Witnessing the American Century

Via Berlin, Pearl Harbor, Vietnam, and the Straits of Florida

By: Capt. Allen Colby Brady USN

Narrated by: Theo Holland

Length: 8 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

A US Naval Aviator’s odyssey through pivotal moments in 20th-century history

The rise of Adolf Hitler, America’s Great Depression in the heartland, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, American life following World War II, the Korean War, America’s development of atomic weapons in the Cold War age, the Bay of Pigs Invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, and the Mariel boatlift. Captain Allen Brady not only witnessed all of these events but actually participated in them, in many instances as a US Naval Aviator. So many Americans and global citizens alike are not even aware of the importance of these pivotal moments; as generations age and pass on, without important accounts like this one, much is forgotten.

More than just a memoir, Brady’s book is an important document from one of the last of his generation, reminding us of the pivotal moments that should not be lost to history. Witnessing the American Century is Captain Brady’s firsthand account of his incredible life, and his memories elucidate America’s role in the most significant world events from the previous century.

Capt. Allen Colby Brady is a retired Naval Aviator. Throughout his 30-plus years of service, Capt. Brady found himself in the front row to all of the major events surrounding the emerging Cold War, nuclear proliferation, America’s fight to defeat the Communists in Cuba, and, most notably, his long stint as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. Following his retirement, Capt. Brady lived for over six years aboard a sailboat, even using his sailing expertise to liberate exiled communities of Cubans in the early 1980s.

The book is published by The Kent State University Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

©2019 The Kent State University Press (P)2019 Redwood Audiobooks

Amazing Story

The story of Captain Brady’s life is extraordinary. I couldn’t put it down once I started it. Such a personal yet historical accounting of events and much more than his POW experience. Thanks for sharing your life story with us. You’re the reason we continue to live in a free country.

Wonderful Book

A true American patriot. I have the privilege of knowing Capt. Brady. Such an incredible person still going strong now 95 years old.

A Great Message with Some Awkward Pacing

I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Witnessing the American Century is an autobiography of Captain Allen Colby Brady USN. This book is a picture of a life well-lived and of a man who embraced the various challenges and hardships that he encountered. He endured great pain and suffering and he remained loyal to his country through every circumstance. Although there are some pacing issues throughout, this is an excellent story that's worth experiencing.

Capt. Allen was an aviator for the Navy during the Vietnam War. His jet was shot down over Vietnam, where he spent 2,237 days as a prisoner of war. The first five chapters of this work are dedicated to this portion of his life. Some sections here drag down the pacing because of the detailed descriptions of the environments and conditions. Possibly the most interesting section of this work tells of his childhood as a soldier's son. His family was stationed on Hawaii during the Pearl Harbor attacks, and it's interesting to hear a perspective of these attacks that's often overlooked. The book eventually delves into Capt. Allen's 30+ years of service in the Navy. Many interesting events are chronicled here, although there are sections that deal with some pacing issues. Capt. Allen spends a large portion speaking on patriotism and the American dream. Although much of this discussion is agreeable, it's too long and a bit convoluted. Nonetheless, he still manages to paint an image of a noble, patriotic life. And that patriotism continues even after his retirement, as Capt. Allen helped liberate families who were fleeing from Cuba during the 1980s.

Theo Holland narrates this work, and he does a great job conveying the emotions and demeanor of Capt. Allen. His performance is heartfelt and genuine. He never comes across as overly dramatic or sensational. Instead, he maintains a convincing tone throughout the work. He does a fine job with his tone and pronunciation, and his voice never grows tiresome or grating. He was a great choice for this role.

Capt. Allen has lived a remarkable life. He fought and survived through some of the most pivotal moments of American history. Despite his capture and long imprisonment, he never lost hope in the country he loved and fought for. He is an admirable character, and his autobiography is certainly worth a listen.

Amazing

Wow- it's amazing what some people went through. This is an amazing man. He has so much to be proud of. It's because of people like this that we are able to live the life we live. Thank you. He had an exciting life and rough and tough. I thought this book was interesting and educational. Theo Holland does a great job narraiting this book. If my review was any help will you please click on the helpful link below. Thank you.

Decent book, strange ordering of events

This book is great when it is talking about being a prisoner, however I felt this portion of the book dragged on a bit.

The rest of the story is pretty good. No doubt the author has lived through and seen a lot. This book just doesn’t flow and carry like some other books of a similar type. I also though the order of events or layout of the story was backwards. It’s NOT a bad book... just not one of the best. Sadly this book is forgettable which I hate saying because of the authors contributions to our service. I would give it a pass.

The narrator did a great job though and was one of the more redeeming qualities of this book.

I requested a copy of this book in exchange for a voluntary review.