I did not think I would be interested in this book. Why? Because I had this pre-conceived idea that it would be a story about this soldier sitting there shooting out of a window from the start of the book to the finish.

I was very wrong.

Chris Kyle, a Navy SEAL, encountered multiple challenges in Iraq including sniping. Most of the action was in hotspots Fallujah, Ramadi, and Sadr City. He kicked down doors and did a lot of badass SEAL stuff besides being a sniper. The sniper part is great too.

This is a great book about a great American. If you liked Lone Survivor, you will like American Sniper equally, maybe more.

"When the government fears the people, you have liberty; when the people fear the government, you have tyranny." Thomas Jefferson
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
Edmund Burke

"When the government fears the people, you have liberty; when the people fear the government, you have tyranny." Thomas Jefferson
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
Edmund Burke

Almost finished and have enjoyed so far

Enjoyed both books.

The most compelling part of AS (to me) was his accounts of his time working with the Rangers and other Army personnel clearing houses.

Any chance one of you guys wants to mail me your copy when you're done?

I appreciated how he included the conflict with his wife, the challenge of learning to be a dad and connect with his kids, and his struggle through spiritual lows. Sharing your flaws and faults with the millions he knew would be reading his book takes a lot of courage and confidence in who you are. Maybe not quite as much courage as kicking in doors in Fallujah, but more than most men possess.

Terk, I have a copy right here in my office. Send me your address and I'd be glad to let you borrow it.

cconklin at jmlowecompany dot com

If you have a Kindle, I can let you borrow it from me.

EDIT - Nevermind, for some reason lending is disabled for this book. Sorry.

[This message has been edited by jeffk (edited 5/21/2013 11:51a).]

Sent, thanks!

I just finished it yesterday. I, too, was reluctant to read it because I'm generally not big on autobiographies. I was pleasantly surprised and found it hard to put down. He definitely comes across as a regular guy that did extraordinary things. Unfortunately, I could never stop thinking how tragic his death was.

[This message has been edited by Txlawdawg (edited 5/21/2013 12:42p).]

American Sniper is great. Lone Survivor is great.

I kinda got on a Navy SEAL book reading kick after reading Lone Survivor.

Some other books about Navy SEALs that I enjoyed:

Suffer in Silence - (about the hardcore BUD/s training)

No Easy Day - (first hand account of Neptune Spear Op)

Men in Green Faces - SEALs in Vietnam

I agree with all of the above. Also, as mentioned I really like No Easy Day as a follow up book to Lone Survivor. Lone Survivor focused on the BUD/S training and No Easy Day focused on the United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group (SEAL team 6) training which I thought was really interesting.

You should also read Service which was Lutrell's second book. It clears up some of the things discussed in Lone Survivor, it is a very good book as well,

Great read, as is Lone Survivor and Service. Have the new one on pre-order at B&N... and The Red Circle is queued up on my reading shelf...along with 50 other books...

"Today, we showed the resolve of the United States. Today we made a statement to the world... That you can hit us, you can knock us down, but we're gonna get up. And when we do, we will find you and kick your ass!"
- Robert E Clark II, Cpt USN, Commandant of Midshipmen May 1, 2011

[This message has been edited by wadd96 (edited 5/21/2013 9:35p).]

I enjoyed reading American Sniper, but I will say there were parts that made me think Chris Kyle was a narcissistic a-hole. Breaking that dude's jaw at Ft. Campbell was probably uncalled for (MMQB), along with the way he treated his wife through most of the book made me dislike him. American hero to be sure, and a great read, but not without its downsides too.

Whatever you do, don't waste your money on "Inside Seal Team Six" by Don Mann. Terrible book.

quote:

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along with 50 other books...

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Wadd you weren't doing anything else anyway were you?

BTW are you married yet?

Nothing at all, Allen.... nothing.

Might get some reading time this weekend when we head to Stephenville to meet the bulls.

Wedding is in Nov! :-)

"Today, we showed the resolve of the United States. Today we made a statement to the world... That you can hit us, you can knock us down, but we're gonna get up. And when we do, we will find you and kick your ass!"
- Robert E Clark II, Cpt USN, Commandant of Midshipmen May 1, 2011

Didn't really like the book. Didn't flow. Wasn't all that well written adn the guy seemed like a jerk.

I just finished American Sniper. The subject mater was certainly interesting but I didn't care for the books organization. It was kind of like reading a bunch of forum posts.

The New Yorker just published an extended story on the events leading up to Kyle's murder.

That article is a tough read.