Status
Available
Call number
Publication
William Morrow Paperbacks (2014), Edition: Mti Rei, 416 pages
Description
The astonishing autobiography of SEAL Chief Chris Kyle, whose record 150 confirmed kills make him the most deadly sniper in U.S. military history.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Unkletom
There have been so many wildly differing opinions about Chris Kyle, his memoir, and movie Clint Eastwood made from it that I long ago decided that the only opinion I could trust is my own, so here goes.
After just a few pages it became apparent that to fairly review Kyle’s book one must first,
In my younger days I served as a Navy corpsman assigned to a Marine Corps unit. I found the Marines I served with different from anyone else I had ever known. Their view of the world was unlike mine in almost every way. They were more likely to see things in black and white. They were often rude, crude and socially unacceptable. Their interest in understanding the enemy extended only to learning how best to kill them. Very few of them were any good at literary discussions. Despite that, they took their duties very seriously. Becoming Marines was the crowning achievement of their lives. They were very dedicated and extremely loyal. If I ever found myself in trouble, there is nobody on earth that I would rather have watching my back.
These men were warriors. The word ‘warrior’ applies to any combat soldier, Marine, SEAL or any other military personnel whose primary career is to engage an enemy by direct action. A warrior’s job is to kill the enemy, and do it efficiently. An effective warrior achieves no benefit from recognizing the humanity of the enemy. Doing so only hinders his ability to accept and live with the life he has chosen. He is neither a psycho killer nor a hero. He’s just doing his job.
Chris Kyle was a warrior, and a very good one.
If you find this distasteful, your distaste is misdirected. It is war and the politicians who start them that deserve our scorn. Winston Churchill once said “We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm.” As long as we live in a world where such men are needed, I will be grateful that men such as Kyle exist.
Now for my impressions of the book itself. The truth is that I enjoyed it but it could have been better. It read less like an autobiography and more like a collection of anecdotes. The chapters were broken down into sections, many of less than a page, each relating an incident that occurred during his training or deployments in Iraq. As I read it I pictured Kyle sitting with a ghost writer and tape recorder, telling stories and answering question. I did. The short sections made it easy to read and the anecdotal delivery reminds me of an exchange of war stories told over a few beers at the local watering hole. Such exchanges can reveal more about the speaker than intended and Kyle is often overly candid regarding his view of the Iraqis, politicians and officers.
What the book does best is describe the role snipers played in Iraq. I have read several books on the war and American Sniper provided an unparalleled picture of snipers’ roles during the campaigns in Fallujah and Ramadi and how they supported other military units.
One section of the book that falls short is where Kyle describes the weapons and equipment he used. This must have been a difficult section to write because the writer must answer the questions of those ignorant of firearms while not boring those who are already familiar with the tools of the trade. As a veteran who is not unfamiliar with weapons I should have had no trouble in following everything he said on the subject. Even so, I found myself struggling with some of the technical jargon he used. In addition, some equipment he mentioned such as VS-17 panels, bright orange pieces of cloth displayed to identify themselves to friendly forces, were not adequately described until more than 150 pages after they were first mentioned. This makes me think that readers would be greatly aided by a glossary at the back of the book.
Some critics have said that Kyle was an egotist. While I have never known a SEAL who wasn’t, the book does little to dissuade that opinion. In the section on equipment he says that his headgear of choice was a baseball cap because ‘you look so much cooler wearing a ball cap.’ He also wasn’t above expressing the typical enlisted man’s tongue-in-cheek scorn of officers with such remarks as ‘but then I’m just a SEAL and obviously don’t understand those sorts of complicated issues’.
I found the book interesting, more so than the movie. I’m a bit of a history buff so I found the first person description of combat in the Iraq war informative. Kyle’s memoir was more candid than most and I suspect that readers who don’t often read first person accounts of war may struggle to appreciate his point of view.
*The review copy of this book was obtained from a friend and neighbor who is a retired Navy submariner. Thanks, Bob, for your service and for the loan of this book.
After just a few pages it became apparent that to fairly review Kyle’s book one must first,
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and separately, express one’s views on Kyle himself. Then, and only then, will I be able to review the book itself.In my younger days I served as a Navy corpsman assigned to a Marine Corps unit. I found the Marines I served with different from anyone else I had ever known. Their view of the world was unlike mine in almost every way. They were more likely to see things in black and white. They were often rude, crude and socially unacceptable. Their interest in understanding the enemy extended only to learning how best to kill them. Very few of them were any good at literary discussions. Despite that, they took their duties very seriously. Becoming Marines was the crowning achievement of their lives. They were very dedicated and extremely loyal. If I ever found myself in trouble, there is nobody on earth that I would rather have watching my back.
These men were warriors. The word ‘warrior’ applies to any combat soldier, Marine, SEAL or any other military personnel whose primary career is to engage an enemy by direct action. A warrior’s job is to kill the enemy, and do it efficiently. An effective warrior achieves no benefit from recognizing the humanity of the enemy. Doing so only hinders his ability to accept and live with the life he has chosen. He is neither a psycho killer nor a hero. He’s just doing his job.
Chris Kyle was a warrior, and a very good one.
If you find this distasteful, your distaste is misdirected. It is war and the politicians who start them that deserve our scorn. Winston Churchill once said “We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm.” As long as we live in a world where such men are needed, I will be grateful that men such as Kyle exist.
Now for my impressions of the book itself. The truth is that I enjoyed it but it could have been better. It read less like an autobiography and more like a collection of anecdotes. The chapters were broken down into sections, many of less than a page, each relating an incident that occurred during his training or deployments in Iraq. As I read it I pictured Kyle sitting with a ghost writer and tape recorder, telling stories and answering question. I did. The short sections made it easy to read and the anecdotal delivery reminds me of an exchange of war stories told over a few beers at the local watering hole. Such exchanges can reveal more about the speaker than intended and Kyle is often overly candid regarding his view of the Iraqis, politicians and officers.
What the book does best is describe the role snipers played in Iraq. I have read several books on the war and American Sniper provided an unparalleled picture of snipers’ roles during the campaigns in Fallujah and Ramadi and how they supported other military units.
One section of the book that falls short is where Kyle describes the weapons and equipment he used. This must have been a difficult section to write because the writer must answer the questions of those ignorant of firearms while not boring those who are already familiar with the tools of the trade. As a veteran who is not unfamiliar with weapons I should have had no trouble in following everything he said on the subject. Even so, I found myself struggling with some of the technical jargon he used. In addition, some equipment he mentioned such as VS-17 panels, bright orange pieces of cloth displayed to identify themselves to friendly forces, were not adequately described until more than 150 pages after they were first mentioned. This makes me think that readers would be greatly aided by a glossary at the back of the book.
Some critics have said that Kyle was an egotist. While I have never known a SEAL who wasn’t, the book does little to dissuade that opinion. In the section on equipment he says that his headgear of choice was a baseball cap because ‘you look so much cooler wearing a ball cap.’ He also wasn’t above expressing the typical enlisted man’s tongue-in-cheek scorn of officers with such remarks as ‘but then I’m just a SEAL and obviously don’t understand those sorts of complicated issues’.
I found the book interesting, more so than the movie. I’m a bit of a history buff so I found the first person description of combat in the Iraq war informative. Kyle’s memoir was more candid than most and I suspect that readers who don’t often read first person accounts of war may struggle to appreciate his point of view.
*The review copy of this book was obtained from a friend and neighbor who is a retired Navy submariner. Thanks, Bob, for your service and for the loan of this book.
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LibraryThing member DianeGia
Mixed feelings... read for an office book discussion. Would I have picked it up otherwise? No. Am I glad I read it? It was worth reading.
I liked the book. I can think of readers who would also enjoy it. Possibly because I knew this was memoir and not fictional, I was able to separate myself from
Although the narrative structure is Jim DeFelice's responsibility, this book still read less like narrative non-fiction or even a smooth flowing memoir, and more like a combat diary full of "tales/recollections from the front".
The pacing was fast. The language/style was conversational and very blunt. Kyle is both confident and self-effacing and he states his goal was to point out all of the soldiers that work together to fight. He doesn't deny his accomplishments, but he doesn't glorify them more than as work that needed to be done--and, luckily, work that he enjoyed.
Tone was relentless, grim at times, humorous at other times, earnest. The book is "about being a man..." and it is certainly full of testosterone.
I found plenty of book review/blog posts from conservative writers who enjoyed the book and did the patriotic rah-rah, but could find no liberal writers who reviewed the book. Interesting...
I liked the book. I can think of readers who would also enjoy it. Possibly because I knew this was memoir and not fictional, I was able to separate myself from
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the narrative and Kyle's personality. I could look at the stories he told without becoming emotionally invested in them. Perhaps the most illuminating part of this book were the sections that recalled Kyle's difficulty in balancing his "work" life and his family life. His wife's contributions were very helpful in portraying the difficulties of military family life. Although the narrative structure is Jim DeFelice's responsibility, this book still read less like narrative non-fiction or even a smooth flowing memoir, and more like a combat diary full of "tales/recollections from the front".
The pacing was fast. The language/style was conversational and very blunt. Kyle is both confident and self-effacing and he states his goal was to point out all of the soldiers that work together to fight. He doesn't deny his accomplishments, but he doesn't glorify them more than as work that needed to be done--and, luckily, work that he enjoyed.
Tone was relentless, grim at times, humorous at other times, earnest. The book is "about being a man..." and it is certainly full of testosterone.
I found plenty of book review/blog posts from conservative writers who enjoyed the book and did the patriotic rah-rah, but could find no liberal writers who reviewed the book. Interesting...
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LibraryThing member cnorair
American Sniper is a true American novel. Chris Kyle is a Navy Seal who is not only fighting the in Iraq but he also has to fight himself as he tries to remain a loyal Seal and be a father. Throughout the book Kyle discusses his connections with his family and his even stronger relationship with
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his fellow soldiers. He puts God, Country, and Family as his top three priorities and it is clear that he truly believes these three things throughout the book. Show Less
LibraryThing member martinhughharvey
First background as why to why I read this book.
A while ago I watched the movie Shooter starring Mark Wahlberg who is a retired and reclusive ex-sniper. Decent and enjoyable movie. A year a so ago when my wife Heather was out I was flippin' channels and enjoined the movie again part way through.
While the movie differs from the book in some small but annoying details it has been criticized as pro-war, pro Iraq, distasteful ("savages" etc.) and these traits are consistent with the book. The book has also been criticized as "simply written". The last point is arrogant . You have to be impressed by anyone who can write a 448 page book. At least I am. Simply written - for sure and accordingly a very fast read. Pro war - not a chance. No one would be convinced to serve in the military after reading this book! Chris Kyle's priorities were God, country, family - not mine - but they're his and it didn't upset me. One doesn't need to believe in a book to read it.
As a chronicle of one man's personal passage through Iraq it does a good job. Where I was really disappointed is that it isn't about sniping! There's about a page talking about the equipment, probably about the same on techniques. I find the science and process of sniping fascinating and this was a big hole for me. You might be different of course.
A while ago I watched the movie Shooter starring Mark Wahlberg who is a retired and reclusive ex-sniper. Decent and enjoyable movie. A year a so ago when my wife Heather was out I was flippin' channels and enjoined the movie again part way through.
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Still enjoyed it. Watching the credits I noticed it was based on the book "Point of Impact" - the first of a series about the ex-sniper Bob lee Swagger. Superb book. Apart from being a wonderful and well crafted conspiracy thriller I really enjoyed the technical parts about the science and technique of sniping. So when the movie "American Sniper" came out I watched it. I was disappointed. So I read the book and in summary, disappointed.While the movie differs from the book in some small but annoying details it has been criticized as pro-war, pro Iraq, distasteful ("savages" etc.) and these traits are consistent with the book. The book has also been criticized as "simply written". The last point is arrogant . You have to be impressed by anyone who can write a 448 page book. At least I am. Simply written - for sure and accordingly a very fast read. Pro war - not a chance. No one would be convinced to serve in the military after reading this book! Chris Kyle's priorities were God, country, family - not mine - but they're his and it didn't upset me. One doesn't need to believe in a book to read it.
As a chronicle of one man's personal passage through Iraq it does a good job. Where I was really disappointed is that it isn't about sniping! There's about a page talking about the equipment, probably about the same on techniques. I find the science and process of sniping fascinating and this was a big hole for me. You might be different of course.
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LibraryThing member marshapetry
Everyone should read this book!. It will make you realize how a country can invade countries with "preemptive" attacks and commit atrocities against others who are not "like us"; it shows why there will always be plenty of volunteers to perpetrate any kind of action against others. It is a sad sad
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book. Show Less
LibraryThing member emed0s
The only really positive thing about this book is that it manages to transmit honesty, I seriously doubt the author held anything back (except what the DoD ordered him to), and humbleness. On the other hand his writing its pretty plain and so are his descriptions of the combats he was involved in.
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I can't understand all the hype about this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member AskAn_Atheist
Chris Kyle is an American Hero and for that I thank him. I enjoyed his book and the no bullshit Texas style in which he delivers his stories. He shares a perfect level of detail. He dumbed down some of the technical aspects of his weapons, armor and tactics so they could even be understood by a
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tenderfoot like me. He doesn't get too political, but does share many of the frustrations of working for people who don't share his rough and tumble approach to getting the bad guys. Show Less
LibraryThing member the-cat
What a remarkable story of heroism, patriotism, and self-sacrifice by an even more remarkable American, Chris Kyle. A Navy SEAL and highly trained sniper, Kyle is even more remarkable in his straightforward admittance that his accomplishments alone are not to be lauded, but the accomplishments and
Kyle joins the ranks of such American sniper greats as Carlos Hathcock 93 confirmed kills during the Vietnam War, and whose sniper exploits were so eloquently related to the reader in these two books written by Charles Henderson; Marine Sniper: 93 Confirmed Kills and Silent Warrior: The Marine Sniper's Story Vietnam Continues, as well as, other sniper greats such as; Chuck Mawhinney a U.S. Marine with 103 confirmed kills during the Vietnam War and Adelbert Waldron the previous U.S. Military record holder with 109 confirmed kills.
One particular aspect that I liked about how this book was written was the occasional viewpoint expressed by Kyle's lovely wife, Taya. Although both she and Kyle allude to problems both faced concerning each other and his absence during his military service, one can't help but realize what a truly remarkable women Taya is and Chris is a damn lucky man to have her. I am quite sure that God has and will continue to smile upon the both of them.
I really liked Kyle's no apologetic statement that he enjoyed his job and took great pride in saving the lives of his fellow soldiers as they fought against the evils that they found in Iraq. Kyle doesn't go into a lot of gruesome detail concerning that subject but he makes it painfully clear that unless you have actually been there and seen the evil that hasn't been diluted by politicians and the media, then you really have no idea what it is like. I would wholeheartedly agree!
Kyle talks about not only his involvement as a Navy SEAL sniper in Iraq, but also his working relationship with other branches of the military. Some real insightful stuff!
Kyle not only gives you a glimpse into the world he and his fellow SEAL's lived during the Iraq War, but also the difficulties he faced when he came home in between tours and for good upon his retirement from the Navy. And although there were difficulties, he also shares some very humorous moments as well. I especially liked the story about the "burglar" breaking into his home while he was on leave and while he was still in bed after his wife left for work. I was laughing so hard that I couldn't stop for several minutes. As a matter of fact I am laughing real hard right now as I type this review. Sorry Chris, I am laughing at you as well as with you on this one. Ha Ha Ha
I am not one for posting a lot of spoilers when I do my reviews, but I do have to say that one only needs read a few pages to realize that not only is Chris Kyle one of the finest soldiers the United States of America has every produced, but he is also, and perhaps more importantly, one helluva human being and a truly great American. God Bless!
I highly recommend this book to every American as a very inspirational read as well as a biography of one extraordinary human being.
Shawn Kovacich
Martial Artist/Krav Maga Instructor
NRA Firearms Instructor
Author and Creator of numerous books and DVD's.
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sacrifices of his fellow military men who sacrificed their vision, limbs, and some ultimately their lives in fighting for the freedoms that we often take for granted, yet hold so dear. It may not be much, but here is one American that is forever grateful and thankful to Chris Kyle and ALL of our brave men and women fighting for our country.Kyle joins the ranks of such American sniper greats as Carlos Hathcock 93 confirmed kills during the Vietnam War, and whose sniper exploits were so eloquently related to the reader in these two books written by Charles Henderson; Marine Sniper: 93 Confirmed Kills and Silent Warrior: The Marine Sniper's Story Vietnam Continues, as well as, other sniper greats such as; Chuck Mawhinney a U.S. Marine with 103 confirmed kills during the Vietnam War and Adelbert Waldron the previous U.S. Military record holder with 109 confirmed kills.
One particular aspect that I liked about how this book was written was the occasional viewpoint expressed by Kyle's lovely wife, Taya. Although both she and Kyle allude to problems both faced concerning each other and his absence during his military service, one can't help but realize what a truly remarkable women Taya is and Chris is a damn lucky man to have her. I am quite sure that God has and will continue to smile upon the both of them.
I really liked Kyle's no apologetic statement that he enjoyed his job and took great pride in saving the lives of his fellow soldiers as they fought against the evils that they found in Iraq. Kyle doesn't go into a lot of gruesome detail concerning that subject but he makes it painfully clear that unless you have actually been there and seen the evil that hasn't been diluted by politicians and the media, then you really have no idea what it is like. I would wholeheartedly agree!
Kyle talks about not only his involvement as a Navy SEAL sniper in Iraq, but also his working relationship with other branches of the military. Some real insightful stuff!
Kyle not only gives you a glimpse into the world he and his fellow SEAL's lived during the Iraq War, but also the difficulties he faced when he came home in between tours and for good upon his retirement from the Navy. And although there were difficulties, he also shares some very humorous moments as well. I especially liked the story about the "burglar" breaking into his home while he was on leave and while he was still in bed after his wife left for work. I was laughing so hard that I couldn't stop for several minutes. As a matter of fact I am laughing real hard right now as I type this review. Sorry Chris, I am laughing at you as well as with you on this one. Ha Ha Ha
I am not one for posting a lot of spoilers when I do my reviews, but I do have to say that one only needs read a few pages to realize that not only is Chris Kyle one of the finest soldiers the United States of America has every produced, but he is also, and perhaps more importantly, one helluva human being and a truly great American. God Bless!
I highly recommend this book to every American as a very inspirational read as well as a biography of one extraordinary human being.
Shawn Kovacich
Martial Artist/Krav Maga Instructor
NRA Firearms Instructor
Author and Creator of numerous books and DVD's.
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LibraryThing member knownever
Here is as close to a review of this book as I can get. The following is a conversation I had with a man at work (I work at a library):
man: “would you recommend this book?”
me (in my head): “yes if you want to feel inadequate and mad and like having a panic attack”
me (in my head also): “I
me (with my mouth): “if you like that type** this one has everything you’re looking for”
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*fun and also causing of alky domestic violence and generalized feelings and behaviors of worthlessness
**Chris Kyle literally ponders whether “country or family comes second, after God”
man: “would you recommend this book?”
me (in my head): “yes if you want to feel inadequate and mad and like having a panic attack”
me (in my head also): “I
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don’t really need to read a book about that. I’m 25 in 2012. and I like men. The Beast has been oozing its goo all over them in every conceivable situation for almost my entire life. I don’t need to read about how fucking fun* killing is.”me (with my mouth): “if you like that type** this one has everything you’re looking for”
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*fun and also causing of alky domestic violence and generalized feelings and behaviors of worthlessness
**Chris Kyle literally ponders whether “country or family comes second, after God”
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LibraryThing member br13niya
The book American Sniper is an autobiography of Chris Kyle the number one ranked sniper of all time. He has somewhere between 150-190 kills and has completed immense acts of heroism throughout his many deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He has saved civilian hostages in Fallujah, recorded a 2,100
The story begins in Texas, where Chris Kyle grows up, shifting from farm to farm trying to become a cowboy. He went to rodeo’s and wasn’t great but wasn’t terrible. But then he received an offer to work for David Landrum and it changed his life. He was treated like a soldier, cussed out for something bad, ignored for something good. He then decided to enlist in the Marines, but no one was in their office, then he went down to the Navy and they drove him away after his comment about joining SF or Special Forces. A member then from the Navy invited him into their office. He told Chris about he SEALS and Chris was hooked immediately.
The Navy recruiter then told Chris of all the training required in order to be a SEAL. The odds of him completing the training? Ten to one. But he liked challenges and Chris then enrolled in the SEALS and began the training. BUD/S is the hardest yet most vital piece of SEAL training. It means Basic underwater Demolition/Scuba training. Once completed Chris joined SEAL team three, got married, received his “new guy” hazing and began work.
After many years of being an average SEAL Chris decided to become a sniper. That meant sniper school, so Chris enrolled and trudged his way through sniper school and during the process almost flunked out. But in the end he graduated becoming a SEAL sniper and the voyage to number one began.
Throughout the next 10 years a legend of amazing shots, clutch kills and saving Americans he quickly built up his reputation and before long, was the most praised sniper in American history.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes war books and likes vivid descriptions of war. Mr. Kyle takes you onto the battle fields and then you watch as he kills enemy after enemy doing what he does best. A book very similar to this was No Easy Day by Mark Owen. All in all this was definitely one of my favorites and you should definitely read it.
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yard shot which is a world record and watched one of his best friends die right next to him.The story begins in Texas, where Chris Kyle grows up, shifting from farm to farm trying to become a cowboy. He went to rodeo’s and wasn’t great but wasn’t terrible. But then he received an offer to work for David Landrum and it changed his life. He was treated like a soldier, cussed out for something bad, ignored for something good. He then decided to enlist in the Marines, but no one was in their office, then he went down to the Navy and they drove him away after his comment about joining SF or Special Forces. A member then from the Navy invited him into their office. He told Chris about he SEALS and Chris was hooked immediately.
The Navy recruiter then told Chris of all the training required in order to be a SEAL. The odds of him completing the training? Ten to one. But he liked challenges and Chris then enrolled in the SEALS and began the training. BUD/S is the hardest yet most vital piece of SEAL training. It means Basic underwater Demolition/Scuba training. Once completed Chris joined SEAL team three, got married, received his “new guy” hazing and began work.
After many years of being an average SEAL Chris decided to become a sniper. That meant sniper school, so Chris enrolled and trudged his way through sniper school and during the process almost flunked out. But in the end he graduated becoming a SEAL sniper and the voyage to number one began.
Throughout the next 10 years a legend of amazing shots, clutch kills and saving Americans he quickly built up his reputation and before long, was the most praised sniper in American history.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes war books and likes vivid descriptions of war. Mr. Kyle takes you onto the battle fields and then you watch as he kills enemy after enemy doing what he does best. A book very similar to this was No Easy Day by Mark Owen. All in all this was definitely one of my favorites and you should definitely read it.
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LibraryThing member vkhowll
This book is the autobiography of Navy Seal Chris Kyle. I became interested in this book after listening to an interview with him on the radio. On the radio, he sounded humble and said this book was not about his many kills but the impact that the military has on family. But, I found it to be the
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exact opposite. In his book, he spoke about the many kills during his career and seem to be bragging. He spoke very little about his family and made it very clear that military came before his family. I do believe that Mr. Kyle is a great hero in the war but it wasn't book he betrayed it to be in his interview. Show Less
LibraryThing member Elliot1822
American Sniper is a gutrenthcing, hard-hitting story of one man who had a tough but I feel a personally rewarding journey through the wars in Iraq/Afghanistan. I feel deep inside honored and proud of Chris Kyle defending not only Americans in Iraq and war zones, but any other military members as
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well. When Chris contemplated a second tour and re-enlisting for another 4-5 years of putting his country first, his wife felt a loss and anger towards her husband for not putting his wife and family first. Chris Kyle will always have my respect and admiration for helping to protect the ideas and values that make our country great. While some can argue his motives for leaving a wife and child for another tour has not feeling Chris Kyle felt strongly that in his training to be a warrior for our country he was being with his wife and family. It’s sad to know that he’s not with us and didn’t fall in battle for his country. This book is a great read and I recommend it strongly. Show Less
LibraryThing member mdubois
A great American hero, but a fairly dull book as military biographies go. Bummer.
LibraryThing member lanewillson
Disturbing in every aspect, I found myself horrified that ours is a world that so greatly needs the talents, and expertise of men and women like Chris Kyle. At the same time I gained a new appreciation for how fortunate we are to have men and women like Chris Kyle serving as protectors of our
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freedom, and greater clarity into the sacrifices made in order to serve, not only by them, but also by their families and all who love and care for them. Show Less
LibraryThing member edspicer
It would be hard to convince hard-lined anti-gun people to read it, or a person who was against the Middle East conflicts, but I would tell them that the book was adventurous; an easy read and was put together well. I wanted to read it, to earn a little bit more about he’s life. We bought the
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book the week he died. I wanted to know what drove him. Show Less
LibraryThing member hunterM.G3
This book is about a sniper in the US Navy Seals. His name is Kyle and after he finished training he was stationed in colorado. In operation Iraq freedom he became a gunner in forward-deployed SEAL scout mission. His longest shot was 2100 yards and had killed a guy with a rocket launcher assulting
I like this book because it tells about in the military and being a sniper in iraq.
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a convoy.I like this book because it tells about in the military and being a sniper in iraq.
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LibraryThing member cbilbo
I saw the author on Conan promoting his book. I knew I had to get this book instantly. A portion of this book goes to 2 friends who were killed and injured in war. That there should just be enough.
What is unique about this book is how it flip flops. You get his side. Then his wife's side. You learn
This book will bring tears to your eyes. My heart hurt for those who died, injured and list. It was an excellent read!
What is unique about this book is how it flip flops. You get his side. Then his wife's side. You learn
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how the military presses, trains, then expects our soldiers to be. This book will bring tears to your eyes. My heart hurt for those who died, injured and list. It was an excellent read!
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LibraryThing member ReviewsFromTheHeart
He is the deadliest American sniper ever, called “the devil” by the enemies he hunted and “the legend” by his Navy SEAL brothers . . .
From 1999 to 2009, U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle recorded the most career sniper kills in United States military history. The Pentagon has officially confirmed
American Sniper: The Autobiography of The Most Lethal Sniper in US Military History by Chris Kyle
I received this book for my review only with no monetary interest provided by William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my written expressed review.
American Sniper is one story of just one man who had an incredible journey during the war in Iraq/Afghanistan. While I am so honored and proud of Chris Kyle defending not only Americans in Iraq and the surrounding areas, but other military members as well. I can’t help but read between the pages to see see his wife struggling to raise their first child by herself. With Chris contemplating a second tour and re-enlisting for another 4-5 years of being deployed back to Iraq, his Wife is left with a feeling of loss and anger towards her husband for not putting his wife and family first. Chris has done some amazing things by being a SEAL! Things that many of us Americans could not even fathom having to deal with. Chris has my utmost respect and admiration for helping to protect the American ideals that make our country great. What I don’t particularly like is how he put his country over his wife and children when coming up on his 2nd tour. With a wife and child at home and another on the way, he decides to re-enlist for another dangerous deployment that could end his life and leave his wife without a husband and his children without a father.
I have to take the side of his wife after his first tour that he should not have re-enlisted to be with his wife and family. He served his country with honor and saved many lives, while at the same time killing so many terrorists that threatened any type of life in Iraq. After his first tour however, he was plagued by thoughts of not being their for his fellow soldiers that he forgot the most important rule in life. To be a loving father and husband, for that is what is truly will be remembered by the ones you love and whom you will depend on in life. Yes he has many memories as a sniper and has remained very close to other SEAL’s throughout his life, but it is his wife and children that will make him the man that he is.
I would rate this book a 3 out of 5 stars. I would rate this book higher, but I felt that his patriotism truly leads his life over his family. God, family, country is how it should be. Thank you Chris Kyle for your service and your pride for America. Now take the time to have a happy and fulfilling relationship with your wife and children. God Bless you!
From 1999 to 2009, U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle recorded the most career sniper kills in United States military history. The Pentagon has officially confirmed
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more than 150 of Kyles kills (the previous American record was 109), but it has declined to verify the astonishing total number for this book. Iraqi insurgents feared Kyle so much they named him al-Shaitan (“the devil”) and placed a bounty on his head. Kyle earned legendary status among his fellow SEALs, Marines, and U.S. Army soldiers, whom he protected with deadly accuracy from rooftops and stealth positions. Gripping and unforgettable, Kyle’s masterful account of his extraordinary battlefield experiences ranks as one of the great war memoirs of all time.American Sniper: The Autobiography of The Most Lethal Sniper in US Military History by Chris Kyle
I received this book for my review only with no monetary interest provided by William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my written expressed review.
American Sniper is one story of just one man who had an incredible journey during the war in Iraq/Afghanistan. While I am so honored and proud of Chris Kyle defending not only Americans in Iraq and the surrounding areas, but other military members as well. I can’t help but read between the pages to see see his wife struggling to raise their first child by herself. With Chris contemplating a second tour and re-enlisting for another 4-5 years of being deployed back to Iraq, his Wife is left with a feeling of loss and anger towards her husband for not putting his wife and family first. Chris has done some amazing things by being a SEAL! Things that many of us Americans could not even fathom having to deal with. Chris has my utmost respect and admiration for helping to protect the American ideals that make our country great. What I don’t particularly like is how he put his country over his wife and children when coming up on his 2nd tour. With a wife and child at home and another on the way, he decides to re-enlist for another dangerous deployment that could end his life and leave his wife without a husband and his children without a father.
I have to take the side of his wife after his first tour that he should not have re-enlisted to be with his wife and family. He served his country with honor and saved many lives, while at the same time killing so many terrorists that threatened any type of life in Iraq. After his first tour however, he was plagued by thoughts of not being their for his fellow soldiers that he forgot the most important rule in life. To be a loving father and husband, for that is what is truly will be remembered by the ones you love and whom you will depend on in life. Yes he has many memories as a sniper and has remained very close to other SEAL’s throughout his life, but it is his wife and children that will make him the man that he is.
I would rate this book a 3 out of 5 stars. I would rate this book higher, but I felt that his patriotism truly leads his life over his family. God, family, country is how it should be. Thank you Chris Kyle for your service and your pride for America. Now take the time to have a happy and fulfilling relationship with your wife and children. God Bless you!
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LibraryThing member mlake
I started this and was pretty excited about reading it - I have read and enjoyed a few other SEAL booksbut I couldn't read this one - Kyle refers to the people he killed as savages...
LibraryThing member ktp50
Can you believe Jessie Ventura sued this guys widow? Such an unpatriotic and cowardly act by a deeply disturbed man. I really hate Jessie Ventura. How on earth did people in Minnesota elect him governor. I once had a roommate from Minnesota; Dougie. He was basically a good guy, but incredibly dumb.
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He thought Motley Crew was the best band of all time. Also one time a stripper bit him on the neck because i was mean to her. I felt bad about that. Poor Dougie. I am also reading the reviews below mine and I hate when people say I "applaud your service" but your not "my" kind of hero. Yeah I am talking about you Mr. jmcdbooks. It strikes me as sort of a cop out. If you have a problem with what the man did, then out with it. I have a feeling many of these kind of people don't like soldiers and are afraid to voice their opinions. Don't be scared, after all, people like Mr. Kyle fight and die for you to have the right to criticize them. Sort of a paradox, that one. Show Less
LibraryThing member tobereadpile
I seem to be creating a trend here with the first three books read in 2015 having been made into films, films that i watched prior to reading the books.
Unfortunately this one was an extremely uninspiring read, but also quite confronting. Chris Kyle is the epitome of American patriot. He sees the
It's interesting to see the slight spin director Clint Eastwood has put on the Chris Kyle story. Bradley Cooper's Kyle is presented as a complicated individual. Kyle's book is very matter of fact in its retelling of military operations, training, and his life. There are moments which attempt to infuse the text with the softer side of Kyle, but even though seem forced and are told without emotive language and a sense of importance. The sections in which Tayah gives her personal opinion are interesting. I think her point of view is important in adding another dimension to Kyle's personally, but those sections are few and far between. To be honest, i would have been more interested in hearing her complete side of the story.
This book is by no means a difficult read, i got through it in a day without too much fuss, so it is quite accessible. However, i'd be wary of those who accept what Kyle has written as scripture. The mechanics of war affect the individual uniquely and we should be wary to accept an account like this without deconstruction and discussion.
Unfortunately this one was an extremely uninspiring read, but also quite confronting. Chris Kyle is the epitome of American patriot. He sees the
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notion of being a Navy SEAL as the greatest job in the world and is unforgiving in his pursuit of killing the 'bad guys'. He has a very black and white approach to life and anything that doesn't fit into his frame of thinking is simply placed in the "wrong" pile. Not once does he stop to ponder the repercussions of each of his kills, in fact, he actually states that he LOVED being a SEAL and killing "evil" and that he regretted not killing more. Even his descriptions of adjusting to life back in the US are trite. While i can appreciate that the transition between a war zone to everyday life is one that not many would handle, his apprehensions don't extend past his loyalty to America and perceived threats to himself. He does not feel guilt or regret about the lives of the families he's destroyed, or once think about the underlying consequences and motivations behind war.It's interesting to see the slight spin director Clint Eastwood has put on the Chris Kyle story. Bradley Cooper's Kyle is presented as a complicated individual. Kyle's book is very matter of fact in its retelling of military operations, training, and his life. There are moments which attempt to infuse the text with the softer side of Kyle, but even though seem forced and are told without emotive language and a sense of importance. The sections in which Tayah gives her personal opinion are interesting. I think her point of view is important in adding another dimension to Kyle's personally, but those sections are few and far between. To be honest, i would have been more interested in hearing her complete side of the story.
This book is by no means a difficult read, i got through it in a day without too much fuss, so it is quite accessible. However, i'd be wary of those who accept what Kyle has written as scripture. The mechanics of war affect the individual uniquely and we should be wary to accept an account like this without deconstruction and discussion.
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LibraryThing member dele2451
I appreciate a guy who gets straight to the point and Kyle's writing is as straightforward as his sniper shots.
LibraryThing member arning
Straight forward and honest reflection of Chris Kyle's time as a SEAL.
LibraryThing member Jarratt
After having watched the film, I wanted to hear about Chris Kyle's experiences in his own words.
This book offers a pretty good idea of the hell soldiers must go through first to become SEALs, then to actually be in war. Throughout the book, Kyle's wife, Taya, includes her own perspective on various
I very much support our Armed Forces and am politically conservative. Still, it was a little uncomfortable reading Kyle's frequent pronouncement that he liked killing. Understand, I have no sympathy for terrorists and their ilk, but it was still a little uncomfortable for me to read this. At the same time, I fully understand that we need people with mindsets like this in our military. Fact is: they're constantly in a kill-or-be-killed environment. I'd much rather it be our enemies than our own soldiers.
Kyle did a pretty decent job of explaining various military acronyms and jargon, although some of the stories were unnecessary in terms of pacing. It's also not political in nature (he never mentions any politicians by name) but clearly he was irritated about some of the policies that were put in place--he just wanted (and to some degree, needed) the freedom to do the job he was sent there to do.
If you enjoyed the film, you'll enjoy the book. You certainly get to know Kyle far better here than from the film.
This book offers a pretty good idea of the hell soldiers must go through first to become SEALs, then to actually be in war. Throughout the book, Kyle's wife, Taya, includes her own perspective on various
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deployments and issues at home. I thought this was a nice change of pace and certainly reminded me of the sacrifices spouses and their extended families make while their soldier is at war.I very much support our Armed Forces and am politically conservative. Still, it was a little uncomfortable reading Kyle's frequent pronouncement that he liked killing. Understand, I have no sympathy for terrorists and their ilk, but it was still a little uncomfortable for me to read this. At the same time, I fully understand that we need people with mindsets like this in our military. Fact is: they're constantly in a kill-or-be-killed environment. I'd much rather it be our enemies than our own soldiers.
Kyle did a pretty decent job of explaining various military acronyms and jargon, although some of the stories were unnecessary in terms of pacing. It's also not political in nature (he never mentions any politicians by name) but clearly he was irritated about some of the policies that were put in place--he just wanted (and to some degree, needed) the freedom to do the job he was sent there to do.
If you enjoyed the film, you'll enjoy the book. You certainly get to know Kyle far better here than from the film.
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LibraryThing member publiusdb
After reading American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History, there’s no doubt in my mind that former U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle is patriot.
Beyond that, though, my feelings about the former soldier are less clear. To hear Kyle tell it in his memoir, he has
Reading American Sniper, it’s obvious why Hollywood was able to make the memoir into a blockbuster movie. In addition to being the most effective sniper in US military history, Kyle has a talent for making already exciting stories about his time on the battlefield even more gripping. Kyle fought in some of the deadliest battles of the war in Iraq, from Fallujah to Ramadi. If even half of the stories he tells actually happened, he’s already done more than any big screen action hero can pretend to do.
Kyle has a combination of skills, temperament, and character that made him deadly to his enemies, but also left me equivocal about the impact of war on American soldiers.
Even as a fabulist, Kyle’s story as a soldier is a fascinating perspective from the front lines of American foreign policy. Further, because so many have seen the movie based on his book, his memoir could have significant impact on how Americans view the war in Iraq, for better or for worse. It’s that impact that has elicited response from across the celebrity spectrum, both in support and opposition to the movie.
As another soldier wrote, though, Kyle’s perspective of the war in Iraq is just that: a perspective. It isn’t a definitive analysis of the war, why we went, and whether we should have been there. It’s one man’s experience in war-time.
That said, the perspective is valuable and with such a small percentage of Americans signing up to serve in uniform, it’s a perspective that the rest of voting America might consider.
Throughout American Sniper, Kyle seems to struggle with polar aspects of his nature. On one hand, he is driven by a need to be heroic, acting on a sense of invincibility and taking a devil-may-care approach to danger. On the other hand, he truly believes that his cause is just, wants to protect his fellow soldiers, and return home to be a considerate father.
It was a struggle that his baser instincts seemed all too often to win.
Taya, Kyle’s wife, whose commentary is interspersed throughout American Sniper, tells Kyle that if he reenlists, he would be choosing the SEAL lifestyle over her and their family. Kyle acknowledges it. And then chooses the war and his fellow soldiers, anyway, heading back to Iraq to fight in Ramadi.
Returning home after his deployments was a trial and a hell for those around him, as well as for Kyle, too. And yet, Kyle says, multiple times, that he liked being a sniper and he liked killing the enemy. He considered them to be savages.
Killing a man is not, and should not be, an easy thing, and Kyle’s story demonstrates in high relief the conditioning through which soldiers must pass effective warriors. It changes them and the experience of becoming effective killers, necessary for war, continues to impact them even when they return home.
I’ve never served in the armed forces, but if I ever did, I hope the soldier fighting next to me is as effective as Kyle. Not only did he cover fellow soldiers under fire, he carried them out, too, protected them, led them, and brought them to safety.
But if the effects of war on the people who must fight it have ever been unclear, American Sniper paints a disturbing picture. The war is hard on Kyle, physically and psychologically, as well as on his family. His body gradually breaks down over four tours of duty. At home between deployments he struggled with road rage and night terrors. After he retired from the service, Kyle sank into depression, alcohol, and pain.
Multiply that by every veteran who was in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Relatively speaking, Kyle might be considered lucky. Rather than succumb to the death spiral of alcohol and depression, a near-death car accident leaves Kyle shaken and resolved to change. He decides to give back and starts an organization to help vets recover from PTSD. Ironically, it was in this cause that Kyle died, shot to death by a veteran suffering from PTSD.
From Seth Rogan to Bill O’Reilly, Michael Moore to Sarah Palin, it seems like everyone has an opinion on Kyle. To some he is a hero; to others, he is a cold-blooded killer.
The truth is likely somewhere in the middle. But that’s the nature of war, isn’t it? It’s not always clear-cut, and the demands we make on our men and women to kill or be killed changes them forever. If we’re going to support our troops, adjust our thinking about war, then understanding Kyle’s experience, as well as the experiences of so many others that serve, American Sniper is a helpful perspective.
Beyond that, though, my feelings about the former soldier are less clear. To hear Kyle tell it in his memoir, he has
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all the ingredients of a patriotic American: love for country, God and family—and probably in that order, too. But the more I read Kyle’s story, the more complex he becomes.Reading American Sniper, it’s obvious why Hollywood was able to make the memoir into a blockbuster movie. In addition to being the most effective sniper in US military history, Kyle has a talent for making already exciting stories about his time on the battlefield even more gripping. Kyle fought in some of the deadliest battles of the war in Iraq, from Fallujah to Ramadi. If even half of the stories he tells actually happened, he’s already done more than any big screen action hero can pretend to do.
Kyle has a combination of skills, temperament, and character that made him deadly to his enemies, but also left me equivocal about the impact of war on American soldiers.
Even as a fabulist, Kyle’s story as a soldier is a fascinating perspective from the front lines of American foreign policy. Further, because so many have seen the movie based on his book, his memoir could have significant impact on how Americans view the war in Iraq, for better or for worse. It’s that impact that has elicited response from across the celebrity spectrum, both in support and opposition to the movie.
As another soldier wrote, though, Kyle’s perspective of the war in Iraq is just that: a perspective. It isn’t a definitive analysis of the war, why we went, and whether we should have been there. It’s one man’s experience in war-time.
That said, the perspective is valuable and with such a small percentage of Americans signing up to serve in uniform, it’s a perspective that the rest of voting America might consider.
Throughout American Sniper, Kyle seems to struggle with polar aspects of his nature. On one hand, he is driven by a need to be heroic, acting on a sense of invincibility and taking a devil-may-care approach to danger. On the other hand, he truly believes that his cause is just, wants to protect his fellow soldiers, and return home to be a considerate father.
It was a struggle that his baser instincts seemed all too often to win.
Taya, Kyle’s wife, whose commentary is interspersed throughout American Sniper, tells Kyle that if he reenlists, he would be choosing the SEAL lifestyle over her and their family. Kyle acknowledges it. And then chooses the war and his fellow soldiers, anyway, heading back to Iraq to fight in Ramadi.
Returning home after his deployments was a trial and a hell for those around him, as well as for Kyle, too. And yet, Kyle says, multiple times, that he liked being a sniper and he liked killing the enemy. He considered them to be savages.
Killing a man is not, and should not be, an easy thing, and Kyle’s story demonstrates in high relief the conditioning through which soldiers must pass effective warriors. It changes them and the experience of becoming effective killers, necessary for war, continues to impact them even when they return home.
I’ve never served in the armed forces, but if I ever did, I hope the soldier fighting next to me is as effective as Kyle. Not only did he cover fellow soldiers under fire, he carried them out, too, protected them, led them, and brought them to safety.
But if the effects of war on the people who must fight it have ever been unclear, American Sniper paints a disturbing picture. The war is hard on Kyle, physically and psychologically, as well as on his family. His body gradually breaks down over four tours of duty. At home between deployments he struggled with road rage and night terrors. After he retired from the service, Kyle sank into depression, alcohol, and pain.
Multiply that by every veteran who was in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Relatively speaking, Kyle might be considered lucky. Rather than succumb to the death spiral of alcohol and depression, a near-death car accident leaves Kyle shaken and resolved to change. He decides to give back and starts an organization to help vets recover from PTSD. Ironically, it was in this cause that Kyle died, shot to death by a veteran suffering from PTSD.
From Seth Rogan to Bill O’Reilly, Michael Moore to Sarah Palin, it seems like everyone has an opinion on Kyle. To some he is a hero; to others, he is a cold-blooded killer.
The truth is likely somewhere in the middle. But that’s the nature of war, isn’t it? It’s not always clear-cut, and the demands we make on our men and women to kill or be killed changes them forever. If we’re going to support our troops, adjust our thinking about war, then understanding Kyle’s experience, as well as the experiences of so many others that serve, American Sniper is a helpful perspective.
Show Less
Awards
Iowa High School Book Award (Winner — 2017)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2012-01-02
Physical description
416 p.; 5.31 inches
ISBN
0062376330 / 9780062376336
UPC
201562376330