Charlie Mike

Rating:
Summary: A fitting tribute to one of our great elite fighting forces
Review: Although the U.S. Army Rangers is mostly glamorized for its daring assault on Pointe du Hoc during the Normandy landings in WW2 and in Spielberg's movie "Saving Private Ryan" (which involved a certain squad of 2nd Battalion Rangers on a dubious mission), it has evolved into a leaner force in Vietnam with a much different mission, that of being the long-range "eyes and ears" of the Army. In "Charlie Mike," Leonard B. Scott portrayed the harsh reality of combat through the eyes and minds of these soldiers whose every mission was a struggle for survival, isolated deep behind enemy lines. As a former Ranger himself who served in 'Nam, Scott's descriptions of the sights and smells of combat as well as the camaraderie of the Brotherhood-in-Arms possess a realism and immediacy few novels equalled even today. The only deficiencies (hence "only" 4 stars) in this book are the poorly drawn romantic scenes; they probably are best left out altogether because, rather than lending a more human element to the story, they only served as boring interludes to the pace of the action. Luckily, the novel's written in "snippets" so that you can easily skip these parts. All in all, not a bad debut novel. If you like this type of book, I highly recommend "Black Hawk Down," which is based on the snafu in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Rating:
Summary: not a bad book
Review: I borrowed charlie mike from a friend, not knowing what to expect... I felt like I was there...I laughed, I cried, feelings of devastation and heartache consumed me...there will never be another Leonard B Scott.

Rating:
Summary: great book
Review: I have read every book that Mr. Scott has put out. (that i can find) I began this book while in airborne school in Ft. Benning GA in 1988 when it first came out. I read for three straight days and finished it. Then reread it immediatley. I laughed, cried got mad and completely enjoyed it. I have since read this same book over 10 times and never fail to feel the emotions that went into the book. The follow up "the Last Run" is as well fantastic. The expendables and the Hill are also superb novels. The only thing that I regret is that I have not met the man yet. Read these books but be warned, take a vacation because these books will cause you to miss work and sleep.

Rating:
Summary: Warning! Make time in your schedule this book is Good!
Review: I have read every book that Mr. Scott has put out. (that i can find) I began this book while in airborne school in Ft. Benning GA in 1988 when it first came out. I read for three straight days and finished it. Then reread it immediatley. I laughed, cried got mad and completely enjoyed it. I have since read this same book over 10 times and never fail to feel the emotions that went into the book. The follow up "the Last Run" is as well fantastic. The expendables and the Hill are also superb novels. The only thing that I regret is that I have not met the man yet. Read these books but be warned, take a vacation because these books will cause you to miss work and sleep.

Rating:
Summary: One of the Greatest Military Authors to Date
Review: I have read them all from Clancy to Brown and LtCol.(Ret) Scott is by far one of the best military writers to date. My father served in Vietnam and after he came back my mom said he was never the same and I always wondered what it was like, why men like my father and Col Scott, why they went when they were called knowing they might not return and those that did would be forever altered. I joined the infantry at 17 to see for myself and after serving in Panama and Somalia I understand. Col. Scott says it best in the books with way he connects you to the characters you come to realize they did it for the men to their left and their right, not so much for America, but the men who represent America. Sad to know that he won't be writing anymore books but the four vietnam books he wrote are some of the greatest military fiction ever written and in my opinion should be required reading for all young soldiers and leaders.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best ever to hold a pen
Review: I met Col. Scott when I was in the Army. He was my commander at Jump School and at Ranger School. I picked up the book while in Airborne and read it cover to cover at least 50 times. Each time I read it, it took me deeper into the story and I felt I got to know the players personally. I still have the orginal Charlie Mike that he autographed for me while in Airborne and it is one of my most treasured momentoes from that part of my life. The pure reality of what it was like over there and written in fiction combines the two worlds so seemlessly that it is hard to tell what is real and what is not. Is this fiction or is it documentry told through words of someone who was there. One of, if not, the best war realated story I have ever read. Thank you, sir, for letting us have the honor of reading your stories. You will be deeply missed.

SSG C. Butler...3/75 A. Co.

Rating:
Summary: It was a good story
Review: I've heard this book isn't very realistic, since I wasn't in the war I don't know better. In fact I wasn't even born yet. None the less I enjoyed the book.

Rating:
Summary: a must read book
Review: scott has done it again.Every book by him is hard to put down.In charlie mike you get to know the charecters and feel part of their platoon.Read all books by this ranger.

Rating:
Summary: the best military in vietnam ever,you'd think you were there
Review: The book is very realistic. Detailed in every way. l.b. scott is a wonderful writer and he captures the horror and compassion of vietnam.A must read for prior military.The follow up book the Last Run picks up where Charlie Mike leaves off. They are great books for ones own collection

Rating:
Summary: Heart Touching
Review: This novel portrayed the 60's. the era was one of complete dissarray,unhappiness and lines drawn in the sand. You were for or against. We that stood for, were the patriots, those against we felt were traitors. After all these years I guess the only that could state who was right are gone but their names will allways remain with us on the wall of honor. This novel brought back all those thoughts to me. He wrote a novel that not only smelled and felt but was the way things were in those days. Anyone in education should attempt to make this novel a required reading in our high school's today. It is a explanation of anyone that has ever served in our armed forces what we beleive in. Anyone that never has must learn the Rangers important belief, we must all Charlie Mike.