1990 Books

The story of the rise and domination (within horse racing circles and the world at large) of the most celebrated race horse in history. Chronicling the horse, owner, trainer and jockeys; paying special attention to their remarkable place in history during a time in the late 1930's when the world needed a hero like Seabiscuit.

A terrific tale of heart and determination. The characters are richly drawn and the world of horse racing is told in a way that is fascinating to the non-enthusiast. The narratives of the races are constructed so well that they will keep your heart racing long after the horses are back in the stable. Wonderful stuff.

I purchased this book years ago when it first came out. My husband is an avid fan of horse races and having went with him on numerous occasions I became interested in reading about them myself. This book will not disappoint and even though the movie was very good the book is tons better (which is almost always the case). I enjoyed reading about the background of all the people involved with Seabiscuit it is a real heartwarming story about a horse that everyone gave up on but everyone ended up having hope in. A trainer that was an outsider and an owner that wasn't your average horse owner and the faith he put into the jockey who was left by his parents at a horse track because they couldn't afford to keep him home (it was during the Great Depression). I could probably go on and on about the book because I enjoyed it very much.

I saw both flims the original with Shirley Temple/Lon McAllister also the newer version both were great
So the the book was a must have also to learn what had happen to rest of the story(the horse/the people)

This is a wonderful book about an unbelievable champion - the kind we need today in America. A champion that reaches into the hearts of the people, unifies us and inspires us to prevail. The men who believed in Seabiscuit were not perfect, nor was Seabiscuit but they all managed to be imperfect winners. The writing itself might be a bit flourished but it is certainly well-researched and the story is entertaining told. Hillebrand has captured the ironies, truths, the agony and ecstasy of horse-racing and life itself as well. This one will make you cheer.

When I finished reading this book five years ago, I thought "Wow, that is the greatest sports book I have read." Well, I still think that way and I've read some great sports literature since.

It's the combination of fascinating mini-biographies of Seabiscuit's owner, trainer and jockey that make this book so entertaining. These were fascinating people and if you were a horse racing fan, the era was just about perfect. People went nuts over horse racing, baseball and boxing. It's not like today where football, basketball and hockey share the limelight, sports-wise.

Author Laura Hillebrand's account of owner Charles Howard, trainer Tom Smith and jockey "Red" Pollard are just incredible. These man have amazing stories and what they and Seabiscuit attained in racing, are almost unbelivable.....yet everything in this easy-to-read book is true. From the early pages on, the book hooks you in to the point where you care deeply about all the main characters.

I'll always remember getting to the chapter which told about the famous match race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral. Hillenbrand had done such a great job of building up to that, I almost didn't want to read on for fear I would be greatly disappointed. That's how involving her book was for me, and for many others.

I guess the highest praise I can give this book is so good that it got me back reading, after a long absence.

Item was shipped in a timely fashion and was as originally described. Great seller!

Staff Sergeant David Bellavia, in House to House, takes you where he and his men were -- fighting house to house in Fallujah. There are American firepower and technology -- Kevlar armor, night vision devices, Bradley fighting vehicles. But at base there are fear and courage and skill -- fear of what insurgents or booby traps are inside the house in front of you, courage to go there, skill to position yourself and your men. And in addition to rifle and machine gun fire at a distance, there are bloody face to face fights, and the stenches of unwashed men, sewers and vomit. You may question the wisdom of starting the Iraq war -- but you will be awed by the Americans fighting it.

This book was suggested to me by the mother of a Marine. I was going to say ex-Marine but there is no such thing. She said it was as close to the real thing as you could get. Her son was in Iraq three times but I don't think he told her the real thing. This book is good and it has it's moments. Enough so that I wouldn't want to trade places with any of these American hero's. I haven't finished the book yet but it tracks with my worst imaginings of what Iraq must be like. God bless our armed forces!
John

After trying to understand for years even a small fraction of what is actually going on in Iraq and what happened in Fallujah, this book is a blessing. Not only is a it a great account to the things we all must know before we turn on CNN for the guide to our lives, it's also a great story in general.. It will steal you heart, if you have one. It's very easy to read and holds your attention throughout the whole book without any long boring gaps. So for those of you with limited attention span (like me), reading it should not take long or pose any problems.

This book may also help you question and find out things about your own self. I hope it can do for many what it did for me. I felt more emotion that I have felt from any movie or book for many many years.

I would like to thank SSG David Bellavia for doing the incredible things that you did and writing to tell us about it without holding back what most people would never share. You are and all of the men and women you served with are now more than ever my heroes! God bless you!

I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I read it on the Kindle. Life took a backseat while I read it.

Fallujah now I know better than I ever thought I'd know it.

I laughed, too. The description of the Iraqi soldiers dancing together a la Shakira is hilarious. The description of war is immediate and pressing it truly is as if the reader participates in the hell of combat, where human will often decides who wins and loses.

There's a scene reminiscent of the brutal "Saving Private Ryan" scene where the fighting literally become tooth, claw, and knife.

War truly is hell, and this book shows that soldiers die for each other out of love. Not for the big, noble causes, but to be there for his comrade.

This book is similar to Black Hawk Down and almost as good.

The only bone of contention I have is, as an English teacher, the spelling of "all right" not acceptable as "alright." It makes my skin crawl.

I hope Americans realize he tremendous sacrifices that soldiers and Marines have made in the Iraqi and Afghani campaigns. This book is so effective for being so evocative and as a labor of love. David Bellavia is so effective for writing from the heart, laying it all bare.

Great job, Sarge. Thanks for your service. Hoo-yah!

I've never been a big fan of military movies, documentaries, or books, but I saw Paul Reickhoff being interviewed on television and was blow away by his eloquence, passion, and opinions. I ran out and bought the book right away and was not disappointed.

This book details Paul's experience in Iraq. His writing style is enjoyable, and flows easily, while his words envelope the tangle of emotions and intricacies of war. I flew through this book and recommend it to everyone.

Great book! I found it honest, to the point and there was no fooling around about the emotions and the reality of this war. I, for one, appreciate that.

Chasing Ghosts is an honest and powerful account of Reickhoff's experience in Iraq. While it's tough reading at points, I think it is good for us to recognize the reality of what we're asking the men and women of our armed forces to do for this country every day.

It took a lot of courage for Reickhoff to write this book and my hat goes off to him for doing it; and for the important work he's doing for veterans every day now.

I received Paul Rieckhoff's book Chasing Ghosts as a Christmas gift. I instantly recognized the name because I am a member of IAVA, the orgainization Paul started. I was impressed with the book from reading the reviews even before I started reading the book itself. I thouroughly enjoyed the book. It was easy to read and I read it in only a few days. It was one of those books that you have trouble putting down. It's that good.

I take the book for what it is, one soldier's experience. I have read a ot of books by OIF & OEF Veterans. This is one of the best I've read. I know everyone isn't going to agree with the author's views. However, readers should at least respect his views. Everyone is entitled to there own opinions. As a former soldier who served in Iraq and Guantanamo Bay, I can relate. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone intersted in learning of a soldier's experience in Iraq.

The author has also done a very admirable thing by creating an organization that helps Veterans. He should be commended for this. We need more Veterans like Paul Rieckhoff to chronicle their expeiences.

An insightful, terrifying, inspiring and at times laugh-out-loud funny account from the front lines. Paul Rieckhoff wrote a tremendous book that will appeal to everyone - liberals, conservatives, doves, hawks. He's an honest, important voice on the war and veteran's issues and he is a voice I now trust completely.

I bought this book as a gift for our grandson who is in Iraq right now (he asked for it), but thought I would read it first. I read about half of it and gave up, because I was so disgusted with the way we mishandled everything. Politicians need to let the Generals fight the wars, maybe we might win in a much shorter time without so many dying needlessly. The book itself was very graphic in its descriptions, but that was expected. I guess I would have to say that the book was as good as it could be, considering what the author was trying to tell.

As a veteran of both OEF and OIF i can tell you that this audio book is dead on, It is extremely accurate but it gives you an idea of the day to day struggle that we went through to gain a foothold in Fallujah. I would recommend this audio book to all vet's that are home or you back from your deployment.

I came across this book thanks to two things. One being that it was recommended by another Iraq war author (David Bellavia). The second being that it was on my Kindle recommended reading list. I must admit that at something like 400 pages I expected it to drag on and become convaluted at times. This is not the case at all here. Mr. West does an amazing job of pacing out the book and describing the hellish combat that the Marines faced. He also analyses the political climate and assigns the blame for the unnecessary violence where it appropriately belongs. Kudos Mr. West on a tour de force, we need more authors of your caliber in this genre.

People might be sick and tired of Iraq, but this is an excellent recounting of the battle of Fallujah in 2004 and a detailed analysis of the decisions that led to so many problems in that region.

West zooms in on the street-by-street fighting between the Marines and the insurgents, and these scenes have visceral intensity. You are there with the soldiers as bullets ricochet, RPG rounds careen through alleyways and bodies crumple with mortal wounds. Then West zooms back out to recount the meetings between the politicians, generals and religious leaders whose decisions determine the course of the Fallujuh fighting even more than the actions of the soliders on the ground.

In many ways, Fallujah is a microcosm of the war in Iraq. Misunderstood by the press and public alike, this book studies how countless acts of Marine bravery and heroism were offset by political infighting and dithering within the Bush administration and in the upper echelons of military command. It is at once tragic, exciting, frustrating and mind-boggling.

"After the mutilation of the four contractors in Fallujah in April 2004, the White House and high officials reacted emotionally by ordering a full attack on the city." The same could be said about our government's decision to go to war after 9/11 and Osama bin Laden's escape. One major questionable decision put everyone involved in an impossible situation thereafter. Especially with too many cooks in the kitchen.

Whether you are for, against or just plain frustrated by the war in Iraq, this is a compelling read. I was up until 2:00am each night until I finished it. You will not be disappointed. You will also gain further appreciation for the pressure the principal decisions makers faced, for the soldiers who fought in those streets and for Bing West's reportage.

I wrote a letter to Bing West and thanked him for the experience of reading this book. I've read a lot of war books and war histories; and this one held my attention more than any others. Yes there is a lot of rah-rah warrior spirit; but the author was a Marine, writing about Marines, who are after-all warriors. To be an effective (and alive) warrior, you don't go into battle feeling uncertain about your duty. Instead, you fashion yourself into the best killing machine you can be. That's your job.

Also, one reviewer gave this book a 1-star because it was written by an officer for officers. And I agree; but I think the perspective was great -- better than the grunts or the media or the politicians. From this author's perspective, I learned more about the Iraq Occupation (War, whatever you want to call it) than I had learned over years of constant reading in newspapers, soldier's blogs, Iraqi blogs, and mainstream news.

I just ordered West's newest book, The Strongest Tribe, and would encourage everyone to read these two books. Finally, you can make some sense of the chaos and doubt that has marked our experience in Iraq.

I found this book to be very interesting. It is true that it is mindful of Black Hawk Down. At times it needed a strong stomach but I found it an enjoyable read.

I have just finnished reading The Long Road Home and must commend Martha Raddatz on her brilliant book. I have been a friend of the Weibleys(Trysha)for years and decided that it was past due for me to read. It was not political or opinionated in any way, it was factual and desctiptive like nothing I have ever read.Since There is one part of this book where Seth gets out to clean a windshild..knowing him the way I do, I HAD to laugh through the tears. It was just soooo something he would do.
Thank you for writing this amazing book for the world to read. It is integral to all Americans to know what REALLY happend that day. I know that the Weibleys apreciate it as do I and all that I will be passing this on to.

I saw Martha Raddatz speak at the Pritzker Military Library last week (June 2008) and bought the book there on the spot. I have read it straight through in a couple of days and wish that every American would read this book or one with a similar story. It seems that Iraq has become background noise in light of the energy crisis and the country's economic woes.

It's easy to forget that we are at war and that American servicemen are losing their lives. This book brings that reality home. It's not a fun read - it's a distinctly uncomfortable and sometimes depressing one. But reading stories like this might go some ways towards breaking through this desensitization we seem to have as a country when it comes to the war in Iraq.

I think that the portions of the book written from the view of the soldiers are solid and really brought me into the action of that awful battle. I won't ever know what it is like to be a soldier who engages in battle and is wounded or sees friends wounded or, worse, killed in action. But this book at least makes me really think about it and gives a good description of how these soldiers felt.

On the other hand, I did not think that the parts of the book written from the perspective of the families was as strong. I am not sure if this is the result of Ms. Raddatz respecting the wives of the killed soldiers and not interviewing them directly or just because her passion lies with the stories that these men have to tell more than with the stories of their families. Either way, it made the book feel a little unbalanced to me.

All that being said, I think that this book is important. The story that it tells is important not only because the battle it details was a turning point in the war but because it reminds us that our fellow countrymen are going through unspeakable things. This war remains relevant and I applaud the efforts of Ms. Raddatz and others like her for fighting to keep it in the media.

I fought in this battle, I treated and remember many of the dead and wounded men described in this book. I kept a written memory of my feelings and memories from April 4th that I jotted down in the days afterward. Unfortunately, "The Long Road Home" is no Blackhawk Down and Martha Raddatz isn't the caliber of writer and especially not researcher that Mark Bowden (author of BHD) was. It seemed that Ms. Raddatz was more interested in telling a story and projecting some very general philosophies and cliched lessons learned from American war. In the same style of Band of Brothers, or other Stephen Ambrose classics (which were VERY well researched), however theres was a different generation, fighting for far different reasons. Rather than telling THE story, following the factual timeline, interviewing more participants and other units involved. Much of her initial research, I have to assume, was taken after interviews with the Commanders and senior leadership, some of whom had almost no involvement in this battle. They told their story first, and the book reads like they may want it to be read. I wonder if Custer had lived, would he tell a similar tale.

This clearly became the framework for her story and a positive, "it's just war" message permeates the entire book. She is critical of almost none of the planning or decisions made. Her interviews with the junior Officers and NCOs do not reflect any opinion they have, merely the sacrifices they made, and their recollections of the extreme violence, fear, and emotions they felt.

She took very little time to try to understand what happened, why it happened, or what should have happened, instead merely echoing some worn out ideals of American war and applying the civilian paintbrush. It's often said that history is written by the victor, in this case history was written by the first persons to mug the reporter with their rank.

She does not do justice to April 4th. This book felt cobbled together, as if the prologue and epilogue were written, pictures were inserted midbook, and the HYPOTHESIS and CONCLUSIONS were drawn before she ever conducted interviews and research.

When writing a true story, you are supposed to interview, with an open mind, and seek out facts and truth. Martha Raddatz just wasn't asking the right questions.

This is sad to me, as this is a story that still needs to be told, in print or in movie. I suspect that one day this will become a movie, my hope is that when it does the story will be told accurately and the philosophical and moral questions (and answers) will be unique to the war WE fought in.

Dan

Excellent read about the war in Iraq. I bought this book after I found parts contained action my son was involved in. Found my son's name and picture of truck he was in. He was trying to save Cindy Sheenan's son Casey. He was ambushed also and was hit in his foot. They lost eight good soliders that day. I hope they make a movie someday. My son is a IV and he was shot on 4-4-4 in Sadr City Iraq. He now has PTSD and is divorced from the woman he loves. Where is Cindy Sheenan now?

I bought several copies of this in 2003 as Christmas presents, and kept one for my new-born 2nd child. I have been singing this every night for 5 years to both my 5 and 6 yr old, and there's no end in sight. These lyrics are so comforting & wholesome, and the pictures so warm and memorable. I'm compelled to add yet one more 5 star rating to the many already here!

I'm normally for the classics; but this variation to the original rhyme is sooo much better - doesn't focus on buying something to please a child, but focuses on sharing experiences related to those things. Highly recommend.

My wife and I have purchased six of these books with the bunny doll. The reason we have bought six is my little girl has literally hugged them to death. This is her favorite doll, bar none. No other one competes. She takes it to bed, to the store, to the doctor.

[...]

This is a must give present for any baby shower. I learned of this book from a pre school teacher. The familiar tune with all the consumerism taken out. In its place instead are lessons about teaching your child about the awe in nature and quiet moments bonding with Mommy. I love this book and at 3 years old, my son still insists that I "sing me the song book" to him before he goes to bed. We sing it together before he goes to bed. What a wonderful lullaby to sing your child. Illustrations are a little too "vintage" for me but the lesson is wonderful. My son seems to love the pictures though.

Really well drawn and written - nice updated version of the nursery rhyme. Its a wonderful story to sing and definitely a favourite bedtime book.

Bing West is able to do what few journalists can do, obtain a first person view of the war in Iraq and nest that in the broader strategy of foreign policy. West's third book on Iraq takes us through the frustrations and challenges after the fall of the Baath regime in Iraq. He covers the period of operations culminating in the summer of 2008. It is an extremely current work with rare first hand discussions with leaders on the ground - both American and Iraqi.

The work's only limitation is its episodic style. Each section could be read independently, I suspect that's how West maintains the remarkable "you are there" style. For a student of the conflict, it can be a bit frustrating. The included photographs give some faces to the key players, although more maps and timelines would help add continuity to the story.

The unintiatied non-military reader should be warned that West's comfort for military jargon is not tempered for his reader! He frequently devolves into militarese to speedily identify units and operations. A well composed index will help the novice.

Bing West is clearly a fan of the United States military. His history and experience would be hard presssed to result in any other bias. Nonetheless, he is crticial where he needs to be and finds much to improve in regards to our tactics and strategy in this conflict. If you are seeking a nuts and bolts guide detailing the challenges, successes and failures in Iraq, look no further than this work.

There have been several excellent magazine article on the Anbar Awakening and Surge (Military Review, Proceedings, Marine Corps Gazette). However, this is the first full scale book that addresses this vital subject. As a book, of course, it can go into much more specific detail. This is the first aspect of the book that deserves praise. The author supplies mountains of specific detail (not just generalizations that are necessary in short magazine articles). The reader can form their own judgment just based on the data presented. However, the author also presents key insights (tactical, strategic, technical) that are missing in the above magazine articles. Let me just mention one technical insight -- Identification. On page 240, the author writes about, "A Police War without Detective Tools". He says, "If the insurgents wore uniforms, the war would have been over in a week." This is of critical importance. One important step towards identification is a census with a photo, fingerprint, name, address. Let me just say that the Dept of Homeland Security has been doing this for 5+ years (for a video see[..], US VISIT, What to Expect). DHS has over a biometric database of over 100 million visitors to the US. In 2008, the military slowly began to do biometrics with a unit that is about the size of an old Polaroid camera. This device takes a photo, fingerprints, an Iris scan and can store data on 10,000 people. The identification discussion is just one example of a useful insight. For anyone interested in what went wrong and what went right in Iraq, this book is an absolute must.

The Strongest Tribe
War, Politics, and the Endgame in Iraq
By
Bing West

The Strongest Tribe by Bing West is his third book covering the Iraq war. This volume is a lively history of the Iraq War from the initial assault into Iraq through the beginning of 2008. West has provided a masterful tale of the turnaround in Iraq from the point of view of the everyday soldiers, marines and senior military leaders who made it happen. This book is a must read for military professionals and for anyone who wants a clear concise description of the events in Iraq and how they have unfolded over the past 5 years.
West is recognized as an expert in counterinsurgency operations and with his background as a Marine Corp combat veteran, his numerous writings on counterinsurgency, and his work in the Reagan administration as an Assistant Secretary if Defense West brings credibility and context to the complex realities of Iraq and the insurgency war that has raged there over the past 5 years. West's extensive network of military and political contacts provides him a unique opportunity to tell the story of Iraq through the perspective of key players in Washington, within Iraq as well as the perspective of the basic infantry grunts, the stars of Iraq whom West showers with praise and glory. West provides numerous notes and a detailed Bibliography and the end of the book but the one criticism I have is he does not footnote the facts he states in the book. The reader has to search through the notes section to determine the source of the fact or information West is providing.
The book is divided into two parts, the first part concerns the initial invasion period through the mid 2006 time period when the insurgency was at its worst and the politicians at home were wrestling with the future course of the Iraq War. This part of the book provides little new information to anyone who has read the various accounts of war during this time period, but these chapters do provide the reader with the foundation for the remainder of the book. The second part of the book, and clearly the best part, centers on the war against Al Qaida in Iraq and the fighting of a counterinsurgency. West clearly details the frustrations of establishing the Iraqi Army and Police forces, how the Sunni Sheiks came to the realization that their interest were more aligned with those of the U.S. than with Al Qaida, which led to the Sunni awakening, and how the Surge ordered by President Bush and a counter insurgency strategy employed by General Petraeus put the U.S. over the hump and provided the necessary skills and manpower to bring security to Al Anbar and the rest of Iraq.
West is highly critical of the senior military and civilian leadership and raises some very good points about civil military relations. One example West illustrates is how in 2006 Rumsfeld, Casey, and Abizaid's strategy did not comport with the presidents stated objective of victory instead their vision was of getting out of Iraq. (Page 218) West does not give President Bush a pass though as his biggest criticism of the President is that he allowed the Generals to pursue a strategy he knew was wrong yet never intervened to push his own goals and strategy. (Page 222)
West pulls no punches when discussing the Haditha Massacre. West excoriates the press and politicians, especially Jack Murtha for comments against the accused Marines. (Page 153) Although the events of Haditha are not covered in great detail by West, he does put into context the world of the infantryman and how events like Haditha occur. West points out the corporate accountability of the Marines as they investigated the incident, but is highly critical that the press, who got the story wrong and the politicians, Murtha, who have still not been held accountable. Page 157. West ends chapter 10 with a commentary that asks the question if "we lose heart, who will fight for us? When valor has no champion, America loses. Page 158.
I highly recommend this book to military readers, historians, and those citizens who desire a broader understanding of this war. West details the courage and skills of our talented military warriors and treats them with the reverence and respect they deserve while at the same time providing the scholarship and insights into the War in Iraq.

I spent nearly eight months in the Al Anbar province in Iraq commanding a Marine tank platoon during the summer of 2007. Upon returning home, I found it difficult to explain to people how the real situation on the ground there differed from what people at home were fed on the news. Many people doubted what I was telling them and some even asked if I had been coached as to what to say. Mr West does an excellent job describing the Sunni Awakening, how the Iraqis living in the western part of the country decided we were the ones who really had their best interests in mind and were not the enemy. I spent the majority of my tour supporting infantry units working with the local Iraqis to build checkpoints so they could protect their own neighborhoods. The tribes really did want to work with us to defeat AQI. I was told over and over again from the tribesman and Iraqi soldiers how they only wanted safe neighborhoods for their children and a strong, unified country prepared to defend itself from foreign aggressors. Mr West's book does an excellent job of explaining all the myriad of issues we all dealt with there. He even helped to put many of my own experiences into a new context I was not aware of when I lived them. I highly recommend this book for all Americans, but especially all of my fellow Iraq veterans.

Respectfully,

Capt Daniel Grazier, USMC

Bing West's writing style seems to just get better and better. His latest book "The Strongest Tribe" will be used at the US Army war college for years to come, I predict. Mr. West pulls no punches when he analyzes both the mistakes and the eventual turn around following the "surge" in Iraq. He has years of experience first as a young officer in Vietnam taking part in the Marine pacification program, which he discribes in his first book "The Village". He later went on to become a Vice Secretary of Defense under Reagan before retirement. Not content to sit on his laurels, Mr. West traveled with the troops during the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His book on the heart breaking sage of the battle of Fallujah "No True Glory" is already a classic, in my opinion, but his latest work is combines years of experience, as well as much time on the ground with the troops. I cannot recommend this book highly enough to those who are both students of military history and most importantly strategy and tactics.

What a tribute to the fallen, and those charged with the duties of notifying next of kin.

The most life altering book I have ever read. No one can read this book without being changed forever. A part of the military function that most people do not think about, but it is the part that truly defines all of us. Required reading for all thinking persons.

It took me two weeks to read this book, not because it is a difficult read but because every page caused me to cry my heart out. Sharing these stories honors all who have served our nation (families included) with the sacrifices they have made. No matter your personal politics this is a book that every American should read. Just make sure you have a box of tissues nearby when you do!

I remember looking out the window as the flight I was on unloaded the flag draped box containing the coffin of a fallen soldier. The young man who had accompanied his fellow soldier qiuetly walked off the plane, stopping only for a hug from a fellow passenger. I was stunned by this visual reminder of the battles fought half a world away. Not a sound was heard in the previously harried cabin, cell phones were quieted, voices hushed, tears shed as we gathered around the windows and watched as a solemn honor guard assist the transfer into the awaiting hearse and then leave for an unknown funeral home. At that moment we were joined in reverence.

During the first part of the hostilities in the Middle East the bodies of dead soldiers were often shipped back to their hometowns in the bellies of commercial airliners. Accompanied by a fellow soldier all the way to the funeral home, and often watched over by a guard detail until the services. Eventually the military arranged for the dead to be flown in the holds of chartered planes.

Final Salute A Story of Unfinished Lives follows casualty assistance officer Major Steve Beck as he notifies the families of Marines who have been killed in Iraq. From the first moments, the major and his associate receive notice that a family must be contacted to the funeral and beyond Major Beck and others like him assist the family of the fallen through the funeral planning, the logistics of shipping the body home, the insurance questions, retrieval of personal effects left in Iraq.....countless things that can overwhelm and mystify. More important, by spending time and making personal contact with families the major is acknowledging the debt the country owes to these men and women and their families. With the US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan the will be continued need for men and women of Major Beck's committment.

Jim Sheeler has written a book that will cause the reader to stop and wipe away tears and regain composure again and again. He doesn't allow himself to drift into the maudlin and never looses sight of the reason he began to craft the stories of the fallen for The Rocky Mountain News. He opens a window into the lives of families that have opened their doors to find casualty officers on their doorsteps. Fellow Marines standing guard by the coffin of a fallen comrade as his wife sleeps on the floor in a bed they have improvised in order to honor her request to" sleep by his side for one last night". The Lakota tribe in the Black Hills holding a wake to assist the spirit of the fallen into the afterlife. The cemetary worker, himself a vetern, who tends to the graves of the fallen. Their stories are different but they are forever linked by their loss. The humanity of these families are forever etched on the reader's memory and I suspect many will want to know how Doyla Lundstrom, Rick and Debra Anderson are doing, how Carson, Dakota and Melissa Givens and Caroline and little Jimmy Cathey are doing as time passes. No matter how the reader may feel about the US involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan , this book serves as a reminder that the losses are real and that families are trying to navigate an unknown path.

Final Salute looks deep into the inner part of grief and sorrow experienced by families affected by the war in Iraq. The numbers of people lost in the war reverberate and ripple through numerous lives both on the battle field and the home front. The thousands of lives lost represent tens of thousands of those who loved them and are affected by their deaths.

The book gives the reader a sense of intense sadness and loss but you don't want to stop reading it the way you don't want to stop listening to a sad song. It touches a nerve which gives a far deeper grasp of and sympathy for those who are directly affected. It helps put a face on the numerous fallen heroes.

Jim Sheeler tells each family's story genuinely and without a hidden agenda. When finished, the reader is left with a strong sense of the tremendous sacrifice given. The story is told from a variety of viewpoints including the wives and children, parents and siblings, fellow soldiers as well as casualty assistance officers who notify and provide support to the families once the news is shared with them.

Included in the book are striking photographs capturing moments throughout the families ordeals which provides an additional element of realness. Sheeler first wrote the stories for a newspaper which went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for feature writing.

Those who make flippant comment about the military would do well to read the deeply personal stories of these families and how the soldiers they loved willing volunteered and served their country. Politicians would also do well to read this book and put a face on the people and families they are sending into battle. If you want an understanding of the impact and loss experienced by countless families as a result of the war, read this book.

I read this book in only a few hours, because I could not bring myself to put it down. Cpl. Dunham is the definition of a hero- he sacrificed the very thing he was giving to the men he saved: LIFE. It makes me so proud to be a military wife, namely a Marine wife. And the medics who tried to save him are heroes too....this is the type of thing kids today should be learning about in History class. This is the type of book that English teachers should be assigning their class to read, not Romeo and Juliet. Cpl. Dunham is the type of hero that people should aspire to be like- if we had more people like him in this world, our country wouldn't be as bad.

God bless you, Cpl. Dunham, and God bless his family for raising such an incredible human being who we will forever remain endebted to

This is the gripping story of the life and selfless service of Corporal Jason Dunham of the United States Marine Corps. The book takes YOU into the shoes of Jason himself, his fellow soldiers, his family, and the doctors and surgeons who nearly saved his life. Michael M. Phillips does a great job depicting the scenes in the book. You feel as if you are right there looking in on the events that occur. On the day of April 14, 2004 the lives of everyone who knew Jason Dunham even the people who didn't like the ones who have read this book. During a normal patrol of urban Iraq an insurgent sprung out of a vehicle and engaged Dunham in hand to hand combat. He then dropped a grenade and Dunham instintively dove toward it and covered it with his helmet to save the lives of the soldiers around him. In the following eight days he fought for survival. He was expected to die but on numerous occasions he bounced back and thought that he would live. Until the time when he was shipped back to the United States. His parents then had to make the choice to let him go on living on a machine or let him be in peace. The Gift of Valor is a remarkable book about the selfless service that you seldomly hear about. I would recommend this book to anyone who like a good war story and doesn't mind often military language.

This is an excellent book that tells the story of cpl. Dunham and Lima company in Iraq. It has a smooth introduction that breaks off into an ambush with intense second by second battle recounts and then takes a turn onto the more emotional path of Dunham's and his squads wounded tales and their path home through many hospitals. This book will emotionally drain you, but has lots of comedy relief to bring you back to life and has a ver spiritual ending. I am very glad I picked up this book at the library when I saw it sitting on a shelf where it did not belong. This book should be a bestseller and be placed on many book club reading lists. Why has this book went unnoticed? It is too good to be placed in the shadows.

A quick read that will help the family of this fallen Marine heal their pain. Would be a good basis for a course or discussion or analyis of how wishful thinking and hope by well meaning people falls short when they lose sight of the realities of the situation and circumstances. None of which takes anything away from the valient heart of Medal of Honor recipient Corporal Jason Dunham, USMC.

This is also a non-fiction book about the trials of becoming a Marine, then a leader of men, and then a victim of the tribulations of that position. I have been reading the Wall Street Journal for over 50 years, and have been ever salutory of the reporters that have produced stories for that instituion----and this is NO exception! This reporter dug up the very varied backgrounds of these Marines, and brought them into focus of a VERY controversial time in the U.S.----and the M.D.'s and nurses that played their roles in the very lives of these fighting men and women----that are on the the frontline--------so that we do not have to be.

This autobiography shows Paul Rusesabagina as an unassuming man, a product of humble beginnings, but he deserves Schindler-like hero status. Paul's story is the basis of the film "Hotel Rwanda" and as the manger of the said hotel in Kigali he used his business and political connections, shrewd negotiating skills, and a lot of just plain luck to shelter more than 1200 people during the 1994 Rwanda genocide. The book starts off with a couple of chapters from Paul's early life in Rwanda's farm country, and even then that nation's bizarre racial and class politics were evident. In fact, the ethnic strife (between the essentially identical Hutus and Tutsis) that has lead to several outbursts of slaughter in Rwanda's history is mostly artificially-constructed animosity left over from divide-and-conquer tactics used by the European colonialists.

When Paul's narrative proceeds to the horror of 1994, his account takes on devastating political and social overtones, with a disarmingly uncomplicated and humble exploration of the temporary insanity of his people and the failures of politics and power. He remains humble throughout his accounts of the agonies at his hotel, stating repeatedly "I am a hotel manager" in that style of the modest hero who claims he was just doing his job. But Paul's a hero nonetheless, and the fact that he lived to tell his tale is a miracle many times over. And he provided miracles of courage and fortitude for more than 1200 people who also lived to tell their tales. All who read this book or see the associated film will honor Paul Rusesebagina's not-so-ordinary heroism and will wish him success and inner peace. [~doomsdayer520~]

Rusesabagina starts his book with a most memorable entry:
"This is a work of nonfiction. All of the people and events described herein are true as I remember them. For legal and ethical reasons, I have given pseudonyms to a handful of private Rwandan citizens. Each time this is done, the change is noted in the text.
My name is Paul Rusesabagina. I am a hotel manager."
With those simple words he solidifies the ultimate strengths and weaknesses of the book.

Overall, An Ordinary Man is an excellent book, written by someone who actually experienced the terrifying happenings of Rwanda. In fact, the author is responsible for saving 1,268 people. However, he maintains that he was just merely doing his job; he was simply a "hotel manager, trained to negotiate contracts and provide shelter for those who need it" (204), nothing more and nothing less. The book is a simple read, but do not think the simplicity of his words undermines their significance. It allows his book to reach a much larger audience, and, in doing so, he is able to call out that the "tools of death [can become] reappropriated. They [can become] tools of life" (204).

In the end, Paul Rusesabagina provides us with shimmering hope, in light of tragedy. He reminds us that ordinary men have the ability to ward off evil. Ordinary men can do what is right, what is decent, and what is just. Ordinary men hold this power. He reminds us that there are good people who stand in the face of evil. There are those who can make a difference, and those are the ones who must act: because there is an evil out there. There is an evil we must all fear every day: the indifference of good men.

Like all the other book that I order at this time this book give their perspective on the affect of war. The class inwhich these books are being used is based on the affects of war from different nationallities.

Surprisingly everyone else rates this as 5 out of 5.
It is good, but not that good.
Paul's writing style is a little dry at times, and shows his limited education.
It is also a littel disjointed , and doesn't give enough insight into characters that he had known before the genocide, and they could have been expanded with further background.
The book took longer to read than it should have, and did not hold my interest or intensity as others on this subject have.
Nevertheless, it is a great adjunct to understanding the movie "Hotel Rwanda" , from which this film was based.
Still an essential part of everyone's library, but I would probably not read it twice.
Derek

This autobiography was written very well. The author was committed to getting the facts out without glorifying himself. Done very well. I appreciated being told about the genocide in Rwanda without all the gore. I understood perfectly what he was describing without seeing it on screen. I learned so much from both his experience and his trials trying to get help from other nations. Great book!