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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Riding the White Bull: The Making of a Navy SEAL by Jack Ratliff is a memoir shaped by experience and reflection, told in an unadorned voice that carries readers from college life in 1950s Texas through formative encounters that set the stage for military service. The memoir unfolds chronologically, beginning with Ratliff’s years at the University of Texas, where fraternity culture, discipline, and early leadership roles quietly prepared him for the demands ahead. These early chapters establish a foundation of responsibility, personal codes, and the gradual recognition that preparation often comes from unexpected places. The rodeo experience that gives the memoir its title is both a literal and symbolic turning point. Ratliff’s account of learning to ride dangerous stock under the guidance of seasoned cowboys is grounded in physical sensation, instruction, and consequence.
Jack Ratliff’s writing is conversational and reflective, marked by clear observation and understated humor. He favors scene-based storytelling, allowing the dialogue, setting, and action to convey meaning without heavy interpretation. The prose maintains a steady pace, balancing anecdotes with insight, and reflects a narrator who is comfortable with examining his younger self with honesty and perspective. Riding the White Bull offers a portrait of growth shaped by choice, discipline, and lived experience. It traces how ordinary moments, when met with seriousness and resolve, contribute to the making of a life defined by service and personal accountability. Readers who enjoy reflective accounts of formative life experiences, military preparation, particularly Navy SEALS, Texas history, and character shaped through risk, discipline, and mentorship will find this book engaging.
