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Summary: Brilliant, but incomplete book
Review: Great descriptive book but he ignored the reasons for the battle. America had no reason to be there. Some generals should get Kenneth Starr on their tails
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Summary: A solid work; an intense "live action" view of combat.
Review: As a former Reagan-era sniper, paratrooper, "Eighty-Deuce" and "Bat" member, I was awe struck at the author's ability to capture what I call the "summer camp with guns" atmosphere that permeates our modern elite forces, and particularly the U.S. Army Rangers. Bowden provides a telling view of the necessary, but all to often uncompleted, metamorphosis of teenager to elite soldier. His juxtaposition between our society's desire, and perhaps need, for a group of highly trained, unquestioning, shock-troop, killers and the kids barely out of high school who comprise these forces, will likely surprise many. Although a bit too casually, Bowden also delineates the reality of civilian casualties, accidental or, in some instances, otherwise. The author seems to convey a "what did you expect" mentality when it comes to acts that border on the near atrocity level. The book may cause some to reflect if we should reconsider the way we select our elite forces (permitting 18 year-old soldiers with no experience to join the Rangers directly rather than cherry picking from the ranks of established infantry soldiers as the Delta Force requires). The book may also create a desire to revisit the rules of engagement we establish when these forces are called upon (kill as many civilians as necessary to accomplish the mission). Perhaps the greatest indication of this book's unsuspecting literary contribution comes from the fact that it seems to unintentionally evokes such questions. It is more likely that Bowden envisions himself as a modern day, albeit after the fact of battle, Ernie Pyle teller of war than a Walter Cronkite questioner of purpose. Some, including the New York Times Book Review's, William Finnegan have criticized the work as "lack[ing] in literary finesse," while at the same time noting a "pure narrative" style. For my money, Bowden's bullet to bullet style reminiscent of Edward R. Murrow's hotel-roof-top reporting prose is the equivalent of a literary smart bomb. A fire fight demands depiction as it occurs; frenetic, intense and without the cerebral trappings that can clutter the emphasis of the battle. Bowden's abilities as a reporter are the armor plating in this literary Tiger Tank. One point of criticism to the publisher; sell the audio book in an unabridged version.
Rating: 
Summary: A superb recreation of the horror and terror of modern war.
Review: In "Black Hawk Down : A Story of Modern War", Mark Bowden does a superb job of recreating what must have been a horrific and terrifying experience to those who participated in the events he describes. As a result of reading this book, I'll never again take for granted our armed forces or the risks they sometimes must take on our behalf. Reading it made me think we should be bombing Somalia instead of Yugoslavia.
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Summary: Unbelievable
Review: Having previously seen the PBS documentary entitled "Ambush in Mogadishu", I became enthralled in the events of 10/3/93. Bowden gives a fantastic account of the events along with the who, what, where, when, and why of the bloody battle. A page turner, read in less than 24 hours, I am looking forward to the movie version, which they say is under way. Seeing events like this, it is no wonder that SecDef Les Aspin resigned because of his previous unwillingness to provide the necessary equipment (c-130 spectre gun ships, etc.) to the Americans stationed in the East African country. If you have the opportunity, read this. It will make you appreciate the efforts American military men and women give when the objective may be obscure and not necessarily in the "Best interest of America".
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Summary: Thorough account of an almost forgotten battle.
Review: This is a novel that brought back memories of a near military disaster that a lot of americans have probably forgotten about. The details in the book made the battle all too real, and the reactions of the soldiers involved showed how individuals can be mortally afraid and still perform their duties with courage and valor. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what it is like to be a front line soldier caught in a life or death situation.
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Summary: Superb Combat History
Review: Mark Bowden has created a extraordinary work of modern military history, telling a story of heroism and horror. I can think of few other books which can match it for its atmosphere of enveloping authenticity. And what is remarkable is that the author is scrupulously fair to all involved, never taking the easy way out by pointing fingers at supposed villains. The US Army Rangers and other military personnel who told their stories to Bowden showed great moral courage by revealing their innermost feelings of fear, anger, pride, and confusion. The book neither glorifies war nor mindlessly denigrates the military; it is simply the story of men caught up in terrifying events and often finding extraordinary internal sources of courage and compassion. Moreover, Bowden corrects the erroneous impressions created by the hasty press reports of the time and for the first time reveals what actually happened on that day. "Black Hawk Down" succeeds both as incisive journalism and as powerful human drama.
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Summary: Excelent description of modern warfare.
Review: For all soldiers, old and new, and for anyone who wants to learn the consequences of our foreign policy actions, this book is superb. The action is riveting and it gives incredible insight into what combat is like.
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Summary: The Definition of Intense
Review: I consider myself to be an avid reader of political science/intelligence/and military matters. This book has earned an esteemed place in my personal library. I have not read a book of this outstanding quality in a long time. It forces you to turn page after page....and makes you realize the intensity of any armed conflict. My deepest respect goes for those Rangers and Delta Force members who survived, but more importantly for those who gave their ultimate service. This book should clear away any romantic notion of war and make you see it for what it really is. Bravo to Mr. Mark Bowden.
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Summary: Puts you into the battle
Review: Just absolutely great
Rating:
Summary: Unleashed, the dogs of war...
Review: This book rivals "A Civil Action" and "Friday Night Lights" in its compelling novelization of a true story. Even readers with little interest in military writing will likely be enthralled by the sheer excellence of Mr. Bowdens reporting. This is no Tom Clancy novel; but rather an unflinching depiction of the complexity, horror and bravery inherant to any deployment of American ground forces at century's end. Yet, for all it's vivid and intimate recitation of the actual events, the book's most disquieting aspect is perhaps it's singularity: that it is the sole attempt thus far at a definitive account of the largest American firefight since Vietnam. Despite it's many practical lessons for the U.S. Armed Services and it's cautionary influence upon U.S. military policy, this battle has been otherwise forgotten by the American public. As such, "Black Hawk Down" should be required reading for all those who would render opinion on current or future conflicts (Iraq, Kosovo et al). The verisimilitude, seeming fairness and general excellence of this book should come as no surpise to those familiar with Mr. Bowden's "Bringing The Heat"; to this reader(and devout 'Niners fan), the single best football book ever written!
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