Synopsis
Second to the Last to Leave is a true story of lost love and the desire to live through one of America's greatest battles lost, as it shares the story of a young man's coming of age at the moment World War II begins. This is truly one of the last great World War II stories to be shared with future generations and is told by the sailor and Arizona Crew Member Lauren Bruner, who shares his story raw and full of laughter and tears.
At 97, Lauren tells the story of his first true love with a beautiful Japanese bartender named Nikki on the night before the attack only to have the enemy pull her from his grip, never to be seen again.
According to those who have read this book, it is a gripping thriller and unlike any other battlefield account, as it allows the reader to step back in time and stand next to a young man fighting for his life minute by minute as those around him perish.
This book has everything good storytelling is all about: lost love, adventure, death, and the desire to live as well as an underlying need to fulfill a personal promise to honor the man who saved his life, which was finally accomplished 76 years later.
This signed interactive copy of Second to the Last to Leave includes online access to over 100 personal photos of life aboard USS Arizona, through the attack on Pearl Harbor, and on into the rest of the war. In addition, the most complete Deck Log of USS Arizona is also included as a bonus to the readers.
One of the 5 remaining crew members, Lou Conter probably sums up the book best when he describes it as the "best and most thrilling account of what really took place aboard Arizona on the morning of 7 December, 1941" and he recommends Lauren's book as the best he has ever read.
Review
"This is the best written and most detailed account of the attack on Pearl Harbor that I have ever read. It is true and exciting, and pretty much exactly like it happened. I should know, since I was a crew member and survivor on Arizona. This book is so good I didn't want it to end."
Lou Conter, Quartermaster 3/c, USS Arizona Crew Member
"This is a really good story and I guess I should know, because I was on USS Arizona with Lauren all those years ago. I have read a lot of books all trying to tell this story without ever having been there. But I'll tell you, Lauren's book tells it like it really was."
Howard Kenton Potts, Coxswain, USS Arizona Crew Member
"I was a crew member and survivor of USS Arizona and have read Lauren Bruner's book, and can whole-heartedly recommend it to anyone. This book tells the story of Pearl Harbor like no other because I was there and know it to be true."
Lonnie D. Cook, Seaman 1/c, USS Arizona Crew Member
"Lauren Bruner is an American legend and Naval hero. His book is one of the most authentic pieces of American history that you will ever have the opportunity to read. It is gripping and one that you would not want to put down. I recommend it to anyone who loves America, her Military, or just simply a thrilling story."
Rear Admiral Fernandez "Frank" Ponds, USN (Retired)
"This book is told in a manner unlike any I have ever read. It is rich with adventure, sacrifice, and a commitment to our nation, told in the voice of a young sailor. You can almost close your eyes and be transported back in time."
Captain Jeffrey W. James, USN (Retired)
Commander, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam 2011-2014
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