Book Review:
, and Jim DeFelice
"Deadly Accuracy and Unbreakable Courage: The Riveting Tale of America's Most Lethal Sniper in American Sniper by Chris Kyle, Scott McEwen, and Jim DeFelice"
, and Jim DeFelice
American Sniper is a gripping memoir of Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in American military history. It provides an intimate look into his experiences as a Navy SEAL and the toll that war takes on soldiers.
What Is the Book About?
, and Jim DeFelice
American Sniper is the true story of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, who served four tours in Iraq and became known as the most lethal sniper in American military history. The book follows his journey from a small-town Texas cowboy to becoming a highly skilled marksman and eventually joining the elite SEAL team. Throughout his deployments, Kyle faces intense combat situations and struggles with the emotional toll of war on himself and his family.
The core message of this book is about sacrifice, patriotism, and brotherhood. It highlights the bravery and sacrifices made by our military members to protect their country. It also sheds light on the mental and emotional challenges that soldiers face while serving in combat zones. Ultimately, American Sniper portrays Kyle's dedication to protecting his fellow soldiers and completing his mission at all costs.
What Makes This Book Different?
, and Jim DeFelice
The American Sniper book stands out among others in its category due to its raw and unfiltered portrayal of the true experiences of a Navy SEAL sniper. Written by Chris Kyle, Scott McEwen, and Jim DeFelice, this book offers a unique perspective on the life of a soldier at war. Unlike other books that may romanticize or sensationalize warfare, American Sniper presents an honest and gritty account of what it takes to serve as a sniper in one of the most elite branches of the military.
One aspect that sets this book apart is its focus on mental health and the toll that combat takes on soldiers. While many war memoirs may briefly touch upon these topics, American Sniper delves deep into Kyle's struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after his tours in Iraq. This vulnerability adds depth to the story and sheds light on an important issue facing many veterans today. It also humanizes Kyle as he shares his inner thoughts and emotions throughout his journey.
Additionally, unlike some war memoirs which can be dense or difficult to follow for readers unfamiliar with military jargon, American Sniper is written in a clear and engaging style that makes it accessible to all audiences. The authors strike a balance between technical details about weapons and tactics while also weaving in personal anecdotes from Kyle's time serving overseas. This combination allows readers to gain insight into both the technical aspects of being a sniper as well as understanding the emotional impact it has on those who serve their country. Overall, American Sniper stands out for its authenticity, honesty, and accessibility compared to other books in its genre.
Writing Style & Pacing
, and Jim DeFelice
American Sniper is a gripping autobiography written by Chris Kyle, Scott McEwen, and Jim DeFelice. The book is predominantly written in first person from Kyle's perspective, giving readers an intimate look into his life as a Navy SEAL sniper. The tone of the book is raw and honest, reflecting Kyle's no-nonsense attitude towards war and his experiences on the battlefield. This makes for a fast-paced read as the authors do not shy away from describing the brutal realities of combat.
The structure of American Sniper follows a chronological order, starting with Kyle's childhood in Texas and leading up to his time serving four tours in Iraq. Each chapter focuses on different aspects of his life, such as training to become a SEAL or specific missions he completed during deployment. This structure allows readers to understand how certain events shaped Kyle into becoming one of the most lethal snipers in American history. While some parts may be slower than others due to detailed descriptions of weapons or military jargon, overall it is a fast read that keeps readers engaged until the very end.
About the Author
and Jim DeFelice
Chris Kyle was born on April 8, 1974 in Odessa, Texas. He grew up in a family of avid hunters and learned to shoot at a young age. After high school, he attended Tarleton State University on a rodeo scholarship but later dropped out to enlist in the Navy. Kyle became a member of the elite SEAL Team 3 sniper unit and served four tours during the Iraq War. He earned numerous awards for his service including two Silver Stars and five Bronze Stars with Valor.
Scott McEwen is an American novelist, trial attorney, and former military officer who co-wrote American Sniper with Chris Kyle. He graduated from Oregon State University before joining the U.S Army Reserve Officer Training Corps program at The George Washington University where he earned his law degree. McEwen has also worked as a trial lawyer for over twenty-five years representing clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to individuals seeking justice.
Jim DeFelice is an author, journalist, military historian and collaborator on many books including American Sniper. His writing career began as a reporter covering crime stories for newspapers before transitioning into writing non-fiction books about history and current events. DeFelice's extensive knowledge of military history adds depth and accuracy to the story told by Chris Kyle.
Together these authors offer unique perspectives on the life of Chris Kyle as both fellow servicemen and collaborators on this book. They provide firsthand accounts of their experiences serving alongside him which lends credibility to their storytelling abilities. Additionally, each author brings their own expertise in different areas such as combat experience, legal background, or historical research which enriches the overall narrative of American Sniper.
Historical or Topical Context
, and Jim DeFelice
American Sniper is a gripping memoir that takes readers into the intense and dangerous world of a Navy SEAL sniper. The story is told by Chris Kyle, who served four tours in Iraq as a sniper and became known as the "most lethal sniper in U.S. military history." The book details Kyle's experiences from his childhood growing up in Texas to his training as a SEAL and ultimately to his time on the battlefield.
The setting for this book is primarily in Iraq during the height of the War on Terror. As an expert marksman, Kyle was deployed to some of the most dangerous areas in Iraq, including Fallujah and Ramadi. He provides vivid descriptions of these war-torn cities and gives insight into what it was like for American soldiers fighting against insurgents. Additionally, Kyle also shares stories from his home life with his wife Taya back in America, offering a contrast between the chaos of war and the comforts of home. This juxtaposition highlights not only the physical toll but also the emotional toll that war takes on soldiers and their families.
Most Powerful or Memorable Moments
, Jim DeFelice
1. The opening scene where Chris Kyle describes his first kill as a sniper in Iraq. This sets the tone for the rest of the book and showcases Kyle's skill and mindset as a sniper.
2. Chapter 7: "The Butcher" - In this chapter, Kyle recounts his encounter with an infamous Iraqi insurgent known for brutally torturing and killing American soldiers. This chapter highlights the intense danger that was present in Iraq during Kyle's deployments.
3. The description of Kyle's relationship with fellow SEALs Ryan Job and Marc Lee, who were both killed in action while serving alongside him. These emotional moments add depth to the story and show the bond between brothers-in-arms.
4. Chapter 12: "The Legend" - In this chapter, Kyle shares his experience working alongside legendary Marine sniper Carlos Hathcock during training exercises. It is a rare glimpse into two highly skilled snipers coming together to share their knowledge and expertise.
5.Chapter 17: "One Shot One Kill" - In this chapter, Kyle details one of his most impressive shots where he takes out an enemy insurgent from over a mile away with precision accuracy.This serves as a testament to not only his skills as a sniper but also the advanced technology used by American forces in warfare.
Lessons or Takeaways
, and Jim DeFelice
Readers of American Sniper can learn about the intense experiences of a highly skilled Navy SEAL sniper in war-torn Iraq. Through Chris Kyle's first-person account, readers gain insight into the physical and mental challenges faced by soldiers on the front lines. They can also learn about the complexities of modern warfare and how it affects both soldiers and civilians.
The book may evoke strong emotions in readers as they witness the brutal realities of combat through Kyle's eyes. They may feel a sense of empathy for the sacrifices made by soldiers like Kyle and their families. The book also prompts reflection on themes such as duty, patriotism, heroism, and morality in times of war. Readers will likely be left with a deeper understanding of what it means to serve one's country in times of conflict and the toll it takes on those who do so.
Reader Reactions and Critical Acclaim
, Jim DeFelice
Based on reader reviews, American Sniper has received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Many readers have praised the book for its gripping and detailed account of Chris Kyle's experiences as a Navy SEAL sniper in Iraq. The book is described as being both heart-wrenching and inspiring, with readers commending Kyle's bravery and dedication to his country.
In addition to receiving praise from readers, American Sniper has also been recognized by literary organizations. It was named the Best Book of 2012 by Publishers Weekly and was a New York Times bestseller for over 37 weeks. The book also won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Memoir & Autobiography in 2012. These accolades further solidify the general sentiment that American Sniper is a must-read for anyone interested in military history or personal accounts of war.
Who Is This Book For?
, and Jim DeFelice
1. Military enthusiasts: The ideal audience for American Sniper would be individuals who have a strong interest in military history and tactics. This book offers an intimate look into the life of one of the most celebrated sniper in American military history, making it a must-read for those passionate about this subject.
2. Fans of biographies: If you enjoy reading about real-life stories of individuals who have made significant contributions to society, then this book is definitely for you. Written by Chris Kyle himself with the help of co-authors Scott McEwen and Jim DeFelice, American Sniper provides an honest and detailed account of Kyle's experiences as a Navy SEAL sniper.
3. Action/thriller readers: With its fast-paced narrative and heart-pumping action scenes, American Sniper will appeal to readers who enjoy thrillers or action-packed novels. The book takes readers on intense missions alongside Kyle as he battles enemies on the frontlines.
4. Patriotic Americans: As a highly decorated veteran who served four tours in Iraq, Chris Kyle's story embodies the spirit of patriotism and sacrifice that many Americans hold dear. Readers who are proud to support their country's military efforts will find inspiration from his journey in this book.
5. Those interested in mental health issues among veterans: In addition to being an autobiography, American Sniper also delves into the often overlooked topic of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among soldiers returning from war zones. Readers interested in gaining insight into this issue will find valuable information within these pages.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
, Jim DeFelice
1. Authenticity: Chris Kyle was a highly decorated Navy SEAL and sniper who served four combat tours in Iraq. He wrote this book with the help of co-authors Scott McEwen and Jim DeFelice to share his experiences and insights from his time serving as a sniper in the war.
2. Gripping storytelling: The book is written in a fast-paced, intense style that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Kyle's firsthand accounts of his missions and interactions with other military members provide an inside look at life on the front lines of war.
3. Personal perspective: As the author, Kyle provides a personal perspective on his experiences, thoughts, and emotions during his time as a sniper. This adds depth to the story and allows readers to connect with him on a deeper level.
4. Insight into military tactics: American Sniper offers insight into military tactics used by snipers in combat situations. Readers can gain an understanding of how these skilled soldiers operate and make decisions under extreme pressure.
5. Timely topic: With its publication in 2012, American Sniper brought attention to issues surrounding war veterans' mental health struggles after returning home from deployment. This remains an important topic today, making this book still relevant for readers looking to understand more about veteran experiences.
Cons:
, and Jim DeFelice
1. Controversial portrayal of war: Many critics argue that the book glorifies war and promotes a biased perspective on the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some have accused Kyle of being overly aggressive and dehumanizing his enemies.
2. Lack of context: While Kyle's personal experiences are shared throughout the book, there is little historical or political context provided for the wars he fought in. This can lead to a one-sided viewpoint without considering larger factors at play.
3. Questionable accuracy: There have been numerous claims made by other soldiers and military officials questioning the accuracy of some events described in the book. Kyle's own accounts have also been called into question, leading to doubts about the overall reliability of his story.
4. Simplistic writing style: The writing style used in American Sniper has been criticized as being simplistic and lacking depth or nuance. Some readers may find this unappealing or off-putting when trying to understand complex situations such as war.
5. Limited perspective: As an autobiography, American Sniper only offers one person's account of their time serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. This limited perspective may not accurately reflect the experiences of all soldiers who served during these conflicts.
Final Thoughts:Should You Read It?
, Jim DeFelice is a powerful and gripping memoir that offers readers an intimate look into the life of one of the most deadly snipers in American history. Through Kyle's first-hand accounts, we are able to understand the physical and emotional toll that war takes on soldiers, as well as gain insight into the unique mindset of a sniper. This book is not just about war or military tactics - it's also about family, brotherhood, and sacrifice.
If you are interested in military history or want to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to serve in combat, then this book is definitely worth reading. It provides an unfiltered view of war from someone who was on the front lines and gives readers a glimpse into the realities faced by our brave soldiers.
However, be warned that this book does contain graphic descriptions of violence and may be difficult for some readers to handle. Additionally, some have criticized Kyle for glorifying killing and promoting Islamophobia through his writing. While these are valid concerns to consider while reading this book, it still offers valuable insights into one man's experience at war and should be read with an open mind. Overall,American Sniper is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged read that will stick with you long after you finish it.
Where to Buy?
Buy "American Sniper" on Amazon
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