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hill_'s review
2.0
I tried. I really did. And I wanted to like it. But I couldn't get into it, and other people were on hold for it, so I let it go. I read about 60% of it.
jmltgu's review
4.0
I really don't even know where to start with this one, so we'll default to the beginning. Most people, despite the old adage, DO judge a book by its cover: I thought this would be a raucous, but interesting look at Iraq through the eyes of two "interesting" characters. The best review would probably be the book's sub-title, whose "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure" vibe is carried on throughout. Also carried throughout the book are copious amounts of drugs, which are frivolously intermixed with cheap alcohol and wanton self-endangerment. These two are QUITE the pair. At the end, though, despite all the crude and unsavory paths taken, I did actually feel like I learned something. Not your typical war memorial, this will resonate with those who have gotten off into the streets and seen life in Iraq and the Middle East. Lots of people, lots of problems, lots of opportunities to do and be better - I guess maybe more of us could take a cue from these self-admitted stoners. At least they (purportedly) took time to help, when others simply stood by looking out for number one. The ending is also a poignant reminder of, well, I won't spoil it... but hopelessness and chaos are definitely themes that leave space for reflection. I recommend it for people who don't mind vulgarity (in all possible forms) and are interested in life in Iraq right after the 2003 invasion.
pharmdad2007's review
2.0
It's hard to take seriously all of the good these two did when most of the book is spent describing their drug and alcohol binges and general trouble making.
aliciadietrich's review
3.0
Definitely not the most eloquent book I've ever read, but the two main characters are pretty colorful, and it was fascinating to get a bird's eye view from two regular guys about their time in Iraq as the situation devolved into civil war and past the point of no return.
dkeane2007's review
3.0
I really don't know what to think about this book. Part of me is impressed with these guys and their insights, but a much larger part of me is stunned that these two fools wandered into such positions with the CPA. In many ways they were another symptom of the problem.
charliemudd's review
4.0
Two guys who sell shirts at Red Sox games go to Baghdad to get away, and end up as part of a management team in the Green Zone as part of the NGO managing donations and not-for-profit fundings. Good book -- not much wrong with it other than it was fairly simple. It created a great portrait of the Iraq war. I would recommend it.
debshelf's review
3.0
Two friends decide to travel to the Middle East in 2003, scam their way into jobs managing an NGO and experience what life is like for post-invasion Iraq. While parts of it are juvenile and ridiculous, the book is a startling first-person account of the mismanagement of the American occupation in Iraq.
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