I Am a Soldier, Too : The Jessica Lynch Story

Rating:
Summary: Not a good read
Review: A nice person I'm sure but what a shame to make such a fuss about a soldier who couldn't even fire back because her gun had jammed. Not a good advertisement for a soldier. I feel sorry that she has put herself out in the public eye so that she can be judged. Not a well written book. Certainly not Bragg's best.

Rating:
Summary: An American Hero--for honesty!
Review: I'm giving this book high marks not so much for the story interest, but for the former private's honesty. Here is a person who could easily have been corrupted into following the fictitious story of her plight that was presented by the government, military, and the media. Of course, this is not a book for analyzing these issues of propaganda. That will have to be done in other types of books. I have to wonder if some readers will have a negative reaction to Lynch's story because she tells the truth as she knows it. I can't say that she was a military hero since I believe that such a title should be dispensed to those who have acted above and beyond. Gratefully, she does not try to place that title upon herself. However, I do believe that she is a hero for her honesty.

Rating:
Summary: More Media Monopoly War Hype
Review: Thankfully, this media-created book is bombing. After two days, and after an initial printing of 500,000 copies, it's only #31 on Amazon and #22 on Barnes & Noble. That, in spite of having 14.9 million people watching the NBC Sunday night phoney docudrama, and wall-to-wall guest appearances on the usual media promotion shows. Hopefully, the several hundred thousand unsold copies of Rick Bragg's latest adventure in creative non-fiction will serve a better purpose being recycled than they would have cluttering up folks' bookshelves and brains. The best reviews of this book that I've seen are on stormfront.org.

Rating:
Summary: Good Read
Review: This was a fast, but enjoyable read.

Rating:
Summary: Gripping
Review: This is a gripping story - a must read. Many heroes died along side Jessica Lynch in the terrible battle in Nasiriyah. And while Jessica Lynch is not a war hero in the conventional sense she displayed heroic will to serve her country, be a good soldier, and to overcome dangers and challenges with dignity.

Rating:
Summary: Great American Story
Review: Who would have thought that a 19 year old girl from a small town would ever become the symbol of hope for the nation. That is exactly what happened with Jessi Lynch. Her story is one that has left a lasting image in my head. Her book has shown anyone can do anything. She has truly inspired me, and her words fill my heart everytime I think about the horror that she went through. This book has given me the belief that if Jessi Lynch can survive her ordeal I can make the best out of every day at home with my faimly. She does not want to be called a hero, but she is an inspiration. Jessi could have agreed with the hype and the media stories, but she took the high road and told the truth about the captivity. She is and will always be a true american inspriation.

Rating:
Summary: The real story is about the rescuers--and it's not told here
Review: Jessica Lynch doesn't have very much to say, and even with Rick Bragg's help, doesn't say it terribly well. Hers is clearly a passive story of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you're interested in the kind of guys who came to her rescue, however, read "NONE BRAVER--US Air Force Pararescuemen in the War on Terrorism." It's filled with action stories about real American heroes. Despite what you heard Diane Sawyer say, it was an Air Force PJ who got to Jessica first, who ripped the American Flag off his uniform and put it in her hands, and "packaged" her to be evacuated from the Iraqi hospital. When one of our people needs rescuing, odds are it's the Air Force PJs who do it. They are true, selfless heroes, living by the motto, "These things we do that others may live." NONE BRAVER is the story of their missions in the War on Terrorism. And on Amazon.com, it's a ***** book!

Rating:
Summary: Kudos to Jessica Lynch
Review: Kudos to Jessica Lynch for having the bravery and stamina to survive Iraq and the subsequent media crush. Sitting down with Diane Sawyer or Katie Couric should earn anyone a purple heart. Lynch's story, with Rick Bragg's assistance,is now enshrined as pure Yankee American myth; she's our generation's Betsy Ross, a modern female version of Sergeant York. But in terms of understanding the Iraq war and its effect on the human psyche under fire, I have turned to other books, namely Embedded:The Media at War in Iraq, by Bill Katovsky and Timothy Carlson. Included in their fascinating oral history of 60 reporters on the frontlines are a dozen in-depth interviews with WOMEN reporters whose bravery in combat conditions should be applauded.

Rating:
Summary: Not Braggs best, not much of a story
Review: A weak story and not Bragg's best writing. There are many better things to do than read this book.

Rating:
Summary: A high five to Jessica Lynch and Rick Bragg
Review: This is not just the story of Jessica Lynch, but it is a true heart examination of Jessica's parents, Dee and Greg, her brother, her sister, of Palestine - a place not disturbed by big city lights - the 507th division, and a story of America. The beauty of Rick Bragg's presentation is that he 'tells it like it is' without the hype, and without the John Wayne heroism. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and perhaps will visit the people of West Virginia one day. I feel like I know them a little better. Oh and for those who are really disturbed that Jessica may have received some remuneration for her story and are suggesting a formula for sharing: I suggest you talk to some of the pros who only wear blue and gold.

Get a copy; a must read; you will not regret spending a few bucks.