Books matching: emotional toll of combat

8 result(s)

Page 1
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 
  1. #1

    What It is Like to Go to War by Karl Marlantes
    Save:

    'What It is Like to Go to War' by Karl Marlantes is a profound reflection on the author's experiences as a Marine in Vietnam and the aftermath of war. The book delves into the emotional and spiritual toll of combat, highlighting the lack of preparation and support for soldiers in handling the horrors of war and transitioning back to civilian life. Marlantes shares riveting stories from his time as an officer, coupled with insightful analyses of society's perception of war and its impact on individuals. The writing style blends personal anecdotes with philosophical reflections, urging readers to contemplate the complexities of warfare and its lasting effects on those who serve.

    Warriors deal with death. They take life away from others. This is normally the role of God. Asking young warriors to take on that role without adequate psychological and spiritual preparation can lea...

  2. #2

    With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa by Eugene B. Sledge
    Save:

    'With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa' by Eugene B. Sledge is a first-hand memoir detailing the author's experiences as a Marine in the Pacific during World War II. The book provides a gritty and realistic account of the brutal battles at Peleliu and Okinawa, showcasing the horrors of war without any glorification. Sledge's writing style is honest, straightforward, and poignant, as he vividly describes the harsh realities of military life, the psychological challenges faced by soldiers, and the physical and emotional toll of combat.

    I enlisted in the Marine Corps on 3 December 1942 at Marion, Alabama. At the time I was a freshman at Marion Military Institute. My parents and brother Edward had urged me to stay in college as long a...

  3. #3

    Brave Men by Ernie Pyle
    Save:

    'Brave Men' by Ernie Pyle is a collection of journalistic snapshots focusing on the American GI and sailor during World War II. Pyle's writing style personalizes the experiences of the soldiers, highlighting their actions, reactions, hardships, courage, and camaraderie. The book provides a soldier's eye view of the war, steering clear of politics and grand strategy, and instead, aiming to give families and neighbors back home a glimpse of the realities faced by Americans at the front. Pyle's dedication to being at the sharp end and capturing the real stories of the common soldiers makes 'Brave Men' a poignant and immersive read, showcasing the nobility and human aspects of war.

    Ernie Pyle's 'Brave Men' offers a unique perspective on World War II, portraying the citizen soldiers in a cross-section of the whole country who went off to fight. The book delves into the Sicilian campaign, Anzio, the run-up to the invasion of France, D-Day, and the liberation of Paris, providing a detailed and personal account of the European campaign during WWII. Pyle's writing style, honesty, and ability to humanize the American fighting men and women in their deepest extremis make 'Brave Men' a compelling and evocative portrayal of the war.


  4. 'SAS Bravo Three Zero' by Damien Lewis and Des Powell recounts the harrowing true story of the SAS patrol that faced overwhelming challenges during the First Gulf War. Despite being plagued by lack of equipment, poor intelligence, and extreme weather conditions, the soldiers displayed unwavering determination and resourcefulness. The narrative provides insights into the remarkable strength and training of the SAS, showcasing the incredible hardships faced by these brave warriors.

    The writing style of the book oscillates between detailing the operational challenges faced by the SAS patrol and delving into the personal backgrounds of the soldiers. The account of the mission offers a gripping portrayal of the soldiers' resilience and the intense situations they navigated through, shedding light on the lesser-known Bravo Three Zero operation during the Desert Storm.


  5. #5

    Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War by Mark Bowden
    Save:

    'Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War' by Mark Bowden is a compelling and detailed account of the First Battle of Mogadishu in 1993, where a small force of American Rangers and Special Force units found themselves trapped and outmanned by Somali armed rebels. The book provides a blow-by-blow retelling of the dramatic firefight, highlighting the chaos of war, individual heroism, and the complexities of modern urban warfare. Bowden's writing style, based on individual interviews and actual recordings from the battle, brings the harrowing ordeal to life with graphic detail, making it recommended for readers with a relatively strong stomach.

    The book is praised for its authenticity, journalistic effort, and ability to provide a balanced view of the conflict by incorporating perspectives from both sides. It is commended for its thorough research, gripping storytelling, and for shedding light on the realities of war, the dedication of military personnel, and the complexities and mistakes that can shape the outcome of military operations.

    At liftoff, Matt Eversmann said a Hail Mary. He was curled into a seat between two helicopter crew chiefs, the knees of his long legs up to his shoulders. Before him, jammed on both sides of the Black...

  6. #6

    The Fighters by C.J. Chivers
    Save:

    'The Fighters' by C.J. Chivers is a compelling and gritty account of modern warfare, focusing on the experiences of soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. The author delves deep into the realities of post-9/11 combat, highlighting the sacrifices, challenges, and personal stories of those who served in these conflicts. The book offers a fair and brutally honest perspective, showcasing the disconnect between senior officers and the young men on the ground, while also exploring the emotional and psychological toll of war on individuals.

    The narrative takes readers through various aspects of military life, from the chaos and comradeship experienced in combat zones to the lasting impact on soldiers' lives after returning home. Through first-hand accounts and vivid descriptions, the book immerses readers in the challenges faced by soldiers, Marines, and pilots, shedding light on the complexities of modern warfare and the human cost of conflict.

    “I have been praying for God to take vengeance, since vengeance is His. I ask that if He decides to use us to take it, then make it swift and just and let us not be ashamed, let not our enemies triump...

  7. 'Outlaw Platoon: Heroes, Renegades, Infidels, and the Brotherhood of War in Afghanistan' by Sean Parnell is a memoir that provides a raw and honest account of a platoon of US soldiers in Afghanistan. Through the eyes of Parnell, the readers are taken on a journey that delves deep into the complexities of leadership, the realities of warfare, and the sacrifices made by soldiers on the front lines. The writing style vividly portrays the experiences, emotions, and challenges faced by the soldiers, offering a glimpse into the harsh realities of war and the camaraderie that forms among those who serve.

    Speedometer needles touching fifty, Outlaw Platoon’s six armored Humvees blasted down the Afghan road, trailing plumes of dust that could be seen for miles. In an area that lacked even a single asphal...

  8. In "Joker One: A Marine Platoon's Story of Courage, Leadership, and Brotherhood" by Donovan Campbell, the author tells the personal story of leading a Marine platoon in the town of Ramadi during the Iraqi insurgency of 2004. Through a series of raw and honest accounts, Campbell portrays the struggles, sacrifices, and camaraderie of his men as they face the challenges of combat and loss. The writing style is described as humble, lacking in bravado, and emotionally detailed, offering readers a profound insight into the experiences of young and inexperienced Marines in the midst of war.

    Ifound myself fascinated by the interesting geometric designs of the twisted iron rebar in front of me. For a time, my eyes traced each of the dark, thumb-thick strands where they spewed out of the ci...

Page 1 of 1