I am definitely going on a government list for adding this on Goodreads. It's such an interesting and unique thing to do. I can just imagine the reactions when people find out. Maybe there will be some confusion at first, but then they'll realize the significance of it. Goodreads is a platform where book lovers gather, and adding this particular item will surely spark some discussions. It could be a new trend or a way to bring attention to something that might otherwise go unnoticed. Who knows what kind of impact it will have? But one thing is for sure, I'm excited to be a part of it and see where it leads.
Much like Mao's text, Guevara's expansion and interpretation of guerilla warfare in his context places great emphasis on the significance of political education among the guerillas and the surrounding citizens. He firmly believes that political education is essential for the guerillas to have a clear understanding of their goals and the ideology they are fighting for. At the same time, it also helps to raise the awareness and support of the nearby civilians. Guevara emphasizes the necessity of unity with the civilians for various reasons. They can provide resources such as food, shelter, and weapons, as well as valuable information about the enemy's movements and positions. In addition, the civilians can serve as a buffer between the guerillas and the enemy, making it more difficult for the enemy to detect and attack the guerillas.
Also important, if not the most important, is something that every military leader writes about - shoes. Time and time again, Guevara says that shoes and securing leather are critical to the success of the guerilla warfare. In the harsh and rugged terrain where the guerillas operate, good shoes are essential for their mobility and comfort. Without proper shoes, the guerillas may suffer from foot injuries and blisters, which can seriously affect their ability to fight and move. Therefore, Guevara stresses the importance of ensuring that the guerillas have enough shoes and that they are of good quality.
Was gifted to me. This volume stands in contrast to political theory and encompasses no autobiographical elements beyond the introduction. In fact, this book is merely a manual for structuring combat forces and guerrilla movements. It presents cool concepts regarding the disparities between guerrilla fighters and state fighters, as well as the distinct systems of morale employed by both. Additionally, there are interesting notions about what the leaders of a movement owe to their people. However, it was not truly relatable or useful to me in the slightest, and it was a bit repetitive.
Perhaps for those with a specific interest in military strategy or the organization of guerrilla warfare, this book might hold some value. But for the average reader, like myself, it failed to engage or provide any real practical insights. The repetitive nature of the content also made it a bit of a chore to get through. While the ideas presented were somewhat novel, they were not developed in a way that made them accessible or applicable to a wider audience. Overall, I would not recommend this book to others.