I had this book recommended to me by several people and finally bought it and read it. It is not as good as its fans want you to believe; nor as bad as its detractors would make it out.

First, the book is adequately written, but is not going to make anybody's top 100 list. It should be kept in mind that much of the credit or blame for the prose should probably be placed on the co-author Robinson, not Luttrel. My own criticism was that the book often seemed heavily redundant and repetitive. In most of those places, it was the repetition of the all liberals are the stupid, short-sighted, and ignorant henchmen of America's enemies theme which gave rise to that feeling. Whether you agree or disagree with that sentiment is irrelevant. The sentiment is one which only needed to be said once or twice to make the point.

Second, despite the book's hammering of liberals (and their omnipresent media henchmen) as being responsible for preventing the military from doing their job, the book make's very clear that it was Luttrell's decision which led to the predicament that the members of Operation Redwing found themselves facing in Afghanistan. Luttrell concedes that it was his decision to turn three unarmed Afghan tribesmen loose which led to hostile Taliban forces identifying his unit's location and attacking them.

Moreover, Luttrell's telling of the story artificially limits Seal Team 10's options to three very poor decision alternatives which are all supposedly a direct result of liberal interference with the military's ability to kill unarmed non-combatants whenever military special forces units might deem such action necessary. As Luttrell would have it, his team could either: (1) let the 3 unarmed shepherds go and wait for the inevitable Taliban attack; (2) kill the 3 shepherds and report it to their superiors and go to prison for murder later; or (3) kill the shepherds and deny it ever happened, but forever wait for the other shoe to drop and go to prison for murder sometime down the road.

While personally sympathetic to the idea that U.S. rules of engagement can be unnecessarily restrictive and stupid, even I don't see any reason that Seal Team 10's options were restricted to this Hobson's Choice of kill unarmed shepherds or be killed by the Taliban.

All of this is simply critiquing the world-view of Luttrell though. As a true telling of a military operation's planning, execution, and outcome, this is a fascinating tale. It simultaneously reveals both the best and worst in our nation's military. We clearly have the best-trained, best-armed troops in the world, and the U.S. Navy SEALS are among the best of our elite forces. If you want some insight into our military's current tasks in the Middle East, and specifically Afghanistan, this book is an excellent choice, with a fascinating front seat, first hand, eyewitness
account of one operation. If you are interested in getting some insight into the training of our Navy SEALs, this may be an even better choice.

Whether or not you think this book provides any actual insight into our military policies and efforts in the Middle East, will probably depend on how much, or how little, you support President Bush. Regardless though, it is a book deserving to be read if you take the political morality play with a grain of salt.

If you haven't read this book, then you're behind the eight ball. Written really well by one of America's true heroes. Reminds us all that freedom is free!

Whether you are a fan of war stories or not, this book is truly inspiring. It speaks of unfailing dedication to our country, one's friends, ethics/morals and tradition. Read this book and you will NEVER feel sorry for yourself or any hardships you may encounter. All I can say is that I am glad (and proud) that our country has a warrior class like these elite soldiers. The ones who "get the job done" while the rest of us enjoy our relative safety and freedom. Bravo Marcus...and Thank You.

If you think President Bush is the greatest president, insurgence are idiots, muslims are godless, the liberal elite control the military and decided military and foreign policy, and the the Navy Seals are "gods" this is a book for you. If you disagree with any of the above statements or are sick of partisan politics this is not the book for you. A few things became very obvious to me after reading Lone Survivor, Lutrell is guilt ridden and needs someone other than himself to blame for the events in Afghanistan he has little understand about military and world military policy**case in point the Geneva convention** That the Lutrell family needed money** read the book you will understand** and that Luttrell did his fellow Navy Seals and his lost friends a disservice by writing this book. After reading this book I had such distain for the military that i started to question everything i once said about the very brave young men and women who risk their lives everyday to protect and defend us, and truly that is where this book does the greatest disservice.
Honestly the best part of this book is the back cover.

Luttrell's book offers a ground-level perspective on the kinds of operations the US Military's Special Operations Forces are engaged in all around the world, all the time. Too often this topic (Special Forces, SEALs, Delta Force, etc) is dominated by superficial books that amount to little more than anecdotes from second- or third-hand war stories. Not the case with Lone Survivor.

I suppose some intellectual types might not like the fact that there is little "contextualization" of Mr. Luttrell's story--and that of his fellow SEALs. But I would disagree with that characterization vehemently: the context is simple--Luttrell was on a mission targeting Taliban in Afghanistan. He was not working for a think-tank or camp-following for a network television network.

The story hinges upon an important decision the SEAL team votes on. The Consequences of that decision are grave, and Marcus Luttrell makes a convincing argument that these costs are high will never be paid for.

Lone Survivor offers the attentive reader a great deal of insight into the tactics Special Forces use in combat situations. More importantly, this book sheds light on the selflessness of the American sailor, soldier, and marine--one of the SEAL team's decisions, according to Luttrell, cost his teammates their lives.

To Luttrell's credit, he devotes a great amount of attention on his experiences with the Afghani tribal people who treated his wounds and protected him from the Taliban.

Luttrell's story of selflessness, sacrifice, and the tangible burden and stark loneliness of truly being the lone survivor on a failed mission is staggering. I hope even squeamish leftists who are opposed to the men and women of the US armed forces can see past Luttrell's occasional jabs at media personalities to see his story for what it is: tragic, heroic, and personal.

This is a truly inspiring book, and I am so glad I read it.

a must read, not for the quality of the writing but for the amazing story it tells.

Add me to the 500 or so people who thought this is a five-star book. From page one, you zoom through a compelling true story of how our Navy Seals wage war, despite the disgusting lack of support they receive from their own politicians and the media abck home. Luttrell takes you through SEAL training and utterly convinces you that these are truly supermen. Thank God they're on our side. And one of the most important parts of their success is their warrior brotherhood. Make no mistake: Navy SEALS are overachievers who never quit and who undergo the most rugged training in the world. Sure, this book has a lot of braggadocio, ego, wise cracks and anti-liberal cant in it, but these men are mostly from small-town America and they salute a sense of values that their snidely sophisticated critics -- you know, the ones these guys protect --couldn't understand in a million years. This is a must read!

Lone Survivor should be a must read for every American. I bought 3 more books for friends to read. The sacrifice, discipline and attitude of the Navy Seal in the book really made me realize how lucky we are to have people like him serving our Country. His first hand account of how hard it is to get through Seal training as well as the hardships in Afghanistan was a real eye opener. It would be an honor just to shake his hand.

Marcus Luttrell is a true American hero, as well as each and every member of his team. I'm sure he hates the phrase and would say that he was only doing his job. This humble man and his teammates are the epitome of those fighting for our country. We owe our freedom to men like these. I read the book in less than 24 hours because once you start, you can't put it down. God bless these folks and our country. This is book of the year and the sad part is that you'll never read about it in our liberal media. Here's a heartfelt salute to Chief Luttrell and the men like him who fight so we live free.

A fellow reviewers comment "Not due to any thrilling narrative but due entirely to the extreme jingoism of the author" pretty much sums up this book for me. I'd heard about the publication of the book on NPR, was looking forward to reading it but gave up after about 80 pages mostly because of the authors endlessly jingoistic tone. I found it a total distraction to what is probably an excellent story. I just finished reading "Highway To Hell" by ex British SAS solder John Geddes and was struck by the difference in how these two authors view the Middle East, it's people and the "war on terror".

This is a great story about a SEAL team against huge odds. I'm horrified that anyone gave it less than a five star. I recommend this for anyone interested in the military stuff or just wants a great book to read. This book is great! Also try loaning it to friends if you think they will like it (trust me they will love it).

I have to say this book is an absolute MUST READ! It is mind blowing what these men went through and the story that is told from it. I don't think any movie could ever do this book or story for that matter any justice. I would recommend this book to anyone, even war critics. It's a real eye opener what these men have gone through across seas.

Bought this book going on hols for a quick read, somewhat drawn by the No 1 New York Times Bestseller Tag. Little bit sceptical initially about further US special forces heroics and admittedly knowing very little about US Navy SEAL's. However the book does not disappoint - it keeps you hooked all the way. It's hard not to feel huge admiration for these guys at the end, their steely determination and willingness to pay the ultimate sacrifice for their comrades or their country. Thought the part in the middle where the team deliberated whether or not to execute the goatherds left me with a bit of an uneasy feeling but I suppose it goes to illustrate the fine line between the life and death decisions associated with some of these missions. Book is engrossing at the tactical level and does not stray into any operational or strategic analysis. Would highly recommend this gripping page turner - it won't disappoint.

Very inspirational story about commitment, duty and sacrifice. Although the book was long at certain points, I could not put it down. This is a story about true heroes. If you are inspired by the will to survive, this book is for you.

This is by far one of the best books I've ever read. The sheer bravery of these elite warriors who fight for our country leaves me in aww. What they go through and en dour to be a Navy SEAL is beyond my ability and comprehension. It also shows there is good in this world when you least expect it. I was absolutely stunned by the help Marcus received, it made me close my eyes and think no matter how different we all are in this world, we are all linked by goodness and kindness of the heart if we choose it.

From a book standpoint I thought the story was incredible. I thought it was well written and I really enjoyed reading it from Marcus's first hand perspective. His slight humor at times hit home to me and his descriptions of certain things hit home as well and brought the story to your hands.

I am forever honored by the commitment of Marcus and his fallen brothers. I'll never forget this story, and when times are tough I find myself thinking of him and his brothers in arms. God Bless them all and God Bless the U.S.A.

This book needed to be written. Those brave men needed their story told, so the rest of us can know why they died. They died bravely, and should be held in "high honor." The SEALS have a right to be arrogant, for they go through one of the most brutal training programs known to man, especially if over 100 good men quit the program. They pay for it.

Good book, Great Story.

This book is told in Marcus Luttrell's first person voice, and has three parts to the story: 1) SEAL training and its methods to select people only of awesome determination and skill, 2) a firefight gone wrong in the mountains of Afghanistan, and 3) Marcus' hiding and eventual rescue with help from the Afghan people. Marcus' view and attitude about the Liberal Media is also covered through out. He make a strong moral case: don't start war and commit people's lives unless you are prepared to use all means available to win...anything less is immoral if I can use that and war in same statement

This is an incredible story of human determination. Besides covering the training of a SEAL, this book also helps usunderstand a foe we don't really understand

Wow, this book was quite revealing in both SEAL training and discipline and what happened on that fateful "Redwing" mission. I heard about the Medal of Honor being given to Lt Murphy posthumously but did not know the details of why. This book takes you right to the front line and gets you as close as possible to what these guys experienced.

My hat goes off to all of them. Thank you for your service!

This was a great book. Not perfect. There were some plot holes that I will not go into here. There is a lot of Anti-Bush rhetoric in the media. This book gives an excellent account of the other side of the story. Why we are fighting in the Middle East.

I would LOVE to see a follow up book after Afghanistan is stabilized. How the area is changed? Then I think that the war in Iraq and Afghanistan will be given it just due. People will understand "this is why we are over there". George Bush will not be seen as a bad President, but one with great foresight.

I enjoyed this book very, very much. For persons interested in either American warfare, history, politics or media it's almost at "must read-level".

Luttrells history is straight forward, right from the thoughts from his youth, to his anger towards the "liberal" media and the military rules created by politicians that never has been to war.

I enjoyed reading the insider's view of the SEALS, but I nearly threw the book in the trash several times before finally finishing it. Unfortunately, Mr. Luttrell, growing up in God's country, Texas, never learned to take responsibility for his own actions. Any time his, or his team's, decision-making could have been called into question, he blames the decision on America's "liberal media". Sad ....

What an awesome read Lone Survivor was!! I just finished it last night and have nothing but praise for Marcus Luttrell and the rest of his SEAL team. The book is just so powerful in its content about how SEALS are trained and put into dangerous situations. God, obviously, wasn't finished with Marcus yet since his gun kept reappearing just when he needed it. I loved his descriptions of the mainstream media and their ideas of "fairness" to the enemy since it coincides with mine. Gulab and his village deserve a star in their crowns when they get to heaven for helping Marcus. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to see how our military handles themselves in war.

This is a wonderful story of dedication, patriotism, and teamwork. It's a story worth reading during this special election time. It tells the story of what Americans can DO for their country, rather than sitting back and ASKING what their country is supposed to do for them. Thank God, there are people like Marcus Luttrell who are bring with them the ingredients necessary to get any task completed. Couple that with outstanding training and the results are going to be good. This book should be required reading before any American goes into a voting booth.

Yes, this book MUST be read by all Americans. It is a true and factual account of freedom's fight and ultimate sacrifice. The events bring to view the lack of awareness of the effects of bad politically driven legislative policy by America's U.S. Congress centering of the rules of engagement during times of conflict. Each reader becomes a part of this human event as it unfolds revealing minute by minute the commitment, values, integrity and honor of America's warriors defending freedom.

First let me say that I'm not a 'seasoned reader' as many who reviewed this book seem to be. I usually don't read for pleasure; just out of necessity. However, as many other reviewers have stated, this book was extremely hard to put down. I didn't read this book in order to 'critic the author or his writing skills'. Thankful American citizen who read this book to get a better realization of how blessed I am by those who give their all for the rest of us.
I laughed out loud many times and cried as well. I enjoyed the "Texas slang" that maybe only a Texan can truly understand. Marcus made me feel proud to be a Texan and an American. I was humbled by reading this book...to think of what our men and women put on the line for the rest of us, who soak up the air conditioner, while drinking our bottle water and eating junk food. The training of the SEALs was insane...I kept asking, "why would ANYONE do this out of their own free will?" I don't know very many people who could go through the training of the first week, much less the horrible experience that Marcus and his 3 buddies endured. So while many readers will state that this book makes unnecessary statements about our liberal media, etc....I feel this book was an explanation of how MARCUS saw things unfold. It's his book and he told the story HIS way. We could all watch the same scene and see something different, each of us with our own story of how things unfolded...but I feel he is entitled to his opinions, it's HIS book. Many reviewers state that Marcus was filled with hate and thinks we should kill anyone who gets in our way....well, that's NOT what he did in the book!! He allowed the three men to go on their way. He was very kind to those children and to the people who where NOT out to KILL him. He is a good Christian man from what I can tell. A man who almost gave his life for his country as many of his buddies did. And one reason he didn't die is because of his hardcore SEAL training and the NEVER DIE, bad-a$$ attitude they seem to instill..which I think WOULD be an necessary attitude in order to survive such events like the ones Marcus endured. Most of us would have just given up because we are not mentally strong enough to take the hell that he went through.
It is obvious to me that God has a big plan for this man's life. I applaud and give my utmost respect to all those who stand in harms way to protect me, my family, my freedom and this wonderful country we are so blessed to live in. God bless America (even though we don't deserve it) and God bless Texas!

The only thing about this book that I didn't care for was the foul language. But I realized that it's just part of the environment they operate in...IT IS WAR, and it's not pretty. I can't say that I wouldn't let a few four-letter words slip if I was put in the same situation. Right?

This should be required reading in our high schools. This is an amazing story told by a very humble man. Just read it.

Truely my favorite book. It made me want to join the SEALs. If you are thinking of joining and maybe need a little extra push- read this book, or maybe avoid it!

10 out of 10. 5 stars.

America.

One of my favorite books. I got a copy for my dad and both of my sons, all of which were/are Marines. My dad reads a lot of war books, and he said it was the best he has ever read. This is the only book he has ever said that about. I won't go into details, since others have. I'll just say that it is a very good book.

Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10

Excellent narration. Inspiring, patriotic, and courageous. Also, one lucky SEAL. As an American, I am honored, and humbled by his 'call to service".
Bravo.

This is a non-fiction first person narrative of a US military operation in Afghanistan which was one of the most serious failed operations of Special Forces. Think Black Hawk Down meets Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air. This is sort of a Black Hawk Down scenario of superior trained and equipped US military personnel being introduced into a hostile area where particular situational variables stack up to put huge weight on a couple of decisions/events that turn the whole operation into implausibility. Set in a remote mountain area of the Hindu Kush, one can easily imagine this Navy SEAL team stumbling upon Osama Bin Laden in a cave protected by some goatherds. The setting, the challenge, the unique skills of teamwork, linguistics, tactics, spliced with vital hatred of Americans of foes and the danger all mix to give a high energy to the book just to start with.

The book does meander back into the author's training to qualify and graduate as a Navy SEAL, as well as his time as a youth doing a sort of premature SEAL training. As such it is as much a memoir of being a SEAL, and these excursions may annoy some readers looking for an in-depth look at the specific Operation Redwing. On the positive side, the book has pictures of participants and a map, which help give a 360-degree view in imagining more of the context. Further, the author is truly not an annoying, over-confident, Texas-loving cowboy with too much testosterone, but clearly a reasoned, committed soldier with a real suite of amazing physical and mental attributes that should make any reader understand why they are probably, even at their best, not likely to ever become a Navy SEAL. Unlike Into Thin Air, the author kept his personal emotional grieving process around his decisions (and the concomitant feelings about the likely fatal role of media and Congress-driven rules of engagement) to a reasonable minimum so it did not overwhelm the story. Truly a tragic tale that should make the reader appreciate how sophisticated and valuable our SEALs are and how they can be hamstrung by political factors at home during a deadly struggle.

I came away from reading this book totally impressed with the toughness and commitment of the SEALs, including the author, who kept going when the vast majority of us would have rolled over and died.

That said, I was extremely disappointed that the narrative revealed a lack of capacity for higher order thinking that I had always believed was one of the things that distinguished operators from other members of the armed forces. These guys didn't speak the language, didn't know the local culture, and didn't know when to pull the plug on an operation that had very likely been blown. The author fails to acknowledge that after being discovered by three goat herders - who seemed likely to give their position away to the large Taliban force in the area - and finding their radio did not work, it was a huge mistake to resume the mission and not even try to use the cell phone or distress beacon that they had. Didn't they have an emergency rendezvous point? Perhaps this is why the team leader, unlike everyone else in the team, was not awarded the Navy Cross?

Perhaps more troubling than the author's unwillingness to acknowledge tactical failures is his complete lack of a moral compass. His idea of acknowledging a mistake is to argue that they should have killed the three unarmed goat herders - one of whom was a child - and thrown their bodies off a cliff. Soliciting the opinion of one of his teammates on the question, the guy responds to the effect I don't care, I'll kill them if you want, just tell me what to do. On the one hand, the author doesn't see any problem with this, and rails against restrictions on his activities imposed by the Geneva Convention and rules of engagement (which are promulgated by the DOD, not the Congress, as the author would have us believe), and on the other he demonizes the Taliban, who twice after the firefight could have killed him and didn't based on ancient principles of their culture. It all makes the operators seem like mindless (albeit highly trained) tools, although I remain hopeful that the author is not representative.

Finally, the book is permeated through and through with a simplistic FOX news political philosophy. The author wraps himself in the flag and the pages of the Bible. Apparently, God wanted him to live, as he claims, but He wanted to kill his teammates?

I can only hope that the ghost writer is primarily responsible for all the nonsense we have to wade through to get to the essential story, which is totally gripping.

I have read many (as many as I can get my hands on) survival books (Endurance: An Epic of Polar Adventure by Frank Arthur Worsley is still the best.) This book, unlike my other survival stories pits our Hero against an Enemy of the human kind as opposed to the Elements of nature. It is well written and provides a point of view that is unique and needs to be heard. I wish the other Heroes of this book could write one too.

I am one of many who think this story is an amazing story and worth reading. All these men are heroes and I think anyone will find this story truly inspiring.

The only thing I didn't like about the book was the excessive cussing and political statements. However it is Marcus' story and he can tell it however he wants. God bless him, I'm glad I got to read it.

The author decribes in detail what it takes to become a Navy SEAL and why that training paid off. He tells us how his buddies were killed and how he was badly wounded. The mission was the largest loss of SEALs in it's history. Eleven SEALs were killed by the Taliban on the same day. He makes me proud to be an American! He tells us about the media and how wrong they can be at times. The media reported him and his three buddies killed and his family heard it on the news. The Navy responded to his family quickly saying he is NOT dead until they find a body. If you like military history, this is the book to read. At times, this story was very emotional.

This book would have been a good article in a magazine but not a book. Mostly it is about SEAL training and the background of the author( heavily ghost written). Not to take anything away from the accounts of the men, but this just isn't substance for a book.

This book should be required reading for ALL politicans and reporters.
I had to read this in complete privacy and solitude.
I read each word at least 5 times to make sure I honored the hero's the author is telling about, including himself.
I knew I could never become a SEAL so I chose another path, but I was fortunate to have served with a number of them.outside their community and this author is actually quite modest in his appraisal of them and their deeds.
For any military personnel or former military personnel I can only say one thing, BUY AND READ IT , you will cry and swell with pride all at the same time.
Thank You Sir for your service and writing this book.

This was a great book. I could hardly put it down. I hope more people will read this book and know what our solders are up against in this war on terrorism. Marcus and his men are real heroes.

This is a great book that's destined to become a classic. Marcus Luttrell's first person account of his experience in Afghanistan is riveting and thrilling. You won't be able to put it down. A real bonus is his willingness to explain the impact of liberal hand-wringing and incessant criticism of military personnel serving their country in dangerous places. It's not at all surprising to see reviews by liberals posing as military personnel just to attack Marcus Luttrell's experiences and viewpoints. Posing is, I suppose, what they do best. Buy the book, you will NOT be disappointed.

Reading the negative reviews and then reading the book I have to wonder if these negative reviewers and I read the same book. I think the guy is allowed his opinions after what he went through. Not to mention his opinions are just common sense. Also I love the reviews that say no spec ops soldier would ever kill an innocent civilian. I remember that during the first Gulf war a Green Beret team was sent to check out a MSR and they had the same choice to make. They also didn't kill the goat herders and almost died. So in the future if it comes between our boys coming home or the goat herder, unsheath your steel and go to work. Real Americans want to see our brave warriors come home alive.

This is the most worthwhile book. A story that every person should be familiar with. So don't let the liberals who hate the military and their country turn you off too a fine read.

This book was an inspiration to me!! I have a whole new level of respect for our men in uniform and these men in particular. The first half of the book is slow, but sets a good base for the rest of the story. This is a must read for every American!

this book is amazing!! i couldn't put it down... i read it in just a few days. bought one for my brother-in-law who is thinking about joining the military... he said it was the first book he's read cover-to-cover since high school. i told my sister about it... she got back from iraq a year ago... she loved it!! and my 12 year old son has started reading it too. can't think of another book that i've wanted to share so badly!! i always thought i was pretty informed about things but this book gave me an even greater appreciation for our special forces. it is amazing what they have to go thru and i am thankful every day that we have such brave soldiers serving our counrty. true heroes.

this book shows how good men are everywhere and how americans do the good even when its bad for them. Great book from and for vets. God bless this Texan And all who serve.

Marcus Luttrell would like you to know three things:

1. He reveres the men who fought with him and died next to him in Afghanistan and would like their story known and remembered.
2. He believes that the Rules of Engagement that apply to US soldiers don't reflect the realities of war and ultimately cost his friends their lives.
3. He does not approve of the people in government that he believes are responsible for those rules and would like to see them discredited and removed from power.

Those points could have been driven home quite effectively in this book. Luttrell has an amazingly powerful story to tell and the narrative offers perfect opportunities to make each point in an unforgettable manner. However, Luttrell lets his emotions convince him to make the points out of order. I can't blame him; he's seen, heard and experienced too much and has come by his deep anguish and anger quite honestly. He can't wait for the right opportunity to make point #3 and hammers it home in the first two chapters of the book, without context and without varnish. The impact of the whole book is lessened by that decision.

Even an open-minded reader will be taken aback by Luttrell's attack on Liberals and the US military's Rules of Engagement without the benefit of knowing the source of his vitriolic anger. I suspect he loses a lot of readers before he can tell the story that would explain it all so vividly. That's too bad, because a lot of people would gain a new perspective on the points he's trying to make if they read about what he experienced in Afghanistan.

I really recommend that you read this book, pushing through the anger and pain-induced hatred and bigotry that is on display in the first couple of chapters. By continuing, you will get to see the world through the eyes of someone who has seen things most of us never will and consequently sees the world from a different, but totally legitimate perspective. A different editor might have served Luttrell and his literary mission better, but then again, maybe he was just a Navy SEAL who had decided on his course. In that case, I don't think any editor would succeed in changing his mind.

War is heroic and war is hell.

There is plenty of both, heroism and hell, in this true story of a young American SEAL on a mission gone bad in the mountains of Afghanistan. Plenty of heroism, plenty of hell. And its all true.

All the war movies you've ever seen, all the glories-of-war books and novels you've ever read will shrink to insignficance in the pages of "Lone Survivor." The co-author, Patrick Robinson, does a good job of writing, yet staying out of the way so the reader can hear, sense and feel Marcus Luttrell the SEAL who endured his horror, yet heroic story.

It is the story of the worst special forces disaster in American history, but it is a book that makes you proud, proud to be an American and proud of the American fighting man. How long has it been since you've heard anyone say that about a book on combat?

The climax of the book comes when Marcus Lutrell, after somehow surviving with the help of friendly Afghans an almost incomprehensible set of difficulties, comes face to face with the Taliban leader he and his SEAL mates were sent to kill. What happens next is amazing, truly amazing and provocative, leaving the reader to wonder who really did win this face off, Marcus or the Taliban commander? Both showed no fear and almost a sense of reverance and respect for each other---or did they? Did they use each other in the end? And how do you define "winning" in this sense of the word, in this situation? Is "winning" mere survival or is it something more?

The book of our time on the military effort in Afghanistan.

Despite what some reviews claimed, this is not a book comparable to Black Hawk Down. The story is mainly a low brow action story. Granted, the story is true but the manner in which it is presented to the reader is no where near the caliber of Black Hawk Down and is less than what it could have been. As a former "operator" I expected more from Luttrell. The book was wrought with bravado and self aggrandizing, egocentric references. SF operators are known for their modesty when speaking of themselves and I found Luttrell's constant self appreciating comments took away from the great story this could have been. I learned little about Luttrell's fallen teammates and more than I needed to know about Luttrell. Luttrell did not have to keep reminding the readers how tough he was, he's a SEAL and that says it all, but he harped on it. Maybe this was the co-author's doing. In addition, maybe he should have kept his political views to himself. Granted, when one writes a book it can be a great soap box but one's views may not necessarily mirror those of one's teammates or their grieving families. Ultimately, one does not fight for the President or a political view, one fights for the men next to him. To bring politics into the picture and blame the "liberal media" for covert tactical decisions made in the field is way off beam. The difficult decisions made during covert operations are often made in the absence of command staff and are more often guided by a moral compass and training, enough said. Overall, I'd pass on buying the book unless a portion of the proceeds were going to the families of the lost team members. Let me close by saying I wish nothing but the best for PO Luttrell and pray for his lost teammates and their loved ones. They are all American Heroes and they will remain in my prayers.

This book was recomended to me by a friend who told me nothing other than "Its a great story of heroism and you must read it." I took his word for it and loved every word. I couldn't put it down. Finished it in 2 days.

What I'd like to share with you is that I learned to be thankful for these men and all those who fight for the very freedom that we Americans and free people take for granted every day. We must realize, democrat or republican, that young men and women have died so that we can live freely in the best country in the world. These men faced an enemy who want all Americans dead just because we stand for freedom. This enemy cowardly slaughtered nearly 3,000 "unarmed civilians" on 9/11 and yet, the men featured in this book had to make a life and death decision about executing 3 unarmed men. I don't want to give anything away, but when you get to that part, please, just remember, we lost almost 3,000 "unarmed civilians" and yes, today, our liberal news media is to blame for many of incorrect war-time maneuvers, decisions, and actions.

Hands down one of the best books I have ever read. This books should be part of the high school curriculum. The style of writing is easy to read but very detailed and draws you in so deep, you don't want to put it down. You've never felt so proud of the brave men and women serving our great nation, nor have you ever felt so proud to be an American. This book had me crying like a baby by the end. A must read!

This is the true story of a band of brothers in Seal Team 10 and there final mssion in the Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan. Marcus Luttrell talks about his experiences going through Seal training the friens and family that he has and still remembers. There are many great "one liners" in this book. He shows a glimps of what the afghanies mainly "Pashtun" tribesmen are like. Especially th one's that give him "lokhay". Absolutely incredible, a must read. It will make you think about the U.S. situation for a long time! For man and woman alike.

One of the most phenomenal books I have ever read. It's almost hard to believe that it's real. I highly recommend this book to anyone.

I bought this book believing I would get into the heart and soul of a Navy SEAL and come to understand some of the subtleties of the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Unfortunately, the book is so filled with bravado and testosterone that it offers almost no lens on the war and the challenges of being in a difficult strategic _and_ tactical battle situation.

If you want to hear about how many pull-ups a SEAL can do, buy this book.

If you want a well-rounded, thoughtful, open-minded analysis of the life of a SEAL in the morally tenuous wars we find ourselves in, take a pass.

Anyone who blindly kills on demand, is 100% loyal to the president regardless of the decisions that leader makes, and who cannot introspect about the situation at hand needs to reboot their hard drive and rediscover what it is to be human, humane, and a warrior at the same time.