Very interesting, detailed dive into all that happens around the building of an aircraft carrier and, especially, the people who build it. Nicely balanced with specific quotes and glimpses into people’s lives up to a broad large scale view.

Having had a friend who sailed on the Kennedy, I was fascinated to read the backstory of everything that goes in to building a carrier from the lowest man on the assembly totem pole, to the bureaucracy, to the military and how they take over parts of the ship as they are completed. Fabey did a huge amount of work in laying out all the pieces, most of which were interesting though I did run across a few parts that bogged down a bit. I would recommend this book to those who like to learn everything, good, bad, dirty, menial, and ugly about a subject like ship building. Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. 3.5 stars

I was surprised at all that went into the building of an aircraft carrier. The logistics, the politics, the science, the materials, the workers, and the list goes on and on. The author does a good job of laying out the whole process, describing it through the use of the construction of CVN79 (the John F Kennedy) in Newport News, VA.
It's good writing, easy to follow and interesting. I learned a lot.