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rembrandt1881's review
5.0
This was on my list for a while and it was an excellent read. All that I ever knew about this was that a movie was made about the book. Listening to this telling of the story, there was a lot of great setup. Mark Bowden did an excellent job of setting up all of the soldiers who he would be talking about and the situations that led to them being in this position on this day.
The recreation of these events had to be an intense labor because there is a lot going on and the frenetic nature of a gun battle comes through his writing and the way he organizes the story. It also takes its time to really make sure every angle is covered. If you have any interest in how foreign policy and military actions play out on the ground you have to add this book to your reading.
The recreation of these events had to be an intense labor because there is a lot going on and the frenetic nature of a gun battle comes through his writing and the way he organizes the story. It also takes its time to really make sure every angle is covered. If you have any interest in how foreign policy and military actions play out on the ground you have to add this book to your reading.
bryanfox's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
duderdunce's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
This was one of the first nonfiction books that I remember actively seeking out for myself to read. Certainly a handful of viewings of Ridley Scott's excellent film adaptation before (and since) reading the source material were an important factor. But with each page of Mark Bowden's account, his journalistic prowess presents its own unyielding investment in the now three-decade-old experiences of the servicemen who fought that day. Experiences that are ever harrowing and profound. The tension, the loss, the brutality, the desperation, the fatigue, the endurance, the devotion, the brotherhood - all of its weight and impact resides still.
alextj's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, War, Medical trauma, and Blood
gdp60's review
5.0
Very well written - not a dull retelling. I really appreciate the Somali perspectives as well.
sarahfeldermann's review
5.0
If I could give this book six stars, I would. I struggled getting into it in the beginning, but it didn't take very many pages for me to get sucked into it. "A Story of Modern Warfare" i.e. absolutely correct. The book is so well written that I was able to picture myself side by side with the American soldiers in the middle of the fight. I could place myself in the courtyard or the hanger with them. There is a lot to the book though, so I will probably be reading it again.
Warning: I cried at the ending, and if you're a crier you probably will too.
Warning: I cried at the ending, and if you're a crier you probably will too.
msartor53's review
3.0
I thought this book did a good job of showcasing a modern battle story, from the cockiness to disaster and finally to solace. I wish more explanation of tactics, maybe maps could have been included. Best part was the information from interviews, especially the Somali point of view.
joonsik's review against another edition
4.0
Good, fast read. Not sure if it's something West Point should be using as a teaching aid, but it's good for the beach.