Title: Decision Affirmed
Author: Clarence Kip Vold
Publisher: URLink Print & Media, LLC
ISBN: 978-1643674490
Pages: 504
Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Reviewed by: Anthony Avina

Read Book Review

There are few people who can argue that the creation of the atomic bomb dramatically changed the world dynamic and those who hold power in the world. As J. Robert Oppenheimer once said, “The atomic bomb made the prospect of future war unendurable. It has led us up those last few steps to the mountain pass; and beyond there is a different country.” In author Clarence Kip Vold’s book Decision Affirmed, the question of the use of the atomic bomb during WWII is examined in far more detail than typically is seen.

In this book, the author takes a deep dive into the atomic bomb and it’s use during WWII, specifically against Japan and the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Taking into account the question of morality and legality of the use of the bombs years later, the author takes readers on a journey of examining the events that led to the use of the atomic bomb, from the origins of Japan’s introduction into WWII, the history of Japan’s militaristic approach, and of course the attack on Pearl Harbor that led the United States to seek to gain more military power in response to the attack.

This was a thoroughly detailed, well written and engaging historical read. This non-fiction book does a great job of bringing the reader in and delving into the less moral discussion of the war and the more analytical, detailed and historical discussion of the events that unfolded leading into that horrifying decision. Reading about Japan’s history of military power and seeking a large Japanese Empire known as hakko ichiu, known as eight corners of the world under Japanese control, was an interesting piece of history to learn about and how it played into the growing military power that Japan was amassing at the time of their attack on the United States.

This is a read for anyone who enjoys history, biographies, and anything revolving around WWII. As a fan of history, it was fascinating to get such a detailed account of the use of the atomic bomb during the war. While many can agree from a moral standpoint the lives lost in the attack were horrifying, getting a glimpse into the data and understanding leaders were looking at during a time of war adds a unique chapter to an already lengthy chapter in world history.
A heartbreaking yet informative, fascinating and heavily researched read, this lengthy biography is a must read for any history fans. Author Clarence Kip Vold’s Decision Affirmed is a unique perspective on the decision to use the atomic bomb and how history and events led to the creation of this weapon and its use. Be sure to grab your copy of this one of a kind read today.