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Biography - Military Leaders books
Posted in Biography (Sunday, July 20, 2008)
Written by Aaron Cohen and Douglas Century. By Ecco.
The regular list price is $25.95.
Sells new for $9.99.
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5 comments about Brotherhood of Warriors: Behind Enemy Lines with a Commando in One of the World's Most Elite Counterterrorism Units.
- I found this book to be very interesting. It takes you thru the life of an individual who leaves CA to return to Israel to become a special operator. It was interesting to read of the differences between American and Israeli training methods. Easy to read, well worth the money.
- Aaron Cohen is the epitome of strength and courage. He's a man who wouldn't let anything stop him from achieving his goal; making aliyah to Israel and joining the toughest counterterrorism military units in the world. The reader gets an inside view of Israeli special forces training along with Israeli history, culture, and values. Cohen tells it like it is, very in-your-face. It was very hard to put down and an intense fast read. One of my favorite moments was when Cohen returned to the kibbutz and Gali greeted him in Hebrew and treated him like a fellow warrior. Very touching, inspirational, and fascinating story.
- I bought this book hoping to see if Aaron received any Krav Maga training and what he thought about it, and I got what I wanted. His descriptions of the Krav training were terrific. It's pretty aggressive stuff, always testing your determination. But he also tells a compelling story. Growing up in LA, seeing his parents hang out with the stars, he needed some direction in life. He, of course, goes to Israel, joins the military and tries out for their special forces. Very gritty descriptions of the hell they put him through, the long-distance march, the heat, becoming delirious. He details some of the Israeli special forces missions, which are fascinating. I loved the story where he pretends to be a reporter "interviewing" a bad guy. Then he unleashes some pent-up aggression. I wanted more special forces stories. But I realize he can only tell what he is allowed to tell.
- I absolutely loved this book! I was hoping for more details on Israeli Special Forces, but I understand due to the sensitivity of the disclosure of information, that wasn't possible. However, it was still a riveting read and amazing what Cohen went through. I enjoyed it so much I finished it cover to cover in less than two days.
- Decently written, filled with the author's interesting opinions on various topics. Excellent descriptions of the physical training elements the author endured, particularly the IDF self defense system Krav Maga. The book impressed me so much I started taking lessons at a Krav school nearby.
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Posted in Biography (Sunday, July 20, 2008)
Written by Dick Winters and Cole C. Kingseed. By Berkley Trade.
The regular list price is $15.00.
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5 comments about Beyond Band of Brothers: The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters.
- The moral character of Maj. Winters is impecable and unimpeachable. His book is one every kid in school chould read to learn what it is to stand fast in the face of fear and the enemy wether foreign or domestic. This is important now because we may be facing a time when we must once again face a enemy that is domestic. I would hope we would have leadership similar to that given by Maj. Winers.
- I am hooked on the mini-series and can almost quote the dialogue. This book fills in a lot of the the missing parts and solidifies a lot of the truths of the film. A well written and very good reading book that is filled with facts and great memories. Probably should be read after seeing the series.
- This is a great book .. if we had a country full of men like this it would be the greatest country in history.
- True insight through the eyes of a great combat leader inspiring men to fight under difficult circumstances to protect each other on a none forgiving battlefield. Major Dick Winters is a man who understands the art of war and making the right decisions under pressure. A true warrior and a great American.
- Major Winters' book adds some subtle detail to events outlined in the Band of Brothers from Ambrose, ex: exploits of Speirs on and shortly after D-Day. It also lets you know that there were some events in BoB not completely portrayed as they happened, such as what happened to trooper Albert Blithe.
Major Winters does not elaborate on his own personal feelings, or expound much on what he thought other men may have thought or experienced. He should not have to do so. He earned the right to tell his story his way, and keep private whatever he desires. He explains events respectfully and thoughtfully, as you would expect from a dignified and quietly confident man. There is a great deal of their experience that is not communicable in any way other than experience.
I do not understand any criticism of Major Winters in how he wrote this book, and I hope he earned some rewards from the book that he can pass on to his family. Buying his book is probably the only way that I'll ever get to say thank you...that and trying to follow some of his example.
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Posted in Biography (Sunday, July 20, 2008)
Written by Mary Tillman. By Modern Times.
The regular list price is $25.95.
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5 comments about Boots on the Ground by Dusk: My Tribute to Pat Tillman.
- Mary Tillman has skillfully written a complex account of military and political blunder and deceit into which she expertly intermingles her own story and that of her family. The resulting narrative is personal, political and readable - all at the same time.
Since the beginning of the war in Afghanistan over 500 American soldiers have died. Since George W. Bush invaded Iraq, in March of 2003, over 4100 have been killed and almost 4000 of those have died since the president's infamous declaration of "Mission Accomplished." Tillman's "Boots on the Ground By Dusk" is the beautifully written, but gut-wrenching story of one of those soldiers.
By this time, I suppose, there can be few Americans who do not understand the general outline of the Bush Administration's complex push for war in Iraq. That campaign, as it has been uncovered elsewhere, involved the deliberate use of distortion and misinformation ranging from unambiguous lies suggesting a link between Saddam Hussein and al Qaeda, to tales of the non-existent WMDs, to neocon assertions of an American democratizing mission in the middle east.
The larger-scale story of the Iraq war involves, among other things, the international repercussions of President Bush's attempt to assert American global hegemony in the 21st century. In stark contrast, this very personal book, written by the mother of pro-footballer-turned-soldier, Pat Tillman, is connected to that war at only the most basic level; that of the individual soldier. Nevertheless, as the book unfolds, it reveals a web of deception that matches the distortions at the international level. It is as if everyone connected to this administration's war effort is simply unable to tell the truth. It is as if dishonesty and manipulation have become part of their DNA.
The book begins with Mrs. Tillman's account of staring into a fire pit. She is sitting in front of her home, the home in which she raised her children, smoking, listening to the crackling logs, and thinking, "I light my cigarette wondering what I would do if I couldn't smoke, if I couldn't blow out my anger, frustration, and sense of crippling loss into the night." It is a stunning description of the isolation and helplessness that accompanies unbearable loss, but the book that follows is, in one sense, an answer to her question. When blowing out anger and loss "into the night" was no longer enough she would ask questions, investigate contradictions, and write.
In the earliest pages the reader is introduced to the extended Tillman family and how they become the people they are. They share ideas and debate issues. The attacks of 9/11 hit them hard and, in response, the two oldest sons, Pat and Kevin, decide to join the Army. It is not a popular decision. The youngest brother, Richard, reacts with anger, others are worried, and still others confused. Kevin is just about to leave a life in minor league baseball, but Pat will have to give up a promising career in pro football with the Arizona Cardinals. Pat and Kevin Tillman both become Army Rangers. On April 22, 2004 Pat is killed in Afghanistan.
Initially the family is presented a version of Pat's death that has him leading a charge up a hill. That story is soon contradicted by news (first heard from a reporter!) that Pat may have been killed by "friendly fire." The army then constructs an official version of death by fratricide, but as the reports come in they are full of contradiction and ambiguity. The family, led by the author, demands answers. After intensive investigation and vigorous questioning the official version of death by "friendly fire" is altered. As more reports are written and, as the family investigates each the story, the official version is altered again and again. Tillman convincingly demonstrates that none of the distortions are accidental. Even the narrative that accompanies Pat Tillman's posthumous silver star is shown to be deliberately false. Despite the fact that the story involves detailed descriptions of volumes of official reports and two congressional hearings the book reads like a good mystery with the reader anticipating the next twist, the next revelation.
Appropriately, it all begins with a quote from Charles A. Beard: "When it is dark enough, you can see the stars." In Mary Tillman's examination of this very dark incident in her life and, by extension, her examination of this very dark stain on contemporary American leadership, she manages to reveal some real stars. A mother who does not give up. Family members able to support each other in horribly difficult times. And Pat Tillman, a man of honesty and honor, who deserved better treatment from his government. "Boots on the Ground By Dusk" is an important contribution to our understanding of what has become of us in an era of politics by propaganda, but it is also a wonderful story of a family dedicated to finding the truth no matter what.
- Our country was shocked when Pat Tillman, who left a lucrative NFL career to join the army, was killed in Afghanistan in April, 2004. But that was just the beginning of it. The circumstances under which Tillman was killed, were unclear, and as it turned out were covered up. Now comes this book from Pat Tillman's mom.
In "Boots on the Ground by Dusk: My Tribute to Pat Tillman" (344 pages), Mary Tillman (with help from journalist Narda Zacchino) brings an blistering indictment of how the Army misinformed and covered up the circumstances of Pat Tillman's death that fateful day. The first part of the book brings a mix of the author's memories about her son, together with the confusion if those early days and weeks after his death of what happened. Mary Tillman's recounts of how she dealt with the loss of her son are heartbreaking (I found myself choking up one a number of occasions). But the real value of this book comes in the second part of the book, in which she dissects, page after page, fact after fact, how the Army's explanations were inconsistent and untruthful. It is nothing short of an eye-opener.
When a country is at war, "friendly fires" are going to happen, you can say. But is it not acceptable that the authorities (in this case: the Army) are not forthcoming about what really happened. The culprits in this tragedy are many. I do not understand the mentality that clearly exists about covering up the facts. Pat Tillman was a 'celebrity' and hence this incident has gotten a lot of attention, but as Mary Tillman points out in her book, there are many other incidents like it that have not gotten the attention but still happen. This book is not an easy book to read, in fact it makes for a devastating read, but I nevertheless highly recommend it. The "authorities" need to be accounted for, and be held accountable. The last has not been said on the Tillman case. Meanwhile my heart goes out to Mary Tillman and her family.
- This is a heart-felt expression of her grief and pain due to the death of her son. It is also an honest expression of her frustration and outrage at dealing with the deception of the military and government officals regarding her son's death. It is a moving read.
- I perchased this book for my husband for Father's Day.
My husband was extremly happy to receive the book and is looking forward to reading it.
I will get back to you with his opinion of the book once he finished reading it.
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This book allows us to get to know Pat Tillman as a person rather than just the football player turned soldier. It also provides insight into how his death was used for publicity for the war in Iraq and the many lies and mistruths that the Tillman family had to endure. Most importantly as you put it down you think you know Pat Tillman and why he did the things in life that he did.
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Posted in Biography (Sunday, July 20, 2008)
Written by Ben Macintyre. By Harmony.
The regular list price is $25.95.
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5 comments about Agent Zigzag: A True Story of Nazi Espionage, Love, and Betrayal.
- A suposedly true story, but frankly it did not have much of a ring of truth about it. Certainly parts are true, but as much of the story relied on the writings of a con man, how much can one believe. It has that, after the fact ring, of the victors did nothing wrong and the vanquished did nothing right. The con man, if the story is to be trusted lived like a prince in both France, Norway, Germany and England fetted by all sides. Hmmm, Doesn't pass my litmus test.
- Those skeptical about how compelling a non-fiction book can be, especially one that recounts events from nearly 70 years ago will be pleasently surprised. The author is a journalist who brings the story to life with a quick pace and paints avid picture of the setting without needless words.
I am not a World War II buff particularly, but I was thoroughly engrossed by the story; if you are then I would expect you would be swept away. The book has a great "plot" that has a pace like a novel and provides a greater character study of all those that appear in the pages. Knowing it is a true story makes it even more fun. A great read for the summer!
- The trials and tribulations of Eddie Chapman might have made an interesting story with another author, but this story was a disappointment to me. Many of the reviews mention how much this book is just like fiction but that it is a true story. If that were the case, I'd never read another spy fiction story the rest of my life. There is no excitement, no glamour, no dark secrets, no interesting double-cross-save-the-Brits-and-sink-the-Germans storyline, or even any tricks of the trade that I found engrossing. While I would not call this book tedious, I was not anxious to pick it up everyday and get into it. It was just there; just interesting enough to finish, but not the highlight of my day.
This is purely about Eddie Chapman and his love of excitement (as least it was exciting for him) and putting his life on the line into the unknown role of double spy. Unfortunately for the reader, the book concentrates on the mundane learning of various espionage antics that are never used. He was wined and dined by both sides and given anything that he wanted. But what does he really do to earn this treatment? Very little - a couple of weeks of misguidance during the V1 bombings and some misdirection about anti-submarine devices, but nothing in any detail. As this story is told, the ineptness of the German spy ring to England was interesting but hardly something that becomes a page turner.
I was expecting to learn more of the British Intelligence and how they handled the intricacies of the double spy. Other stories that I have read have shown the British to be light years ahead of everyone in this business, but you get only a glimpse of their thinking; almost as if it is tangential to the plot. There could have been some interesting detail on the alluded to, but never really divulged nervousness at the wireless. The reader never gets a feel for the danger involved. The story is too vague.
Eddie Chapman was a pawn used by both England and Germany and really never did anything that can be gleaned from this book for either party except to put a feather in each "spymaster's" cap for their respective governments. There are other acts of sabotage by other agents that are mentioned in the book, but basically nothing interesting is from the main character.
It seems that Chapman's life consisted of living in one hamlet after another while he was "trained" (with at least one woman in both England and in Norway) with one group of spymasters in one country or another for most of the book.
The author did a nice job with the description of what was happening in Norway with the Nazi occupation, but again you are left wanting more details and that was one chapter.
I guess I expected more thrills and danger. This was like a spy club for singles. The Germans are portrayed as totally bubbling idiots in almost all phases of the book. The politics of the situation were not very well explained. There is quite a bit of haggling over whether Chapman was a good spy or a counter intelligence spy by the German authorities, but the author doesn't go into any detail of the decision process.
It seems to me that this is a book about an small time crook that attempted to throw himself into anything that was life-threatening with the rewards of a romp in the sack and as much money as he could get. It does make for somewhat interesting reading, but I can't help but feel that the book was written with a movie in mind; it has that vague and incomplete feel that a movie book has.
- Agent Zigzag: A True Story of Nazi Espionage, Love, and Betrayal
Very interesting true story of a double spy (Britain and Germany) during
WWII. After the correspondence from wartime had been released, the author pulled together thousands of details and presented a very informative behind-the-scenes look at the life of a spy on both the Nazi
and British sides of the war. A fascinating peek at wartime in both
countries, as well as the amazing life of a double spy!
Not a fast read, but a very interesting one!
- This is a fast paced, exciting story of spy craft and adventures by the most successful double agent of WWII, Eddie Chapman. Ben Macintyre working from recently declassified documents has structured a narrative that cries out mini-series or major motion picture. The amazing story begins with Chapman in jail leaving behind a trail of petty crimes and safe crackings and many jilted women only to be captured by the Germans to whom he volunteers. Instead the Germans have him and a friend shipped to a prison in France. And here in a twist of fate ends up being trained as a German spy who is eventually is awarded the Iron Cross for completing his missions successfully. The Germans never guess that while in England Chapman (Agent ZIGZAG to the British) turns double agent and is involved in many of the most top secret misinformation campaigns of the war. He is interrogated over and over by both the Germans and British and also has time to find women to befriend, and handlers to be loyal too. Chapman is ultimately pardoned by the British for his roll spying for the British. The narrative is a believe it or not true story that will have you riveted from beginning to end. This is simply the most entertaining book I have read in some time. If it were a novel you would never believe it. Why this has not found its way on to the best seller list is beyond me you should not miss Agent ZIGZAG.
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Posted in Biography (Sunday, July 20, 2008)
Written by Georges Hormuz Sada. By Thomas Nelson.
The regular list price is $24.99.
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5 comments about Saddam's Secrets.
- Have only read a small amount so far, but already would rate it very good and something all americans should read.
- It's a shame that the public has to dig for the truth rather than rely on the press to be honest, but that's the situation. If you really want to know what was going on rather than buy into the juvenile theory that this was somehow all about W's oil buddies, this is a great start.
- This is an important book that every American should read. Gen Sada is an amazing man, an eye-witness in Saddam's regime who lived to tell about it and claims to have actually seen WMD with his own eyes. Fascinating!
- Finally, the inside scoop! Questions of WMD answered! Why isn't this information made more readily available to the American People? This is a story of one man's faith and honesty in the worst of situations! You want to know the truth? Read this book!!
- I enjoyed the information in the book. Poorly written but never the less informative
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Posted in Biography (Sunday, July 20, 2008)
Written by Nate Self. By Tyndale House Publishers.
The regular list price is $22.99.
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3 comments about Two Wars: One Hero's Fight on Two Fronts--Abroad and Within.
- We all know, because we are constantly being told, how great are the military men and women who are fighting the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The greatness thing had become a banality to me until I read this book, which explains the depth of the individual struggle of one very brave man, a struggle on the field of combat and off and between. I know that Nate Self is smart. I've met him and talked with him. But I had no idea of the introspection he bares in this wonderful book. His lucid analyses of where he stood and stands left me in admiration. He is better in touch with his feelings than one would imagine, and I only wonder if this comfort with feelings wasn't the cause of his PTSD or the result of climbing out of PTSD. That truly surprised me. After reading Two Wars, I have a much finer -- and far more concrete -- fix on what makes men like Self great. And he is. Thanks for getting this book done, and so beautifully. Malcolm MacPherson.
- Great book...just finished it. I really appreciate what the Rangers do and how they train to be an elite fighting force. This book is very candid about Nate and his team not only being fighting men but being human. Nate clearly writes well and puts all things into perspective.
Thanks to a great patriot we know more about the Ranger's sacrifice - not only in war but the home front too.
My only critque was capturing the battle field and the lay of the land during their ordeal on top of the mountain.
- Just got through reading an advance copy of this book. Wow! It's the most vivid account yet of what this generation of soldiers goes through emotionally and spiritually to defend our country. The author bares his soul and his faith in a way seldom seen in a "military" book. And there is still plenty of action from the highest battle fought in U.S. military history -- 11,000-foot mountain.
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Posted in Biography (Sunday, July 20, 2008)
Written by Guy Sajer. By Potomac Books Inc..
The regular list price is $19.95.
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5 comments about The Forgotten Soldier.
- This is a good read. Most people don't know this, but this book is required reading at the US War college at West Point.
Yes, he may get some of his facts mixed up a little, but hey.... it's WAR! Many people have trouble remembering the small stuff through the haze of war.
- I've quite a few excellent WWII histories but this one is one of the most visceral and savage accounts I've ever seen. Your feelings about the universality of the foot soldier will never be the same.
- This book is very involved and a joy for WW2 history buffs. Unfortunately, after conducting a little side research, I discovered a great deal of skepticism leveled at Guy Sajer and his account of his "experiences" on the Eastern Front during WW2. His critics provide specific instances of discontinuity, fabrications, or deliberate gray-areas detailed in The Forgotten Solder, and one must take this into account when wieghing it's authenticity. I found these accusations downright troubling and didn't rate the book quite as high as a result. If you can overcome the skepiticism associated with it and consider the book a "partial" fabrication, you'll probably enjoy the storyline none the less.
- I must say, I am very surprised by the number of positive reviews this book has received from Amazon readers. There are plenty of great WWII novels written from a foot soldier's perspective, but this is not one of them. The book reads practically as a day-by-day journal of everything Guy Sajer did during his three years of service. Consequently, the novel is full of trivial details and conversations that drag the book out to its 450+ pages, without contributing anything to the readers' experience of the war.
One redeeming quality of the book is Sajer's account of the terrible conditions endured by German soldiers on the Eastern front. The reader is surely impressed by the shocking plight of thousands of soldiers left to freeze and starve while trying to repel Russian counteroffensives. But the misery of Sajer and his comrades becomes the total narrative of the book, practically unbroken across several hundred pages. The pulse of the story remains constant throughout; the book suffers from a lack of climactic moments.
Sajer mostly fails to assimilate his experiences into a larger narrative of war. You won't find much in the way of growth or reflection. If you want a bare bones account of the Eastern front, this book might serve your purpose, but otherwise this story is rather tedious.
- Ive read this book twice. Once in HighSchool and then when I got out of the military. I must say after facing hardships my time in the service I felt it much easier to really begin to understand the hardships Sajer faces in this epic journey on the Eastern Front.
Sajer describes the hardships of the German Soilder on the Eastern Front like no other. He takes great strides to explain to the reader how horrible every single moment was. He does not pretend to be a hero he only states his story like a man. I suggest to anyone interested in World War Two to ensure they have a copy of this book on their book shelf and if you are looking into reading into the subject there is no better book to get you hooked. I only warn that after you read this you will find it hard to find another book like it. Ive read countless books on the subject written by the men who were there and only a few have matched Sajers ability to hook the reader.
Sajer has a way of listing characters so well that you feel has if you know them. Most books like this seem to stray in this department but this one will not let you down. You will feel has if Hals is your best friend and you will look up to the battle scared vetran in Weiner.
A must have book for anyone who respects the subject.
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Posted in Biography (Sunday, July 20, 2008)
Written by Heidi Squier Kraft. By Little, Brown and Company.
The regular list price is $23.99.
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5 comments about Rule Number Two: Lessons I Learned in a Combat Hospital.
- This book offers very powerful insight to the struggle of mental health specialists in the field of combat. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in psychology and combat medicine. Even if you're not, this book is certainly worth it.
- Rule Number Two: Lessons I Learned in a Combat Hospital
I am a volunteer EMT. My dad had PTSD. I read Heidi's book and listened to her interview on National Public Radio. We have many returning vets in my town. Heidi's book and her work with the US Navy Combat Stress Control Program are in the highest tradition of the Navy and Marine Corps to leave no one behind. Great book! Great woman! We EMTs need more training in how to support our returning vets. We need Psychological First Aid training in addition to trauma and medical training. Heidi and folks like her are on the cutting edge of emergency medicine. Semper Fi
- A very good read for military and political leaders looking for a balanced perspective on how casualties affect Soldiers and Marines.
- I am in a book club called WOBL (WOMEN OF BRYANT LAKE)We were lucky enough to have our host get a conference call with the author, Dr. Heidi Squier Kraft. After reading her book I was so moved by her experiences over in Iraq, it's a book that I feel every US citizen should read. She gives the reader a chance to understand first hand what the soldiers are experiencing and how she helps them work through their losses and fears. It is such a heart felt book from a mother/lieutenant commander who has to leave her two young children to help these men and women through life and death situations on the combat field. I can not say enough about this book, I highly recommend it!
- As a fellow military psychologist, I thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Kraft's account of her deployment experiences. This is not a manual for the treatment of combat stress, and is not intended to be such. It lends humanity to those of us in a helping profession working in an environment that can create some superhuman expectations. I read it easily in an afternoon and recommend that anyone who wants some insight into military psychology do the same.
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Posted in Biography (Sunday, July 20, 2008)
Written by Charles Henderson. By Berkley Trade.
The regular list price is $15.00.
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5 comments about Marine Sniper: 93 Confirmed Kills.
- This is a superb biography of Sergeant Carlos Hathcock, Marine sniper, from his enlistment to the brutal end of his second tour in Vietnam. Readers shall be as impressed as me when they remind the chase of the North Vietnamese woman sniper and the killing of a vietcong general. Many stories are so astounding that they stand better than any fiction.
The man was a great warrior. He knew well how to fight and protect the ideals of his country. Excellent.
- This book will make you sweat like you are in the jungle with Hathcock, his bravery, the tactics, the killing of he NVA officer, alone as he slowly crawls thru the jungle and grass, day after day far behind enemy lines! his surprise sniping attack on NVA regulars as they crossed a berm in the middle of a rice field, his ingenuity using the 50 cal machine gun as a sniper rifle with one round fired each time. This man beat the NVA at their own game, he kicked their butts, showed them that Americans produce fighting men who are fearless and aggresive, life takers. God bless the corp and God rest Hathcock, you have paid your dues here on earth. well written book, the author is a man who knows how to write, from another writer.
- Henderson tells the story behind the legend of Carlos Hathcock.
I was already familiar with the many of the stories, but was pleasantly surprised to discover Hathcock was such a "normal" person. He definitely had unique skills and a level of self discipline that is rarely seen but he was also a humble and unassuming gentleman who knew what he needed to do and pursued it regardless of who was watching. His fame is the result of others who told his story based on their respect for his deeds, not because of his own self-promotion.
A great book about an outstanding Marine and role model for many.
- good read. good proof reading as darn few irritating mispells & punctuation mistakes make it a pleasure to keep reading.
- This is a great book. I had wanted to read it ever since reading an article about Carlos Hathcock years ago. I have to say the book is as good as I possibly could of imagined. You get a good feel for the characters and the story is very moving because the characters are real people, not made up.
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Posted in Biography (Sunday, July 20, 2008)
Written by Michael Ross and Jonathan Kay. By Skyhorse Publishing.
The regular list price is $24.95.
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5 comments about The Volunteer: The Incredible True Story of an Israeli Spy on the Trail of International Terrorists.
- This is such an incredible (and true!) spy-story. The writing is sharp, and keeps you turning the page. I usually don't read non-fiction narratives, but I loved this book. It is such a great story, and it is so well written, that you can't do anything but be caught up in this tale.
- Unlike the obvious fiction of "Vengeance" (the pseudo-history on which the movie Munich was based) this one was indubitably written by one who really has "been there, done that." It's a fine book unencumbered by the sort of purple prose that often infects memoirs of first-time authors, though it does contain an inexplicable howler about the thoroughly mythical supposed efficacy of Black Talon ammunition.
As for the Publisher's Weekly review, it's politically-correct drivel that disgraces the Amazon web site.
Anyone who is interested in what really went on should buy this book.
- "Volunteer" is the story of Michael Ross. He was formerly a Canadian citizen who had served in the Canadian Army. He went on a hitchhiking tour and wound up in Israel. He moved into a kibbutz and married an
Israeli girl. He then served in the Isareli army(IDF). After his service in the IDF he was recruited by Mossad. He describes in detail the hard
training he had to endure. His first assignment was the Caesarea. During
the Gulf War he had a hand in marking a ship that was shipping scuds from
North Korea to Syria. On his next assignment he slipped into Iran to make
an assessment of the Iranian nuclear program. The book points out the deep
hatred that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadine jad has for Israel. It also
points out the Hezbollah-Iranian connection. Ross was next sent to Khartoum in Sudan to target Hezbollah members. Khartoum was known as Terror Central. Osama bin-Ladin used to be part of the network in Sudan.
Ross was next promoted to the Tevel Department in the Mossad. He had a role catching a Hezbollah agent named Ramez who was based in the Detroit area. There was also a section concerning Jonathan Pollard. Ross also was
active in catching the terrorists who set off truck bombs in Nairobi,Kenya,and Oar Es Salaam. This proved to be a very informative book by an actual spy.
- Very interesting, insightful and captivating.
A couple of comments regarding the editorial reviews presented here:
- A self-account book need not be balanced, show what the "other side" think of it, etc. You want a balanced view? Get a history book. The author here conveys his view, his beliefs and his experiences, which lets the reader get a little glimpse into the Israeli life and ethos.
- The occupation is not "intact" in Gaza Strip, when Israel fully pulled out, after intense international pressure to do so. The current situation is that some locals are actually fleeing the "free" area of Gaza to the still-occupied West Bank.
- Ross quickly inserts you into his exciting and important life's work with the Mossad in a way that keeps you invested in the outcome of not only his career, but also the security of America and Israel.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys spy books, learning about the mysteriously effective Mossad and the very intricate relationship between Israel and America.
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