AWARDS
- Featured by New York History
- Considered for an HBO Docummentary
Touching Civil War Adventure, May 29, 2011 By John H
The path to that better life is most always filled with the many others who will exploit those trying just to survive one day at a time. Mr. McGuire paints a picture filled with reality, pain and yet, hopefulness. In closing, I wish to thank John Jack McGuire for an insightful look into the human condition, warts and all. Thanks also for showing the undying human spirit, fighting to survive, hoping to thrive, which is available to all who choose to seek it out. |
Riveting Work of Historical Fiction, May 13, 2011 By bwbatlarge
McGuire offers a powerful memorialization to the Fourteenth regiment, echoing the words of William Burleigh, his story ensures that history will never forget the dauntless regiment; “The gallant Fourteenth forget them not: our gallant boys who, for the nation’s life, stood amid the battle grime and noise and were baptized in its flames and blood!” McGuire artfully synthesizes the various factions of American society to portray life during the Civil War, adding a human element to the events of our nation’s history. Joining Up is the ideal book for anyone who enjoys history, an adventure, or a well-told story, providing readers with the riveting account of Bobby, Will, and Andrew as they fight for justice. |
Men and Boys at Gettysburg, November 29, 2011 By Book Review
How does one tell a story about the Civil War in terms of the ordinary men who fought it while still doing justice to the enormous events and extraordinary men who framed it. John Jack McGuire has managed just that in his novel Joining Up by moving on several fronts. Meanwhile, McGuire writes, “Much like fighters in a large ring, the two armies sparred, consistently probing for weaknesses.” Lee, Hooker, Meade, Jeb Stuart, Stonewall Jackson–they all come alive as the great battles are interspersed with the adventures of the boys. This is a great book for young people but good reading for anyone interested in the Civil War. |
Great Historical Fiction, October 26, 2011 By MilsP
Joining Up is a great fictional novel set in the Civil War era. We meet William and Bobby, two unfortunate souls destined for a cruel life at an orphanage. They spend most of their time stealing food to fill their hungry stomachs and of a better life for themselves. The life they dream about, yearn for is that of a Union soldier serving in the 14th Regiment Eventually both William and Bobby find themselves wearing the Union Blue just as The Battle of Gettysburg ensues and the boys learn the harsh reality of war and just what wearing the Union Blue means. We meet two young and innocent boys intent upon carving out a place for themselves in this world at the beginning of this novel, by the end they are no longer boys but men who have seen and lived through battle and everything that accompanies war. |
A Loyal Friendship, July 25, 2011 By MizBanks
I enjoyed the historical and relational dynamics of Joining Up. Particularly the friendship of Will and Bobby which satisfied my hunger of late for an experience of loyalty between characters in a book. |
An Exciting Tale Set During the Civil War, July 23, 2011 By palmbeachprincess
When Bobby and Will run away from the orphanage in the quest of joining up with the Union Army, they are launched on an exciting journey, meeting such characters as scalawag Irish muleskinner Dinky Dolan and Daniel, his black teenage cohort along the way, finally catching up the army the evening before The Battle of Gettysburg. The gripping plot illuminates various aspects of Civil War society and honors the valiant Union soldiers who the young boys revere, appealing to readers of all ages. |
Exciting and Thought Provoking Literary Gem, July 22, 2011 By Mihir Shah
While the book depicts the realities of war, it is also the perfect book for adults and children alike. Children and teenagers will enjoy a good adventure and learn about the history of their nation, and adults will be able to take a trip down memory lane–some may have been a part of the Civil War itself. Overall, Joining Up is an exciting and thought provoking literary gem that all will enjoy. |
A wonderful piece of work, July 22, 2011 By shines1980
The world of the country’s great war comes alive allowing the reader to feel as if they were really there. The fictional plot develops characters you will feel as if you know and love. As far as historical fiction goes, this book is quite a piece of work. |
Book that Will Touch your Human Heart and Soul, June 28, 2011 By Dad of Divas
Get ready to be transported back in time. This book deftly allows the reader to relive the experiences of the Fourteenth regiment. While you may not know much about this group of soldiers, in reading this book you can see the bravery and valor that they show within the Civil War. The author an amazing job of portraying the soldiers and you can tell that he has put much time and effort into sharing this with his readers. While the book is still a novel, there is much fact intertwined, and many times it becomes had to distinguish what is fact and what is fiction. The author shares this harsh reality in a clear manner, and allows the reader to live vicariously through the characters. This was a great story that anyone interested in the Civil War or anyone interested in a book that touches the human heart and soul will enjoy! |
OTHER REVIEWS
Young Adult Fiction
Title: JOINING UP
Author: John Jack McGuire
Rating: Very Good!
Reviewed by: John Nicholas: http://www.bookreview.com/$spindb.query.listreview2.booknew.19119
Title: JOINING UP
Author: John Jack McGuire
Rating: Very Good!
Reviewed by: John Nicholas: http://www.bookreview.com/$spindb.query.listreview2.booknew.19119
How does one tell a story about the Civil War in terms of the ordinary men who fought it while still doing justice to the enormous events and extraordinary men who framed it? John Jack McGuire has managed just that in his novel Joining Up by moving on several fronts.First and foremost are the two 14-year olds, Will and Bobby, runaways from a Brooklyn orphanage where the food is scarce and beatings plentiful. After a visit from Will's older brother, Capt. Andrew Whelan, they determine to escape and escape they do, by ferry from the Brooklyn docks to New Jersey where they hook up with a mule skinner named Dinky Dolan, a sutler attached to the 10th Massachusetts. Dolan is a camp follower ostensibly provisioning the troops, but his real goal is to rob the men once he has gotten them drunk.
Meanwhile we follow Andrew Whelan as the war takes his regiment, the Brooklyn 14th, "famous for their red pantaloons and white stockings" south to meet the Army of Northern Virginia at Chancellorsville and eventually on to Gettysburg.
As for the bigger picture, McGuire writes, "Much like fighters in a large ring, the two armies sparred, consistently probing for weaknesses." Lee, Hooker, Meade, Jeb Stuart, Stonewall Jackson--they all come alive as the great battles are interspersed with the adventures of the boys. It's a shame McGuire didn't include maps.
Eventually the boys escape the clutches of Dolan and sign up with the 151st Pennsylvania. After only a few days of training they are thrown into the battle at Gettysburg, are captured, escape and return to the Union lines and are reunited with Andrew.
This is a great book for young people but good reading for anyone interested in the Civil War.
Meanwhile we follow Andrew Whelan as the war takes his regiment, the Brooklyn 14th, "famous for their red pantaloons and white stockings" south to meet the Army of Northern Virginia at Chancellorsville and eventually on to Gettysburg.
As for the bigger picture, McGuire writes, "Much like fighters in a large ring, the two armies sparred, consistently probing for weaknesses." Lee, Hooker, Meade, Jeb Stuart, Stonewall Jackson--they all come alive as the great battles are interspersed with the adventures of the boys. It's a shame McGuire didn't include maps.
Eventually the boys escape the clutches of Dolan and sign up with the 151st Pennsylvania. After only a few days of training they are thrown into the battle at Gettysburg, are captured, escape and return to the Union lines and are reunited with Andrew.
This is a great book for young people but good reading for anyone interested in the Civil War.
JOINING UP is available in paperback, kindle, and an unabridged audible audio edition.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR COPY TODAY |
ORDER THE 4 CD EDITION HERE
An AUDIO CD version of JOINING UP is available directly from me and only through this website. When you choose this option, for a limited time, you will also receive a FREE COPY of my song:
His Spirit Never Dies |
CLICK HERE to read the first chapter.