Rating: 
Summary: Competent but dull
Review:
Although I thank Exum for his service in the army, this just isn't an interesting book.
Competently written, this is a straightforward account of Exum's time in the infantry and in Afghanistan. Problem is, it lacks the kind of details and perceptions that make a good military memoir. It never makes you feel like part of the action, or like you're standing with him out there in harm's way. Worse, Exum constantly tells the reader of his own many accomplishments, giving the book a boastful and slightly juvenile air.
I'd wait for the paperback or give it a miss altogether.
Rating: 
Summary: An Authentic Story from "This Man's" Perspective:
Review: "This Man's Army" belongs on the shelf with the defining war memoirs as well as (and maybe more importantly) on the shelf with the great American "coming-of-age" works. The effortless tone and pacing of the book succeed in communicating the flavor of the war in Afghanistan, but that is only part of the story. The book is ultimately about an individual and his experiences as an American, a Southerner, a son, a student, a child, an individual - and, obviously, as a soldier. In this account of modern American army life as a Ranger, Exum translates an intense experience that few have shared with stories, emotions, and explanations to which all can relate. Written with an eye for the true texture of experience, humor, and reflection, this book is an authentic and engaging one that "reads itself." Exum artfully skirts the edges of war-buddy cliche in telling his story in a way that is as warmly familiar as it is refreshingly original. An excellent read.
Rating:
Summary: A short, shallow book.
Review: A weak thin story on life in the Army and the experience of being in combat. LT Exum does some chest thumping on how tough he is and then tries to show that he is a sensitive guy too by throwing out some titles of books he reads. I was in Afghanistan the same time he was and I now hesitate to compare my experiences with what troops are now going through daily in Iraq. If you want to read a book on the experiences of a man in combat, read "With the Old Breed" by E.B. Sledge. Sledge's account of the brutality of war will make your hair stand on end.
Rating:
Summary: A rare soldier
Review: An insider's look at the inner workings of the military as a whole and the units as cohesive groups from a rare breed of soldier: Exum is dedicated and loyal yet intelligent and questioning. Read it and weep for the soldiers still out there in the increasingly blurring lines of battle.
Rating: 
Summary: Good easy weekend read.
Review: As a Marine, I enjoy reading about what other officers my age are doing in our sister services. After the first few chapters, I thought I was reading the story of a frustrated Ivy League grad that wanted to tell everyone of his greatness. I was wrong; it's not that at all. Ok, well maybe he did build himself up a little bit, but that's fine. I enjoyed Andrew's candid account of what he had seen and done. That's really all this book is. So if you're wondering what it would be (or was) like as a small unit leader in Afghanistan, this is a great book to read.
Rating:
Summary: One of a kind
Review: Exum's book provides us a unique and valued perspective into the life of the modern American soldier and the fighting in Afghanistan. Books by reporters and historians, though they may be written by more "qualified" authors, simply cannot provide a primary account of the life of the soldier beyond the battlefield.What most of us know about the Army can be summed up by a video montage on CNN of men and women on patrol and invasive interviews with families left behind. This book reminds us that our American warriors are not faceless, bloodthirsty grunts brandishing weapons, but intelligent and diverse, each with his own perspective. This book is an excellent account of one man's story and I am thankful to have had the chance to read it.
Rating:
Summary: I was there too
Review: I am also a veteran of the war on terror, and like Exum, participated in Operation Anaconda, graduated Ranger School, and did everything he did in his short career. While he got most of the facts right, and has written a well written book, I have to ask the question "why did he write this?" What did he do that was so special that 160k soldiers aren't doing right now? After reading it, I know that other soldiers are doing a harder job - day in and day out - and don't expect to write a book. While I can appreciate Exum's approach and willingness to talk about his life - he romanticizes war and adds a somewhat stylized idea to what really happened in Mar02.
Rating:
Summary: A Must-Read
Review: I picked up Captain Exum's book because, like all Americans, I have more than a passing interest in the subject matter. I did not expect that I would read the book almost in one sittting. I couldn't put this one down. Exum knows how to tell a story. With what seems to be an innate sense of rhythm, he has crafted a book that is alternately exciting, witty, and insightful---but retains the unmistakeable ring of honesty throughout. This book should be required reading. But unlike most books billed as required reading, this one will leave you wishing there were another 100 or 200 pages of more of the same.
Rating:
Summary: New World Man
Review: I ran across Andrew Exum on Book TV while channel surfing. I had no idea who he was or what he authored. I was about to switch the channel to ESPN or HBO like any good male should do but I heard the words "war" and "army." So, I continued watching. Besides being extremely fair when questioned (or baited) about his politics (I think we all are sick of bias these days), Exum was extremely intelligent, organized and compassionate. I think his compassion struck me the most - especially since I just returned from a short trip on the 405 freeway where I felt like choking a few people in the cars next to me.
I picked up his book later at the local Borders and finished reading it the next day. I was thoroughly impressed with not only what such a young man accomplished to date but his struggle with physical, religious, social, academic and political forces constantly poking at him from different directions. All of this while serving as an American at war.
Not unlike his appearance on Book TV, Exum's story has an inspiring undertone of compassion as well. Here is a guy who escaped the comfort of an easy life, graduated from a no doubt difficult stint and Penn, enrolled into ROTC as the only way to pay for his higher education, went through Ranger School twice, served the U.S. on the battlefield and then writes an excellent book. I would be proud to do just one of those things. But, Mr. Exum does them all. And, he does them with kindness, courage and thoughtfulness.
It is a testament to his humanity when, in the book, he tells of being extremely upset (for good reason I might add) at one soldier who developed self-inflicted traumatic seizures during a mission. This is the only time where I questioned Exum's compassion. Funny thing is, as you continue reading, Exum realizes the same thing and later kicks himself for it.
The other thing I'd like to note about this book is the humor. I found myself rolling in laughter at some of the antics Exum and his men get into. I don't want to spoil the book for anyone but there is a lot of fun woven into Exum's story. One instance that comes to mind involves someone's testicle inadvertently hanging out of a tear in the pants at an inopportune time. Another is when Exum describes one of his soldiers in that he would trust him with his life but not with 20 bucks.
Exum is no saint. But, neither am I or my friends. However, we came to realize that love and compassion will never let you or your buddies down. And, throughout the book, Exum continues to say that he is not the only person serving in our armed forces who is this way. There are people from all walks of life, filled with hope, fear, compassion and intelligence fighting for their buddies and the rest of us every minute of every day.
Exum reminds me of the song by Rush called "New World Man". I look forward to reading more about his life as I would call him a leader of New World Men in these turbulent times ahead.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I started to read the book with eager anticipation, but became increasing concerned that Exum would never get to the point, namely, the Front Lines of the War on Terrorism. Eventually, he does, but with very little of the story devoted to direct enemy contact. This is more a story about growing up, training, preparing, and support, than it is about "front lines" or "war".
|
