Rating: 
Summary: riveting read
Review: Seriously one of the fastest, most riveting reads I've ever experienced. The completely objective point of view helps make it more powerful as the reader jumps from troop to troop, keeping track of the different blockades and events that affect each and every single person in the operation. People argue that it's too hard to keep track of all the characters, but I say that could be one of the points the author is trying to make, or it could be a point that is unintentionally made. Nevertheless, a great book.
Rating:
Summary: Why We Do It
Review: As an ex ranger, I strongly take exception to the review of March 23, 2003 from Australia. Mark's book, "Black Hawk Down", tells the reader perfectly clearly what we do as Rangers. And, as to why we do what we do in the military? Mark says it in "Black Hawk Down", and, as the reviewer from Virginia in the review dated Feb 16, 2003 says, Norm Remick's book, "West Point: Character Leadership.." further explains the roots of the deep, philosophical feelings of duty (to the guy next to you, and, to the family back home), honor, and patriotism that are pervasive throughout the US military, including the Special Ops, like Rangers. That's what makes our military the best in the world. Also recommended: Remick's "West Point: Character Leadership..", and, Robin Moore's "The Hunt For Bin Laden".
Rating: 
Summary: good book, more info. than the movie
Review: This book came out well before the movie version did, and it is a lot less antiseptic in its reporting as well. For example, when a 5 year old kid is shot by an American soldier that thought he was the enemy. This was nowhere in the movie. A lot more graphic detail about this sad situation is included, where a well-meaning mission went awry and fatally wrong. It is sad those American soldiers lost their lives as well as the many innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. Great for understanding the problem with peacekeeping and missions in such poor countries. Sadly, George W. Bush found out about Clinton not allowing the use of C130 planes instead of just Black Hawks from the movie version, and not an adviser or better yet the book. Good pace in the book, great writing and lots of information as well.
Rating:
Summary: poweful, stirring, perfect
Review: One of a few book I call flawless on my own personal scale. You will not regret reading this book no matter your stance on war today, yesterday or tomorrow.
Rating:
Summary: Benchmark for Military Reporting
Review: Mark Bowden style, research, and documentation places him at the forefront of reporting on combat. Bowden tackles all the sides and gives a voice for what really happened out there. The film, though pretty accurate, lacks the depth of the book and so has nearly every other book on the military I have read..... Interview those who were there! Let the facts do the talking. An absolutely devastating tale told in a "you are there" fashion.
Rating:
Summary: Remember Those Who laid down their lives for Us!!!
Review: I think Mr.Bowden really know how to describe/analysis the truth he collected.
No matter the goods ones or the bad ones. In this book you will gain some basic knowledge about Somalia.
The mess inside the country and U.N`s weak involvement.
Then why those bad boys came down there to solve the problem. You could also share the feelings of those young warriors.
The Professional D-Boys and Young Rangers fought for the men next to them.
The crazy firefight just presents/proves their bravery. A guy in Economist posted a childish criticism about US government gave medals to those who fought down there instead of court-marshal them with war crimes. I think he really needs to read this book, or go to the front line on his own!!! May God Bless those who fought for us in Afganistan and Iraq!!!
Rating:
Summary: truth and horror
Review: This was a very accurate account of this event. I would suggest to anyone who wants a clear picture of what happened in this fight that they read the book and let the movie fall second behind what is reality. Everyone should read this book to know a little bit more about the sacrifices that soldiers have to make when in the line of duty. It's a very sobering affect and should make you very proud to be an American. Only people who have been there and know what it's like truly have a right to criticize any military actions taken on for the sake of freedom and democracy. People who don't know better and who don't live in this country should keep their mouths closed.
Rating:
Summary: Leave no man behind
Review: While others have written books recounting battles and wars, Mark Bowden has penned, in Black Hawk Down, an incredibly real, almost surreal, account of war that enthralls and invigorates like no other. When reading the book, you not only feel like you're there in the bustling and chaotic Bakara Market in impoverished Mogadishu, you also feel like you are a veritable member of Task Force Ranger. Bowden takes you, the reader, to the site of this tumultuous bloodshed vicariously through his exquisite and no-holds-barred account of modern warfare. So much better than the movie, the book fully engrosses you and makes you root for the Rangers and Delta Force members, as they find themselves in for a real barn burner in hostile territory, overwhelmingly outnumbered by thousands of hostile drugged-out AK-47 toting clansmen. Despite only losing 18 valiant men to hundreds, if not thousands(depends who you ask) of Sammys, many seem to chalk The Battle of Mogadishu up as a destitute failure. Although it would have been a resounding success, if not for the inaction and incompetence of Secretary of Defense Les Aspin and President Clinton, Task Force Ranger nonetheless achieved their objectives of extracting two high-ranking clan leaders. The procurement of AC-130 Gunships, Abrams Tanks, and Bradley Fighting Vehicles, as requested by General Montgomery - and subsequently denied by Aspin, would have assured a more pragmatic, and in turn, more successful battle plan. This book is a tribute to the brave men and women, like Randy Shughart and Gary Gordon, who fight, and oftentimes die, so that we may be free.
Rating:
Summary: "Black Hawk Down" Ultimate Urban Combat
Review: BHD the book takes into the scene of the combat zone.Once I read this book, it put the military into a new category for me. With having met Master SGT Matt Eversman myself. He said in a presentation I sat in, " The book is around 90% accurate".
Rating:
Summary: Awesome
Review: Any aspiring military leader can learn a lot from reading this book. Yeah, the movie is good but you can always get more from the book.
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