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Most Helpful Favorable Review
20 out of 24 people found this review helpful.
I've waited about 2 1/2 years for this
While in Afghanistan, Jon Krakauer spent abut 48 hours on a small Surveillance mission with myself and my recon team. He could walk up any mountain we did, (and faster) he was a great story teller and though i didn't know the great gift it was at the time, he told us st...Read More
While in Afghanistan, Jon Krakauer spent abut 48 hours on a small Surveillance mission with myself and my recon team. He could walk up any mountain we did, (and faster) he was a great story teller and though i didn't know the great gift it was at the time, he told us stories about the places he'd been and the things he'd done in his past and that was a great gift. Who knows an Author? Who knows an Author who is willing to tell stories to a group of starving soldiers and not expect anything in return? Jon Krakauer did that for us, and lifted our spirits. He only briefly spoke about what he was in Afghanistan for but asked that we remain quiet about it, so for the past few years All of us have so w wouldnt compromise his work. Thanks Jon for a New Story.Show Less
posted by ReconSoldier on June 15, 2009
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42 out of 76 people found this review helpful.
A perfect hypocritical, unjust, political offensive at the expense of a fallen soldier's good name.
Call me a sucker, I took the bait! Without any discredit to Krakauer's penmanship and regardless of the reader's political stance, this book is an obvious political attack and all-out assault on the United States military under the guise of a tribute to a fallen hero (...Read More
Call me a sucker, I took the bait! Without any discredit to Krakauer's penmanship and regardless of the reader's political stance, this book is an obvious political attack and all-out assault on the United States military under the guise of a tribute to a fallen hero (the latter of which I thought I was really reading about). There is no doubt that Pat Tillman is an extraordinary person and should be remembered with honor and respect. But this book is rife with politics and a slap in the face to the American military. Krakauer should have simply stated that 9/11 and all war casualties are the result of mishandled situations by the United States leadership and its military. How do discussions on the Florida presidential election recount, alleged CIA intelligence mishandling, and other politically-charged narratives pay tribute to a fallen hero? Furthermore, while Krakauer alledges that the Government's war propaganda machine was fueled by embellished battle stories, he uses Pat Tillman's good character and good intentions to deliver his own anti-war, anti-political party propaganda. Hypocritical as hell, but sure, it's a great read... If you intend to pay tribute to a great man, do so, but leave your political and military assault for another book. Don't whore out a fallen soldier's good name to push your own ideas.Show Less
posted by 2022219 on October 6, 2009
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Anonymous
Posted October 6, 2009
A perfect hypocritical, unjust, political offensive at the expense of a fallen soldier's good name.
Call me a sucker, I took the bait! Without any discredit to Krakauer's penmanship and regardless of the reader's political stance, this book is an obvious political attack and all-out assault on the United States military under the guise of a tribute to a fallen hero (the latter of which I thought I was really reading about). There is no doubt that Pat Tillman is an extraordinary person and should be remembered with honor and respect. But this book is rife with politics and a slap in the face to the American military. Krakauer should have simply stated that 9/11 and all war casualties are the result of mishandled situations by the United States leadership and its military. How do discussions on the Florida presidential election recount, alleged CIA intelligence mishandling, and other politically-charged narratives pay tribute to a fallen hero? Furthermore, while Krakauer alledges that the Government's war propaganda machine was fueled by embellished battle stories, he uses Pat Tillman's good character and good intentions to deliver his own anti-war, anti-political party propaganda. Hypocritical as hell, but sure, it's a great read... If you intend to pay tribute to a great man, do so, but leave your political and military assault for another book. Don't whore out a fallen soldier's good name to push your own ideas.
42 out of 76 people found this review helpful.
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I've waited about 2 1/2 years for this
While in Afghanistan, Jon Krakauer spent abut 48 hours on a small Surveillance mission with myself and my recon team. He could walk up any mountain we did, (and faster) he was a great story teller and though i didn't know the great gift it was at the time, he told us stories about the places he'd been and the things he'd done in his past and that was a great gift. Who knows an Author? Who knows an Author who is willing to tell stories to a group of starving soldiers and not expect anything in return? Jon Krakauer did that for us, and lifted our spirits. He only briefly spoke about what he was in Afghanistan for but asked that we remain quiet about it, so for the past few years All of us have so w wouldnt compromise his work. Thanks Jon for a New Story.
20 out of 24 people found this review helpful.
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Leigh30
Posted October 22, 2009
I Also Recommend:
My new hero, Pat Tillman
I just finished reading this book earlier this morning and I came away from it very upset, emotional. I had only heard of Pat Tillman a few times: when he left the NFL to join the Army and then when he was KIA by friendly fire. I remember thinking how admirable that was for a person to leave a really good job, the NFL, and join the Army to make a difference.
I couldn't help but compare Tillman to Brad Pitt's character in the film "Legends of the Fall" because they were both men who were never at peace with themselves. It seemed as though Tillman was constantly doing something to try and "quiet the bear inside of him". I quickly became impressed and in awe of him after reading his journal entries - all I can say is, what a guy.
I thought Krakauer did an amazing job laying the story out the way that he did. I didn't know much about how the Taliban or al-Quaeda was created or by whom but Krakauer's in-depth history lesson about it was excellent. I feel like I came away from the book armed with a lot of knowledge that I didn't have before.
I'm still in disbelief about the way that the American government treated the death of Tillman, the cover-up. It was pathetic. I had no idea any of this took place until reading it in this book and I have to say that I'm very angry at the government. I'd love to be able to say "I can't believe our government would do such a thing" but I know better.
I'm so glad that I read this book and got to know a little bit about Pat Tillman because I think he was an amazing man who tried to live his life to the fullest and always do the right thing. Thank you John Krakauer for bringing his story to all of us.10 out of 11 people found this review helpful.
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Skum
Posted January 23, 2010
I Also Recommend:
Krakauer is controversial
Starting his career as an adventure writer, Krakauer's last two books have been investigative work. His last great book, Under the Banner of Heaven, he reports on the fringes of the Mormon Church.
In this book, Where Men Win Glory, we get a biography of Pat Tillman and a look into our own military.
As a football fan, I found the story of Tillman and how he became a NFL player interesting. Pat's personal life was inspiring.
An honest look into our military and the amount of friendly fire and cover up of such fire is eye opening.
In all of Krakauer's books you are entertained and informed. These subjects may not be political correct, which makes it all that more important that they be written about.7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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nausetsunriseKR
Posted July 3, 2010
A must read!
When I first heard the news that Pat Tillman joined the Army, I was disgusted. "Who cares?" I thought. It seemed some publicity stunt on behalf of some gung ho football guy. When I heard the news of his death, I was equally unimpressed. All I could think about were the soldiers from my state who barely get mention on the news who died, and in some cases, suffered a fate worse than death.
When I saw this book on the shelf at the local book store, I was intrigued. I knew there had to be more to the story if Krakauer took it up as a subject. Krakauer is a phenomenal writer who tells so much more than just the topic of the story at hand. The background information he provides is an education in itself.
Pat Tillman is a man of amazing character, the likes of which we do not often see. Aside from a portrait of Tillman, we get treated to important information about the military operation in Afghanistan and the history of our presence ("war" time or not) in that country. We are given an idea of the cover ups put forth by the U.S. government to soldiers families when they are killed by "friendly" fire, and so much more.
My husband and I have decided to give this important book to everyone on our gift list for the holidays. This is an important book and people need to read it. I promise you, you will not be disappointed by this book. In fact, you will be thankful you read it.6 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted December 31, 2009
Story of Pat Tillman?
I will first say that I enjoyed all of Jon Krakauer's other books. However,this book was supposed to be an "account of a remarkable young man's haunting journey." or so it claims. When I began reading the book I assumed that is what I would be reading about. While there are some interesting pieces about his life there is very little of Tillman's background laid out within the book. What I came to realize as I read was that Krakauer chose to utilize the Pat Tillman story as a vehicle to push his political agenda. If I understood going in that this book was about military mishandlings and an overall indictment of the Bush administration my review would not be so negative (although I am tired of hearing about it). If I were to tell you before you read this story that Krakauer rehashes the 2000 election you would have assumed I was probably talking about a diffrent book. My disappointment is that I feel Krakauer is misleading about the subject of his story. Plus I now need to counter Krakauer's left wing views with something written from the far right perspective to balance out the views. Hopefully the author's next book will be about a topic that he is not so biased about.
5 out of 11 people found this review helpful.
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OzF16
Posted November 19, 2009
Great read -- much more than just a Tillman bio
Nearly all of the negative reviews of this book criticize the political agenda and describe it as an attack on the Bush administration and the war in Iraq in general. In the Appendix of Jon Krakauer's book, Under The Banner Of Heaven, he responds to charges from LDS leadership accusing him of assaulting their religion. He begins the defense of his work with the statement, "But illuminating unpleasant historical truths is not the same as bigotry." I think this statement also applies to Krakauer's work here in Where Men Win Glory. The ugly truths that he reports in this book inevitably lead to the judgments delivered, which some might call a "political agenda."
If you simply want to know about Pat Tillman, you can probably find what you're looking for by Googling him. A much richer story involves putting his odyssey into context, which Krakauer does quite well. The context of Tillman's own thoughts and feelings is gathered from his journals and interviews with his friends, family, and fellow soldiers. Tillman's sense of duty in spite of his disillusionment with the war and his successful personal and professional life that he left behind is what truly makes him a hero. But the fact that his sacrifice takes place among the backdrop of a repeated pattern of government and military deception to the public is what really makes this story compelling. In addition to the Tillman fiasco, Krakauer describes several other examples, including the drumbeat of misinformation leading up to the war in Iraq and the Jessica Lynch half-truths. I would not call this a political agenda. They are historical facts that provide the weaving in the tapestry of Krakauer's version of Tillman's odyssey, making it a compelling read and a bitter lesson in history as well.5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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ImcoolLikethat
Posted November 21, 2009
Highly recommended.
This is a well constructed story of man, virtue, history, philosophy, politics and culture. It is very thought provoking as well.
Having it on audio was a great experience. I listened to it in the car and found myself looking forward to long car rides.
I definitely recommend it.4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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fightthefight
Posted October 27, 2009
I Also Recommend:
The world needs more like Pat Tillman
I enjoy Jon Krakauer's writing and prose I will read all that he writes regardless of his politics which as many have noted he does not try to disguise. I believe bringing in current events that are happening were necessary to set the stage so to speak. For those of you who think he is harsh on the Army-he's not. Many times the higher echelon will make ignorant bonehead decisions that end up in tradegy. It is heroic men like Tillman and the rest of his platoon to include the platoon leader that skillfully modify and apply the rules that make the Army the most professional in the world. Speaking from 24 years of experience. Every parent should have thier teenage son's read this book. The book is an excellent thought provoking read start to finish.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted December 8, 2009
Bush Bashing
Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman by Jon Krakauer is a decent book. I understand Pat's frustration on the fact that all he really wanted was to be n the fight, but was left out many times. Despite all of his opinions, he had a real appreciation for life, his family, and all the others that he allowed in his life.
This book is about Pat Tillman. Pat was in the NFL, but after 9-11, Pat made probably the biggest choice of his life. He left the NFL to join the army. He was apart of an elite group known as the Rangers. He was tragically shot and killed by another comrade. If you heard about this within the following month or so of his death, you would have heard differently. This book is about the cover-up story delivered by the United States Army and the Bush Administration. I believe Jon Krakauer wrote this book to get the truth out.
I understand why Krakauer wrote this book, but I think there could have been many changes. It seemed, at times, like a "Bush Bashing." I felt like he, at some points, was blaming the Bush Administration for not only the cover-up, but Pat's death also.
I think this would have been better had it been about 100 pages shorter. It does into detail about too many things that don't matter, for example when Tillman gets drunk with his friends in Paris. It doesn't get to the story about his death and the cover-up till about 2/3 into the book. Other than that it is a rather good book.3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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When Men of Honor are Treated Dishonorably
An ultimately depressing read: major military muck-up followed by denial and cover-up--a total disregard for who Tillman was. Krakauer's writing feels tired and desultory as he recounts Tillman's football career (while Tillman was a great man, the background stuff goes beyond mere tedium), but as Krakauer's moral outrage climbs his prose begins to come to life. This book would be much sharper (and more interesting) if the first half were condensed to 20% of its length. Finished, I pace the house, feeling somehow hollowed out with a haunting sense of loss . . . for Tillman, for truth, for honor and glory. One has to agree with Krakauer's concluding remarks and they induce a sense of despair unalleviated by any "change" in the political winds . . . .
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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I have a new hero: Pat Tillman.
Krakauer does his usual thorough research and offers his trademark lucid writing in this appreciative biography of Pat Tillman. Krakauer emphasizes that Pat was both an everyday and an extraordinary person. He goes over the incident in which Pat was killed with precision. But he lavishes the same attention on Pat's childhood and youth. Tillman is not an object of anti-government caricature for Krakauer. One is left with sorrow for all the victims of wartime fratricide, and the friendly-fire toll in all wars is tragically high. And one is inspired by Pat's superlative adherence to his own code of moral conduct, his resiliency, and his love of family. You might chose to avoid the epilogue, in which Krakauer laments the lack of testosterone driven virility in men of reason.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Stunning, riviting storytelling Author
I have read every single one of Jon Krakauer's books, have encouraged my reader friends to read his books. Had a enjoyable discussion with any attorney Mormom friend about the misconceived preconceptions of beliefs in Under the Banner of Heaven and I'm a Protestant! Jon first captured my attention when I read a review about Into Thin Air and it was my first Krakauer book. I found myself feeling the cold, breathing deeply in the "thin air" and going numb with cold and being mesmerized in his storytelling about this tragic and very sad, sad event. I'm going to buy two copies of Where Men Win Glory, one for me, another for a very good reader friend with whom I like to impress with my choice of good reads. No one, absolutely no one will be disappointed with this book, even if you dont' agree with the writer's politics or Tillman's motives, just enjoy the story and how brilliantly Krakauer writes.
3 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted June 10, 2009
Can't Wait to Read!
I only knew Pat Tillman briefly as a classmate at Arizona State University, but he has become my personal hero. I look forward to reading this book.
3 out of 14 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted July 27, 2010
Skip It!
Offensive use of the tragic death of a true American patriot to push an anti-Bush, anti-war agenda. Rife with factual errors, even on such simple things as what city the Rose Bowl is in. Don't waste your time.
2 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
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Enlightening
I hadn't really paid much attention to the Pat Tillman story and was interested when I saw Mr. Krakauer had written about him. Sadly, Mr. K spends a good deal of time ripping the Bush administration; whether I agree with him or not; that isn't what I purchased the book to hear. I understand that the actions of the administration underlie the Pat Tillman story; but then rename the book so I know what I am purchasing. I still would recommend the read; albeit there is a sort of emptiness in listening to the angst of Pat Tillman, both before and after 9/11/01.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted March 1, 2010
Outstanding insight to the situation in Afghanistan
Unfortunately, it took the death of a true patriot for a book like this to come about. It tells a sad story, about a great individual who paid the ultimate sacrifice. You can't help but feel for his family. Not only because of the untimely death, but because of the way the truth was hidden from them for so long.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Sweeney
Posted December 5, 2009
Not enough substance on Tillman
Relatively little is included about Tillman's time in Afghanistan. Instead there was a huge amount on Afghanistan history, which came off as filler. The author couldn't resist a number of snide remarks about President Bush. If that is his view and Tillman's than so be it. However, I know it is not the view of most soldiers in Afghanistan. Those remarks came off as cheap and unnecessary.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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PvtTaylor
Posted November 15, 2009
One of the few books I was unable to finish.
Although I've enjoyed Krakauer's other works, I cannot recommend this one. Every man who goes to war has his own compelling story and I have no doubt that Pat Tillman was a patriot. If he were alive today, I do not think he would be pleased with Krakauer's version of his life or his war. The book eventually becomes a rant against the Bush Administration and the war against terror in general. Krakauer needs to stick with something he knows. War, duty, loyalty and honor are clearly outside his area of expertise. Don't waste your money or your time.
2 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted October 17, 2009
Good book, but slanted
Krakauer has never disappointed, however i did find this book particularly a one-way street regarding politics.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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