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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
When compared with other SEAL team and Special Ops memoirs I've read, I have to rate this one as the worst.
For a better insight into SEAL team operations and culture read Howard Wasdin's SEAL Team Six or Mark Owen's No Easy Day. These stories are also told in a far more engaging manner than this book was.
As heroic as the author undoubtedly is, it's a pity he (or his ghost writer) is such a poor writer.
I will say that the author is well within his rights to be making the political statements he does through the medium of his memoirs!
For a better insight into SEAL team operations and culture read Howard Wasdin's SEAL Team Six or Mark Owen's No Easy Day. These stories are also told in a far more engaging manner than this book was.
As heroic as the author undoubtedly is, it's a pity he (or his ghost writer) is such a poor writer.
I will say that the author is well within his rights to be making the political statements he does through the medium of his memoirs!
I've been reading so many heavy books that of course I need to be offsetting them with Harry Potter! This book was really good. A friend recommended it to me after I mentioned that I had been reading a lot of WWII books this summer. It was impressive to learn more about the SEALs, the Hell Week/training they go through to become the fighters they are, and a bit more insight from a soldier's view of the war in Afghanistan. The story is incredible. The situation they were in, how they fought, their determination, pride and commitment. They didn't give up. Didn't retreat. And it cost them their lives. Made me cry and be filled with gratitude for the many men and women that serve to protect my liberties.
I totally recommend it! Just know there is a crazy amount of swears. (Of all levels.)
I totally recommend it! Just know there is a crazy amount of swears. (Of all levels.)
I’m the proud daughter of a combat vet. I have studied military history extensively just about all of my life. This country owes an unpayable debt to her combat soldiers. It speaks well of the United States that she produces such brave people.
It also speaks well of the United States that most of her soldiers understand that a free press, civilian control of the military, and rules of engagement are part of what makes the United States great, rather than becoming what she fights.
I gave this one star for the conservative partisan filler, the dumb ass “gott mit uns” claptrap, the hero worship of w bush, and the endless, interminable dick swinging and bravado.
It also speaks well of the United States that most of her soldiers understand that a free press, civilian control of the military, and rules of engagement are part of what makes the United States great, rather than becoming what she fights.
I gave this one star for the conservative partisan filler, the dumb ass “gott mit uns” claptrap, the hero worship of w bush, and the endless, interminable dick swinging and bravado.
Lone Survivor has been disputed not just by journalists, but by other SEALs, officers, and even Luttrell himself in quieter moments. From the inflated body count to the dramatized debate over the Rules of Engagement, the story smells less like a memoir and more like a movie pitch—and eventually, it was one.
Nobody can argue Marcus Luttrel is not a hero. Nobody can argue this story shouldn't be told. Overall, I was greatly emotionally affected by this book and Mr. Luttrel's personal accounts of the physical and emotional tolls of training and war.
However, I think it is important to remember Mr. Luttrel is a soldier and not an author. The tone of the narrative was very narcissistic. I can't criticize Mr. Luttrel for that, though. Because there no way on God's green earth I would have been able to endure what he has.
I borrowed this book from a friend and I really hope he doesn't mind me returning it with about 200 tear-soaked pages. Having just finished the book about an hour ago, I find myself wishing Marcus peace and happiness. Sympathy is not the right word. Sorrow does not come close. Whatever the grievous word of lokhay is, I think I feel that.
However, I think it is important to remember Mr. Luttrel is a soldier and not an author. The tone of the narrative was very narcissistic. I can't criticize Mr. Luttrel for that, though. Because there no way on God's green earth I would have been able to endure what he has.
I borrowed this book from a friend and I really hope he doesn't mind me returning it with about 200 tear-soaked pages. Having just finished the book about an hour ago, I find myself wishing Marcus peace and happiness. Sympathy is not the right word. Sorrow does not come close. Whatever the grievous word of lokhay is, I think I feel that.
I have nothing but the utmost respect for those that serve our country, and I thank a God that they are willing to fight for my freedom! I found the book to be very slow and hard to read.
Too much conservative propaganda detracted from the harrowing story of survival.
sad
medium-paced
This was a very frustrating book for me. I have so much admiration and respect for any man or woman who puts on the uniform. The truth is they are willing to do something that most of us cannot, this is especially true if they are a member of a special forces unit. I am a military brat and have many friends and family members in the armed services. I only mention this because I think it gives me at least a tiny glimpse into what they sacrifice for all of us.
The reason this book is frustrating to me is because of the remarks made by the authors of this book. The political jabs and ridiculous arguments made by Mr. Luttrell were annoying and distracting. This book made me cry and cheer for these men, but at times I wanted to throw it across the room. The “liberals” in this country are not to blame for why these men died, why the war started or the status of these wars today. The liberal media is not responsible for why Mr. Luttrell made the decision he did that day on the mountain.
Most people would label me a liberal and I can tell you I would have killed the goat herders to protect the people I love. I agree that war is chaos and split decisions have to be made and our men and women should be given the benefit of the doubt if they are brought before a military court. However, servicemen/women are not above doing the wrong thing and they should be held accountable if they cross the line. It is just like police officers, 98% of the police officers are good people and are there to protect and serve their communities but there are the 2% who get off on the authority and power the position gives them and they make bad choices.
It is frustrating when Mr. Luttrell says he was there to protect and serve his country and commander in chief. However, at same time, he criticizes Clinton, glorifies Bush (probably because he is a fellow Texan) and I would imagine is not happy with Obama. Oh and I believe he got a jab in on Carter as well. This kind of vitriol, us-against-them, liberal vs conservative, crap is why this country is in so much trouble and why we cannot get anything done. Why not just tell this unbelievable, gut-wrenching, harrowing story without blaming over 50% of the people in this country?
Having said all that (I never write reviews like this) I am glad he survived and could tell this story.
The reason this book is frustrating to me is because of the remarks made by the authors of this book. The political jabs and ridiculous arguments made by Mr. Luttrell were annoying and distracting. This book made me cry and cheer for these men, but at times I wanted to throw it across the room. The “liberals” in this country are not to blame for why these men died, why the war started or the status of these wars today. The liberal media is not responsible for why Mr. Luttrell made the decision he did that day on the mountain.
Most people would label me a liberal and I can tell you I would have killed the goat herders to protect the people I love. I agree that war is chaos and split decisions have to be made and our men and women should be given the benefit of the doubt if they are brought before a military court. However, servicemen/women are not above doing the wrong thing and they should be held accountable if they cross the line. It is just like police officers, 98% of the police officers are good people and are there to protect and serve their communities but there are the 2% who get off on the authority and power the position gives them and they make bad choices.
It is frustrating when Mr. Luttrell says he was there to protect and serve his country and commander in chief. However, at same time, he criticizes Clinton, glorifies Bush (probably because he is a fellow Texan) and I would imagine is not happy with Obama. Oh and I believe he got a jab in on Carter as well. This kind of vitriol, us-against-them, liberal vs conservative, crap is why this country is in so much trouble and why we cannot get anything done. Why not just tell this unbelievable, gut-wrenching, harrowing story without blaming over 50% of the people in this country?
Having said all that (I never write reviews like this) I am glad he survived and could tell this story.
This was the first of many war memoirs I read, and it introduced me solidly to the genre. I appreciate, above all, Luttrell's decision to back up the narrative with backstory. He takes the reader through BUD/S, sniper school, and eventually helps us understand the nature of the American soldier in Afghanistan circa 2005. His gripping account introduces intense emotions into the reader, which is one of the reasons his book is so popular. He isn't afraid to call out the mistakes made by himself and others and the book, if described in one word, would be "authentic".