Bud enjoyed reading and he frequently wrote in his letters about things he read or was planning to read.
Desert War by Russell Hill
Letter: Jan. 20, 1943. Bud wrote, "If it’s not later than Jan. 22 when you get the suitcase, have Bob take the book “Desert War” to the library. Have it renewed if you can’t get it back by the 22 then send it up to the library."
Letter: Jan. 26, 1943. Bud wrote, "I don’t know when I’ll be able to send my stuff and that library book “Desert War” back but I’ll send it as soon as they’ll let me." Letter: Feb. 1, 1943. Bud wrote, "If you can’t get “Desert War” renewed buy it and I’ll send you the money. I wouldn’t mind owning it anyhow and I don’t think there is any chance of being able to send it back"
Letter: Feb. 10, 1943. Bud wrote, "Did anybody do anything about that book “Desert War.?” I still have it here and I won’t be sending my suitcase home I don’t think."
Letter: Mar. 4, 1943. Bud wrote, "I just mailed “Desert War” downstairs. Paper and string are free in the P.X. and there is a post office downstairs"
Saturday Evening Post, June 5, 1943. (link works only for website creator)
Letter: June 15, 1943. Bud wrote, "Get a June 5th issue of “Saturday Evening Post” if you can because its packed full of good material. There is an article on a radio man – gunner you would like and one no one should miss entitled “Hitler Plans for Defeat.” That tells of Hitler’s plans for Europe after the Nazis are defeated. He is doing and has done just what the bible says he would do. He has worked in all the conquered countries until he has them so disorganized and mad at each other that they can’t unite and fight when we invade. He is getting rid of the educated men by letting their neighbors believe that the particular man is pro-nazi and, in that way, turn the people against their own loyal citizens. You shouldn’t miss it be cause it gives an idea of the job we have ahead of us after we win the war and our responsibility in reorganizing Europe. We think we have troubles now."
Readers Digest, July, 1943.
Letter: June 24, 1943. Bud wrote, "Get the July Readers Digest and read it through especially the first article on Russia. The magazine is full of articles on post war planning which are mighty important."
Return to Religion by Henry C. Link
Letter: Aug. 16, 1943. Bud wrote, "I read a swell book on the train from Salt Lake here. It was “Return to Religion” by Henry C. Link. It’s a swell book and it did me a lot of good. I know you’ll like it. You can buy it in the pocket edition for $.25 like I did or you can get it for $1.75 or $2.00."
Skyways, October 1943
Letter: Sept. 20, 1943. Bud wrote, “'Skyways’” for October has a good article on the B-17 if you’re interested in learning more about the plane. An illustrated drawing shows exactly where the radio compartment is located."
Popular Science, November 1943
Letter: Oct. 12, 1943. Bud wrote, "There are a lot of stories going around now about the air force if you get the right magazines and listen to the right programs. November’s Popular Science has several good articles on the U.S.A.F. The good articles are on pps. 49, 77, 84, and 112. The picture on the front of the magazine was taken in a B-17. The jacket, helmet, and oxygen mask are the type I was issued."
Love at First Flight by Charles Spalding and Otis Carney
Letter: Oct. 15, 1943. Bud wrote, "If you can get hold of the book “Love at First Flight,” read it. It’s the story of a Naval Aviation Cadet and a lot of the book resembles my days in M.B. and Chicago. You will all enjoy it because it’s easy reading and plenty humorous. The books’ authors are Charles Spalding and Otis Carney."
God is my Co-Pilot by Robert Lee Scott
The Nazarene by Sholem Asch
Letter: Dec. 12, 1943. Bud wrote, "This morning I got two books that I will try to find time to read. They are 'God is my Co-Pilot' and 'The Nazarene.'"