American Heroes: In Special Operations

The stories seem so fantastic that I had to frequently remind myself that this is not fiction or fantasy, but real stories about real people. The stories seem so fantastic that I had to frequently remind myself that this is not fiction or fantasy.

I chose this book to read because of the author, Oliver North. I was very curious to read what he had written. It is actually a part of a series that he has produced. Had I fully known the subject matter of the book, prior to my selection, I wouldn't have chosen it. (I shy away from war stories, due to the violence.) That would have been tragic for me. My timing (Veteran's Day) was a coincidence, but made it all the more relevant.

"American Heroes in Special Operations" is a compilation of short stories , reporting true Special Operations Force's events that have taken place since the launch of the War on Terror. The stories are reported with as much fact and detail as is allowed by law. The book includes: amazing photos, to help support the stories written about events in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq; detailed definitions for novices (like me); and most importantly, recounts the honors awarded to the participants in these events.

Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down. It is written in such a manner so as not to titillate the reader by the horrorifics of battle, but to recount the stories in as much detail as possible, so the reader gets a very good sense of what the participants endured. The words flow smoothly so it is easy to become engaged in the stories and with the participants. I was cheering for the good guys, boo/hissing the bad guys, and weeping for those who were lost. The stories seem so fantastic that I had to frequently remind myself that this is not fiction or fantasy, but real stories about real people.

I've found this book of true stories to be important to me, because it has helped me become more of a participant in the War on Terror, if only through new knowledge. I feel very strongly that this book belongs in every home in America. If there were ever a reason to get everyone moving in one direction at one time, it should be to collectively read this book so as to more fully appreciate what it actually means to go to war. This series should be mandatory reading for every government official.

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

Excellent & Informative!

American Heroes: Special Operations gives an in-depth look into the hearts, minds, and operations of our elite heroes. It's easy as a observer to idolize these heroes who sacrifice everything, but this book gave me a deeper perspective and appreciation of those sacrifices. With North and Holton embedded with these elite warriors, readers are able to see the intricacies and frustrations these men face on a daily basis. What we see on the news is often slanted and a mere sliver of the truth, and that's why I love this American Heroes series because, in essence, it humanizes these warriors--it peels away the armor, the weapons, the deadly missions--and allows me to "see" a man behind all that gear and action. A man with a family, a dream. It's an absolutely fascinating, informative, realistic, and engaging read!

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

special soldiers

"american hereos in special operations" is a very special book. most arthurs do there writing from in the states but colonel oliver north goes right to the battle lines and stays with the special ops troops and heres and sees their storys first hand and their photos are in this diary so you get to know these brave soldiers first hand and what their special work is day in and day out. this is a great tribute to the brave fighting forces over seas and it tells the real truth and it would make a great gift idea for a friend or family member

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

A "boots-on-the-ground" narrative of military operations in Iraq & Afghanistan.

Ollie gives us a soldier's perspective on daily military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He and his camera man/producer take us on patrols and missions with many touching and compelling images and narratives. There are profiles of heroes who put it all on the line to serve their country and their fellow soldiers. The many citations supporting medals awarded to the heroes, many posthumously, are gripping and the profiles of wounded warriors are inspiring. This is the news that is not reported in the popular media; stories of personal dedication and sacrifice and outreach to the people of these countries. these stories emphasize the innate goodness, humanity and compassion of the many american military members serving in these foreign lands.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

American Heroes

I have not read this book yet, but when I read the synopsis and looked through it, I can't wait to get at this book. Oliver North has written several good books and this is by far one of his best.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A Truly Inspiring Book!

Oliver North has done fantastic job on articulating why America's military is the finest in the world. His very real examples of courage and faith provide us with reasons to be proud of and thankful for all of the men and women serving this great nation as well as the families they had to leave behind. The book also provides a very accurate and easy to understand history of the conflict in the middle east. It is very uplifting and interesting book for anyone who loves this country.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Facts Trump Spin

After reading this extremely well done book, I'm even more motivated to thank every military member I encounter. I for one am grateful to live in a nation defended by truly noble and selfless countrymen. Thanks to Oliver North for having the diligence and courage to tell the truth about the Global War on Terror. This is one of the most compelling books I've ever read.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Big Oliver North Fan

I've always liked war stories on Fox News. This book is an extension of that. It is well written and done to the quality as only North can do.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Poorly written

Poorly written book. very redundant. Tells a story, then waste another chapter of pages writing the citation written to the soldiers of the story he just told.... not a very good book. High price for a nook book. I wasted 14.99

0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

pound of salt

If it is of interest to get the perspective of a war criminal, read this book. North's Vietnam service was evidently meritorious, but his orchestration of atrocity in Nicaragua deserved a life sentence.

0 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

Choose wisely

I, too, chose this because of North; everybody ahs to make a living somehow. Read a sample first. The content is a nice description of heoric actions; but a fair portion is merely excerpts from medal citations. Little heft to the story; but then again, it is FOX News

0 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

Very Military Technical

If you like war history, you will like this book. I didn't really enjoy it until the very last 20 pages. Too much military verbage for me.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

honorable tribute to our brave men and women

'american hereos' grew out of col. oliver norths many trips visting with the brave men and women on the frontlines in iraq and afganistan.I feel this is a very important book because not only will it show what our soldiers are really doing in the fight agaist freedom but it will tell the full story by someone who was really there with military experience. these days the press and certain politicans dont stand for our freedom cause they werent their. this is a great fast reading book that needs to be told. great gift idea for a friend or family member.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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