Best US Afghan War History

This is the story of fire team leader Marcus Luttrell, the sole survivor of Operation Redwing, and the desperate battle in the mountains that led, ultimately, to the largest loss of life in Navy SEAL history.
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When Navy SEAL Adam Brown woke up on March 17, 2010, he didn’t know he would die that night in the Hindu Kush Mountains of Afghanistan—but he was ready: In a letter to his children, not meant to be seen unless the worst happened, he wrote, “I’m not afraid of anything that might happen to me on this earth, because I know no matter what, nothing can take my spirit from me.”. Long before Adam Brown became a member of the elite SEAL Team SIX—the counterterrorism unit that took down Osama bin Laden—he was a fun-loving country boy from Hot Springs, Arkansas, whose greatest goal had been to wear his high school’s football jersey. An absorbing chronicle of heroism and humanity, Fearless presents an indelible portrait of a highly trained warrior who would enter a village with weapons in hand to hunt terrorists, only to come back the next day with an armload of shoes and meals for local children. It succeeds where all the others have failed.” —Anonymous SEAL Team SIX Operator “Adam Brown’s zest for life led him down a few dark alleys and more than one dead end. In his latest book, Fearless , Eric Blehm does a marvelous and moving job uncovering the man—the men—beneath the SEAL mythology of elite, rock-hard warriors, renowned for their courage and skill. The SEALs in Fearless hug their children, seek comfort from their wives, wear Batman briefs, answer to names like Big Bird and Fozzy, mourn lost buddies, and risk their lives to rescue civilians from the field of fire. This book will motivate you to challenge yourself to be…fearless.” —SEAL teammate of Adam Brown, BUD/S Class 226 “There is a quote from the Bible etched onto the memorial that stands in the shadow of World Trade Center steel that resembles a massive trident: ‘Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send? Fearless is a clear and deeply honest portrait of an authentic American man who lived and loved with an intrepid personal velocity. “ Fearless stands unique among works of modern combat literature through author Eric Blehm’s masterful weaving of a fallen Navy SEAL’s professional war-fighting life with his complex personal victories and travails. Eric Blehm is the best-selling author of The Only Thing Worth Dying For, which recounts the harrowing story of the first Special Forces A-team to infiltrate Taliban-held southern Afghanistan weeks after 9/11. The Last Season, winner of the National Outdoor Book Award, was named by Outside magazine as one of the ten “greatest adventure biographies ever written.” Blehm lives in California with his wife and children.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I didn't regret it the first time I bought it, or the second time I bought it to replace my ruined book."
"While any journey to wear a SEAL Trident takes a monumental effort, Adams journey is even more incredible with all the stumbling blocks he encountered. The author spoke with his childhood friends and family and in the first 80 pages outlined the story of a fun-loving kid. He was a kid who liked to push himself and loved dangerous feats, like jumping off of bridges into the river. I have seen first-hand the damage that drugs like crack can do, so this story is even more amazing that he reached the top tier of the Navy SEALs while having to overcome the constant call of his crack addiction. He caved in his shinbone, had back problems, arthritis, walked around in constant pain all while fighting the urge to smoke crack, yet he still managed to overcome these issues, any one of which would disqualify a normal man, yet he still forged on. In Afghanistan he would never leave any checkpoint or observation post without helping fill sandbags or in some way fortifying the outpost. He would regularly give away his MREs to the local children and even organized his church to send kids sneakers when he realized that the local Afghan children had to wear open sandals during the harsh mountain winters."
"This deeply moving book is about a man who overcame huge challenges as a husband, father, and Navy SEAL."
"Like many of us, his family is affected by his actions and suffers their own doubts and fears until they turn to a local Pastor who shares some of their experience. Adam's story is told by his family, friends and fellow Seals who were anxious to tell of their friends willingness to volunteer for the tough assignments, to struggle on even when wounded and his strong team spirit all which made him a fearless hero in their eyes."
"Great book."
"This book had me from the beginning."
"I listened to the audiobook version while driving at work and if you could imagine a grown man driving all by themselves laughing out loud, shaking his head in frustration, and even balling his eyes out at parts ..."

New York Times Bestseller A stirringly evocative, thought-provoking, and often jaw-dropping account, The Operator ranges across SEAL Team Operator Robert O’Neill’s awe-inspiring four-hundred-mission career, which included his involvement in attempts to rescue “Lone Survivor” Marcus Luttrell and abducted-by-Somali-pirates Captain Richard Phillips and which culminated in those famous three shots that dispatched the world’s most wanted terrorist, Osama bin Laden. In frank and vivid detail and blunt and plain language, Mr. O'Neill describes some of the 400 counterterrorism operations and close quarter combat he experienced in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere through his career as a SEAL . Fans of battlefield narratives, such as Michael Golembesky's Level Zero Heroes , will relish this gripping perspective on 21st-century warfare." O’Neill wrote himself into American history with the three shots he fired into Osama bin Laden, but if you think that operation was intense wait till you read about the ones that preceded it. What O’Neill has written is unique, surprising, a kind of counternarrative, and certainly the other half of the story of one of the world’s most famous military operations . In the larger sense, this book is about how to be alive—how to be human while in the very same moment dealing with death, destruction, combat.” —Doug Stanton, New York Times bestselling author of In Harm’s Way and Horse Soldiers Robert O’Neill was born and raised in Butte, Montana, and lived there for nineteen years until he joined the Navy in 1996. O’Neill helped cofound Your Grateful Nation, an organization committed to transitioning Special Operations veterans into their next successful career.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This book regards the experiences of the author in serving as a U.S. Navy SEAL member on some 400+ "missions", with his account of being the person who actually shot and killed Osama Bin Laden -- the Islamist who coordinated the hijacked airplane, suicidal Islamikazi attacks on 9/11/2001 that destroyed several skyscrapers in NYC and damaged the Pentagon. I'm not going to recount the author's entire 25-page raid of rappelling from a helicopter into Osama's high-walled "fortress", but will quote the author as claiming that as he climbed up a stairwell to Osama's third floor: "Osama bin Laden stood near the entrance at the foot of the bed, taller and thinner than I'd expected, his beard shorter and hair whiter....In less than a second, I aimed above the woman's right shoulder [who was standing in front of Osama] and pulled the trigger twice. Even if the author hadn't been the SEAL who downed Osama, his recounting of his other combat experiences would still make this book an interesting read."
"The Operator: Firing the Shots that Killed Osama bin Laden and My Years as a SEAL Team WarriorI heard Rob O'Neil speak at a private event (hosted by Senator Dan Brown of the Missouri Senate.). He was not at all boastful, in fact he was mighty modest and impressed me as the boy next door, I mean, just a really a nice guy."
"If you've never read a SEAL memoir, then consider it a 5 star book and get this one."
"I enjoyed this book for details about the SEALs, their tactics and mindset."
"The events that led up to some historical events is great from O'Neill's prospective is spot on and humorous at times."
"Cannot imagine anyone, in less perilous situations e.g. including clubs, corporate, that would not enjoy a bit of this Amazing Story, history, and the highly trained voice of Experience and Leadership, in easy to understand manner."
"Very interesting insight into what Navy SEAL training is like and the lifestyle SEALS lead."
"Then I ran out and told all my friends about it because as far as I''m concerned, it's a must read."
Best Middle Eastern History

Jewish Book Council Book of the Year. Sunday Businesss Post 20120318 ...heterogenous, sprawling, erudite and touched by genius Catholic Herald 20120224 A fittingly vast and dazzling portrait of Jerusalem, utterly compelling from start to finish. -- Christopher Hart THE SUNDAY TIMES Outstanding, superbly objective, elegantly written and highly entertaining -- Saul David MAIL ON SUNDAY Simon Sebag Montefiore's history of Jerusalem is a labour of love and scholarship... a considerable achievement... he has a wonderful ear for the absurdities and adventurers of the past... totally gripping... vivid compelling, engaged, engrossing, knowledgeable -- Barnaby Rogerson THE INDEPENDENT Compelling and thought-provoking...Working on an immense chronological and thematic canvas Sebag Montefiore does his subject more than justice. -- David Hepworth THE WORD MAGAZINE It is a gripping read, told with verve and fluency, and explains why Jerusalem, like a living person, has touched the heart of so many cultures, East and West, for so long.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Even the author, Montefiore, seems to appear as a character (through his incredible ancestors)."
"There is little to glorify as today's hatred often focuses on our ritualistic differences representing some three percent of what really counts."
"brings forth the basics of why we are in the present mid-east mess."
"Captivating and beautifully written."
"A trifle long but what a treat!"
"I've read a few books on various eras of Jerusalem (crusades, roman occupation, etc) but I had not seen one book that followed the history of the city from its earliest days through Judaism, Christianity and Islam, to 6 day war."
"You can look at this book from several levels."
"Read this book and you will better understand it all."
Best Biographies of the Military Navy

His fellow American warriors, whom he protected with deadly precision from rooftops and stealth positions during the Iraq War, called him “The Legend”; meanwhile, the enemy feared him so much they named him al-Shaitan (“the devil”) and placed a bounty on his head. American Sniper is a compelling read.” (CLINT EASTWOOD). “An amazingly detailed account of fighting in Iraq--a humanizing, brave story that’s extremely readable.” (PATRICIA CORNWELL, New York Times Book Review ). A brave warrior and patriot, Chris Kyle writes frankly about the missions, personal challenges, and hard choices that are part of daily life of an elite SEAL Sniper. His fellow American warriors, whom he protected with deadly precision from rooftops and stealth positions during the Iraq War, called him “The Legend”; meanwhile, the enemy feared him so much they named him al-Shaitan (“the devil”) and placed a bounty on his head. Kyle, who was tragically killed in 2013, writes honestly about the pain of war—including the deaths of two close SEAL teammates—and in moving first-person passages throughout, his wife, Taya, speaks openly about the strains of war on their family, as well as on Chris.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Most of the low rated reviews were from folks posting negative comments that had not even read the book. I made a point to bring this to the attention of potential buyers of Chris's book so they wouldn't let the low ratings affect their decision to read, what I think is a very good story. I think Chris, with help of course, did a pretty darn good job describing his experiences. This book is written in what I would call a sort of "conversational style". I liked his sense of humor (I caught myself laughing out loud at times). It's interesting to read about what sort of equipment someone needs to survive in that kind of environment. It's easy to sit in a nice comfortable home, and second guess him but the bottom line is that I am quite sure the men that served next to him were glad he was there."
"I'm glad to have had the opportunity to read a first hand perspective from one of the most prolific soldiers in the US Military."
"The author was a great asset to this country, but I think he was a much better sniper than he was a writer, and probably his next books would have changed for the better, but he suffered a lethal attack from a troubled, ungrateful individual he was trying to be nice to, and his life was cut short for his efforts."
"Good story, Im very impressed with Chris Kyle and although I was not a Navy Seal, I did 22 and half years in the Navy and I can understand a lot of his thought process and I totally understand the greater side of this story and that's the emotional side dealing with being away from the job and having a loving family."
"This is an excellent book, but certainly not for the style, which is elementary at best and could probably have used more editing."
Best US Iraq War History

New York Times Bestseller A stirringly evocative, thought-provoking, and often jaw-dropping account, The Operator ranges across SEAL Team Operator Robert O’Neill’s awe-inspiring four-hundred-mission career, which included his involvement in attempts to rescue “Lone Survivor” Marcus Luttrell and abducted-by-Somali-pirates Captain Richard Phillips and which culminated in those famous three shots that dispatched the world’s most wanted terrorist, Osama bin Laden. In frank and vivid detail and blunt and plain language, Mr. O'Neill describes some of the 400 counterterrorism operations and close quarter combat he experienced in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere through his career as a SEAL . Fans of battlefield narratives, such as Michael Golembesky's Level Zero Heroes , will relish this gripping perspective on 21st-century warfare." O’Neill wrote himself into American history with the three shots he fired into Osama bin Laden, but if you think that operation was intense wait till you read about the ones that preceded it. What O’Neill has written is unique, surprising, a kind of counternarrative, and certainly the other half of the story of one of the world’s most famous military operations . In the larger sense, this book is about how to be alive—how to be human while in the very same moment dealing with death, destruction, combat.” —Doug Stanton, New York Times bestselling author of In Harm’s Way and Horse Soldiers Robert O’Neill was born and raised in Butte, Montana, and lived there for nineteen years until he joined the Navy in 1996. O’Neill helped cofound Your Grateful Nation, an organization committed to transitioning Special Operations veterans into their next successful career.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This book regards the experiences of the author in serving as a U.S. Navy SEAL member on some 400+ "missions", with his account of being the person who actually shot and killed Osama Bin Laden -- the Islamist who coordinated the hijacked airplane, suicidal Islamikazi attacks on 9/11/2001 that destroyed several skyscrapers in NYC and damaged the Pentagon. I'm not going to recount the author's entire 25-page raid of rappelling from a helicopter into Osama's high-walled "fortress", but will quote the author as claiming that as he climbed up a stairwell to Osama's third floor: "Osama bin Laden stood near the entrance at the foot of the bed, taller and thinner than I'd expected, his beard shorter and hair whiter....In less than a second, I aimed above the woman's right shoulder [who was standing in front of Osama] and pulled the trigger twice. Even if the author hadn't been the SEAL who downed Osama, his recounting of his other combat experiences would still make this book an interesting read."
"Cannot imagine anyone, in less perilous situations e.g. including clubs, corporate, that would not enjoy a bit of this Amazing Story, history, and the highly trained voice of Experience and Leadership, in easy to understand manner."
"This book not only tells of the story of how justice was served on OBL but honors those who have dedicated and ultimately sacrificed their lives to defend the very freedom we as Americans take for granted everyday."
"As an active NYPD Sgt during 9/11 I'm humbled by Rob's resolve and determination."
"O'neill's hard work and dedication to excellence puts him on a collision course to be involved in some of the most famous battles in recent history."
"Well written account of the life and missions of a DEVGRU SEAL and our current world."
"This was a great read that helped resolve the crazy stories about UBL."
"Concise and honest without the fanfare or hyperbole."
Best US Operation Desert Storm History

Filled with telling personal anecdotes and high adventure, with narratives from the CIA and from Air Force pilots who flew the many classified, risky missions, this book is a riveting portrait of the most spectacular aviation triumphs of the twentieth century. Under its presiding genius, Clarence "Kelly" Johnson, the Skunk Works produced America's first jet fighter, the world's most successful spy plane (U-2), the first three-times-the-speed-of-sound surveillance aircraft and the F-117A stealth fighter. In an entertaining style, the authors describe Johnson's tyrannical managerial style, his thorny but productive relationship with the Air Force and the stealth-technology breakthrough that revolutionized military aviation. He has much to say about the Defense Department bureaucracy and warns, "Everyone in the defense industry knows that bureaucratic regulations, controls, and paperwork are at critical mass... and... in danger of destroying the entire system."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Reading about the amazing things that were being engineered at Skunk Works back when they didn't have the luxury of computers to do their modeling for them. Highly recommend it if you have any interest in aviation, especially top secret military aviation."
"Although this book was written some time ago, it is still a great story, especially when the Stealth Bomber flew right over my neighborhood!"
"I loaned out the 1st two and never got them back - and it is one of the best I have ever read with regard to the development of the spy and stealth planes by the Lockheed Advanced Development Division."
"An well written book with excellent attention to detail."
"Seriously, during the Cold War, our government knew a lot about our spy planes, the USSR government knew a lot about our spy planes, but American citizens knew virtually nothing."
"It was a very good book that I came away with an insight of how the skunk works operated."
"You see the numerous personalities and the power struggles that go on constantly to make progress and balance the delicate negotiations and major daunting constructions that were involved."
"Ben Rich and Leo Janos gave us a glimpse into many of the most secretive and historically significant breakthroughs of the Cold War era."
Best United States Veterans History

New York Times Bestseller A stirringly evocative, thought-provoking, and often jaw-dropping account, The Operator ranges across SEAL Team Operator Robert O’Neill’s awe-inspiring four-hundred-mission career, which included his involvement in attempts to rescue “Lone Survivor” Marcus Luttrell and abducted-by-Somali-pirates Captain Richard Phillips and which culminated in those famous three shots that dispatched the world’s most wanted terrorist, Osama bin Laden. In frank and vivid detail and blunt and plain language, Mr. O'Neill describes some of the 400 counterterrorism operations and close quarter combat he experienced in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere through his career as a SEAL . Fans of battlefield narratives, such as Michael Golembesky's Level Zero Heroes , will relish this gripping perspective on 21st-century warfare." O’Neill wrote himself into American history with the three shots he fired into Osama bin Laden, but if you think that operation was intense wait till you read about the ones that preceded it. What O’Neill has written is unique, surprising, a kind of counternarrative, and certainly the other half of the story of one of the world’s most famous military operations . In the larger sense, this book is about how to be alive—how to be human while in the very same moment dealing with death, destruction, combat.” —Doug Stanton, New York Times bestselling author of In Harm’s Way and Horse Soldiers Robert O’Neill was born and raised in Butte, Montana, and lived there for nineteen years until he joined the Navy in 1996. O’Neill helped cofound Your Grateful Nation, an organization committed to transitioning Special Operations veterans into their next successful career.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This book regards the experiences of the author in serving as a U.S. Navy SEAL member on some 400+ "missions", with his account of being the person who actually shot and killed Osama Bin Laden -- the Islamist who coordinated the hijacked airplane, suicidal Islamikazi attacks on 9/11/2001 that destroyed several skyscrapers in NYC and damaged the Pentagon. I'm not going to recount the author's entire 25-page raid of rappelling from a helicopter into Osama's high-walled "fortress", but will quote the author as claiming that as he climbed up a stairwell to Osama's third floor: "Osama bin Laden stood near the entrance at the foot of the bed, taller and thinner than I'd expected, his beard shorter and hair whiter....In less than a second, I aimed above the woman's right shoulder [who was standing in front of Osama] and pulled the trigger twice. Even if the author hadn't been the SEAL who downed Osama, his recounting of his other combat experiences would still make this book an interesting read."
"Cannot imagine anyone, in less perilous situations e.g. including clubs, corporate, that would not enjoy a bit of this Amazing Story, history, and the highly trained voice of Experience and Leadership, in easy to understand manner."
"This book not only tells of the story of how justice was served on OBL but honors those who have dedicated and ultimately sacrificed their lives to defend the very freedom we as Americans take for granted everyday."
"As an active NYPD Sgt during 9/11 I'm humbled by Rob's resolve and determination."
"O'neill's hard work and dedication to excellence puts him on a collision course to be involved in some of the most famous battles in recent history."
"Well written account of the life and missions of a DEVGRU SEAL and our current world."
"This was a great read that helped resolve the crazy stories about UBL."
"Concise and honest without the fanfare or hyperbole."