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megancrews's review against another edition
5.0
2015 Book Riot Read Harder Challenge: National Book Award Winner
abrswf's review against another edition
5.0
Strong stuff. This compelling collection of short stories about the Iraq war - OIF - is best read with a list of translations of military acronyms at hand, but that is the only thing which will slow the reader's rapid inhalation of them. Few short books have given me more insight more quickly.
agrausam's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
kellyroberson's review against another edition
5.0
An exquisitely crafted collection of stories, almost indescribable in its variety and insight. Rates among the best in war books I've ever read.
kami5's review against another edition
4.0
Like O'Brien's work updated for the recent conflict in Iraq. The chapters are all different vignettes and most of them are very well written. There is a definite sense of poignant melancholy around the writing.
cristianatbrtackler's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
tonythep's review against another edition
4.0
To be honest, I wasn't particularly looking forward to reading a collection of stories about the Iraq war. With their realistic and sometimes brutal details, these stories by a former Marine captain and Iraq war veteran are not always easy to read. But ultimately they proved to be harder to stop reading. Klay gives voice to a variety of viewpoints through nuanced characters and prose that strikes a balance between bitter irony and real emotional depth.