Books Like...
'13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened In Benghazi' by Mitchell Zuckoff provides a detailed and gripping narrative of the events surrounding the attack on the American Embassy compound in Benghazi on September 11, 2012. offers a non-political and first-hand perspective of the small unit tactics and skirmishes that led to the death of the US Ambassador and other security contractors. It delves into the chaos, bravery, and challenges faced by the security personnel at the CIA Annex during the assault, highlighting the heroism and struggles of the individuals involved in defending their countrymen.
The author, Mitchell Zuckoff, presents an apolitical and unvarnished account of the incident based on eyewitness testimony and documented evidence. The writing style is described as concise, detailed, and without political commentary, providing an accurate retelling of the chaotic and dangerous situation faced by the Annex security team. offers background information not presented in the movie adaptation, expanding on the geopolitical context and paying tribute to the special operators involved in the defense of the diplomatic annex.
If you liked 13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened In Benghazi, here are the top 7 books to read next:
No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama Bin Laden by Mark Owen is a gripping firsthand narrative of the mission to eliminate Osama Bin Laden as experienced by a Navy SEAL. The book delves into the intense training, detailed planning, and the high-stakes execution of the operation, providing readers with a behind-the-scenes look at the life and operations of Navy SEALs. Mark Owen's writing style is described as thoughtful, careful, and well-written, presenting the SEAL team members as disciplined, efficient, and experienced individuals who put their lives on the line in hostile situations.
The book offers a detailed account of the raid to capture Osama Bin Laden, showcasing the sacrifices and dedication of the SEAL team members who work tirelessly to ensure the safety of the country. Mark Owen provides insight into the mentality and focus of the men in these specialized military units, highlighting their bravery, precision training, and the camaraderie that defines their teamwork. Through vivid descriptions of guns, gear, strategies, and training, the book immerses readers in the world of Navy SEALs and the high-stakes missions they undertake.
It was 2004, seven years before I would ride a Black Hawk into Abbottabad, Pakistan, on one of the most historic special operations raids in history. I was in the selection and training course for SEA...- #2
Save:'Black Flags: The Rise of ISIS' by Joby Warrick delves into the origins and growth of ISIS, focusing on key figures like Abu Musab al Zarqawi and Abu Bakr al Baghdadi. It explores how the roots of the issue can be traced back to events in Afghanistan and the aftermath of the American invasion of Iraq, leading to the rise of jihadist movements in the region. The narrative uncovers the complexities of sectarian conflicts, tribal dynamics, and geopolitical interventions that fueled the emergence of ISIS, providing a detailed account of the organization's evolution and impact in the Middle East.
Warrick's writing style in 'Black Flags' is described as well-researched, engaging, and informative, offering readers a wealth of information on the history and ideologies behind ISIS. presents a cinematic and riveting narrative, focusing on the early years of Zarqawi and the subsequent growth of ISIS, while shedding light on America's missteps and the intricate web of relationships between various extremist groups in the Middle East.
'Cobra II: The Inside Story of the Invasion and Occupation of Iraq' by Michael R. Gordon offers an in-depth look at the planning and decisions made leading up to and during the Iraq war. It provides a detailed account of the military strategies, battles, and the perspectives of both American and Iraqi forces involved in the conflict. The writing style is described as objective, impartial, and informative, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of the war and highlighting the sacrifices made by soldiers on both sides.
In late 2001, Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld summoned the senior military leadership to his office on the E-ring of the Pentagon. It had been an extraordinarily eventful period for the admini...- #4
Save:'The Bear Went Over the Mountain: Soviet Combat Tactics in Afghanistan' provides a detailed analysis of the Soviet Army's experiences during the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan. Through frank and objective vignettes by Soviet Army officers, the book focuses on the challenges of adapting from large-scale operations against conventional opponents to small unit operations against a guerrilla force. The accounts offer insights into Soviet maneuver operations and tactics from platoon to battalion level, highlighting what worked, what didn't, and the lessons learned.
The writing style is clear, straightforward, and accompanied by reasonably helpful maps and graphics in the old Soviet army format. is structured into chapters focused on various tactical actions, such as ambushes, area and route security operations, and air assaults. While providing objective insights into Soviet experiences and interpretations of insurgent tactics, the book lacks wider aspects of counterinsurgency (COIN) strategies, focusing strictly on force-on-force perspectives and individual tactical actions.
'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...'Killing Pablo' by Mark Bowden delves into the rise and fall of Pablo Escobar, the notorious drug lord of Colombia. The narrative paints a vivid picture of Escobar's violent domination of the drug trade, his ruthless tactics to maintain power, and the eventual efforts to bring him down by both Colombian and American forces. Bowden's writing style is described as informative, compelling, and well-researched, encapsulating the gripping story of Escobar's reign and ultimate demise.
The first call was to inform him that Colombian President Cesar Gaviria had finally decided to move the drug outlaw Pablo Escobar to a new prison, something Busby had been urging for more than a year....'The Spy and the Traitor' by Ben Macintyre is a gripping account of the Cold War espionage story of Oleg Gordievsky, a KGB double agent who worked for MI6. The narrative delves into Gordievsky's life as a spy, detailing his recruitment, spy work, and eventual betrayal, leading to a nail-biting exfiltration operation. Macintyre's precise and meticulous writing style, along with well-chosen photos, makes the book consistently compelling and suspenseful, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the story unfolds.
Macintyre's narrative not only covers the espionage aspects of Gordievsky's story but also provides insights into the inner workings of the KGB and MI6 during the Cold War era. offers a riveting account of how Gordievsky's actions helped defuse a potential nuclear escalation between the West and the USSR, highlighting the high stakes and real-world consequences of espionage activities during that period.
Oleg Gordievsky was born into the KGB: shaped by it, loved by it, twisted, damaged, and very nearly destroyed by it. The Soviet spy service was in his heart and in his blood. His father worked for the...
