‘Patton and the Battle for Sicily,’ by Flint Whitlock (Naval Institute Press) 'On Fire for God,' by Josiah Hesse (Pantheon) On July 10, 1943, the Allies launched what was the greatest air and sea invasion of World War II up to that time. Dubbed Husky, the operation, led by General George Patton, included 87,000 American and 94,000 British soldiers. The latter were not yet convinced that America was up to the challenge of fighting the Axis. Patton was anxious to prove himself and his troops, but still, the planning and execution created division among officers of both countries. The result of the invasion was something of a mixed bag. Historians still debate its successes and failures. One of those historians is Denver author Flint Whitlock, a Vietnam War veteran and author of 17 books, most of them on World War II. “Patton and the Battle for Sicily” is a critical look at the invasion in a way that is both insightful and interesting. Whitlock writes about the planning, the devastating weather that hampered the invasion, the battles and the effect the invasion had on World War II. He mixes military history with the recollections of soldiers and officers that give the story a human touch. Patton, of course, was a colorful, pompous general who was so difficult to work with that he was almost sacked before he could take command. He had a disparaging view of his contemporaries: He called Omar Bradley “a man of great mediocracy,” and viewed King George as “just a grade above a moron.” As for General Eisenhower, Patton said, He “sees the light a little but fears for his head if he stands on his feet.” Whitlock reveals that to keep news of Husky out of the press, Ike called war correspondents together and confided plans for Husky. As a result, nothing about the invasion leaked out. Another tidbit: Patton wanted soldiers to wear neckties, even in combat, and almost court-martialed a truck driver who wasn’t wearing one. He told a group of officers, “When we land on the beaches of Sicily, there will be no prisoners taken.” When an officer gently asked Patton to reconsider that statement, Patton replied, “Forget what I just said.” ‘On Fire for God,’ by Josiah Hesse (Pantheon) The picture is horrifying. Day after day, a small boy hides in a basement where he cuts himself on his thigh and hits himself in the groin because he is sinful. He’s terrified that he’s been deserted by his parents in the rapture and will face years of torture by monsters. His constant companion is Caldonia, a witch with red eyes who taunts him and tells him he will burn in hell for, among other things, being gay.  And all this is in the name of religion. 'Patton and the Battle for Sicily,' by Flint Whitlock (Naval Institute Press) Denver author Josiah Hesse was raised by Evangelical parents in churches that believe in the torments of hell, that their poverty is due to their sinfulness and lack of faith. God rewards the good with riches, so you had better make generous gifts to the church. Ministers wearing designer suits and driving fancy cars preach that prosperity doctrine. At one time, Hesse’s family’s donations were greater than their yearly income, but it didn’t do them any good. His father’s waterbed business failed, sending the family further into debt and poverty. Hesse was raised in Mason City, Iowa, home to Meredith Wilson, who wrote “The Music Man,” and he frequently compares the techniques of the musical’s flimflam man to today’s evangelical leaders. He watched as the church demanded more and more from his parents. Unable to escape poverty, his father drank, took drugs and verbally abused his family. Married in her teens and a mother of three when she was barely in her 20s, Hesse’s mother was unable to meet the standards of the perfect wife demanded by the church. The house was a shambles, the children raised themselves, and she fell into a deep depression. “On Fire for God” is the story of one man’s attempt to first embrace and then reject his evangelical upbringing. A high school dropout, Hesse took a series of menial jobs and turned to substance abuse. He spiraled downward until, in an epiphany of sorts while in a Colorado cabin, he became a runner, eventually completing in 50K ultra races. Hesse also began writing, becoming a successful freelancer. Hesse, now an atheist, has few good things to say about the good many evangelical churches do. Still, he admits, he identifies with his religion. “Just because I no longer wish to evangelize doesn’t mean I can’t find beauty in the faith I was born into.” ‘Denver: The City and Its Art,’ by Elizabeth Schlosser (Schlosser Fine Arts) One of the joys of living in Denver is coming across art in unexpected places. “Denver: The City and Its Art” showcases sculptures, paintings and buildings that prove Denver is not an artistic wasteland but is rich in public art. Elizabeth Schlosser, former executive director of Historic Denver, chose 100 works of art available for public viewing that represent Denver’s best artwork from 1870 to 1970. Much of it is well-known, like the Gladys Caldwell Fisher rams in front of the downtown courthouse; the Mayan Theater; the Cruise Room of the Oxford Hotel; and the Pioneer Memorial Fountain at the intersection of Colfax and Broadway. (The image of Kit Carson was removed from it for political reasons.) Denver has its share of murals, many created by Allen Tupper True, best known for his work in the rotunda of the State Capitol. But he also did two transportation murals that are in the lobby of the Brown Palace Hotel. Denver has WPA murals, too, including one by Ethel Magafan, “The Horse Corral,” located in the South Broadway post office. “Denver: The City and Its Art,” with its colorful photographs by Caroline Miller, is a bit large to carry in your pocket. Nonetheless, it is an excellent guide to exploring Denver’s public masterpieces. ...read more read less