Category Archives: Reviews

Reviews of “In My Father’s Footsteps The Story of Father & Son Naval Aviators”

This book is detailed and long, but very worthwhile.

Not much can be added to other reviews of this book. They say it all. Let me add this:

I first read a review of In My Father's Footsteps in a local newspaper. Here was a gentleman I wanted to meet. A fellow veteran/friend and I invited John Leslie to lunch. We were impressed enough that we invited him to speak to our retirement community on Memorial Day. John gave the finest, most eloquent and meaningful message. His unselfish, patriotic personality came through…….the same way he presented his family background, ancestral history and stories of service both he and his dad gave to our nation. This book is detailed and long, but very worthwhile. An added plus is that you do not have to read it from cover to cover as if it were a novel. One can pick and choose the topics from the table of contents. However, you will want to learn the full story. A must read!

Lew McCaw

… A heartwarming and enjoyable book.

I was pleasantly surprised with reading this book. This is not just another book about Aviation and a generation gone by. It is a thoroughly enjoyable read. I started reading this book and couldn't put it down. Mr. Leslie has written a book that is of the same quality and ease of reading as authors such as David McCullough. I recommend this book to all. ~ Anonomous, via Amazon.com

. . . Must read for aviation history buffs!

Wonderful family history book using father and son's naval aviation careers as the focus. As a retired naval aviator, I am struck by how similar our paths were in the Navy and post-Navy. John does a masterful job in describing Naval Aviation as it used to be. Must read for aviation history buffs!  ~ Captain John Pettitt, USN (Ret)

It may sound trite but Bravo Zulu.

What a great book. . . . a great book in the sense that it captures your life and those of your family members and good friends.  For generations to come, your successors will be able to check what you  said about dozens if not hundreds of subjects and events.  I am particularly impressed that you put together such an opus magnum in your spare time. . . . You have brought back great memories for me. . . . It may sound trite but Bravo Zulu.  A great big "Well Done" for all your achievements."  Captain Hugh Lynch, USN (Ret)

A really enjoyable book

Congratulations! You've written a really enjoyable book thanks to your gift of recounting the many funny stories, but also your ability to write about loss. . . .What a fine accomplishment.  It works as a family history but it also works as a larger history of aviation and the Viet Nam era with such precise detail and careful fact-checking that it will be a resource for future history scholars.  Bravo!  I believe history should be written by those wholived it, not by "professionals" who trail after the fact. ~ Leslie Marmon Silko

A wonderful book

What a wonderful book, not only for your descendants, but your friends, colleagues and extended family. . . . You are very humble in giving all your fellow vets their well deserved accolades, and you have a great sense of humor too. . . . You had some close calls, but God, a Great Spirit, or someone, kept you alive so you could let everyone know what wonderful armed forces we have, and what a great country this is.  Wonder if God also had a hand in your retirement from Northrop Grumman, so you would be free to handle all the sad happenings just after your retirement. ~ Ruth Harvey Hayes

It would make one hell of a movie

I am reading your book and I really want to thank you for your kind words and signature. I could discuss a few things we have in common however your life is unparalleled to anyone I know or have met. I think it would make one hell of a movie as the story of you looking back at your father through your life is great reading. You have an incredible family and a great heritage anyone would be proud of. ~Ralph Davies