Bruce J. Schick has done a singular job of writing a personal narrative of his submarine experiences. Two aspects of his book, "Whale's Tales" set it apart from other submarine stories.

1. It is written in a sort-of, submariner's shorthand. When reading "Whale's Tales" one gets the feeling that it's a submarine log or notes from the chief of the boat that have been posted in the crew's mess. Each sentence is as sharp as a 9-H pencil and packed with humor and insight.

2. The narrative is exceptionally revealing. Bruce has pulled no punches in letting his ups and downs in submarines be known to the world. It takes a self-assured man to be so candid about the hidden stresses of serving as an officer in submarines. Not all went well for Bruce in his Navy career, but he comes out swinging in the defense of leadership principles that put the crew ahead of petty politics.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be the captain of a submarine? Bruce tells it like it was when he refused to compromise his boat for the Navy careers of those above him. Most of us think that a captain enjoys a life of answering to no one, but "Whale's Tales" tells a different story. Being the skipper of Clamagore was a pressure-cooker of keeping everyone happy while ensuring the safety of the crew.

Shenanigans aboard the Irex were about as extreme as they come and Bruce describes some of the better moments such as water skiing from the stern of the submarine doing 27 knots off Naples, Italy while topless ladies cheer and wave. Crazy stuff is a part of every submariner's memories and this book will strike a cord of familiarity in every one of you.

In fairness to all you nuclear power guys it has to be said that Bruce wasn't a nuke. After his interview with Rickover both the Admiral and he decided diesels were better suited to Bruce's free-wheeling attitude toward life.

Every know an admiral's aid? Sometimes they're called flag lieutenants, but the reality is that its a job totally dependent on the whims and good will of the admiral. Luckily for Bruce his boos was one of the good ones who tolerated Bruce's occasional screw-ups.

You'll enjoy this great book. It's short and to the point. Read it in a day and chuckle all the way through it. It's certainly worth the $19.95 price tag.

Write or call:

Bruce Schick
2319 Goldmire Road
Louise, Virginia 23093-5310

e-mail : bjschick@earthlink.net
or call him at 540-967-1922.