If the most vivid way to describe war is with close-ups of individuals — think “Saving Private Ryan,” “Bridge on the River Kwai,” “Platoon” — then Buzz Bissinger’s “The Mosquito Bowl: A Game of Life and Death in World War II” joins that impressive group.
For his latest book, Bissinger, already world famous for his 1990 best-seller “Friday Night Lights,” turned to World War II. It’s 1944 on Guadalcanal. Waiting to ship out for the Battle of Okinawa are two regiments of Marines that are packed with college football All-Americans and future pro players. So, to pass the time, they stage an unlikely football game dubbed The Mosquito Bowl.
On Feb. 5, Bissinger will be in Naples for the Nonfiction Author Series, presented by the Friends of the Library of Collier County at Hilton Naples.
The Nonfiction Series, which helps fund activities for the 10 branches of the Collier County Public Library system, features a full buffet breakfast, followed by the author’s talk and a book signing. Series tickets are selling quickly. See the info box for dates, times, cost and how to sign up.