Reviews | On American Soil

“Not only riveting, ON AMERICAN SOIL is also essential reading for anyone concerned about the delicate balance between national security and individual rights. Jack Hamann proves that a true tale well told can be as gripping as fiction.”

“Razor-sharp ... Hamann's lively narrative and incisive commentary raise the standard for investigational writing.” [full review]

-Library Journal

“Jack Hamann has crafted an impressive debut book that is painstakingly researched and documented but also manages to be an enthralling read.* * * ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF 2005” [full review]

“The story is fascinating, not just well-researched and compelling, but human and engaging. I think this was the first time I cried while reading a history book (and as a History and Science major [Harvard University], I've read lots of history books!)”

-Tegan Tigani, manager, Queen Anne Books

“This book reads like an outstanding piece of literary fiction, but it is investigative reporting of the highest order ... [Jack] Hamann, with researcher Leslie Hamann, uncovered a web of lies in a book that holds lessons for today on the tensions between national security and individual rights.”

“Jack Hamann’s first book entails high drama not uncommon in a novel by John Grisham … Many first time writers strive too hard for literary greatness or create one-dimensional caricatures instead of real characters. Hamann didn’t work too hard to make his book good or timely—his subject matter did the job for him … A surprisingly relevant work about prejudice, scapegoats and cover-ups in a time of war.” [full review]

-Daily Nebraskan

“Two thumbs up ... It is a fabulous read and would make a great movie.” [full review]

-Armchair Interviews

“Hamann does a great job of telling a complicated tale with great care and ease: His prodigious archive work and straightforward narrative help the story fall easily into place.” [full review]

“The storyline that Hamann uncovers is compelling enough. But it is the crime’s historical context—wartime racial dynamics, colossal Army incompetence, international political implications, and the (humane) treatment of POWs, for example—that makes this book so relevant now.” [full review]

“Hamann does an excellent job of humanizing the two opposing lawyers in the case, including Leon Jaworski ... meticulous research ... A welcome piece of military history, adroitly balancing racism and legal questions in one story.” [full review]

“Skillfully told, this gripping work of military history couldn’t come at a better time. The dubious treatment of POWs in the present makes this book exceptionally relevant today.”

“An explosive but forgotten WWII incident that took place on native ground is unearthed … Hamann reconstructs the courtroom scenes admirably and gives shape to the riot itself. He is best in depicting the men involved and the waste of lives that the episode entailed.” [full review]

“Jack Hamann skillfully tells this previously obscure tale in a way that should thrill students of both military and Seattle history. The author has also gently and generously filled the book with ample material for musings on the subjects of sociology, psychology and law.” [full review]

“Jack Hamann has written a gripping, thought-provoking tale, exploring issues of race, war, justice, and military bureaucracy ... it really is that good.”

“A compelling new book called ON AMERICAN SOIL gives historical resonance to the perpetually difficult balancing act between individual rights and national security. * * * The author does a stellar job of fleshing out the prevalent forces of the time — the lamentable prejudices, the legitimate fears, and the grinding stresses of a nation at war.” [full review]

“With its intelligent examination of wartime racial dynamics, military incompetence, the treatment of POWs and the competing pressures of national security and individual rights, ON AMERICAN SOIL delivers lessons we are wise to heed today.” [full review]

“The episode is is important as a shameful page of American war history in which justice and truth were the real casualties.” [full review]

“[Hamann] is, obviously, a dedicated man, and one well-suited to this sort of story ... [He] has created a book that perfectly encapsulates a time and place with far-reaching consequences. It might not be beach reading, but you could do far worse, and could scarcely do better.” [full review]

“I We generally mark the 1950s and 1960s as dead center in the country's civil rights struggles, but an incident during World War II, pitting the U.S. Army against some of its African-American soldiers has as much relevance as Montgomery, Birmingham, Watts and Detroit without all the surrounding hoopla ... an interesting and revealing book.” [full review]

“I have read ON AMERICAN SOIL and am passing the word around ... This work has no expiration date. We are assured of employment for life. We are off the hook at death or senility — whichever comes first.”

“ON AMERICAN SOIL is an example of the best in journalism, a dramatically told story by a reporter who cared enough to leave no stone unturned in his search for truth … Hamann is a masterful writer.” [full review]

“Hamann is a natural writer. As disturbing as it is, ON AMERICAN SOIL is a pleasure to read, thoroughly researched and perfectly paced. Pick it up.”

“I haven't said enough about how much I enjoyed ON AMERICAN SOIL, which is both fascinating and beautifully written. It's great that Rep. McDermott thought so, too. I hope Jack Hamann is feeling good about this; it's rare, and extremely exciting, when a writer makes a difference so directly and so dramatically.”

“Jack Hamann’s riveting book, based on recently declassified documents, questions every supposed fact in the case … This book reads like a novel and turns the history of this telling episode on its head.” [full review]