Rating: 
Summary: Rivoting, Incredible and a MUST READ
Review: Words cannot describe this book--This is a gripping, well-written narration of intestinal fortitude, strength, dedication, and professionalism. Mike Durant and our soldiers, those of the Rangers, 160th and 10th Mountain Division, are justly deserving of commendation. As a veteran of the Somalia conflict, I found Mike's book accurate and a good description of not only the tragic events of Oct 3-4, 1993 and the still widely-unknown heroics of the rescue missions. His sideline narratives on his other combat experiences were well placed and gave a good frame of reference and were a testament to the unusual technical and mental skills of Mike Durant and his fellow soldiers.
Rating:
Summary: Incredible Read
Review: This book was absolutely great. I recieved it as a Christmas present from a friend of mine on the evening of December 23. By 3 a.m. on December 25 I had finished it! IT could not put it down. Now I miss the book. I feel like I need more! As an aspiring Army Aviator, this book motivated me beyond belief and has made think of my career path in a different light by leaving more to consider. If you really want to know what happened in Mogadishu, you should read this as well as Black Hawk Down.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent book for the mililtary enthusiast
Review: This is an excellent of Michael J. Durant's experience in the "Mog". Durant also describes his personal account as a POW and as a helocopter pilot. The book gets you in the mindset of Durant as he explains what it is like to be a POW, his hopes and fears. The book does contain chapters on Durant's military career that has nothing to do with with Somalia, but an interesting read none the less.
Rating: 
Summary: An exceptional book !
Review: This book gave a real feel for what it's like to not only fight but also be captured in present day wars. This is also a rare find due to the fact that most books of this nature are about Vietnam and Korean War POW's. This story also brings a reality; we should praise the people who save men like Michael Durant. This is also a jam packed story about struggle from the day to day bases and how he overcame them. This added another dimension to the story and the reader. The story proves that to live all you need is just hope. This book is hard to understand, unless you read Mark Bowden's "Black Hawk Down." Over all I believe that everyone should be exposed to this book. I know West Point has a new book added to the required reading.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing. An opportunity missed.
Review: I had been looking forward to this book for some time but it didn't live up to my expectations. If you're looking for a book about Mike's life as an SF pilot then this does the job quite well. If, like myself, you're expecting a balanced account of Mike's experience in Somalia, you may be let down. About half the book is taken up with anecdotes and memories that have nothing to do with Somalia. That's no big deal as it is still an interesting read, but the description on the back cover doesn't provide any indication of the true nature of the book so I felt a bit had. Books aren't cheap after all. The back cover synopsis does use the word torture, which undoubtedly increased sales significantly. Although Mike was badly injured and wasn't given five star treatment, and I don't envy his position one little bit, he didn't have electrodes connected to his genitals either. Again, misleading and typical sensationalism. It's a pity to let the facts get in the way of a good story I guess. Another thing that annoyed me was the over-use of totally crap similes. Hartov, who wrote this with, or for, Mike lets the side down badly with this. Perhaps he was story-telling for the lowest common denominator and maximum sales. It is a shame Hartov's audience wasn't treated to a more impressive display of descriptive talent. Further, in the introduction Hartov makes an issue out of the thorough research performed and how Mike's story was checked with others involved even to the extent of going to Somalia and talking to his captors. This book would have benefited significantly if the 'memory lane' stuff had been reduced (some is useful to set the scene) and the perspective of others directly involved had been included. After all, US forces underestimated the enemy and got badly bitten. Mike was shot down, captured and released. Several people were killed trying to get him out, unsuccessfully. I am not so sure that this is something Americans should be beating chests and waving flags about. It seems to me that including a Somalian perspective would have added real balance and given a more accurate depiction of the realities of the incident. A small effort along these lines was made with the inclusion of the letter from the wife of a Delta operator, and to me that was one of the most valuable parts of the story. All things considered it was a pretty good read and I salute Mike's bravery and resolve. Fortunately and correctly, Mike doesn't put himself forward as a hero; rather he, as indicated in the title, gives full credit to his fellow soldiers. But I strongly suspect another author [not Hartov] could have done a far better job and presented a more insightful account. An opportunity missed I think.
Rating:
Summary: The Story Flows
Review: This story is not about the Battle of the Black Sea, as featured in Black Hawk Down, as some may think. It is all about Durrant's captivity and other aspects of his life. However, it is an awesome story. It flows like fiction and is written incredibly well. I would recommend this book to both people interested in the Somalia conflict and in the 160th SOAR (A). It is a good book more military history fans and it really helps you understand captivity for POWs. One thing that I got out of it as a soldier myself is to rely on my training. Mike Durrant relied on his training and he got through an incredible set of circumstances.
Rating:
Summary: The real story
Review: We all remember the images of Michael Durant as he was held captive for 11 days in Somalia. This book tells the real story behind the pictures and the unbelievable odds Michael Durant had to overcome just to survive. He also has the guts to rip the Clinton administration for turning its back on the boys in the battlefield, something Blackhawk Down sort of danced around. It's certainly a page-turner.
Rating:
Summary: i shouldnt but I will
Review: I know i shouldnt tear Mr. Durant down. He's a hero like Jessica lynch right? I disagree. Why is it that americas heroes today are only the soldiers of ours that have been captured? When did heroism come to mean "i got captured and I survived". John Mccain also a hero. Well it seems to me that America is cought in a psychosis and this book is at the forefront. The romans didnt admire those that were captured, they admired those that won battles. We used to admire the winners, like Patton and Macarthur and Grant. The British used to admire the men who fought to the death, paying the ultimate price. We admired men like that, John Paul Vann, Custer, Nathan Hale. Now I dont want poeple to think I'm slandering Mr. Durant. He's very brave and served his country. I jsut find it a little sickening, a little depressing that men died so that he could be captured. Now the optimist says 'well thats the point' but I am more pessimistic, Gordon and shulbert fought to the death, why couldnt Durant? Why couldnt Lynch. Lynch is getting paid some ungodly amount for her srory and all she did was pass out while her comrades fought bravely to the end. Whats heroic about Lynch? Nothing in my opinion. Something is Heroic about the men who died trying to defend her though(wheres the book on them?). I might be wrong. This was an exciting read, very well written and interesting. Black Hawk Down is better because it shows the whole story.
Rating:
Summary: A Must Read!
Review: I stood in line for over an hour to meet Mr. Durant and get my book signed. It was well worth the wait!! I read this book in just 3 days, it was hard to put down. Don't see the movie of Blackhawk Down--read this! This tells the true story of everything that happened first hand. I commend Mr. Durant for sharing his story. I recommend this book highly.
Rating:
Summary: An Important and Impressive Story
Review: Obivously this is the story of Michael Durant, famous as one of the downed Black Hawk pilots in "Black Hawk Down". Mr. Durant cuts to the chase in this book and the way it reads, it is as if he is sitting in the room telling you the story himself. Coming to terms with his ordeal in Somalia has not surprisingly taken some time to get over, or at least let the healing process start. His tone throughout the book changes obviously from talking about his growing up, to training and being accepted in the SOAR 160, to the day he was shot down in Mogadishu. What struck me was his somberness and complete showing of respect and humility when talking about the 2 Delta Force troopers who gave their life to save his. I think anyone would be grateful, but it is his words that put forth the thought that Mr. Durant was (I hate to use a cliche but...) pouring his heart into his writing when talking of those 2 men. The note written by one of the widows to Mr. Durant which they both thankfully agreed to print, was one of the most moving pieces of writing I have ever read. From reading the book (and the title), you get the idea that it is not so much about his heroism, but his experiences. He also makes it apparent that this book is more a salute to his peers around him, both past and present, than it is about him.
|
