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brettvogelsang's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
4.0
Disclaimer: I listened to this via audiobook and this review has minor spoilers.
I started this book because I expected it to contain stories from Wasdin’s youth and into his professional career as a SEAL. What I did not expect was to hear about his life post-navy. Because of that, this book felt more like an autobiography as opposed to an account of the heroics of SEAL Team 6.
The author showed his humanity by telling us his “most successful operation in Somalia” while also reminding us that he was ready to battle at a moments notice. You have to be both a physically and mentally strong human to be able to flip a switch and identify what’s good vs evil during wartime. The author was effortlessly able to flip that switch.
Although I was not expecting the last 1/3 of the book, it came as a pleasant surprise. Hearing about how the author re-acclimated into civilian life and found his path as a chiropractor was truly inspiring.
I enjoyed listening to this book. Will 100% recommend it for anyone interested in learning about all aspects of becoming a SEAL.
I started this book because I expected it to contain stories from Wasdin’s youth and into his professional career as a SEAL. What I did not expect was to hear about his life post-navy. Because of that, this book felt more like an autobiography as opposed to an account of the heroics of SEAL Team 6.
The author showed his humanity by telling us his “most successful operation in Somalia” while also reminding us that he was ready to battle at a moments notice. You have to be both a physically and mentally strong human to be able to flip a switch and identify what’s good vs evil during wartime. The author was effortlessly able to flip that switch.
Although I was not expecting the last 1/3 of the book, it came as a pleasant surprise. Hearing about how the author re-acclimated into civilian life and found his path as a chiropractor was truly inspiring.
I enjoyed listening to this book. Will 100% recommend it for anyone interested in learning about all aspects of becoming a SEAL.
bngambill's review against another edition
5.0
So well written! Learned more about the Somalian Civil War than I thought I would and how the SEALS are trained. Strongly recommend
iceberg0's review against another edition
2.0
Interesting memoir of the life of a special ops soldier but the writing is very simple and straightforward.
russt's review against another edition
4.0
A good book overall. At times, the author's cocky attitude was mildly annoying, as evidenced in his discussion of fights with otherwise innocent people. That said, it was still an enjoyable book, and I learned much more of the ins and outs of one of our nation's elite military forces. Additionally, the comments at the end about his short tenure as a police officer are especially poignant given recent events.
papidoc's review against another edition
4.0
Some have panned this autobiographical account as being self-centered or self-serving. I disagree. It would be difficult to begin to understand Wasdin’s motivation and drive without knowing about his background and critical moments in his life. It explains both his faults and his successes. About his faults and mistakes he seems to be generally open and sincere in his regrets.
Nonetheless, this isn't intended to be a self-examination or navel-gazing exploration. Rather, it is a glimpse into the selection, training, and exploits of a Navy SEAL. In that, it is reasonably successful. I have read other accounts of Hell Week and other aspects of SEAL the selection experience, and this one rings true. It is not as detailed or in-depth as some others, but then that is not to be expected. It is one man's experience, not an in-depth look at the program itself, and so it would inevitably be limited in perspective, objectivity, and scope. That doesn't make it inferior, just different. I consider it an interesting glimpse into the SEAL experience.
Nonetheless, this isn't intended to be a self-examination or navel-gazing exploration. Rather, it is a glimpse into the selection, training, and exploits of a Navy SEAL. In that, it is reasonably successful. I have read other accounts of Hell Week and other aspects of SEAL the selection experience, and this one rings true. It is not as detailed or in-depth as some others, but then that is not to be expected. It is one man's experience, not an in-depth look at the program itself, and so it would inevitably be limited in perspective, objectivity, and scope. That doesn't make it inferior, just different. I consider it an interesting glimpse into the SEAL experience.
jbarr5's review against another edition
5.0
SEAL Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy SEAL Sniper by Howard E. Wasdin, Stephen Templin
Enjoy this story because it's action packed with things SEAL's do when they are working. Also enjoy his off hours and spending it with family and friends.
Love terminology that is explained and there is a glossary of the terms as well.
Lots of missions are described to the finest detail, I wonder if these are secrets that nobody knows about but they do now, is that ok with Navy? Never heard of so many of them and appreciate understanding them. Like when they repel from a helicopter and what the aircraft must do to retain length and why.
Also I've seen SEALS's coming out the water locally and never realized what they did with their flippers. So cool to find out. TV shows never show that.
Story starts when he's very young and what he has to endure. Love when he decides to better his life by joining the military. Like hearing about the Forts that he trained at: one being in Clarksville and the other at Benning. both places our son was located.
Like the laughs between the guys and about his son Blake but especially what they did to the dog that was biting them...
Found this book to be outright truthful and the missions are straight forward even if they go sideways. Lots of parts of this book that everybody could enjoy, hope you get a chance to read this one.
I was hoping to find out more about what my son had to survive during his time in the Army when he was not stateside and this story is amazing.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Enjoy this story because it's action packed with things SEAL's do when they are working. Also enjoy his off hours and spending it with family and friends.
Love terminology that is explained and there is a glossary of the terms as well.
Lots of missions are described to the finest detail, I wonder if these are secrets that nobody knows about but they do now, is that ok with Navy? Never heard of so many of them and appreciate understanding them. Like when they repel from a helicopter and what the aircraft must do to retain length and why.
Also I've seen SEALS's coming out the water locally and never realized what they did with their flippers. So cool to find out. TV shows never show that.
Story starts when he's very young and what he has to endure. Love when he decides to better his life by joining the military. Like hearing about the Forts that he trained at: one being in Clarksville and the other at Benning. both places our son was located.
Like the laughs between the guys and about his son Blake but especially what they did to the dog that was biting them...
Found this book to be outright truthful and the missions are straight forward even if they go sideways. Lots of parts of this book that everybody could enjoy, hope you get a chance to read this one.
I was hoping to find out more about what my son had to survive during his time in the Army when he was not stateside and this story is amazing.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
sassyporcupine's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyable book. But I liked mostly how he kept insulting Rogue Warrior and the video game. Hilarious!
brian_lassiter's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not sure if I like Howard Wasdin, but he's lead an interesting life. And he does a good job of relating it. Plus, I absolutely respect his service to our country. I highly recommend this book if you're interested in what goes into the making of a SEAL Team Six member. Or if you're interested in the battle of Mogadishu.