I learned about this book when the author, Marcus Luttrell, USN SEAL, was interviewed by Laura Ingram (sp?), a "right wing" radio talk show host. Luttrell was such a good interview, and so obviously still struggling with the emotional aftermath of the titular mission, that I decided to gamble the cost of a copy of the book on eBay (plus shipping) to show my support. I was not disappointed. Luttrell and his co-author articulate in vivid terms what being a SEAL means to him. They concentrate on the rigors (to put it mildly) of SEAL training, and then on his experiences on the titular mission. These are obviously the parts of the total story that mean the most to him. However, he also makes it clear that he -- and perhaps many other SEALs as well -- started training to become a SEAL years before he graduated from high school and enlisted in the Navy One message that any intelligent reader will take away with them after reading this book is that there are times when hostile civilians are expendable -- or certainly should be. As one of my friends who almost died in Vietnam would say, "If you weren't there, shut your mouth!" Another message to take away -- although Luttrell doesn't say it -- is that we Americans are lucky to have the SEALs on our side.Read full review
I've heard some of the tale of the author's experience on his last mission so I was motivated to get "the rest of the story" and read the book myself. It was an interesting read throughout though, If you have military experience as I have, the pages about his boot camp training could be skimmed. The majority of the book deals with the actual mission during which the author became the "Lone Survivor" and taught me a great deal about the Afghan society; at least the part he came in contact with as well as how Seals operate in the field. There was one aspect that saddened me. My military experience taught me that no matter what service one is in, it is not a democracy. May I offer one bit of advice, whether you decide to read the book or not: Understand that officers are paid to make decisions, not call for a vote in life-or-death situations. Nevertheless, I highly recommend the book.Read full review
This book is about a true hero defending our freedom in situations that is inconceivable to the average citizen. A true story of bravery and honor. I had the priviledge of meeting Marcus Luttrell and I can tell you he is an amazing person and soldier. When I said to him its an honor to meet you he insisted it was an honor for him to meet me and couldn't thank me enough for coming out to meet him. His stories were so moving that it left me with true respect for our soldiers and the sacrifices they make on a regular basis for our country. So reading some of the other reviews ebay members left like "a little boring in the beginning" and "Gave the book to my husband because he likes espionage and war books. He said it was OK but not a great book. Bought it because it was about a young man from our small Texas town". Really people? I guess thats why soldiers like Marcus fight for our freedom so people like that have the freedom to read whatever books they want and to share their poor opinions on it. Read this book not for your own entertainment but out of respect for our military, Marcus Luttrell and the lost members of SEAL Team 10. If its entertaining for you then that should be a bonus. God bless our country and our military.Read full review
This is one of the greatest purchases of a book I have ever made. I loved the book immensely. It is well written, inspiring, makes me proud to be an American and proud of our fighting men and women! A book of valor, uncommon courage, decision making, and character. The decision NOT to kill the shepherds was virtual suicide but was the right thing to do, just wrong for the SEALs. I love to read how character overcomes personal preservation, and this book tells it for real. Highly recommended for anyone who dares to see what it is really like to be an American hero. One lives, many die, but all were heros in my eyes. Language is a little vulgar at times, but such is life.
This is a truly inspiring account of a mission in Afghanistan that resulted in the largest loss of life in the history of the U.S. Navy Seals. The courage and heroism detailed in this book make me proud to be an American. I am thankful that we have men so dedicated to defending our great nation. The description of the Seal's training, their dedication to duty and one another, and their conduct on the battlefield had me riding an emotional roller coaster. The emotions ran from pride in America and our fighting forces, disgust with the influence of the media on our military, admiration for the sacrifices of our military, to tears for the loss of these brave men and the impact it had on their families.
This book is very descriptive and all-encompassing. It gives you a detailed account of what a soldier training to be a SEAL goes through, from the emotions to the physical labor involved. The author grabs your attention from the very beginning. As the story progresses, you grow attached to the characters and feel the emotions and pain that they go through. It describes the grimy details of war and the mind-set of a persistent enemy. The things that these men go through is more than most people go through in a lifetime. The author very accurately brings you up and back down and everywhere in between through the emotional prism. Anyone looking for a depiction of what is going on behind enemy lines in Afghanistan and Pakistan, this is a must read. I couldn't put it down. I read it in one session.Read full review
Luttrell tells a very compelling story that sheds light on the true valor and courage of NAVY SEALs, especially those involved in his amazing survival story. The heroism of his fellow SEALs and himself will never be forgotten and I recommend this book to all.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This book is outstanding and honestly will give you a true insight on how great the the operation redwing SEALS were and how brave each man was to fight the taliban and to go out for the rescue mission. I'm about 90% done with this book and cannot believe how brave Mr.Luttrell was and how he lived to tell his story of his good buddies and their lives and sacrifices. Outstanding story, I wish I could meet Mr.Luttrell in life and have him sign my book and ask him a few questions I'd love to know answers to. Great book for anybody to read... A++++
I am buying multiples of this book for Christmas gifts. It is a spellbounding acount of bravery by special forces in Afghanistan. One man named Mike was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his life sacrifice in attempt to save his men. This book tells how evil the terrorists are and the will power of our brave men to defeat them after 9/11/01. I cried and laughed while reading this book. It was easy reading and did not take long to read because I could hardly put it down. I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed.
This is one of the best books I've read in years, and especially about the military. The book was very reasonably priced for a hardcover copy and arrived very quickly in perfect condition. This book really draws you in from the git-go and it's a cross between "Walker, Texas Ranger" and "Blackhawk Down". As several other reviewers commented, once you pick it up, it's hard to put it down. I read it in less than 2 weeks, even with my busy schedule. I found myself turning off the TV to read it! Now that's entertainment. Highly recommended!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! --yoda2486
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