations to come.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Children & Young Adult—Picture Book

Number of Pages: 36

Word Count: 710