Rating: 
Summary: An Excellent Tribute to Duty, Honor, and Bravery
Review: This book embodies the idea of how elite our elite forces are. Overpowered 30 to 1, any other country would have crumbled as quickly as it started. Bowden makes excellent work of expressing everything from the body-covered battlefield, to the intricate thoughts and feelings of our heroes. From the interviews, you get an exact sense of how the elite training shined through. He not only tells a story, he pays tribute to our embattled and fallen comrades. Outstanding.
Rating:
Summary: Riveting - a graphic, poignant story of "modern" war
Review: Less a narrative than a conversation, I thought it wonderfully captured the horror, the confusion, and the awful energy of battle. It brings perspectives from different sides of the conflict. The whole book is moving and tragic. A fast, fast read. The epilogue is a must-read. The author seemed to break loose from literary constraints and spoke directly from his heart. It was obviously quite a ride for him. I felt like he was in my home speaking directly to me. A tremendous lesson. I hope we learn.
Rating:
Summary: This is the Fog of War as it happens
Review: An excellent description of the confusion which arises during military operations. It has been said that war is an unfolding of miscalculations this operation proves that adage. The determination and courage of the soldier on the ground were the redeeming factor. As a serving soldier I have learned a lot from their experience.
Rating: 
Summary: WELL WRITTEN ACCOUNT THAT TAKES YOU INTO THE ACTION
Review: Mr. Bowden takes us through the intricate details of this star-crossed mission without getting burdened by overly technical descriptions. It is an action-packed, accurate account which will rivet you to your seat. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Gripping.
Review: Exciting and detailed, a must read for those interested in the military. I was moved by the bravery of the men and the confusion of the situation. However, the narrative was a little confusing - more maps, diagrams and pictures would have helped.
Rating: 
Summary: Mark's C-SPAN description was better than the book.
Review: I bought this book after watching the author's riveting and emotional account of this story on C-SPAN2's book review. Anyone watching this first-person account (of one of this century's worst military gaffes) would be compelled to read this book.But what a let-down! Let me just put it this way: Mr. Bowden speaks much more succinctly and powerfully than he writes. For all of you Stephen King fans out there, this is the "Bag of Bones" of military stories. Tons and tons of endless--and seemingly irrelevant--character development (or fluff, as I call it) that works better than any OTC sleep inducer. But that's just my opinion. I'm more of a Tom Clancy fan when it comes to war stories. And even he tends to go off on endless tangents.
Rating:
Summary: A thought-provoking and disturbing revelation of real war
Review: Undoubtedly, one of the best books I have ever read. One is always in the action, and once in, the book cannot be surrendered until finished. All in one this book lends appreciation for the chaos, stupidity, and soldiers' view of battle. One senses the action, fear, loss, bewliderment, anger, pride, and sadness of the men who took part in this event. One cannot help but appreciate America's warriors and feel contempt for America's policy-makers. For anyone interested in the real miltiary, this is a must-read.
Rating:
Summary: Riveting
Review: I could not put this book down. Amazingly vivid and human account of a horrifying situation.
Rating:
Summary: Gripping account of Somalia
Review: As spellbinding as "The Triumph and the Glory", as painstakingly researched as any John Keegan military history volume, and as up to date as today's headlines, "Blackhawk Down" is simply the best account of modern combat since Crusade:The Untold Story of the Persian Gulf War. It is just magnificent!
Rating:
Summary: The Genuine Article
Review: I was privileged to serve with many of the soldiers portrayed in this book. The privates are now sergeants and were, one might say, my mentors. This book fleshes out the portrait of battle so laconically described by those who were there. From one who heard it from the horse's mouth, this book is the real thing.
| 
