Rating: 
Summary: A fantastic historical account that reads like a novel.
Review: This book takes a hard look at the US military and how a group of soldiers, most in thier early 20's, delt with a unimaginable situation. Most people seem to think our men and women in uniform are some kind of automations that only do as they our told. This book gives an incredible and honest account of how these "automations" are actual people, with feelings most of us can in one way or another relate to. If you are looking for a historical book that shows the hieghts of human courage and yet the true horror and confusion of war, this is the book for you.
Rating: 
Summary: One of the best battle accounts I've ever read
Review: This was one of the most gripping books I've ever read -- I couldn't put it down until I'd finished it. Once I'd read it, I felt a mixture of depression and inspiration: Depression because of the hell these guys went through and the fact that the perception back in the States was totally wrong and inspiration because of the courage and devotion of these soldiers. Like most people, I only vaguely remember the battle of Mogadishu -- the video of US soldiers being dragged through the streets, etc. I had no idea of the enormity of the battle. I am also distressed now to know how few people even remember this -- when I told several friends and family members that I was reading this book, most said they didn't even remember the US mission to Somalia. All Americans ought to read this book to fully appreciate what our soldiers are called to do on our behalf.
Rating:
Summary: The Intensity of a Clancy with the impact of real life
Review: A non-fiction book that read like a Tom Clancy novel with a real-life follow through. This book runs the full spectrum of your emotions. Some of the passages will leave you incredulous and others proud of your countrymen.
Rating:
Summary: IF YOU DON'T READ ANYTHING ELSE, READ THIS ONE!!!
Review: Every U.S. citizen should read this book. Not only will you gain a better appreciation of what our military members do to protect our way of life, but you'll get an even greater understanding of the failings of our political and military leaders, at all levels, at the expense of these soldiers/sailors/airmen/marines who put their lives on the line each and every day. As I was reading this book, I was absolutely dumbfounded to find out the details of what went on during the Battle of the Black Sea in October 1993. I recall the downed helicopters, the bodies of the crewmembers being dragged through the steets of Mogadishu, and CWO Durant on television after his capture by the Somalis. I had absolutely no idea of any further details, and thought for a little while that I must have slept through news broadcasts for a couple of weeks while this was being reported. But alas, it wasn't reported, until Mr. Bowden researched and documented the details of the operation in Black Hawk Down. Thanks to all of our servicemembers for a continued job well done, and especially to all of those -- Rangers, Delta Force, 160th SOAR, 10th Mountain Division, and the Malaysian forces -- who suffered through this operation.
Rating:
Summary: Making Us All Proud
Review: For a person who's father fought in the Battle of Mogadishu, Black Hawk Down brings the true experience of combat to life. If anybody wants to really "feel" what it is like to fight in a modern armed conflict - this it. Bowden gives readers a true sense of the horrors and heroism that shaped that fateful October day. This book truly gives justice to the brave men who fought on that tragic day.
Rating:
Summary: A good read
Review: I've long been curious as to what happened in Mogadishu on the day and night of October 3-4, 1993, and now I think I know. Bowden seems to have put a lot of work into reconstructing the battle, giving copious endnotes documenting his sources. His writing is simple and keeps the pace going. I recommend this book to anyone interested in modern combat.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent reporting of the "Battle of Mogadishu"
Review: As a soldier with more than 17 years of active duty under my belt, I've always been amazed at the average civilian's perception of just what it is that soldiers do and why they do it. I gave this book to a civilian friend to read and he refused to believe it as a true account. He said "This sort of thing just couldn't happen" His major problems were in beliving that the Army would let itself be caught off guard as they were and also, as he put it "The slaughter of innocent civilians". To say the least Mr. Bowden's work has opened the eyes of at least a few people to the reality of modern conflicts and the true dangers involved in this country's peacekeeping efforts around the world. Thank you, Mr. Bowden for telling their story. I only hope that whatever movie deal comes out of this does true credit to the fine Americans who fought there.....and doesn't turn in to some lame shoot-em-up starring Bruce Willis. Fiendish
Rating:
Summary: What a story
Review: Have read Clancey , Hunter all of it fiction , this book is not fiction it is a gut wrenching story I read it in one day.
Rating:
Summary: This book drops you right into battle.
Review: Black Hawk Down gives you a such a realistic view of what went on in this vicious firefight that I found myself totally immersed in this book. I found myself going through the emotional swings that these soldiers experienced. I'm very happy Mark Bowden wrote this book, giving justice to the real efforts that these boys made and that they were not casualties in vain. The government and media sometimes do not cover the right or proper stories and the public tends to get hung-up on the political implications. This book brings to life the true heroes of our military. Thank you Mark Bowden, and Thank you Ranger and Delta forces.
Rating:
Summary: Outsanding retelling of our effort in Somaila.
Review: Bowden cpatures the essence of the battle from both sides. The full range of emotions are effectively described. Bowden also illustrates tthe flip-flop of our foriegn policy and the futlity of committing troops to a no-win situation. Enlightening, Enjoyable reading
| 
