Looking for your next great read? This section highlights books and authors I recommend, with a focus on veteran writers and independent voices. These are stories that deserve the spotlight—crafted with skill, heart, and a touch of grit. Whether you’re into thrillers, memoirs, or something unexpected, you’ll find books here that leave a mark.
The Fight Series written by Betsy Ross.
The book delves deep into each character’s internal battles, showing how they cope with their demons and support each other through counseling and group therapy. Ross’s writing is raw and relatable, making the reader feel connected to the characters on a personal level. The narrative doesn’t shy away from tough topics like survivor’s guilt, tragic suicides, and the complexity of veteran life, which adds a layer of realism and depth to the story.
What stands out to me the most is how Ross handles the theme of camaraderie. The characters, despite their differences and struggles, come together to form a support system that helps them heal and move forward. The unexpected friendships and the strength they draw from one another highlight the importance of community and understanding.
I also appreciate how Ross addresses the difficulties veterans face when seeking help and the stigma around mental health. The resistance to group therapy is portrayed realistically, but the eventual breakthrough moments are handled with sensitivity and care. It’s a reminder that healing is not linear, and sometimes it’s the bonds we form along the way that keep us going.
For anyone wanting to gain insight into the challenges veterans face, both internally and externally, this series is a must-read. Ross doesn’t sugarcoat the hardships, but she also shows that there is hope and resilience even in the darkest of times. Whether you are a veteran, know someone who is, or simply want to understand more about the struggles our veteran community deals with, Fight is a compelling, eye-opening read that I highly recommend.
War of the Submarines written by R.G. Roberts
R.G. Roberts is an author I deeply respect, not only for her incredible writing but also because she’s a fellow Navy veteran and Connecticut resident. Her War of the Submarine series is a standout in military thrillers, offering a gripping look at submarine warfare and the human side of high-stakes conflict. Books like Cardinal Virtues and The Stars Shall Burn are packed with authentic details and edge-of-your-seat action that only someone with firsthand military experience could deliver.
Roberts doesn’t stop there. She explores alternate history and fantasy with works like Caesar’s Command and Against the Wind, showing the breadth of her talent.
I’m proud to highlight her work on my website and recommend her books to anyone who enjoys stories that are as thrilling as they are thought-provoking.
Flight Series written by T.R. Matson
T.R. Matson is an author whose work truly hits home for me, as we both served in VAW-117 during our Navy careers. His Jack Owen series, including Treason Flight and Vengeance Flight, showcases the E-2C Hawkeye (and the F/A-18) in a way that captures its unique role in military aviation, something I’ve always appreciated.
With over two decades of flying experience, including the Hawkeye and the F/A-18C Hornet, Matson brings an authenticity to his writing that resonates with those of us who have lived the highs and lows of military service. His books are packed with the kind of detail and excitement that make them hard to put down.
It’s an honor to spotlight T.R. Matson and share his incredible work with others who love aviation thrillers as much as I do.
Fair Winds, Following Seas, and a Few Bolters: My Navy Years written by Stephen C. McKenna
Stephen C. McKenna’s memoir, Fair Winds, Following Seas, and a Few Bolters: My Navy Years, offers an authentic glimpse into the life of a Navy carrier pilot. As a fellow Navy veteran and Hawkeye Maintainer, I was immediately drawn to the book for its focus on the E-2C Hawkeye, an aircraft I hold close to my heart from my own time in the service. McKenna brings readers aboard an aircraft carrier, capturing the intensity of flight deck operations and the unique challenges of naval aviation.
His recounting of the dangers, camaraderie, and high-stakes moments is told with humor and a heartfelt belief in the importance of leadership, both in the cockpit and beyond. For those with a passion for naval aviation or an appreciation for life at sea, McKenna’s memoir is a compelling and relatable read.