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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
funny
informative
reflective
slow-paced
dark
funny
informative
fast-paced
Cynically honest
This book has voice and perspective, very hard to put down. Some will be put off by its tone, which is probably why those who don't like it should consider their positions on it honestly. This feels starkly honest and cynical to the point of pessimism, but it's impossible to ignore the through logic presented.
This book has voice and perspective, very hard to put down. Some will be put off by its tone, which is probably why those who don't like it should consider their positions on it honestly. This feels starkly honest and cynical to the point of pessimism, but it's impossible to ignore the through logic presented.
Fascinating look at the mess of the Afghanistan war. The cost (in life and dollars) was staggering all fueled by pride and dysfunction.
A powerful and fiercely written read. An absolutely riveting (up until the last few chapters, when it drifted and I took away a star) look at the deeply flawed ideas behind the war in Afghanistan, and the people running it. The chapter listing how Afghan and American soldiers view each other (they urinate and curse in front of women, and what business is it of theirs how we treat dogs? / they kill the dogs we feed on base, and are high all the time) was devastating, as was the frustrating disconnect between McChrystal and the soldiers he visits at one point. Hastings weaves in colorful descriptions of the places he visits and reflections on the nature and history of war reporting. I was fascinated, and finished this audiobook in record time. High praise for the narrator as well - he was an excellent fit.
One of the finest books on war I’ve read. Dave Cullen recommended it highly, and his recommendation is not taken lightly. Hastings died way too young.
A terrifying look at our war in Afghanistan. While an expansion on the Rolling Stone article, the material reported on after the article was published is worth the cost of the book. A must read no matter your political leanings or feelings about the war. This is a cautionary tale for all of America.
The best day of my deployment to Afghanistan was the day General McCrystal was relieved. The ROE he had implemented was so strict that it caused a noticeable drop in morale, as men felt that the commander of USFOR-A would gladly sacrifice their lives rather than risk the death of an Afghan civilian. The chapters in this book regarding the spring and summer of 2010 represent the most accurate picture of my time overseas of any book in print today.
dark
informative
medium-paced
I hate this book. The author is a bro who shortens all of the military actors names to make himself sound like they’re buddies. It’s a bunch of dick-swinging, which is unfortunate, because the subject matter is fascinating. Too bad the author’s ego gets in the way of the story he’s trying to tell.
I may try to push through to the end just because I am indeed curious about the historical elements. But god, why oh why do so many people who write about war have to act like cowboys?
I may try to push through to the end just because I am indeed curious about the historical elements. But god, why oh why do so many people who write about war have to act like cowboys?