Danger Close, Second Edition

Rating:
Summary: Another Man's Shoes
Review: "Danger Close," what does that mean? Well, according to Mike Yon's book, it's a military term, but it has a double meaning: "Everything can go from fun and games to life and death in a single breath." And it doesn't just sound good; for Mike Yon, it's the absolute truth. This is his life. This book is, in short, stunning. Mike's experiences, from early childhood to Special Forces training to being charged with murder, are related elegantly yet understandably in his humorous and easy-to-read style. From page one, we are drawn in and made to care. Mike Yon does not simply tell the story; he makes us live it, as if we were right there with him or watching a movie of his life. He lets us feel what it is like to encounter danger and escape alive; he allows us to see the magic he saw as a child; he takes us with him to exotic places and through deeply personal yet hauntingly familiar states of mind. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to walk an amazing twenty years in another man's shoes.

Rating:
Summary: Needed heavy editing
Review: After reading this book, I'm confused as to what justifies all the hype. Danger Close was one of the least coherent books that I have ever read--randomly hopping back and forth from lofty or painful childhood recollections to tough man Special Forces training. I admit I couldn't put it down because I was so excited to find how it all tied together, but it never did. It's "The Mike Yon Story", yet he's only about 20 by the time the story ends? Strange. Some might say it's all very poetic and "creative", and I will say that some of it was (it had some good lines and a few good words of wisdom), but for the most part it's nonsensical. Basically, he was a guy who survived some domestic violence/family problems, became a Green Beret at a relatively young age, was accused of murder shortly there after--the charges were dropped (an everyday affair in this country). When I'd finished the last page all I could say was "Not book worthy." He doesn't even go on to tell you what he actually did as a Green Beret or as a mature adult. His initial training ends--that's as far as you go. If you want a book about bad childhoods, I've seen better (or worse, however it is that you read that). If you want a book about iron will, I've seen better. If you want a book about special warfare, I've seen better. The title doesn't even seem to have some grand creative meaning. Mike Yon is a fascinating guy, but this book...lacks direction.

Rating:
Summary: A Good Book By A Good Man
Review: Although many would be more impressed with the fact that Mike Yon graduated Special Forces training at such an early age and faced other challenges in his life with resolute courage, I suspect it was a far greater challenge to be so honest and open about the personal issues he shares with us in Danger Close. He is a principled man of unflinching integrity and I eagerly await his next book.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Book
Review: Although Mike Yon and myself both graduated from Winter Haven High School it was years apart and I never had the pleasure of meeting him. I found the book enjoyable because I could relate to some of the local places that he mentioned. But the story was well written and interesting besides being informative despite that fact. Charles E. Gist author of the historical fiction novel "The Other Side of The River"

Rating:
Summary: A extraordinary look at ordinary life
Review: Danger Close is the personal story of Mike Yon's earlylife. So, who is Mike Yon and why should I care? Danger Close, auniquely written and thought provoking book, answers that question. Mike Yon is, in many respects, an ordinary man, but his approach to life has been anything but ordinary. Born into comfortable middle class circumstances in South Florida, his early life was upended by a series of family tragedies - the death of his mother, his father's business failures, bad subsquent marriage and abusive behavior. But young Mike seems to have dealt with all of this by growing rather than shrinking. He responded to the pain and disruption by seeking to overcome. Having to learn to fight at an early age toughened him up and as a teenager body building became a preoccupation. When it came time for graduation from High School there was no money for college, so he joined the army. Here his taste for risk taking and personal challenge led him to seek admission to Speical Forces. Against all odds he makes it - through every difficult challenge in the selection process - and on the day he is finally accepted into Speical Forces finds himself accused of murder.

Actually, the book begins with the situation that leads to the murder charge and then the background is fleshed in. In terms of his story, the book is all over the place, with the kind of random association that one's own thoughts might have. This proves to be no distraction, since the book is so well written and the story proves so interesting. Having started the book by recounting the events that led to his arrest, it becomes all the more interesting to read about who this young man is and what led up to that moment. The lion's share of the book is devoted to his experience in the army. The great detail that is lavished on the "selection" process for Special Forces is fascniating. Yon manages to demystify the Green Beret stereotype while making it all the more impressive as an accomplishment.

What actually happens with the murder charge and subsequent fallout from it, I will leave for the reader to discover. But at the heart of this book, the stories that Yon seems to feel strongest about, are simple childhood episodes - memories of his mother, hunting crawfish with his grandfather, school pranks with his High School best friend (and these are wonderful stories). All of these disparate threads are woven together into a book that is part autobiography, part philospohical essay and wholly entertaining.

If you want a book that makes you look at life afresh, offers a challenge to complaceny and an affirmation for striving, this is that book. I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Danger Close is a must read... you will not be disappointed.
Review: Growing up in Winter Haven, Florida myself, I remember the first time I met Mike Yon. A young 13 year old, he was competing in a bodybuilding contest. You could see the courage, determination and self-motivation within him even at that age. We quickly became friends until high school graduation and Army life sent us in different directions. "Danger Close" depicts Yon exactly how I remembered him as a teenager. A kid with a lot of heart and courage who wouldn't back down... a kid that thrived on challenge... a kid that just wouldn't quit.

His story begins with that dreadful night in the bar. The night following graduation from the US Army Green Beret School. The night he was accused with murder. He goes through the events in what seems like minute-by-minute details and emotions. He flashes back and forth from his childhood when he survived life's vicissitudes to that night that almost ended it all.

He speaks of the loss of his mother at such a young age and how devastating it was growing up without her. He talks about the tough times of growing up in a family with no discipline and direction and about the times he was bullied by his older, much bigger brother and his friends. He takes you through his incredible pranks in high school that took it to the limit by anyone's standards and how they ultimately almost cost him graduation from high school. He talks about the meaningless relationship with the man he called Dad... and how when he needed him the most, he spit in his face. And he talks about the tough, disciplined training he received on his way to becoming one of the most elite members of any organization in existence today, the Army Green Beret's.

If you want to read a story that will change the way you look at your own life; a story that is incredibly interesting and both funny and sad; one that will touch your heart... read "Danger Close."

Rating:
Summary: The Oddest Book I Ever Read
Review: I have just finished reading Mike Yon's book "Danger Close" and found it to be one of those "can't put it down" type of books. I was captivated by it until the very end. It is an accurate account of the times and events that occurred in his life. I can say that because I was present during some of the events. I was in that Special forces class going through the "Q Course" and I remember the news of his arrest. After the course, everyone went their seperate ways and it wasn't until this past year that I learned of Mike's fate when I saw the book. It is must reading for anyone wanting to get an insight into life in SF and the life of a winner. To Mike, I say, BON CHANCE!!

Rating:
Summary: Good book
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book in fact I will re-read it again (a rare event in my book reading history!). I just ordered a copy of it for a friend, my 16 year nephew and my dad! I was especially impressed by the award on the front cover for creative non-fiction(hehe).

Rating:
Summary: Naval Aviator loved this book!
Review: This poignant biographical work hits you in all places of your heart. At times laughing with him and at other times feeling the heartwrenching pain with him, this book captures your attention from page one to the end. While retelling his captivating adventures of being a Green Beret with the US Army, he also includes the less exciting and heartwrenching details of his life--including the untimely death of his mother. I picked it up and couldn't put it down until I was done with it. This book is great for military and civilians alike! If a submarine-hunting P-3 flier can enjoy this book, so can you. Mike Yon candidly opens up and relates life--as is. If you relish the adventure of fiction with the down-to-earth punch of reality, this book is for you!