SKU: 20459037739

When Books Went to War: The Stories That Helped Us Win World War II

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When Books Went to War: The Stories That Helped Us Win World War IINEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER "Heartwarming." New York Times "Whether or not you're a book lover, you'll be moved." Entertainment Weekly "A readable, accessible addition to World War II literature and] a book that will be enjoyed by lovers of books about books." Boston Globe "Four stars out of four] . . . A cultural history that does much to explain modern America." USA Today When America entered World War II in 1941, we faced an enemy that had banned and

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

"Heartwarming." -- New York Times

"Whether or not you're a book lover, you'll be moved." -- Entertainment Weekly

"A readable, accessible addition to World War II literature and] a book that will be enjoyed by lovers of books about books." -- Boston Globe

"Four stars out of four] . . . A cultural history that does much to explain modern America." -- USA Today

When America entered World War II in 1941, we faced an enemy that had banned and burned 100 million books. Outraged librarians launched a campaign to send free books to American troops and gathered 20 million hardcover donations. In 1943, the War Department and the publishing industry stepped in with an extraordinary program: 120 million small, lightweight paperbacks for troops to carry in their pockets and rucksacks in every theater of war. These Armed Services Editions were beloved by the troops and are still fondly remembered today. Soldiers read them while waiting to land at Normandy, in hellish trenches in the midst of battles in the Pacific, in field hospitals, and on long bombing flights. They helped rescue The Great Gatsby from obscurity and made Betty Smith, author of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, into a national icon. When Books Went to War is the inspiring story of the Armed Services Editions, and a treasure for history buffs and book lovers alike.

"A thoroughly engaging, enlightening, and often uplifting account . . . I was enthralled and moved." -- Tim O'Brien, author of The Things They Carried


Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Mariner Books
Published: 10/27/2015
ISBN: 9780544570405
Pages: 304
Weight: 0.55lbs
Size: 8.20h x 5.20w x 0.80d

Review Citations: New York Times Book Review 02/21/2016 pg. 28
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SKU: 20459037739

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Carol
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 4
Not worth the money.
Color: Blue goose - pineapple plush
Not indestructible. My puppy chewed through it in two days.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2026
G
Verified Purchase
Gwen D.
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 5
It's one of the only toys that we originally got for our pup that has lasted
Color: Blue goose - pineapple plush
We got a lab mix (we think with a Great Dane) on Labor Day weekend 2025. She has destroyed 100% of the toys we got her that weekend, with the exception of this duck. Yes, it is missing it's feet at this point (they got chewed off and torn sometime around Halloween), but the duck itself is still intact. She chews on the duck every day, it's one of her favorite toys, and it's seen some things. We've washed it a few times in the laundry machine, and it looks nice a clean every time we pull it out and let it dry. She's gnawed on it through losing puppy teeth and getting adult teeth, and she's is currently chewing away on her duck on her bed in the living room. I understand others have reported really mixed reviews, but I'm so glad we got this duck and it's one of the only toys we've bought that I feel like was worth the price because it didn't get destroyed immediately. We plan on buying another one for Christmas.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2025
M
Verified Purchase
Mummy
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Honestly….
Color: Blue goose - pineapple plush, Color: Blue goose - pineapple plush
I hate to buy Giant or Tiny a toy only to find it in some corner ignored. Would this goose make a lifetime friend OR would it fly away to some unknown corner of the house?!?! I was thrilled that Giant wanted to open the box himself. As soon as I set it on the table for some pictures, Giant saw his chance and grabbed it. This happened again! Safe to say, our family gives this a FIVE!! This is great as it squeaks and crinkles. It is super soft cloth and states it can hold up to aggressive chewers. It is one foot long. The stitching all seems to be in place. They state it is "Upgraded Indestructible" as it is sturdier material. The last toy has lived up to that claim. QUALITY: 5 out of 5 PROS: For us, it's the crinkle sound. I'm not sure why but they love that sound. Easy wash and go is great too! CONS: I wish it was bigger than one foot but that is because I have a big dog. Overall, Fantastic toy that is always with a dog. I will need to purchase more to have hidden away should it ever get lost.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2026
E
Verified Purchase
EUP
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 3
“Indestructible” not so much
Color: Blue goose - pineapple plush
Cute as can be, but the cloth-only tips on the wings and tail were immediately ripped off, eaten, and vomited. I’m hoping without those, the toy will be “more” indestructible.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2026
K
Verified Purchase
Kindle CustomerJoanne
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 4
He loved the toy
Color: Blue goose - pineapple plush, Color: Blue goose - pineapple plush
My dog loved this toy, however it is not indestructible, he had it in 2 pieces within a day, but I do need to say he is a big boy and we haven’t found a toy yet that he can’t destroy
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Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2026

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