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brb_reads's review against another edition
5.0
Would never have picked this book up but one of my book clubs picked it for this month. I'm so glad I read it. It not only makes me want to do more/be more active while I'm in but it gives me a deeper appreciation for jobs that aren't talked about that often.
nsusdorf's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent read - especially as an audio book. It certainly gave me a perspective on Operation Enduring Freedom that I didn't have before.
shailydc's review against another edition
4.0
The women in these book made a remarkable contribution to the country and I'm happy to have read their stories.
My issue with the book was that we were introduced to so many characters - it was hard to keep track of all their stories. Most of them were only mentioned again briefly in the remainder of the book, so it seemed unnecessary to go into so much detail about all of their backgrounds. I also would have liked to hear how Nadia's story turned out.
My issue with the book was that we were introduced to so many characters - it was hard to keep track of all their stories. Most of them were only mentioned again briefly in the remainder of the book, so it seemed unnecessary to go into so much detail about all of their backgrounds. I also would have liked to hear how Nadia's story turned out.
tschonfeld's review against another edition
5.0
READ THIS. It’s an incredible story about a unique group of soldiers- a unique group of women - who accomplished unbelievable work on behalf of this country. Freedom isn’t free, people.
nicollej's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this book. I loved learning about all of the women, their backgrounds, and their experiences in war. The audiobook was fantastic and I think that format lent itself to the type of book it is. Granted, there were a few times I had trouble remembering which woman they were focusing on and her backstory but the author does a good job of adding details in it so you can remember. I plan on recommending this to as many people as I probably can.
terrimarshall's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book about the first group of women soldiers who served in combat-related roles as enablers with special ops forces in Afghanistan.
fogg_asphyx's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
4.5
trexbexx's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Death
orygunn's review against another edition
4.0
Tears. Respect. Amazement. The women of the CST deserve all of these and more. While the focus is Ashely White, the story is one of groundbreaking heroes that probably will never receive all the accolades they deserve. To all veterans - thank you.
modernstoic's review against another edition
4.0
I have first heard about CST through military books, but they were mentioned quickly and briefly. I then saw the pictures of CST members while browsing on reddit a few months later, but never looked into it much. I finally decided to give this book a go after hearing about Ashley White from Admiral McRaven's books. He express that he felt responsible toward Ashley White's death, he was the one who helped sent her there. However, it was his admiration and respect of her and CST members was what convinced me to buy this book and read it.
Ashley's War is about a team of women who volunteered to accompany special operations capable forces to gather intel in the field as Cultural Support Team. It also covers a women named Nadia, a first generation immigrant interpreter. Her story is also incredible and interesting. I'm 25, so I'm just slightly older than Ashley before she was KIA. I'm in constant admiration for what these women have done. Facing, sexism, uncertainty, loneliness, and the terror of war, these women paved the path to prove to others that women have a place in the frontlines of combat. Due to the nature of Counter Insurgency Warfare they were experienced firefights anyways. They often face adversity unique to them due to their gender, yet they overcome and adapt.
This book does a great job explaining what being a CST was like from the perspective of various member. It is inspiring, but doesn't hold back on various details (One CST being raped by fellow service member, afghan-American interpreters viewed suspiciously/treated poorly, etc)
I recommend this book to understand CST. I wouldn't really recommend it if you want to know about the war in general though. It very much is through the eyes of CST members.
Ashley's War is about a team of women who volunteered to accompany special operations capable forces to gather intel in the field as Cultural Support Team. It also covers a women named Nadia, a first generation immigrant interpreter. Her story is also incredible and interesting. I'm 25, so I'm just slightly older than Ashley before she was KIA. I'm in constant admiration for what these women have done. Facing, sexism, uncertainty, loneliness, and the terror of war, these women paved the path to prove to others that women have a place in the frontlines of combat. Due to the nature of Counter Insurgency Warfare they were experienced firefights anyways. They often face adversity unique to them due to their gender, yet they overcome and adapt.
This book does a great job explaining what being a CST was like from the perspective of various member. It is inspiring, but doesn't hold back on various details (One CST being raped by fellow service member, afghan-American interpreters viewed suspiciously/treated poorly, etc)
I recommend this book to understand CST. I wouldn't really recommend it if you want to know about the war in general though. It very much is through the eyes of CST members.