How Long to Read Building for War

How Long Does it Take to Read Building for War?

It takes the average reader 6 hours and 42 minutes to read Building for War by Bonita L. Gilbert

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

This intimately researched work tells the story of the thousand-plus Depression-era civilian contractors who came to Wake Island, a remote Pacific atoll, in 1941 to build an air station for the U.S. Navy. Author Gilbert charts the contractors' hard-won progress as they scramble to build the naval base as well as runways for U.S. Army Air Corps B-17 Flying Fortresses while war clouds gather over the Pacific. Five hours after their attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese struck Wake Island, which was now isolated from assistance. The undermanned Marine Corps garrison, augmented by civilian-contractor volunteers, fought back against repeated enemy attacks, at one point thwarting a massive landing assault. The atoll was under siege for two weeks as its defenders continued to hope for the U.S. Navy to come to their rescue. Finally succumbing to an overwhelming amphibious attack, the surviving Americans, military and civilian, were taken prisoner. While most were shipped off to Japanese POW camps for slave labor, a number of the civilians were retained as workers on occupied Wake. Later in the war the last ninety-eight Americans were brutally massacred by their captors. The civilian contractors who had risked distance and danger for well-paying jobs ended up paying a steep price: their freedom and, for many, their lives. Written by the daughter and granddaughter of civilians who served on Wake Island, Building for War sheds new light on why the United States was taken by surprise in December 1941 and shines a spotlight on the little-known, virtually forgotten story of a group of civilian workers and their families whose lives were forever changed by the events on the tiny atoll that is Wake. Bonita Gilbert has an MA in history from the University of Oregon and teaches history at North Idaho College. Bonnie and her husband live in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

How long is Building for War?

Building for War by Bonita L. Gilbert is 401 pages long, and a total of 100,651 words.

This makes it 135% the length of the average book. It also has 123% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Building for War Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 9 hours and 10 minutes to read Building for War aloud.

What Reading Level is Building for War?

Building for War is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Building for War?

Building for War by Bonita L. Gilbert is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

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