Customer Reviews:
 My Country and the Lone Star State... November 24, 2008
Ron Braithwaite (El Indio, Texas United States)
"Lone Survivor" is a terrific tale of terrible hardship, fear, heroism and a refusal to give up, physically or morally. We are given a front row seat as to SEAL training and indoctrination and, then, we see these things in action against incredible odds. The reader comes to realize that SEAL training is not so much about physical hardening--as a matter of fact, much of SEAL training probably weakens hard bodies--as it is about finding those very few men who will seldom, if ever, give up when in impossible situations. br / br /This is basically what we see in the combat phase of this story. Four SEALs are assaulted by 200 or more Taliban on steep, virtually impossible terrain. The Taliban aren't wimps. They are dedicated Jihadists willing to take casualties. Take casualties they do but during the course of a confused, hours long, verticle battle, they succeed in killing three of the SEAL team and badly injuring and shooting up the fourth [Luttrell]. Miraculously Lutrrell survives by throwing himself multiple times down clifflike hillsides and, even more miraculously, always comes up with his rifle, managing to kill and wound more of the enemy. br / br /Broken, battered and wounded Luttrell is finished to be resuced by friendly Afghans who decide to give him the blood-oath sanctuary of their protection. The Taliban nevertheless try to take him away and execute him but the tribal chieftain will have none of it. He not only protects Luttrell but the old man singlehandedly walks to a U.S. base and tells them of Luttrell's presence. Luttrell is rescued but we wonder about the fate of his rescuers. br / br /Unfortunately, the cost of an earlier resuce attempt is a helicopter, full of elite troops, downed with the loss of all hands. Only one criticism I can level at the story. The detail is, perhaps, a little too good. The vast majority of individuals going through a Luttrell-type experience would simply block part of it. The pain, fear, disorientation and shock while falling and wounded tend to play hovoc with memory...but...perhaps SEALS, by nature and training, remember... br / br /Incidentally, I quite agree with Luttrell about the miserable and biased U.S. press. I also agree that our 'rules of engagement', generally speaking, are articles for defeat. I also disapprove of sending military attorneys [political commissars] into combat situations to approve or disapprove of the legal 'correctness' of a military action. br / br /Ron Braithwaite, author of novels--"Skull Rack" and "Hummingbird God"--on the Spanish Conquest of Mexico
Proud to be an American November 24, 2008
James M. Hillman (Cullman, AL)
I bought 4 of these books and gave them as gifts so that my friends could see that the courage displayed at Mt Surabachi Iwa Jima still exists today. I was spellbound throughout the entire narrative. Also, I remembered how outraged I was when I first heard of the loss of 15 SEALS in a RESCUE mission three years ago. High brass didnt make the decision to GO, SEAL Team 10 did. My heart goes out to all the families. I encourage the World to read this book. Americans will feel a cold chill and our enemies will know. br /Now, I am amazed of the memory and courage of Carlos Hathcock, you the reader imagine 4 fighting Hathcock's enaging an entire company of Taliban. Be proud you are an American. br /Mike
 Hardcore! Brought a tear to my eye November 22, 2008
HBHCFSU (HB, CA)
This is a damn good book. Not so good if you're looking for TTP's but a very good story about some very tough men. br / br /The first half of the book is all about how tough SEALS are, how great the SEALS are, and just how bob bitchin' the SEALS are. I really, really got sick of hearing how tough, cool, patriotic and elite the SEALS are. You would think there were no other warriors in the world. The author goes way overboard emphasizing this and I really got tired of it. OK, SEALS invented water, walked on it, then turned it into wine. Holy smokes how about a little humility? br / br /When the authors aren't full of themselves, the details of BUDS and how physically exhausting it is, is pretty good. br / br /The Book really takes off about halfway through, when the gunfight starts. It took me about a week to get to that part, then read the second half in a day. I couldn't put it down and when his team mates started dying it made me really, really sad. The authors did a great job of putting you there and make you feel for these guys that are dying in a far off foreign land.... br / br /Overall this was a great book and would have got 5 stars from me if it were not for the overly redundant self ingratiation. Don't get me wrong, I have immense respect for the SEALS and they are great at what they do. Especially what these guys did, which was give their lives. I do believe in Esprit De Corps, but the book IS way over the top in that dept. br / br /If you can get a cheap copy, definitely pick it up.
Lone Survivor November 22, 2008
Robin W. Shepard (Denver, PA)
Very good book. Everyone who wants to better understand who the Taliban are and what their objectives are should read this book. It is also an inspiring story of courage and the will to live against unbelieveably tough circumstances. I have added this author's name to the list of people I would like to meet someday.
Lone Survivor November 20, 2008
QB Boesch (North Carolina)
"Lone Survivor" is an absolutely gripping account of what "makes" the men who wear the Trident of US Navy SEALS who they are. br / br /It is educational and compelling. A great read for anyone interested in understanding the challenges of serving with special operations in the mountains of Afghanistan.
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