Hey Mac By Jack Holman (369 pages, maps) Reviewer:  James Healy Overall Rating: Two Stars: Some readers would enjoy it but many would not Former FC-2 Jack Holman has converted what may have been part of his war-time diary into a novel-like story with dialogue among his shipmates and friends. An "Ole Miss" student at the time of his draft notice, Jack Holman has the opportunity to choose his branch of service. His WWI veteran father tells him never volunteer, which Jack quickly forgets, raises his hand and becomes the company clerk during boot camp at Great Lakes. After a four-month stint at the Quonset Point (RI) Naval Air Station, Jack is soon scheduled for sea duty aboard the USS Hobson (DD-464). In the Atlantic, the Hobson helps sink a sub and on D-day is 1200 yards off Utah beach. Soon the Hobson will be converted to destroyer minesweeper DMS-26 and shift operations to the Pacific. Between these military events, the reader is delivered of Jack's social life and his two "love" interests--Pauline, a home town girl (he feels unworthy) and a new friend Jean he meets roller skating in Providence. An obviously moral person, Holman's descriptions may at times be too sentimental and romantic for some of today's readers. Then, in a couple of instances, he includes "barracks talk" that is out of character with the rest of the book. The modified diary style effectively presents the repetition and boredom experienced by most sailors, but it can also be challenging to read, and one is tempted to scan over some text. Jack also understates his own courage, as he once again volunteers--this time to help recover the remains of several of his shipmates, victims of a Kamikaze attack. Some readers may prefer less of the mundane and more on the critical moments experienced by a WWII sailor. Also, Jack offers no postscript about his life after the navy and leaves us in the dark about the final outcome between Jean and Pauline. Availability: Xlibris Corporation 1-888-795-4274 www.Xlibris.com Hardcover/Paperback