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Summary: Tom Clancy has nothing on Mark Bowden
Review: This book grabs you and lifts you off in a Blackhawk helicopter ride thru one of the filthiest, poorest cities on earth. A city where Rangers and "D-Boys", our most elite fighting men, were sent on a "humanitarian mission" that evolved into something more deadly. You experience what combat veterans refer to as a "dust-off" as the dust of Mogadishu swirls from hovering, diving and machine-gun spraying "Little Birds" and the dust-up of Somali militia bullets striking around the trapped Rangers..whose average age was 19. But when you read what these teenagers were made of, you'll never forget it. A rare opportunity to read about Delta Force, as well.Don't miss this one, if you think that "character doesn't count."
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Summary: Too bad Clinton didn't read this.
Review: This book reads like a Tom Clancy thriller. Unfortunately, it's true - and the good guys don't fare too well. Bowden's account graphically and accurately portrays the courage of young American soldiers - and the (continuing) ineptitude of the current president and his staff. Given Clinton's Serbian debacle, perhaps Bowden should begin work on a sequel.
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Summary: companion piece to "private ryan"
Review: everybit as gripping and compelling as the movie "saving private ryan"! This book put me in the seat of a "HUMVEE" and allowed me to "feel, hear, see, smell and survive" combat. Expressed true heroism without glorifying war.
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Summary: excellent
Review: What a great book. I was so wrapped up in the story that I cried when some of the American soldiers died. The details of the equipment and tactics are also compelling.
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Summary: Before you enlist, read this book.
Review: Bowden's book should be standard reading for any person considering entering the armed services. This is as factual an account of combat as I have ever read. In the end, there is no glory, just those who lived, those who died and those who were mentally and physically destroyed. For the hawks on Capital Hill, it is a stark account to read before sending boys into the void, for the doves, a poignant reminder that at times, there is evil in the world that must be confronted. I think I speak for vets across America when I say "Well done, Mr. Bowden, well done."
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Summary: A compelling, powerful and haunting account of combat
Review: Mr. Bowden captured those tragic and violent events in Mogadishu perfectly. Details flowed in each sequence,allowing the reader to follow the process of this raid that was supposed to last only an hour. The essence of Ranger and Delta team training, courage, tactics and fundamentals are well-illustrated by the men's willingness to risk their lives to rescue fallen comrades. The operation itself, the dubious allies, the troubled command structure and the most fatal flaws, dividing your forces in hostile territory and underestimating your enemies, are well documented. The bloody, merciless fighting in the city and the tenacious spirit of the Rangers was the cornerstone for their survival. The harrowing close quarters combat, the tremendous firepower unleashed on them was unrelenting. Aside from the flawed plan and determined resistance, Bowden illustrates the pieces of the sordid tale; the stoic bravery and the sheer determination to "Charlie Mike", continue mission, that is the core of the Rangers. The other constant factors that are suberbly told is that always lurking over each soldier in combat, are two elements of battle, confusion and fear. An excellent book. I hope a film is done on the subject, hopefully it will be accurate and straightforward. Perhaps, Mr. Bowden would do a story on another curious and forgotten battle that took place during the Mayaguez incident in 1975.
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Summary: awesome
Review: totally ma
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Summary: Gripping Combat Narrative
Review: For those of us who have spent time pinned down in a firefight, the fictional accounts familiar to most Americans are never quite right. Blackhawk Down rings true--with a clarity of tone that puts the reader right there in the crippled HumVee or amid the shacks of a Mogadishu ghetto. It is riveting, compelling writing, a recognition of the gallantry of the young soldiers who fought their way out of the worst situation war can offer. And Mark Bowden caught it and passed it on so that all can share in the heroic fight of these brave young American soldiers. Bravo Zulu, Mr. Bowden. Well Done! M.R. McCArty, LtCol, USMC (ret)
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Summary: Good research, good writing, good lesson learned
Review: With the war in Kosovo looming this book should be required reading for any politician considering deploying American combat troops. Bowden does a yeoman's job of capturing the fear, confusion and even humor of urban combat quite well.
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Summary: A must-read book on military history
Review: "INTENSE" A well researched, graphic book depicting the raw emotion and frustrations of brave Americans sent into harms way. The best first-person narrative of combat since "We Were Soldiers Once - And Young". The valor of these dedicated servicemen wasn't adequately rewarded.
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