“V is for Victory: Franklin Roosevelt's American Revolution and the Triumph of World War II” by Craig Nelson is a thorough look at a time when the American home front and its workforce pulled together to achieve victory in World War II. This book, drawing from Nelson’s extensive five-year research, dives deeply into how President Franklin D. Roosevelt galvanized a previously isolationist nation to become the world’s leading producer of military might, building the so-called “arsenal of democracy” that would be key to defeating the Axis powers.

Nelson sets the scene by showing us a 1938 America whose military strength was dwarfed by even smaller nations. At this point, the idea of joining a European conflict seemed unthinkable to most Americans. But Roosevelt, who saw the looming threat, began quietly preparing, including a program to ramp up airplane production well before Pearl Harbor. This single shift, which was initially a quiet undertaking, would grow into a full-blown transformation of American industry and labor, forever reshaping the economy, society, and even technology. Nelson shows how everything from the rise of jet engines to computers and the birth of the middle class can be traced back to the seismic changes sparked by this mobilization.

I liked how the book highlights individuals who contributed to this massive effort. From Eleanor Roosevelt to Frances Perkins, as well as everyday women who took on roles in factories and offices, Nelson gives credit to those who were integral to this historic pivot in American history. This isn’t a blow-by-blow of battles or strategies on foreign soil; rather, it’s about how Roosevelt’s leadership turned a weary, depressed nation into a unified powerhouse. Nelson’s research offers a wealth of details about logistical feats, breakthroughs in medical treatment, and innovations that helped U.S. forces overseas.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

"V is for Victory" is an absolute must-read for history enthusiasts, particularly those with a deep fascination for World War II. As an avid reader of the era, I found this book to be a treasure trove of information and facts, offering a comprehensive and well-documented account of a pivotal period in our nation's history.

The book is an excellent resource for gaining insights into the miraculous convergence of events and individuals that shaped the nation's efforts to emerge victorious from World War II. It shines a spotlight on the often-unsung heroes, both women and men, who played crucial roles in the war effort. The central figure, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, emerges as a visionary leader who skillfully orchestrated the country's response to the global crisis.

While this book doesn't delve deeply into the personal struggles of Roosevelt, particularly regarding his relationship with Eleanor, it excels in providing a factual account of a nation that rallied against tyranny and underwent transformation through its sacrifices and challenges. Roosevelt's leadership was undeniably instrumental in the nation's success.

The book also sheds light on the rapid expansion of government during this period, a fundamental change that left an indelible mark on the nation. While this expansion had its detractors, it introduced numerous programs that drove unprecedented growth and progress in the post-World War II generations.

"V is for Victory" offers an engaging narrative that delves into a crucial and transformative period in American history. It's a well-researched and expertly presented account that will undoubtedly resonate with readers who have a deep appreciation for this era. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and wholeheartedly recommend it to fellow enthusiasts of World War II history. Many thanks to #NetGalley#VisforVictory for granting me the opportunity to read and review this remarkable book.

A well-researched book about WW II and how Roosevelt led the nation through the war and prepared the U.S. successes post war. There was so much and several events mentioned that I had not known about this era.

I highly recommend this book for history lovers.

For those of us who love history, "V is for Victory" is a must-read. I am an avid reader of most things that surround World War II. This book is full of information and facts from that era. It is good documentation of a historic time in our nation when things seem to miraculously come together. It tells of many of the women and men who were behind the country's efforts to win World War Ii and the man who brought it all together thru vision and leadership. If you are looking for real information about the personal struggles of Roosevelt this is not the book. It leaves out much of the truths that surround his relationship with Eleanor and her own struggles with identity and love. It does however tell the factual story of a nation that rose to the challenge of tyranny and sacrificed and grew from its challenge. Roosevelt was definitely the key player in that success. He also grew government at an astounding rate and the nation was forever changed by the interventions that he made to improve lives. Lauded at the time it opened the door for what many now see as too much government. It also created programs that caused unprecedented growth and change in our country in the post-World War II generations. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to those who love that era of history. Thanks to #NetGalley#VisforVictory for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I love to read WW2 historical fiction and when this non-fiction book about Roosevelt was presented to me, I had to read it. The author did a meticulous job researching the numerous details that spells out how Roosevelt got the U.S. through the war and set the country up for the after. The women that played a role behind the scenes were highlighted in the book: Eleanor Roosevelt, Frances Perkins, Lorna Hickok, Marian Anderson, Dorothy Thompson, Amy Elizabeth Peck, Alice Roosevelt Longworth, WACs, WAVES, WASPs. Roosevelt had a hand in so many things to help the country win the war because he got manufacturing companies to build the planes, ships, etc. that everyone needed. The numbers in the book are staggering; that companies could pivot from consumer goods to military supplies so quickly is unbelievable. Roosevelt employed people that could get things done and he gave his all to protect the country by fighting the enemies abroad and within. I learned so much from this book, such as the concept of logistics was the reason we won the war and whole-blood transfusions and penicillin reduced the mortality rate of soldiers to about 1%, and more details about Operation Overlord (D-Day). If you love history and detailed facts, this is the book for you. I loved the background knowledge I gained about this pivotal time in U.S. history.

Thank you to Scribner Books and Net Galley for an ARC of V is for Victory by Craig Nelson in exchange for an honest review.