Tuesday, June 14, 2011

AREA 51: GUEST REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY ENDED
AREA 51
An Uncensored History of America's 
Top Secret Military Base
BY ANNIE JACOBSEN 

ABOUT THE BOOK:
It is the most famous military installation in the world. And it doesn't exist. Located a mere seventy-five miles outside of Las Vegas in Nevada's desert, the base has never been acknowledged by the U.S. government-but Area 51 has captivated imaginations for decades.

Myths and hypotheses about Area 51 have long abounded, thanks to the intense secrecy enveloping it. Some claim it is home to aliens, underground tunnel systems, and nuclear facilities. Others believe that the lunar landing itself was filmed there. The prevalence of these rumors stems from the fact that no credible insider has ever divulged the truth about his time inside the base. Until now.

Annie Jacobsen had exclusive access to nineteen men who served the base proudly and secretly for decades and are now aged 75-92, and unprecedented access to fifty-five additional military and intelligence personnel, scientists, pilots, and engineers linked to the secret base, thirty-two of whom lived and worked there for extended periods. In Area 51, Jacobsen shows us what has really gone on in the Nevada desert, from testing nuclear weapons to building super-secret, supersonic jets to pursuing the War on Terror.

This is the first book based on interviews with eye witnesses to Area 51 history, which makes it the seminal work on the subject. Filled with formerly classified information that has never been accurately decoded for the public, Area 51 weaves the mysterious activities of the top-secret base into a gripping narrative, showing that facts are often more fantastic than fiction, especially when the distinction is almost impossible to make.
 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Annie Jacobsen is a contributing editor at the Los Angeles Times Magazine and an investigative reporter whose work has also appeared in The National Review and The Dallas Morning News. Her two-part series The Road to Area 51 was one of the most read in the Los Angeles Times Magazine. A graduate of Princeton University, she lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two sons. To read more about Annie Jacobsen, visit her website HERE.  

GUEST REVIEW: 
The book by Annie Jacobsen is a compilation of first party recollections of experience in the post WW II classified programs tested at area 51 facility. It is also the story of the psychology of classified programs of atomic weaponry and stealth aviation excellence. Both the need to conceal advances in reconnaissance technology from our adversaries, the USSR and others, as well as the necessity to test and develop these technologies, spawned the need for the remote test site of subject. The book is more about the complex mix of technology and geopolitical maneuvers to best our adversaries in the quest for national security. Hype of UFO is addressed in several chapters but no new revelations revealed, just a repeat of history and vague innuendos of hidden artifacts of which the government refuses to acknowledge. Much like any conspiracy theory, the UFO story is a belief phenomenon with suspicion as a motive, which is based on prior governmental infractions in the name of national security or just inept embarrassment motivations. As reported in the text, a great portion of the UFO sightings were explainable and a portion were most likely secret projects needing cover to remain hidden from public view. During the cold war period, national security motivated the government’s psychology and behavior to quell investigation into the mix of natural phenomena and secret project artifacts.

The book is a good collection of research into the early CIA and AEC exploits during the cold war. Ignoring the unfounded assertions and sticking to the facts reported, it serves to illustrate what can be achieved when power and money are let to freely strive for knowledge and geopolitical dominance. The failures of these endeavors as well as the tragedies from the human prospective are also revealed when one speculates as to the need to risk human capital and national resources on dubious goals. With numerous threads of project developments in the technologies of manned and unmanned reconnaissance Aircraft and atomic weapons programs, the reader is drawn through the text through seemingly unrelated chapters. Area 51 history is interesting as is the references to other facilities in the remote Nevada desert, west of Las Vegas. Indeed, if one Googles topics and satellite images of the area, you will see and read of the extent of test infrastructure constructed in the remote areas of Nevada and New Mexico. One also gains new knowledge of the genius and selfless hard work of our pioneering aviation and rocket designers. Technologies evolving from these programs help foster worldwide satellite communications, reconnaissance and global reach of our military power needed for a safer world. I can recommend the book from the historical and technological prospective. If your interest is for the UFO subject matter eluded to in the first chapters, stick to fiction and conspiracy exposés.
---Review by Norm Wilcox 

ABOUT MY GUEST REVIEWER:
I am thrilled to have such an expert review from Norm Wilcox whose occupation is in Aerospace Engineering and Countermeasures. He is a retired Lt. Col. with the Air Force having worked the last ten years in both maintenance and engineering career fields mostly spent at Edwards Air Force Base. Norm is married to a wonderful woman and they make their home in Southern California. Although I know they are animal lovers, they currently have no pets. Norm was pleasantly surprised to find out as he was reading that one of the people in AREA 51 was the best man at his father's wedding! Norm knows him and thought as I did what a coincidence it is. I personally know Norm and his wife very well, and thank him so much for taking time to do this excellent review for my blog and followers.

GIVEAWAY
THANKS TO ANNA AND FRIENDS AT
LITTLE, BROWN AND HACHETTE BOOK
GROUP, I HAVE TWO COPIES OF THIS
FASCINATING BOOK TO GIVE AWAY
 
--U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES
---INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
IN CASE YOU WIN!
--ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO
 

COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!

HOW TO ENTER:

+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON WHAT YOU THOUGHT ABOUT WHAT YOU READ ABOVE ABOUT AREA 51 AND DON'T FORGET YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FIND INTERESTING ABOUT AUTHOR ANNIE JACOBSEN AND/OR AREA 51  BY VISITING HER WEBSITE HERE (IT IS FASCINATING)

+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG AND/OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND COME BACK HERE AND LEAVE ME YOUR LINK

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT IF YOU HAVE ENTERED THE GIVEAWAY FOR BEATEN, SEARED, AND SAUCED WHICH HAS VERY LOW ENTRIES. IF YOU HAVE NOT, YOU STILL CAN HERE AND THEN COME BACK AND ENTER FOR THIS EXTRA ENTRY

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON ONE WAY THAT YOU FOLLOW MY BLOG. IF YOU FOLLOW MORE THAN ONE WAY, COMMENT ON EACH WAY SEPARATELY.

GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST, JUNE 30

103 comments:

debbie said...

I admit I have always been a fan of x-files, and the conspiracy theories of area-51. But, what I thought was that was a clever ruse to cover what the goverment was really doing there. I would like to read this book, I would find it very interesting.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I entered beaten,seared and sauced.
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debbie said...

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debbie said...

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debbie said...

I think it is interesting that she studied Greek.
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Steve Capell said...

First of all – GREAT review Norm. I have always been intrigued by Area 51 so stands to reason that I would be interested in the book. I also found it fascinating that Norm knew someone mentioned in this book – it’s a small world after all. Area 51 seems to weave together thoughts of government conspiracies and alien technologies. I am very interested in this book. Thanks again Norm for your fantastic review.

steven(dot)capell(at)gmail(dot)com

Pauline MIlner said...

After reading the review, I am sure Area 51 will provide an insightful read that will bring together how different agencies operate both independent of each other and in conjunction with each other. It is sure to provide information on questions that may still remain unanswered.

Thanks for the great giveaway. ~Pauline

dod@rogers.com

Pauline MIlner said...

Annie Jacobsen is an amazing investigative reporter who delves into the issues and finds the answers her readers have long wished for.

dod@rogers.com

Pauline MIlner said...

I tweeted about your giveaway:

http://twitter.com/#!/bullittmilner/status/80610596118212608

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Pauline MIlner said...

I am following your blog publically with Google Friend Connect.

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Pauline MIlner said...

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Karen B said...

Great review - thank you! Area 51 has always fascinated me and I'd like to learn more about it beyond what the government has previous stated.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

Reading said...

I have always been facinated with Area 51. How cool is the whole concept.

lizzi0915 at aol dot com

Unknown said...

How interesting. I always believed in Area 51 and that it existed. Please enter me in contest. I would love to read this book. Tore923@aol.com

heavenisabookstore said...

It is nice that it is not strictly about the "possibilities" of other life forms, but rather focusing on the science and interviews of the people actually involved. Nice interview. I look forward to reading it.
heavenisabookstore@gmail.com

petite said...

I would like to read this fascinating book about area-51. great review. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

I am a follower.rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

The author is a talented journalist and very interesting. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

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Pamela Keener said...

Area 51 sounds like a very interesting peek into the history of the protection of our country. I loved the review and also found it ironic that the reviewer knew of one of the people included in this book.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
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Pamela Keener said...

I am a follower of your blog via GFC
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Heidi V said...

The post makes me want to read this book even more...The title caught my eye also.

heidivargas at live dot com

Connie said...

Hi! I was happy to read this review of the book. The book caught my eye and would love to read it. Anything to do with Area 51 fascinates me because there are so many secrets that we don't know.
:)

aliasgirl1976@yahoo.com

Connie said...

I am a GFC follower as well.

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lag123 said...

Love the review Norm! I would like to read about all of these secrets. My husband heard about this book on TV and wants to read it very much.

lag110 at mchsi dot com

lag123 said...

Annie served as captain of the Princeton women's ice hockey team.
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Tweeted: https://twitter.com/lag32583/status/80797063633309696

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holdenj said...

Great guest review Norm. I think this sounds so intriguing, especially since Area 51 has been caught up in our imaginations and movies so long.
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holdenj said...

I entered Beaten Seared and Sauced.
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bison61 said...

I have heard of area-51 and I'd love to learn more

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

Colleen Turner said...

Wow, I have always been fascinated by Area 51! Any place that the government deems doesn't even exist MUST be hiding SOMETHING! Thanks for the giveaway!
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I learned from the author's website that she interviewed 31 people who had lived and/or worked at Area 51 for this book. I am itching to see what they reveal!
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I am an email subscriber.
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clenna said...

I want to give this book to my hubby. He has always had a fascination with Area 51. I know he would love it. He would love to know more about the secret projects that the government had going on.

clenna at aol dot com

clenna said...

Annie Jacobsen grew up in New Hampshire (where I live) and wrote with Joyce Carol Oates at Princeton University. (She was captain of the Ice hockey Team - go Annie!)

clenna at aol dot com

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rubynreba said...

AREA 51 has always fascinated my husband and I. Great review. I'd really enjoy this book.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

I entered Beaten, Seared and Sauced.
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mamabunny13 said...

I'm intrigued by the whole thing.and would love to read the book.
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Something I find interesting about Annie is she has made guest appearances on more than 600 radio shows.
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Linda Kish said...

It would be nice to hear some facts for a change instead of the fiction that has floated around about area 51 all my life.

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She writes a weekly column on latimes.com called Backstory.

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ann said...

Sounds like a interesting book!


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Anita Yancey said...

This book sounds so interesting to me. I have always wanted to know more about Area 51, and what all they are covering up. Please enter me. Thanks!

ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

Anita Yancey said...

I find it interesting that Annie Jacobsen wrote with Joyce Carol Oates, and Paul Auster.

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Follow on GFC(Anita Yancey).

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Allison said...

I think this would be a really interesting read.

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CherylS22 said...

I was excited to see this book on your blog - my husband & I often discuss Area 51 and have watched many documentaries about it. It's a fascinating subject!
Thanks for the giveaway!
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

CherylS22 said...

I find it interesting that Annie is a Princeton grad.
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