Rating: 
Summary: An exceptional biography of a legend
Review: Although I lack military experience, I must say that this novel is perhaps one of the greatest military biographies I have read. Perhaps the reason this novel is so enjoyable, is because you have absolutely no idea what story will be told next. Furthermore, if you are like me, you possbily never even heard the name Carlos Hathcock before.This biography was very enjoyable, because it kept me on the edge of my seat. The personal stories of Hathcock, and eyewitness accounts are amazing. I can't fathom an individual who can shoot a gun accurately at 2,000 yards. But this novel gets you in close and personal with a person who lived by the motto, "one shot, one kill" at a distance of over 1,000 yards. Henderson, the author, does a great job of describing Hathcock, and his missions by using expert witnesses and documents. Merely page through the bibliography to see the amount of research that Henderson did for this novel, and you will realize that this book must be pretty close to the absolute truth. Overall, this book is fantastic, due to the missions that are explained in here. Henderson makes you feel right at home with this legend, and creates a lively image on each mission. As a result, this novel is easy to read, because it is a page-turner. Henderson also does an excellent job as to explain the mentality of Hathcock towards the Marines and towards the art of sniping. I never realized that a person who is a sniper must have a unique mentality in order to do this job. And Henderson shows that sniping is not for everyone. The novel also immortalizes Hathcock as a hero and a leader.....as it should. Hathcock was at the top of his field, and literally designed the manual for this new class in the military. But his ideas have found there way into SWAT teams, and police forces through the world. Hathcock was a hero, who ultimately paid the price for his bravery in the Vietnam war. This novel is a must read for all individuals, not just the military type person!
Rating:
Summary: FANTASTIC!!
Review: Do you know what its like to be a Marine sniper? Charles Henderson's Marine sniper give the reader the explosive adventure of Carlos Hathcock, one of the Marines best snipers. This biography was very enjoyable, because it kept me on the edge of my seat. The personal stories of Hathcock, and eyewitness accounts are amazing. I can't fathom an individual who can shoot a gun accurately at 2,000 yards. But this novel gets you in close and personal with a person who lived by the motto, "one shot, one kill" at a distance of over 1,000 yards.
Henderson uses a unique style of writing using his first chapter as his hook to capture the reader and make them read. Then he slows down and gives the reader important side information about characters and setting. The tone of the characters changes frequently throughout the book. Moods especially for instance Hnderson uses the romantic atmosphere when explaining simple life in the US during the war to soften the reader then, quickly, changes to an optimistic tone while Hathcock is on the hunt. In writing a book,characterization is an important element needed to give the reader some idea on how that character will act. Henderson describes Hathcock as the sniper, the big game hunter, poacher, marksman, calm steady and openminded. Hathcock and Land discuss these features one night in camp, "You'll go home next month with more than eighty kills and the Marine corps might just might want to do something about that". "Thats my point, like it or not you are the super sniper".
Henderson does a great job describing Hathcock and his mission by using authentic documents within this biography. Just about every page is cramed with research on Carlos. So you can see why its a true story. Immortaliy to being a great leader and hero are percieved throughout the novel since Hathcock was the best of the best. This book is great for all reader military or not and is a must read. Hathcock's ideas haven't only inspired the military in tactics but also police and swat teams around the globe.
Rating:
Summary: A favorite among service members
Review: Written by two fellow Marines, one of whom served as Hathcock's commanding officer, this tale chronicles the life of the most notorious sniper in Vietnam. Marine Sniper touches on the issues that faced wounded vets upon returning home, the grim conditions snipers dealt with in the field, and the role that Hathcock played in establishing the Corps' scout sniper program.
Another apsect that this book deals with is the stigma that haunts snipers throughout the service in the military and beyond. Having personally served with them, I know they are routinely looked down upon as cold-blooded killers and mercenaries. Ironically, it is often artillery and air units that house the most disdain for snipers, while their bombs and shells indiscriminately kill more than the sniper's selective rounds ever could. Henderson approaches this from the frustated pov of the sniper and how they dealt with monikers like "murder, inc." and similar slurs.
Also, check out the sequel, Silent Warrior, which tells the same story from different points of view. A must read for Marines and all service members alike.
Rating:
Summary: Perhaps the best book I've ever read
Review: Practically everyone who knows me has heard me rave on and on about this book. I read it for the first time about 4 years ago, after picking it up while browsing through the bookstore. I read the excerpt at the front recounting the Vietnamese general's final moments and I was hooked. I recently finished it again, and it was even better this time. Everything that happens to Hathcock seems like something out of a movie; something no mortal man could survive. I learned to respect the discipline and will-power of a well-trained Marine, and was left in awe of the effectiveness of the sniper. Charles Henderson does his part, too. He not only tells Hathcock's incredible story, but makes it an immersive, addictive one to read. Through his clear and descriptive writing, the reader is transported back in time to the dark "Charlie"-filled jungles of Vietnam, where he lies beside the sniper known as "Long Tra'ng" and experiences not only the satisfaction of a well-placed shot, but also the emotional struggles that a man must deal with when he takes the life of another one. Undoubtedly a timeless classic
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book
Review: This book is excellent and better than most fiction along these lines (truth is stranger/better than fiction). The writing does an excellent job of getting to know the sniper. There is a fair amount of jumping around in time, but it never leaves the reader lost. It seems to lose some consistency when Hathcock comes home the first time, almost as if there was a change in authors (perhaps it was done at a later time). Still, definitely a book worth reading.
Rating:
Summary: A compelling account of a true American hero's exploits!
Review: While I myself didn't follow in my dad's footsteps as a Marine (he was Marine Air Group 61 in WWII--HURRAH!) but went in the Air Force instead (Security Forces--HOOAH!), the Corps still holds a special place in my heart, and reading this gripping story of Carlos Hathcock's exploits reminded me of why I will always love the Corps, even if I didn't wind up joining. Reading the book has made Gunny Hatchcock one of my all-time heroes, and it made me wish to hell the USAF had a sniper program! I lent this book to one of my SF buddies in exchange for Charles Sasser's "One Shot, One Kill" (another great read). America lost a true hero a couple of years back when Carlos passed away, and may God rest his soul. Kudos to Charles Henderson for at least keeping this outstanding troop's memory alive! Semper Fi!
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: Marine Sniper by Charles Henderson is one of the most gripping books I have ever read. It is the story of Carlos Hatchcock, the forefather of the Marine Sniper program. This book tells of his epic adventures in the jungles of Vietnam. His deadly accuracy and stealth abilities earned him 93 confirmed kills. It tells of his struggles and bravery in the field of battle. It relates account after account of how Carlos stalked the enemy for days on end and used his excellent marksmanship skills to deliver deadly shot after deadly shot. Charles Henderson's purpose in writing this book is to tell the forgotten story of Carlos Hathcock. Once you start this book, you won't be able to put it down; it puts you on the front line with the brave snipers who gave their all. Marine Sniper gives true testament to the struggles and triumphs of the snipers of Vietnam.
Rating:
Summary: Marine Sniper, Great Read
Review: I originally bought this book a year ago and read it cover to cover in a day. I simply could not put it down, it was that good. Charles Henderson tells the story of Carlos Hathcock from the time he was a little boy and on through him becoming the most famous sniper in history, and even after the war. If your interested in Vietnam and how snipers were used there, this book is a must read. Also check out the sequel, Silent Warriors, it is also a great book.
Rating:
Summary: GREAT BOOK
Review: Great book i recomend it to anyone who is into the art of marksmanship and sniping. this book is true motivAtion until the end
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Book!
Review: This is perhaps the best book I have ever read. It is brilliantly told and gives one a real sense of actually being there. The story takes one through his life starting as a child and shows how he became such a great marksman. This book shows you how Vietnam was for the soldiers and what they had to contend with every day. It covers everything from the good times and funny events to hearing the screams of a fellow soldier being tortured.
Thats what is great about this book it shows one what is happening and draws you into the moment as if you are standing right with them. You feel their pain, their ambitions, and their desires. This book has you holding on by the seat of your pants every page to the end.
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