This is my first attempt at writing a review. Please keep that in mind.
Firestorm
Dr. James E. McDonald’s Fight For UFO Science
Wild Flower Press ISBN 0-926524-58-5
Dr. James McDonald is one of my heroes in Ufology. The contributions that he made in the world of physics are fantastic ones. His story is one that needs to be told and Ann Druffel has embodied the pure energy that drove McDonald in the quest for the truth.
One of the first things that is noted when you look at this book is that pages 528-586 are filled with the bibliography material used in writing this book. That is 58 pages of material. It is a sheer drop in the bucket of the works he has compiled.
Ann Druffel does an amazing job of setting the stage for the reader in showing the qualities that McDonald had, both as a human being, and as an extremely gifted scientist. One who would be having a conversation with you about any topic, and in the process, he would focus in on something you said which caused him to think about and question the inner workings of that subject and decide that he was going to figure it out. He evidently had to satisfy his own curiosity about things. It also seemed that once he set his mind to something, he worked on it until he solved the problem at hand.
He became known for his steadfast work ethic in tackling a problem and seeing it through to the end. The impression felt is that, if there was a problem, you would want this fellow working on it because he would not give up until it was solved, and done so in a manner that would leave no room for doubt that his methods were correct, and his work impeccable.
Little did McDonald know that his life as a highly respected atmospheric physicist would soon change and he would become embroiled in some of the most controversial subjects known to mankind. Druffel takes the time to point out how McDonald gets involved in a battle with the USAF when his research provides the knowledge, that by placing a ring of Titan Missiles around Tucson AZ, they are jeopardizing the lives of innocent people should an accident happen. He challenged the USAF, and McDonald won. The USAF was not happy about it. So with the stage now set, his life takes on new meaning when he then unexpectedly, takes an interest into a series of UFO reports that happen in the local area. He decides to start interviewing witnesses, and much to his surprise, he realizes that the information that the witnesses are giving him seem genuine and sincere. It does not take him long to realize the importance of the science behind the craft that are being reported and the maneuvers that seem to be defying known physics. His scientific mind was opened, and he knew he had to find out how these craft operated.
This book delves into the problems he becomes faced with, and how he was able to withstand almost everything that was thrown at him. He is most remembered for his tireless work in the subject of UFOs, but Druffel highlights two of his most outstanding achievements in the field of atmospheric research. When you find out what they are, you will be glad that he fought so hard for those facts to be brought to light.
In reading this book you will learn the frustration that science is up against, and you will learn about UFO sightings that never were made public. From the beginning to the end Druffel’s writing method allows you to stand next to one of the most amazing men science has ever known, and experience events, just as he and his colleagues experienced them. This book is a must read for anyone who researches UFOs.