If you have any hesitations about buying this book, FORGET THEM IMMEDIATELY! I have read dozens of war books,but this is as good as it gets, surpassing many classics easily. This book is gritty and exciting, with non-stop action straight from the start. However, it manages to do this without seeming repetetive. It reads like a thriller novel, except better and REAL! SSG Bellavia's account is honest and poignant, and you very well see the human side of him and his soldiers, and the split-second decision making that could mean either life or death. House To House reads fast, very fast, and you will be savoring every moment of it wishing it wouldnt end(with consideration to the author and his buddies-of course you want them to come back alive and well). This book is the definitive book on modern warfare and every aspect involved and will change any perspectives you previously had on the glamour of war and war and life in general. And the greatest part is that the humble SSG Bellavia never even agknowledges that he became a true hero through the events described in this book (which he clearly does). SSG Bellavia is a true soldier who cared only for the welfare of his men he commanded and would do anything to keep them safe. Easily a five-star and trust me I don't give those out freely.

This truly is an epic memoir of war as experienced by an infantry squad leader in Fallujah, Iraq. SSG Bellavia takes you inside Iraq as his squad clears houses one by one in urban Fallujah. He describes in detail the fear and fatigue they suffer in an in your face, no holds barred manner. He brilliantly describes the love he has for his soldiers, and the immense burden he carries to keep them safe while completing the mission. He has nothing but praise for his soldiers, while detailing his mistakes and the personal fear he felt during the fight. This book, in my opinion, stands on its own against ,"A Rumor of War" by Philip Caputo. It's that good.

"House to House", an epic memoir of War by SSG David Bellavia.

In November, 2004 Staff Sergeant Bellavia led Third Platoon into Fallujah with an initial goal of seizing Highway 10 and then pushing into an industrial district clearing houses and setting up defensive positions as they go with new orders to follow. "House to House" chronicles this invasion from Staff Sergeant Bellavia's point of view.

"House to House "gives the uncensored version of day to day life of the soldiers fighting in Fallujah and the intensity of the battle and living conditions dealt with. Any preconceived notions you have that our soldiers just cruised through after the Airforce cleaned out the bad guys will be shattered.

The Good: This was a great and intense read. You are often left wondering if some of the soldiers in this book are brave or just plain crazy. It is good to know that this country still has a true warrior class and you get the opportunity to look into that lifestyle and see that it isn't as glamorous as Hollywood often makes it out to be.

The Bad: The book is intense and those that are squeamish when dealing with the facts of war may be bothered by some of what you read. This wasn't a problem for me.

Overall: If you are interested in this kind of reading or just want to learn more about what day to day life was like for soldiers in modern day warfare then pick up "House to House' and give it a read. For an alternate perspective try "Generation Kill" which was written by an inbedded reporter about the initial Iraq invasion.

Was pleased with this product and it was all my son had said it would be.

This is an incredibly graphic depiction of battle in Iraq. The deprivations that the soldiers endure are amazing.

I have put off reading this book for sometime. I have a son in the Infantry. After reading it part of me wishes I had not. It is riveting, it is raw, and it is scary for someone who has a loved one serving in harm's way.
Having said that, the book was awesome. Every American should read it. I am in awe of these men and of what they accomplished and the conditions in which they accomplished it. I truly believe that part of our country's problem is that we do not put the stories along side the names of those who fall. Maybe if we did we would at last be able to truly appreciate the sacrifice given, not only by those who fall but also by those who live through the battle.
My simple review does not do the book justice, I can only suggest that if you have any desire to know what our military sacrifices you should read this book.
To all those who were there, thank you.

wow that was a well written book,covered all the angles,I here so many people say it's Bush's fault we shouldn't even be there, that may be so but we are there and our marines and soldiers were slugging it out in Falluja and the auther points out how politics can really change the dynamics of a situation when maybe military commanders on scene who know from weeks and months of studying the terrorists what the best course of action should be,I think with the mix of personalities the military leaders would of kept each other in check and done what was best for our military personel and the civilians of Falluja.

This is a great squad level account of the Battle for Fallujah in 2004. Bellavia writes with great candor about his fellow brothers in arms. Other infantrymen should read House to House especially squad leaders. House to House should be included in the "must read" Commandant's list of recommended books. Bellavia pulls no punches, he addresses his strenghts and weaknesses and writes about his great friend Fitts with the greatest respect. Bellavia placed Fitts as an icon on which he inspired himself.

Bellavia's return to Fallujah to pay respects for his fallen comrades is a great tribute.

Book reads fast and believe me you do not want to set it down.

"Bell", as he was known to his fellow soldiers, deserves the medals he received after he returned from Iraq. This is the story of the battle of Falluja from the point of view of an infantryman. The fighting is house to house, dangerous, dirty and exausting.

No detail is spared, you are made aware of the fatigue, the brutality, the animalism, the fear, the pain, the stench, the heroism and the heartbreak of close quarter combat.

The forehead-to-forehead front on fight with a drug-crazed fanatic like Ssg Bellavia's final foe brings it all home. My heart was thumping and my tears flowed down my face listening to his long fist fight. On audio more graphic then any movie could make that scene.

It is about not an inbred heroism, but a heroism that struggles to subdue the nightmare of cowardice that we found in all of us.

Bellavia's main theme is this: War is wrong but war is necessary and it's not going to go away any time soon.

HOUSE TO HOUSE is an excellent read and highly recommended.

David Bellavia is a no-nonsense writer; if you want an in-your-face real-world combat reality check, then this book is for you. In House to House, Bellavia's written an incredible combat soldier's memoir which deeply moved me. His words vividly paint a portrait of battlefield reality. Courage under fire, devotion to comrades, and survivor's guilt fill its pages. His "from-the-trenches" recollections of events in Iraq - and of his life after coming home - fills a huge void of untold stories by the media.

This was a very good book indeed! Since the beginning of the book in the prologue the action is in your face! And it seems to stay there in most of the book. Good book!

As a college student viewing the spotlight of America's War, this account of an infantryman's enterance and exit in to war especially fallujah is intense and addicting. I could not resist to keep turning the pages. The book is an easy read and very detailed.

Sgt. Bell has written a compelling memoir. The casualities in his unit are very real, and the reader can't help but feel the loss. The only - and I mean, the ONLY - extraneous writing is the unnecessary and somewhat naive politicizing at the end of the book, which is a distraction from an otherwise tight and completely riveting book. Thank you for your service, Sgt. Bell. And thank you to everyone in the US military who's been out there, in harm's way.

This book blew me away with its raw unfiltered look into the early parts of the war in Iraq. SSG Bellavia is a talented writer and anyone wanting to learn more about the war, a war, or the Army could certainly benefit from his memoirs. THANKS SARGE!!!

What a terrific book this is! If you want to know what the Iraq war was like for the squad-level infrantyman, you cannot do better than to read David Bellavia's book. The Diyalah province fighting Bellavia describes is harrowing, but is just the warm up to the incredibly intense fight for Fallujah in November, 2004. The outgunned enemy went to incredible, and very clever, lengths to kill American soldiers, but the superior training and equipment of the Americans ensured that the Muj died in much greater numbers.

I'm sure many will object to the rawness and realness of this book--nothing has been censored. Bellavia has no time for political correctness, but neither is there time for any such luxury in a combat situation; it is kill or be killed. I think Ballavia's whole purpose in writing the book was to tell it the story as it really was, without fear or favor.

The book centers around Bellavia's one-man room-to-room clearing of an insurgent-infested house in Fallujah. This is a dramatic story, and the editors clearly decided to make this story the central narrative. By including so much of Bellavia's inner monologue, however, they slowed the narrative down almost to a halt. It was interesting to hear some of the thoughts that were going through Bellavia's mind during this harrowing episode of hand-to-hand combat, but they overdid it, and slowed the action down too much. They also shortchanged some later stories that perhaps should have been told in greater detail. But this is a minor quibble with what is otherwise an excellent, gripping book.

I've read my fair share of "war books", guess i am a bit of a junky concerning anything military, especially written first hand accounts. This book is probably the best written, most exciting, telling of first hand war experiences i have come across in some time. The language is sometimes a little graphic, but not unnecessarily so, but blends in with the nature of the story. I guess what really made this a different, and compelling telling of the usual war story, is the psychology and moral dilemma so well described throughout the book. I had a bit of a dilemma myself about purchasing this book, but am glad i did!!

The only bad thing about this book is that I don't believe I will ever read one as good. This NCO went through hell and lived to tell about it. And he wrote about it in such a way that the reader almost went through it too. Every gut wrenching thought he had at the moment was conveyed in vivid detail. SSG Bellavia didn't brag about his heroics, but just told about what he experienced. My Kevlar goes off to this soldier. There are probably many other soldiers and marines that had similar experiences in war torn Iraq but SSG Bellavia really put it down in text in a way I've never heard. He portrayed the immortal 1st Infantry Division motto - No Mission Too Difficult, No Sacrifice Too Great, Duty First! Thanks for a great read.

1. I don't have anything else to say than what a great book; well written with compelling content. Yea, that's about it--> get the book.

A very good book written from a boots on the ground perspective by someone that is actually doing the work. Not another co or above command perspective but a real how it really is in your face look at combat from a soldiers not an officers point of view. Too bad that more books like this are not published so we wouldn't have to read the politically correct non offensive white wash view of what really happens in war. I am a 20 year retired gulf war vet and this is probably the best first person view of war that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Our society needs more looks at what actually happens in war at the true ground level not the usual sugar coated bullcrap that puts money in a retired officers pocket. I recommend this book for everyone so they may understand the true feelings and emotions of someone that is looking at surviving minute by minute.

Great book that takes you right into the action. This book tells exactly what happend and does not leave anything out. I really enjoyed it and the book gave me a true insight to what really goes on in Iraq.

This was an incrediable book. I could hardly put it down. Recently, I have been reading books written by and/or accounts from the soldiers that were in the Iraq War. I really enjoyed this one. It was easy reading and interesting. Sgt. Bell is a great hero, along with all the other soldiers in the book and in Iraq.

When I first saw this book at Border's I assumed it would be another Ehren Watada inspired bashing of the military and our country by a disgruntled ex-soldier. But once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down! Bellaviva takes the gloss off of the medias spin of the fighting and takes us into the world of the US ARMY grunt doing the job that no one else has the stomach or nerve to do. With every word I read I felt more and more like a member of Bellaviva's squad. His love, admiration and respect for his Officers, fellow NCOs and subordinates comes through on every page. His was a world that no bleeding heart liberal or gung-ho armchair soldier could ever understand. He exposes his fears and insecurities experienced in the heat of battle and dispels the myth of the unfazed, chiseled soldier who shrugs off every bullet and charges head first carelessly into every fight. His descriptions of the locations, tactics and of his men help to create the mental picture of what it was like on the ground in Fallujah. This book is a must read for any high school kid thinking of joining the infantry, any liberal who wants us to empathize with the jihadists and every student of military history or tactics.
Reading Bellaviva's thoughts on his actions in the war and the necessity of killing a fellow human being in order to survive combat and return home reminded me of my grandfather talking to me about the horrors he witnessed and the fighting he engaged in during the Pacific Theatre of WWII. Reading this book can help anyone understand, even in a small measure, why our troops have difficulty readjusting when they return to society and why they need our support.

I have never written a review before, but for this book, I can't help it. No matter what your feelings about the war in Iraq, this book will will demonstrate the nobility and the sheer ferociousness of your enemy. David and his fellow warriors are true heroes. Their courage and determination demonstrate what is great about our armed forces. It's easy for us civilians to sit back at home and cast our opinions, but we will never know what those guys went through. The brutality and motivation for soldiers in the field is something that we can never know. Although this book can be a bit graphic, it drives home the point that our enemy is ruthless and we have to be equally ruthless. After reading this book, you will have a taste of what our guys went through, and you will know that when you see a soldier on the street, they deserve our thanks.

With the economy being the way it is, i decided to save a few bucks and rent this book from the library. But i will end up buying it. House to House is by far the best book ive read regarding the war in iraq. I bought We Were One about a year ago and i didnt think id find a better one then that book but House to House wins. There is so much humor in the book, i found myself cracking up to tears. There is of course also alot of heartache as well. He mixes the two in a perfect blend. I recommend this book to everyone. I thank God that we have men and women out there that fight to preserve and protect the freedoms that we many Americans take for granted. I thank all of our military from the bottom of my hearts. You are all in my thoughts and prayers everyday. God bless you.

Don't hesitate for a moment.... If you are an American READ THIS BOOK! Thank you David Bellavia!

I have read 6 books on combat or the war in Iraq. THIS IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST I have read. It shows the real Heroes of the war--Those young men in combat. I never really understood what went on in Fallujah and in graphic detail. The young men who fought these battles, America owes a lifetime debt to them. For anyone who wants to know what it was truly like in combat in Iraq should read this book. It was unbelievable the things these guys went thro & did!! You will be spellbound & in absolute awe of these Marines.

This is the best book yet written by a front line soldier in Iraq. Extremely detailed and rivals Sledge's "With the Old Breed."

I can't add much to what's already been said. This is a fantastic read, two sittings for me. This is pure intensity from the first page until the last. The commentary/perspective from SSG Bellavia is just wonderful. I have a BA in English creative writing, and even on my very best day, I don't think I could come up with some of the emotions he genuinely reveals (i.e. the story of throwing a smoke grenade to interrupt a last breath farewell between father and son, simply because "our guys" don't get that opportunity). Wow!

These things I know after reading the fantastic book:

1) I'm proud to be an American and proud that there are men and women like this on our side.

2) I'm disappointed I never served because no matter how much I love my family and friends, I will never experience the bond these guys have.

3) No matter how bad a day I am having, I realize it can always be worse.

4) We must do everything we can for the men and women who serve this country, especially in war time. They make the ultimate sacrifice. We need to acknowledge that and figure out a way to reward them for it.

5) The media, for the most part, in this country is a complete disgrace.

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.

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

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!

This is worth every minute of reading time. I read it through without stopping, it was so compelling and real. Thanks for the snapshot of that world, and for your service, Sargeant.

Bellavia is a highly decorated vet of the Battle of Fallujah in 2004. This is his account of the time leading up to the battle and of the battle itself. People need to be constantly reminded of two things; first, how totally brutal real war is, and second, how important it is to honor the people who go to war on our behalf. This book does both in spades. The gritty description of the action as the US Military faced the early stages of the Iraqi insurgency is gripping. There were many times when I found myself on the edge of my seat, or I had to take a break from the reading and unwind. It also describes the bonds developed by combat vets quite well. This bond comes from facing mortal danger and unimaginable hardship together. It is something we should all strive to understand. Without any spoilers I will say that the dramatic climax is personal and gripping, combat writing at its best.

The many reviews alrady posted about this book already to a good job summing-up its content and subject matter. Therefore, I'll simply say this is absolutely the single best memoir yet written about the Iraq War, specifically from the perspective of an Infantry NCO. I eagerly devoured this book within a 24 hour period and was enthralled by Bellavia's story on every page. Highly recommended and should be required reading for soldiers, politicians, journalists (especially journalists), and, hell, the general public.

Mr. Bellavia, words cannot possibly thank you and your fellow veterans enough for what you have done for this country.

I have never had the urge to write a review before, but this book has overwhelmingly compelled me to do so.

What made this book an astonishing standout to me was not only the constant gripping action, but the brutal honesty with which the author writes. Brutal honesty not only about the events, but the real and hardcore emotions he goes through in dealing with the events as they unfold. It is hard enough to imagine doing the things he has done for his country, but even harder still to imagine coming to terms with those things and sharing those horrors with others - completely uncensored. Now that really takes some guts in my opinion.

When I first ordered this book, I was really hoping it wasn't going to be just another journal of long patrols, and daily discomforts, with the occasional bit of action thrown in to spice things up. I was not disappointed. From the minute you open this book, David Bellavia smacks you in the face with the gut-wrenching, filthy, inhumane realities of the boots-on-the-ground perspective of the U.S. Army shooters in Iraq. The action starts almost instantly, and takes you for a ride throughout the book that is as intriguing to read as it is exhausting. What you are left with at the end is a new perspective that the headlines and news stories could never give, and a profound new respect for what our soldiers go through to protect and defend our most basic rights of freedom.

Some of the reviews have commented on the use of language (to which this book is chock full of obscenities), but I think anyone who has served the military as an enlisted person already knows, that kind of language is just par for the course. If anything, I think there were probably more swear words left OUT of the book, than were actually spoken in real life on the battlefield. That's reality. And that's why the language is in the book. Its not meant to offend, or exaggerate, its meant to epitomize what it is truly like when your right there next to your buddies and the bullets start flying. I personally am glad Sgt. Bell' didn't clean up the book - war is not clean, or nice, or polite, and it should not be presented that way.

Ultimately I think this book is a perfect illustration of an old quote that I have always held in high esteem...

"Freedom has a taste to those who have fought for it, that the protected will never know." (author unknown)

i brought this book to try and understand what my man faces, when "doing his job",it was spell binding, gripping, should be compulsory reading for everyone,these guys are heros and real men, if you only read one book a year , make it this one, good book by a good man, job well done

This story is not about feminized boys in earrings and eyeliner, piercing or polish, bling bling or sagging clothes.
It's not about gangsta rivalries or wigga wannabes - Xbox, cars or whoes.

It's about young adults in a death struggle to manhood, carrying firearms, bombs and bandoliers.

It's a story of the transition from the privileged silk cords of American culture to the stainless steel cable of American courage:
A cable that will air lift, under withering fire, the next great generation of American loyalty, relentless bravery and reluctant, though resolute heroism.

It's a story of sacrifice, blood and treasure
The hand-to-hand blood of both brother and belligerent, spilled on body armor and in foreign sands.

The sacrifice of wives, and mothers, and children.
The treasure in America's soul.
Some of which only the progeny of warriors will grow to truly know.

No wonder liberals hate the military: it turns young boys into men.

Got ADD? Grab a gun. You'll either focus or you'll die.

I was Marine Infantry from 1981 to 85. I think about my time in more than once each day of my life. This book is an amazing read. I have read about 75% of the books about this current conflict. This one is one of the best. Our troops are as brave as any generation before. This book is a living horror movie. I hope the sacrifice will be worth it. Bellavia made me laugh when he goes into his tirades about the Marine Corps but the rivalry will always exist I suppose. The Marine Corps has the hardest basic training and the toughest discipline standards during your full enlistment, but in a combat zone, it seems that issue becomes a moot point. When you throw any serviceman into this kind of hell, what does it matter where you trained or what branch you serve in? I have friends who are in the Sea Bee reserves who saw combat in Iraq. This book keeps describing the role of a leader and how that keeps playing in his mind. To fail as an NCO in this situation is unacceptable. You can see that weighing on his mind constantly. I knew many Marines who were losers and many who were the best of the best. Bellavia is as tough as they come. Being that it is the Army, I wonder why he was not awarded the MOH. This would have been a silver star or Navy cross for a Marine at least for the actions that took place in that one on five fight. The Army usually gives out one higher on awards than Marines. I guess that this type of fighting is becoming too common to give out such high awards. There would be dozens already awarded during this conflict. Any grunt knows that after seeing combat, medals mean nothing to them. However, What he did in this book went well above and beyond the call of duty. As a veteran of Beirut and Central America, I just worry about how life will turn out for him. Bellavia will certainly join the ranks of those who suffer from the daily intrusive thoughts related to their time spent watching people you think as brothers die. The God issues playing in your head late at night as your wife sleeps next to you, the fear of not being there for your children for some reason or another and through the years, the sadness of getting news that another close military buddy passed away recently. God bless Bellavia and all of the others who served in this war. I just hope that in 20 years, when the word Iraq is mentioned, that ears perk up in the office more than they do when words like Panama, Somalia, Bosnia, Nicaragua and Beirut are mentioned. Anyone who saw combat in any war deserves to be given a good ear. Especially when some civilian brought the conversation up first. There is no worse feeling of having a "civilian" pester you about your service then drift off, interrupt you with an unrelated question like, "Did you see that game last night?" or actually say, "No way, come on man. Really?." when you finally tell them some of the horrors that you have witnessed. At least Bellavia has a book that he can just hand them. I teach high school now. Every time some student or colleague needs to be given a tongue lashing about something, that angry grunt that still lives inside of you has to stay silent so that you can keep paying your bills and feeding your kids. It sometimes feels more difficult than four years in the infantry. To keep your anger bottled up like that leads to a lot of anxiety. Welcome to the civilian world Bellavia. Good luck to you and your family. I was proud to read your book and give you that "good ear". You and your fellow grunts deserve it.

Perfect, lively written, realistic account of the battle for Fallujah. I can just recommend this book. The author is a very gifted writer.

You will get a very clear understanding about the conditions 'on the ground', in which the infantry lives and dies. For people living in comfortable cities away from war, this book may be a bit shocking.

First of all I couldn't believe SSG Bell wrote a book! I remember him from 2-2 infantry while stationed near a little town in Germany on the corner of the river Vils. I was really curious about what he had to say about Iraq and I wasn't disappointed. It was like I was having flash backs as I read the book and names of friends I new who didn't make it out of there were listed towards the end. I have to give SSG Bell credit though his book is very, very accurate and it doesn't cut corners on what has to be said in describing the experience of Soldiers at war. We lost some good people over there and I'm just glad someone like SSG Bell told of their sacrifice. I would definately recommend this book to other Soldiers, and people looking for a good read about my old unit the Ramrods of 2-2 Infantry in Fallujah. Well good luck to you SSG Bell on your career as a journalist.

Hooah!

This is a grim, gritty read of the life of an infantryman in modern war. It is also uplifting to read of the strength and dedication of these men to each other that is formed in the crucible of combat. It lacked 5 stars because sometimes the narrative jumps around so much that it is hard to follow. I suppose some of that is the natural result of combat. It is the kind of read that you just can't stop turning the page. I would warn the potential reader that the subject matter is not for the squeemish. This book is well worth the purchase price.

This was written just like a movie. It really showed the mind set of these brave soldiers. I hate it when people write that this was one of those cant put it down books. But this was a cant put it down book. This book is non political. Its the type of book that you can read and hope to understand what goes on in the minds of those who fight. Great read.

Good read. What war is like from the grunt point of view. I respect our troops more than ever after reading things like this book. Hoooh.

This book grabs you right from the start and does not let go until the end. I litterly let go a sigh of relief, when I finished the book.

These men know how to fight and had a willingness to carry the fight to the enemy. Being a disabled combat "Nam" vet, I was so proud of them.

The story was factual all the way. The insight into how combat really is, was of great importance to me. No john Wayne heroics, just in your face, guts and glory, with the attitude of getting it done. It was not about officiers, but the real reason a war is won. The man behind the weapon, ready, experienced and willing to use it. I would give this book six (6) stars if I could.

The men in the story are tough, focused, dedicated, and a rare breed of soldiers. Their human side comes through in so many different ways that you fell as if you know them somehow.

The best book I have read in years.

TDAnderson

This memoir is a graphic reminder of just how personal modern warfare can still be in an urban environment. The book does a good job at portraying the battle for Fallujah from the combatant's perspective, not from a journalist or a historian's perspective. His thoughts, struggles and personal issues are all wrapped up into this narrative of combat like no other book I've read on the subject. Although the author is a bit "too eloquent" at times with his portrayals, this book is still definately a must read for anyone interested in combat in general or the modern War on Terror.

Best read this year. I could not put the book down. It is a war memoir not a literary masterpiece.

I already had a high view of infintry soldiers as I have a former Army warrior who is my partner and manages the business. My appreciaion of the training, commitment and sacrifice of the FEMF,to modify an acronym from the book, increased ten fold. Thanks David, thank you Deanna, Evan and Aiden. Exodus 15:3

Thank you SSG Bellavia for putting into words the story of the great sacrifices being made by our military in Iraq. Reading this made me appreciate those in uniform even more. This memoir was so real and so compelling, I could not put it down. For those wondering what it's like to be in combat in Iraq, this book nails it. It will make you feel like you are there. What a great book. God bless our troops and their families.