Books: “Killing the Rising Sun” by Bill O’Reilly (2016)
Posted By RichC on February 1, 2025
When it comes to reading downloaded books on my Kindle, sometimes I need to pick up where I left off. Last year I started to reading Bill O’Reilly’s 2016 book “Killing the Rising Sun” and put it down to read something else. So this year, I’ve picked it back up again while spending some extended time at the condo in Florida. I’d say it is perfect for the beach, but between questionable days, a lot of walking and just talking with Brenda, it is easier to read while the television in on in the evening.
The Killing Series books are easy to read if you enjoy WW II history (“Killing the SS” was excellent too) and this one lends itself to big picture “goings on” as the war in the Pacific rages. It focuses on the fierce resistance of the Japanese Empire against the United States island hopping campaign and ends with Japan’s eventual surrender.
I found the atomic bombings descriptions and thoughts going through US President Harry Truman decisions interesting; he eventually saved hundreds of thousands of US lives by ordering atomic bombs be dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Some of the graphic depictions helps readers understand why Nuclear War (see A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen) needs to be avoided at all costs by all nations that possess such weapons — and might as well add biological and chemical weapons too.
Essentially, “Killing the Rising Sun” offers a narrative-driven account of the Pacific War, emphasizing the brutality of the Japanese, the determination of American forces and difficult decision to use atomic weapons.
I’ve probably read more than most when it comes to World War II in the Pacific, but if you’re new to studying and looking for a perfect “one-book read,” this one is a good one.
On a side note, the coconut and palm photo is not from a Pacific island or anything …
nor does it have anything to do with the book other than me reading it in Florida. 😉
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