The Last Jump

A Novel of World War II

By: John E. Nevola

Narrated by: Mike Ortego

Length: 23 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

The Last Jump is a war story, a mystery, a love tale, and a tribute to the people who won World War II. Fact and fiction intermix seamlessly to unravel a secret passionately guarded by four aging soldiers. The reader is transported back in time to an imperfect America, with all is incredible virtues and vexing shortcomings struggling with racial and gender issues while fighting for its very survival. It was time when Americans stood shoulder to shoulder to free the world from tyranny. It celebrates the spirit and courage of ordinary citizens pitted against the militaristic regimes of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. It was a time when the sons of presidents and senators served, fought, suffered and died alongside average Americans and famous celebrities.

J.P. Kilroy, a middle-aged divorced journalist, regrets ignoring his mother's deathbed request. Even her last letter, which told of the existence of a mysterious family secret, did not motivate him to reconcile with the father who left them 30 years ago. When he receives an invitation from the White House to attend a Medal of Honor awards ceremony for African-Americans, he also discovers his estranged father recently passed away. Was the secret now lost forever?

Kilroy also discovers that four aging veterans, the only links to the past, not only know the secret but swore an oath never to reveal it. They are the free-spirited Sky Johnson, a rough and tumble paratrooper, Frank West, the studious company commander, Harley Tidrick, Omaha Beach veteran and cousin of his father's best wartime buddy, and Lincoln Abraham, the only living black honoree at the ceremony.

With the aid of Cynthia Powers, an alluring Army press liaison, Kilroy accepts the challenge to cajole the veterans into revealing the mystery. Their conversations take him back in time to a country in grave danger but a country as united as never before or since. But the old warriors stubbornly resist until the last one passes on and Kilroy's hopes are dashed. But one reaches from beyond the grave to identify the only other person who has the answer and Kilroy races death to reach her. And a shocking conclusion awaits him, if only he can get there in time!

©2010 John E. Nevola (P)2013 John E. Nevola

THANK YOU

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

After this book I finally realize what my father experienced and why he said the things he did .

What other book might you compare The Last Jump to and why?

My Dad was one of 5 brothers from Canada that lived in Maine who served . All but one returned . So wish I had this book as a young snot not understanding what they share as a brotherhood on the farm after the war in the early 50's .

What about Mike Ortego’s performance did you like?

What's not to like !!!!!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

All 83 chapters >> its that simple .

Any additional comments?

Only regrets >> not talking to my Dad more . He passed at 94 yrs young in 2002 and served in the Army Air Corp in the Philippines as a cargo mover ! . He said " there were just too > too > too many body bags " ! Love you Dad >> just didn't know what you experienced !!!

Thank you John E. Nevola for a great story and to Mike Ortego for an awesome journey

Fabulous read!

Great book! Takes you through parts if WWII as if you were there. If you are at all interested in the history of this war, this is the book to read.

Had me Hooked

this book had me hooked all the way to the end.
Great story! Airborne All the Way!

Incredible journey

Where does The Last Jump rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is a awesome story that has you guessing what will happen next. It is historically accurate even though it is fiction. All the major Airborne campaigns are mentioned and the writer did his research in his portrayal of airborne forces during the Second World War. I really enjoyed the plot and the reader did a wonderful job portraying the differnt characters in the story. If you like world war 2 history and enjoy a twist then you will love this book.

What other book might you compare The Last Jump to and why?

It's hard to compare to other books I have read, as I normally read non-fiction.

Which scene was your favorite?

The battle around Bastogne.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The end.

Must read for anyone who's Dad was in WWII

A diverse and detailed account of the heroism, honor and dedication of the American fighting man.

You'll never find one better than this

This novel is a combination of a well told war story, with the many facts telling the true story of World War II and especially in the European theater of operation.it's strongly tells the story of the love and the bond created under the horrors of combat and the love that body can only bring to those men. One loses sight in the reading of this book that the characters are fictional. The intertwining of true facts tied in with the characters made them work in the best of ways. I am sure that there are men who took their promise to the grave over many a situation who served in World War II. I also believe that the same honor is still embraced by all the other soldiers will follow to this day. Make One better appreciate the pain and suffering and the sacrifice that the men and now women who served in United States Armed Forces. Take the time to read this book you will never be sorry for the moments you spent out of your life in doing so. Thank you to all of them of the greatest generation, and to all who have followed in their footsteps

A Classic!!! I cried through the last chapters!!!

I’m a tough guy and a veteran. This book takes the reader through important battles of WWII in a very personal way giving the unpatriotic a reason for patriotism, and the patriotic a reason pride and tears. That so many gave so much for our freedom is deftly brought to light here. I wept with pride for the book’s characters and situations!! I’m so glad to have read this wonderful book!!

Incredible!!!

Best story I have read in such a very long time. By far one of the best to convey the feelings and emotions of a soldier. Such vivid words of the actual events from WW II even if these characters were fictional. Every person who now enjoys the benefits of the freedom that these men and women fought for must read this book. You will be changed forever and your head will raise a little higher to know they did it for each and every one of us that came after them!!!

Last Jump Review

What made the experience of listening to The Last Jump the most enjoyable?

The narrator had a pleasing voice and I was able to listen without getting bored or without wanting to turn it off. The book was very long; however, it held my interest from beginning to end.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Last Jump?

The end of the story; after the secret was revealed. I enjoy reading about the Greatest Generation. They are the true heroes of all time.

What does Mike Ortego bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I felt like I was there being told the story by the characters. His use of different voices had a great impact on how the story was told.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no - it is long eighty something chapters and I listen to and from work

Any additional comments?

I loved it!

Great Story of Brothers in Arms

A novel of WW II about two men with the same last name, who become fast friends, as their story of being paratroopers unfolds. Historical fiction at its best, with a mystery that keeps you spell-bound until the end. I highly recommend.