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"A really monumental novel..." Click here to listen to the most recent radio interview from WRNJ 1050 which aired on Veterans Day 11 Nov 2011. Also click here to listen to the radio interview which aired on 30 Sep 2010.
"This is a really, really good book...it reminded me of Herman Wouk's second book, War and Rememberance." Click here to listen to the entire radio interview which aired on 7 Sep 2010.
"...a darn good yarn...the reader gets a beautiful look at how it was to be an American at war during that time.
This might be the first romantic military history book ever written that should have "all women should read" stamped on the cover. Men too...another good movie candidate. "
"Great historical detail and spellbinding story. I am the daughter of a World War II 82nd Airborne paratrooper, Arthur 'Dutch'
Schultz. I really enjoyed and appreciated the manner in which the author presented an important piece of World War II history. He combined accurate historical detail with a spellbinding story of brotherhood, passion and intrigue. The story's characters were well developed and John Nevola really captured the paratrooper personality, which I know well from my own experience.
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"This story has romance, mystery, and action. I also appreciated the quotations that begin each chapter. Nevola has done his homework and gives the historical background...most of the time the fictional story and historical information flowed smoothly. This is a sweeping novel that gives a picture of a different time in America and Nevola has given the reader a sense of why Tom Brokaw called that generation the Greatest Generation.
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"I read a lot of military/WW 2 novels but rarely (if ever) am I moved enough to give a book a review. This IS one of the best books that I have come across in the last 10-15 years! I was emotionally moved by this finely written novel that combined the best of capturing both the home and battlefronts in WW2. Hard to put this one down until I finished it. Masterfully written and looking forward to Mr. Nevola's next one! "
"There are lots of novels of World War Two, but not many as good as this one. This novel truly gives a flavor for what it was like to be an American soldier during that conflict. It also has numerous sub-plots, all nicely woven together, about civilian workers, mainly women, who during that war, for the first time, were recruited to be pilots, shipyard workers, and factory workers. This novel's strongest suit is its readability. (It) captured my interest right away and held it to the end. The prose in this novel is far above average, and this novel accomplishes the not-inconsiderable task of acquainting the reader with many historical aspects of the War through the actions and experiences of fictional characters... Highly recommended."
"John Nevola developed characters that I wanted to be my friends. Chapter Eighty brought a tear rolling down my cheek and made me want to stand up and salute the Flag as it passed by. "EYES...RIGHT" to John Nevola. "
"I recommend highly that you acquire, and read (this) novel. It's a great read, a compelling story, and a historical jewel. "
"I really enjoyed the book. I knew the military part very well but the civilian part really added to a complete understanding of what America went through in WWII. Great story telling!"
"John Nevola deserves some kind of medal for this book. The effort it must have taken to write such a great story with all the back ground information WWII offered was absolutely herculean. This is the first novel I have read that shared the stories of what it was like to live state side in the 1940's as well as the details of war on the war front side. I enjoyed the way John presented an important piece of history in an entertaining and enlightening way. We could all learn more about our countries history with a book such as this."
"Great Book! What a great job John Nevola did writing his first novel. It held my attention all the way through and I enjoyed reading and recommending it to my friends!! "
"The Last Jump, by John Nevola, is a great example of superb story-telling wrapped around an accurate portrayal of historic events. John provides enough real history to give the book the authentic feel of talking to the aging veterans of WWII. At the same time, the story he tells has enough human drama, interpersonal relationships and vivid imagery to make for great entertainment. This is an outstanding first novel, and I look forward to the next one!"
"It was fantastic. I could not put it down. What a story and with true history. A great word flow. It is well worth the buy."
"The Last Jump is a must read...the characters just jumped off the pages and were very real...the battle descriptions were so vivid you felt you were there...the way Nevola spun this tale back and forth from the battlefields and shipyards to the conversations many years later was brilliant. John Nevola I salute you for a job well done!"
"The Last Jump is an amazing novel and incredibly dense with historical information, vivid descriptions of the American war machine and all the parts that were played to achieve victory in Europe and at home. The history of the paratroopers, their espirit de corps and their bravery are so well portrayed in this historic novel. The characters were so believable and the landscape that the author portrays is still as fresh in one's minds eye as it was some 65 years ago. It truly is a remarkable novel of the sacrifice, determination and love of one's country and others that enabled this great country to defeat such horrible governments. Looking forward to the next novel by John Nevola. Congratulations."
"I found The Last Jump to be very interesting and hard to put down. This is a novel that should be read by anyone interested in World War II. I believe the generation of today would be especially interested in learning what our service men and women did and sacrificed in keeping our country "The land of the free and home of the brave". At times I felt I was actually there with the characters. This is a great book and a must read.
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"It was fascinating to discover how difficult it was to train to be a paratrooper, realizing how important they were to defeating the enemy in World War II. It opens you up to the world of paratroopers, and how significant their role was in the war. This book is enlightening as to the importance of the role of women in the war, and their major contribution to our victory. The role of African American soldiers during WWII was underappreciated, as they were highly dedicated in their efforts to defeat the enemy, considering the racial tensions of the day. The whole country came together, uniting in a team effort to win the war. These men who fought were very tough and determined in battle. This makes you appreciate life today, and brings to light how we need to emulate their efforts in today's war against terrorism. The author captivates your interest by including details that required intense research and a solid understanding of the times. Well written!!
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"Impressive in three ways - extremely well structured and organized for a first time author, very interesting story line, historically accurate. I have a military background and it is obvious Mr. Nevola did his homework in re-creating the military environment during thoes terrible years of war. I was also acquainted with a number of people who lived in that period and the author reflected the civilian atmosphere extremely accurately.
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"This is one riverting and very exciting story. The mixture of fact and fiction with alternating flashbacks of periods in time is amazing. This story held me captive until the author gave up the secret. Just wonderful. The "Quote" beginning each new chapter is nothing short of Brilliant!
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"This Novel was gripping and suspenseful. I had a hard time putting it down! The way the author intertwined the events and time difference was masterful. I was amazed with the accuracy of all the history with regard to dates, Army companies, and campaigns. I don't know how he amassed such data. I’m sure it is very difficult to write about history and incorporate a compelling story. It was masterfully done. I sincerely hope there will be other offerings.
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"Great book! I...really enjoyed it! I will be telling as many people about it as possible."
"As the author's first work, The Last Jump is nothing if not ambitious. Not only does Nevola tell the tale of a group of soldiers as they train for and ultimately battle their way through the European theatre of WWII and the special bonds they share with one another, but he intertwines it with a modern mystery, a love story or two, and a vivid portrait of the society and lives of those stateside who supported the war effort. Interspersed throughout are a legion of historically accurate facts about the period, the military, customs and venues that will have even the most knowledgeable reader thinking "Gee, I didn't know that" over and over. Despite the ambitious scope, the author pulls it all together magnificently. His characters are real, and their joys and sorrows, achievements and failures are at once both believable and genuine. This is an exciting, informative, and enjoyable read. I highly recommend it."
"Knowing the author for many years, I was very excited and intrigued to read his book. I ordered it as my very first Kindle book. I have savored every word, and the images they create. John has created characters that seem so familiar. I imagine my father in Johnny, and my mother in Rose. My dad was a Navy Gunner on an LST during World War 2, and this book brings him to mind as a young man, in the imagery. This book takes you to a time and place that we studied, or heard stories from our fathers, the generation that truly changed the world. I am thrilled to recommend this book, it is one that I will return to and read again, and again."
"An excellent historical narrative combined with an insightful discussion of where we, as a country, have been and are going. The attention to historical accuracy is amazing and the characters all jump off the pages. I had no trouble visualizing the Newport News shipyards, 1942 NY or battlefields of Europe. All were described in vivid detail without drawing away from the story. This combination makes for a wonderful pairing that should draw in both those with interested in history as well as those looking for a well-written page turner. "
"If you are looking for a book that has history, suspense, mystery, and a great story line, read The Last Jump. John's writing style reminds me of the works by Jeff Shaara and Jim Lehrer. John has the ability of making the reader engaged and involved in the story line, settings, and atmosphere of the characters he introduces us to and the situations they are in. All of this and a history lesson as well! John captures all the emotion of the times, and commitment of the country and draws you into a great storyline with twists and turns right up to the very last page. Can't wait for the sequel ! Five stars to a job well done. "
"A thrilling ride through history as the author seamlessly weaves historical fact with a riveting mystery that slowly unfolds through its ultimate climatic ending. It is a tale of honor, undying friendship, and love told against the backdrop of the dramatic events of the European theater during WWII. The main protagonist, J.P. Kilroy, is a Washington journalist whose desire to learn the answer to his family's secret is ignited by the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor to his father. Kilroy interviews his father's veteran comrades as he struggles to extract any information that would assist in his plight. However, time is running out as these heroes are dying off and taking with them the clues that would provide the answers. The storytelling is superb and the author's command of the history involved makes this novel a page-turner that is extremely difficult to put down. A must read for those who are interested in WWII and for those who just want to read a fantastic novel. "
"I highly enjoyed this novel and I consider myself tough to impress. I'm interested in World War II History, particularly those brave paratroopers. I enjoyed the story; there's an element of mystery that keeps you guessing. The characters are strong and interesting. The author brought each and every one to life for me. And what's rare in a WWII book is a strong female presence. He nailed that too. Highly recommend this book. Good work John Nevola! Look forward to a sequel!
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"Gripping story that holds your attention. "
"The Last Jump is a poignant story of a son's search to understand the personal sacrifice and selfless compassion of the men of the Screaming Eagles, the Army's newest and most elite unit, the paratroopers in the European campaign of World War II. It is a sensitive and gripping historical novel, riveting and compelling.
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"I am an avid reader of all kinds of books but I had never read a book about a War before. I was hooked and (the author is) incredibly talented.
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"I enjoyed (the) book and looking forward for the next one.
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"Just finished the book, it was a very good read and I recommend it. Was interesting how real life characters or familiar characters from fictional films played a part in it.
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"Great book to read! It is well written and exciting and has you so connected you don't want to put the book down. I have read many War novels but none come close to this book. I can't wait to read the sequel. It's a thumbs up on this book.
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"Could not put it down. Every now and then, a book comes along that is simply special. I was looking for a WWII novel and chose John Nevola's ,The Last Jump. This was a great read and like others, wonder why no one has made the movie. There could have been more details of the firefights, but this book works. It gave me the viewpoint of what is was to live and work in the 1940's. It was a pleasure to read.
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"I like the story, so much like the stories of my uncles and cousins who were in WW2. The picture painted is clear, and the story carries one along with it. The mark of a good storyteller is that they pass on the story and make us want to hear more. This story is like that. "
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The Author presents S/Sgt Richard "Red" Falvey, a copy of The Last Jump. The veteran paratrooper served in HQ Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles) and is a combat veteran of World War II. At nearly 90 years of age, the popular paratrooper is a frequently sought-after speaker at World War II re-enactment and memorial events. Red loved the book and said "A great book. It lit a lot of lights for me". 7 Dec 2010
"Looking for a good read? Looking for a first rate history lesson? I have a deep interest in WW2 history and The Last Jump by John Nevola is both a good read as well as a history lesson of the European theater. Mr. Nevola gives us believable characters, a great story line, and all of the suspense you can handle. The story depicts the US Airborne's involvement in WW2 and encapsulates the relationship of two men, John and Jake Kilroy, their lives, their loves, their losses, and the unbreakable bond that develops between them.
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"Just finished The Last Jump!! Mixing fiction with WWII facts is an excellent read for anyone interested learning about the war from beginning to end, the homefront and a big mystery to solve, should I say try to solve. Had me curious until the very end of the book. Great read, great job John!!
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"Secrets remain secrets for a reason. The Last Jump is a novel surrounding a circle of friends at the end of World War II. In a time of high patriotism, their beliefs are shifted and challenged by their oath they swore and must struggle to not break. Focusing on gender and racial issues throughout the war, The Last Jump is a riveting and touching novel about the greatest generation."
"This was a good read. Once I started I could not put the book down until I had eye fatigue. Being a baby boomer, a child of a WWII Veteran and a mother that went to work during the war, I read with great interest about the lives and experiences of some of the women and men involved in WWII. This book makes me proud of my heritage and to be an American. It challenges me now to leave a legacy worthy of the sacrifices of many.
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"Outstanding! Wonderful book. I am not necessarily a historical fiction reader but this book grabbed me from page one and kept me enthralled through page 525. Even though I have visited the D Day Memorial in Bedford numerous times, there were things I did not know about it that Mr. Nevola brought to my attention.
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"A wonderful novel. Amazingly it is a FIRST effort novel. Obviously great respect, love and effort was melded in the construction of this book. Details are almost totally without blemish.
I found it exceedingly compelling, and very nostalgic; completely satisfying.
If author Nevola writes another, I will be thrilled to buy it sight unseen.
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"I read the preface and got hooked. After that I couldn't put the book down. Hard to sleep without finding out what happens next. "
"Just finished reading this excellent work. Great story; had a hard time putting it down. Highly recommended. This book will not disappoint. "
"Great reading! A great and what will become a classic fiction novel. Thanks! "
"Great book. I can recommend it!"
"The Last Jump is a fascinating novel of World War II built upon the actions of three young paratroopers. The story begins with a presentation of the Congressional Medal of Honor. The author builds suspense by flashing back and forth from 1996 to World War II as he tells the story of the jumps made by the three men and the need of the son of one of the three to find the true story of his father's service record. The book is well written; the action accounts are gripping, and all in all a good read. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. "
"First of all, it is hard to fathom that this is a first novel - one can only wonder what Mr. Nevola will share with us in the years ahead! The book is broad is scope and beautifully written. These characters are extraordinarily well developed and you cannot help but feel a strong connection to them. And while they may be fictional characters, the painstaking research the author did has me convinced that they were real. These are the details behind the wonderful book, The Greatest Generation. The details will stay with me for years to come. It is difficult to see how our Congress argues about nothing and can never seem to pull things together for the American public - and then compare it to the solidarity that allowed us to prevail 65 years ago. It may not have been The War to End All Wars, but Mr. Nevola has provided a road map of what it will take for us to prevail again. We are all in his debt."
"Don't skip this one. A well written, engrossing novel. Anyone who has ever been in combat will see themselves in some of the characters and situations. Anyone who has gone thru the Army jump school at Fort Benning will relive some memorable times. But the best part is the "secret" that is woven thru the book. Just when you think you might have guessed it, you are led down another path. I look forward to Mr. Nevola's next book!!"
"Military fiction at its best. I have to agree with the other reviewers that this is a five star book. It was a great story!! I can't wait for another book by him and a movie based on this story!! "
"As a HS math teacher, I am not too familiar with specific events in history. John made all the events surrounding the story so vivid! It was a great story!! I can't wait for another book by him and a movie based on this story!! GREAT STORY & EASY READ! "
"The book makes you feel you were actually there during these battles of the 2nd world war. The story brought tears to my eyes at times. It was a wonderful read."
"Students and buffs of WWII should read this book. I have seldom read such vivid and exciting accounts of battle; moreover, the reader empathizes with Mr. Nevola's paratroopers, making his descriptions of combat all the more affecting.
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"This book is one of those books that, once you pick up, you have a very hard time putting down. The storyline and factual information are amazing. I never realized that paratroopers were the elite of the elite. My Grandfather was a paratrooper in WWII and this book lends just a little insight about what his role might ...have been. Definitely a must read! ."
"As one with memories of World War II and with relatives who fought, bled and died in the very battles that the author so grippingly portrays I was captivated by, and absorbed into, this sweeping and penetrating novel. I relished the vivid, descriptive narrative and the mysterious thread that wove itself through this saga.
But it was through its full fabric that I was drawn back in memory to that time when common sacrifice, common purpose and common commitment permeated and defined America. I will return to this novel many times to revisit those heroes of my youth and the time when all Americans were as one and all America heroic. I invite you to join me."
"The book is awesome! Want to learn more about how the United States of America came together for the great world wars - read this book! This book was one that was difficult to put down! Lots of history discussed, but not in a boring way, mixed with a beautiful story about the soldiers who fought in WWII! Highly recommended!"
"Outstanding read. A brilliantly written story that draws you into the characters and history of some of our proudest and most difficult years as a country. You can't help but feel you are in the thick of the action and standing alongside the characters as their individual journeys become forever intertwined. It's the story of courage, brotherhood & sacrifice that we must never forget. This is one of those books you need to read, put down and think about, because it affects you more and more as you think back on its many lessons. This one goes back on the bed stand, not the bookshelf, as I'll be reading it again very soon."
"I was glued to this epic from the moment I picked it up through the revelation of the surprise ending. I read some chapters so quickly as if the lives of the characters depended on it. John Nevola has the rare ability to create such realism in his characters that as a reader you cannot help but love them, ache for them, and cry with them. This book is for everyone. It's one of those books you fly through and when finished, you want to turn back to page one and start reading again. And while you're captivated by the characters and immersed in the storyline, interesting World War II history is interwoven. The Last Jump is a must read."
"A crafty blend of fact and fiction making the settings and events of the mid-twentieth century a palatable and enjoyable history lesson. The thoughtfully developed characters bring the events surrounding World War II to life in a compelling manner. This book is one of those stories you will recommend to your friends. A great book for the current generation to give better context to their ancestors. Meticulously researched and carefully described, The Last Jump has the information of a textbook skillfully blended with believable characters who are sure to influence your views of World War II as well as your views of values and character. Combine all of this with the fact that this book is a huge amount of fun to read."
"Just finished the novel. Reinforced and enhanced my knowledge of the Greatest Generation. A tremendous story that brings you to places and situations that only few can recreate. Glad to see John Nevola is one of the few that accomplished this. I highly recommend this novel and be sure to get to the bookstore hubba-hubba!!"
"I usually read multiple books at a time, but I have to say that with The Last Jump I couldn't put it down. It is incredibly well researched and is full of insights from that era in time when things aren't as they are now. The book offers a wonderful reminder that freedom comes with a price and that price is often paid by honorable people who put Country ahead of themselves. A MUST read for people of all ages! Do yourself a favor and make this read a priority.!!"
"A great read, be ready to stay up late, as you won't want to put it down. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. The character development was superb and made me feel a connection with each of the characters. You could make this into a movie that rivals Saving Private Ryan. "
"An amazing adventure story and a history lesson all rolled into one. The Last Jump honors the brave young boys who defended America against her enemies in her greatest hour of need."
"A great story and an exciting read. I could not put the book down once I started. It is a great story with an easy flow. Very enjoyable the whole way through. I would recommend to anyone."
"Wow! What a great novel. It came in the mail on a Saturday morning and I finished it on that Sunday afternoon - I couldn't put it down - it was that good. Just had to keep on reading to find out what happened next. Each of the characters were developed and came to life as I turned the pages. All the story-lines were tied together in the end. I think it would be an excellent read for WWII history enthusiasts and for those who like mystery/suspense and action/adventures. Get this book!"
"John Nevola has done a superior job creating a war story that immediately entraps you with facinating charactors and a wonderful story line. John is a wealth of knowledge ... I don't think anyone can walk away from this book without a new found interest in the efforts during WW2 and deep rooted thank you to ALL the warriors that served. I will anxiously wait for his next book. "
"I have just finished reading Last Jump! I have to tell you it is one of the best novels I have read. The Last Jump should be required reading for all of our "Boomers" as well as those who follow. I particularly was intrigued with the way (the author) wove in the yesterday with today throughout the novel. It kept me in suspense throughout and wanting for more. Be assured that I will be recommending the novel to my friends here in NC. We do live in a highly populated military area and most of my new friends would be interested."
"The best read I have had in many years. Realistic and make one feel as if you are there with the characters in the trenches and parachuting from the planes; working next to the women in the shipyards and sharing the feelings of all those involved. It was better than any war movie and John Wayne has always been my hero. This book would make an excellent movie and would awaken that patriotic feeling than I think was lost after 9/11. Be there for THE LAST JUMP. John E. Nevola where have you been all these years. Looking forward to your next novel."
"I loved this book. It should be mandatory reading for teens to learn about WWII. I learned more from the book than I did from history classes."
"The Last Jump is slice of life from World War II. While the central story portrays the development and performance of the paratroopers during the war, the author has woven in numerous sub themes concerning the lives of the characters families, friends and of the efforts of our at home citizens to support the war effort. While the dialogue is fiction, the reader is convinced that these conversations and events may have actually occurred in exactly that way. Indeed many did when you compare the progress of the story to actual names of General officers, campaigns and events of the war that I recall from newscasts and newsreel movies during that period. The reader is captivated by the pride, perseverance, pathos and intrigue woven in and seeping from the story as the characters and events develop. Indeed, some paratroopers really did get dropped into the sea by mistake; others did get killed while climbing the cliffs of Normandy. This is truly a "can't put it down" book."
"I just finished reading The Last Jump. I enjoyed it immensely. It was riveting, informative, touching and intriguing. I especially appreciated the historical quotes at the beginning of each chapter (which) encapsulated the chapter.
I never cried as much reading a book as I did with this one.
I don't know if it was because its a father son story, or because of the sacrifices our fathers made in that war for us.I hope they make a movie about it ."
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