Rating: 
Summary: Watch the rabid right come out in force.
Review: This book is the simple story of an average American who joined the military to obtain an education and the chance at a better life. As a veteran I can identify with that, as well as with the sense of duty toward one's compatriots that over-rides any misgivings about war and the reasons behind war.Ms. Lynch in her story and in her interviews is modest, telling us the straight story, no matter how embarrasing some of it is to her - or how contradictory it is to the Pentagon's and GOP's preferred version of events. As a result of her integrity and honesty, by giving credit where it's due (the Iraqi doctors, the Special Forces who brought her out) - and by not allowing the record of propaganda to go uncorrected - Ms. Lynch now finds herself being attacked by the very people who used her as a symbol of all that is good about Americans (see the reviews below). My heart goes out to this young woman, who demonstrates she knows more about honor than all the so-called patriots who now insult and disparage her. I originally bought this book because I wanted support a fellow veteran, but in the process Jessica Lynch has reminded me how important the truth really is. Pfc Lynch, you've done your duty well.
Rating: 
Summary: Likable person, but not much of a story
Review: Jessica appears to be a very likable person, honest about her shortcomings as a "brave soldier" she has been portrayed by the "too much in a hurry to learn the truth American media." However, I don't see the story here and feel that readers will waste their money. All they have to do is listen to the TV interviews and they will get the entire story. And, this book certainly does not give any insight into Iraq, which should have been important to the writer and the publisher. (I heard Rick Bragg say that he didn't have "time" to go into Iraq to research for the book. A shocking oversight if the writer is serious about the subject.) There are several other books that are much more compelling and give information most Americans should seek: I highly recommend "Naked in Baghdad" and "Mayada, Daughter of Iraq" over this book. I particularly liked "Mayada, Daughter of Iraq" since the subject of the writer was an Iraqi woman who had been through about everything a human being can live, all under the Saddam regime. I wish every soldier could read it, as it gives a good idea of how treasured freedom is to the Iraqis released from Saddam's mad grip.
Rating: 
Summary: Fellow Soldier
Review: Alright, Everyone needs to give this poor young woman a break! As other reviews stated, she did not assk to be thrust into the public spot light. She was simply doing her job. The code of conduct says that if you are captured that you sshould try at all costs to escape and evade. Although this was impossible for her, she did manage to fight off the doctors who tried to amputate her leg. The author obviously took a lot time in doing the research for this book, conducting what must have been hours upon hours of interviews. For anyone to say that we have made to big a deal over this, I say to them, walk a mile in my shoes. Walk a mile in her shoes. We are just doing our job and it is our job that allows you to say those things. Read the book. It is a great book, welll written , and very herat felt. This review says I am reviewing the audio cd. That is not the case. I did read the book!
Rating:
Summary: Not a HERO
Review: Females in war zones had better be ready to fight in the 21st century. There are no rules of war when engaged with an enemy. If you are a soldier in uniform and armed outside of the USA, be prepared. The government and the media propoganda put this young woman / soldier in the poor position to be held out as a war hero. Jessica was not and is not a hero. She served her country just as she volunteered to do. For that she has my respect. As for her skill as a soldier/warrior I think she is lacking in that position. This story brings to point the following questions:
1.women in the combat services and the skill or ability to perform said task.
2.The publication and dissemination of misinformation by the U.S. goverment.
3.The justification for the invasion into Iraq. All of these questions remain unanswered. So, I found no enlightening value from this book. It may be a welcomed read to those who are interested in the personal life of Ms. Lynch. I wish her well. Further, I wish ALL the other soldiers who will not make money $$$ (book sales)from their service to their country the very best. God bless the deceased soldiers, I hope their death was for a greater good.
Rating:
Summary: Honest
Review: Lynch was brave to simply admit her fear. Courage, after all, is moving in the face of fear. (And she did go into a war zone). Male soldiers often experience the same feelings she did, however, they (in some cases) play along with the government's spin - it makes them seem more heroic. All the soldiers are heroes - scared or defiant - it's a human issue. As for the race criticism (yawn, we should be so past that), to my knowledge no one has prohibited Shoshana from writing her own book.
Rating:
Summary: Great Job, Rick Bragg!
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I think Rick did a great job projecting the voice of Jessica and her family. I appreciated the shift in Rick's writing style when he was described Jessica's home town and its inhabitants: he shortened his sentences, and chose simple words to reflect their down-to-earth values and demeanor. I admire the honesty throughout the story. It is obvious that neither Jessica or Rick were appeasing the U.S. military, considering their viewpoints on the shortcomings of M-16s in the desert and the PR spin of the rescue. The close call Jessica faced when her leg was nearly amputated, and the damage her kidneys and other internal organs sustained were heart-wrenching to read. I wish Jessica and Ruben a happy life together, and offer my condolences to Lori's family. Jessica makes no bones about it: Lori was definitely her hero.
Rating:
Summary: The Jessica Lynch Story
Review: This book is just one more reason I will forever look for the works of Rick Bragg. He is one of the few people I read that is capable of "down-home-speak". He says what has to be said and does NOT perceive something that is not there. The way he portrayed the people of West Virginia and the Lynch Family can only be described as (for the lack of a better phrase) "the way they are". I felt I was there experiencing every hope, prayer and tear of those wonderful people. Family, God and Country are all very well portrayed in "I Am A Soldier, Too". For me, it was such a good read, I could not put it down after I started it.In fact I am reading it for the third time right now as there are still some things I need to pound into my mind regarding the above mentioned God, Family and Country, mostly Country. Just as in "Ava's Man" and "Shout'n", Dorothy's son has written another inspiring book of the Heartland of America; and he's done it in the language thereof. Thankyou so much, Rick Bragg. P.S......If I may ask, whats next on your agenda, Mr. Bragg?? And yes, Good luck Miss Jessica. You most definitely are a Hero for what you have endured and for allowing Rick to do the Book precisely the way it was.
Rating:
Summary: 2 1/2 hrs reading,and you will understand Jessi's story*
Review: Author Rick Brag did an awesome job of telling the true story behind Private First Class Jessica Lynch's ordeal. She is a simple country gal who grew up in a close knit American town, but like so many small towns in West Virginia, this means there are not too many options facing it's high school graduates.
Precious few jobs exist and that is why small country hollers in the middle of nowhere, USA recruit the highest per capita ratio of young people willing to become soldiers.
The military is the only exciting future for many teens.
Jessi was one such person - tough as nails and pretty as a tiny doll. She proved herself to be an American hero in an Iraqi battlefield.
Many people don't know this, but Jessica Lynch was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the Prisoner of War Medal.
She deserves each and every distinguished metal, and she has the internal & external scars to prove her mettle.
Some rude people are skeptical of her sacrifices, but as they sit on thier ever-expanding duffs critising everybody, Jessi is struggling to rehabilitate her legs and bladder and bowels.
Her wounds are far from being healed even today.
What horrors her dreams are made of nightly from being a prisoner of war I can only shiver and wonder about.
She gave all that she could for this war and served the US Army to her utmost abilities.
It is difficult to know that there are persons who wish to defame Jessica Lynch - people like that belong in hell.
YES, she is a super-star, a woman warrior and famous person who recieved many special gifts as well as discretionary bonuses, but Jessica herself is adamant that she would give "Four hundred billion dollars" for none of it to have ever occured, if she could somehow board a time machine and take back the combat death of her best roomy friend, Private First Class Lori Piestwa.
Jessica would do anything to talk her friend, PFC Lori Piestewa, out of going into Iraq, because her friend had papers discussing a shoulder injury which would have enabled her to stay in the safe zone.
Private Piestwa was a Hopi Indian and was the first Hopi to die in the line of fire in the history of this nation.
She leaves behind two young children, under the tender age of 5. I plowed through this book, reading about Jessica's life, but when I hit page 167 --- tears exploded in my eyes --- on this page is the picture of the father of Lori Piestewa, as a poem written for his daughter was being read at the Women in Military Service Memorial at Arlington National Cemetary.
Oh ... the anguish, the hoplessness, the sorrowful look on the old man's face...it crushed my hearts into bits and pieces and his grief came rushing into my own heart.
Jessica tells her story and does not leave out those heros who were tragically left behind; those who can never go home again.
The only consolation is that the body of young Private First Class Lori Piestewa was found and taken back to her family.
Her remains are now buried close to her kin, not buried in an unmarked place in the sandy dunes of Iraq.
This story moved me more than any of the other books that I have reviewed here. It's a story that rings of truth, of youth and consequences of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I sincerely wish that Jessica Lynch marries her sweetheart, Sgt. Rueben Contreras, and that they can have a happy life together.
I sincerely wish the people of Palestine, West Virginia, God's blessings and good grace; they truly love Jessica Lynch.
In spite of terrible tragedies, such as death, it is important to remember that life goes on...it simply has to go on.
After reading this book, (it only took 2 1/2 hours to read it from cover to cover.) I prayed for the soldiers in Iraq -- and those who will not make it home outside of the body bag. I pray for them and their families and for this great nation of ours who puts a high value on freedom and democracy for all humankind.
This story will move you like none other.
It makes me feel so proud to be an American, and to have those ideals of family, God and democracy deep in my heart.
God Bless the USA!
Rating:
Summary: FAITH ,HOPE, AND LOVE
Review: ONE WORD... WOW. THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING. IT WAS SO AWESOME THE WAY THAT THE FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF JESSICA LYNCH HAD SO MUCH FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE FOR HER. THEY HOPED THAT SHE WOULD GET HOME SAFELY.PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JESSICA LYNCH GOT SO MUCH PRAYER FOR HER SAFETY BACK HOME. IT WAS LIKE IF YOU DIDN'T CALL HER PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JESSICA LYNCH YOU WOULD THE NEXT TIME YOU SAY HER NAME THAT'S HOW MUCH RESPECT YOU HAD TO HAVE FOR HER.WHEN I SAW THE PICTURES IN THE BOOK AND SAW HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE THERE FOR HER HOMECOMING PARADE I GOT DOWN ON MY KNEES AND STARTED TO CRY (ALMOST BAWLING). AS I AM CLOSING I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT PFC JESSICA LYNCH WENT FROM BEAUTY QUEEN TO A HERO AND I THINK THAT YOU COULDN'T GIVE A BETTER PERSON A PURPLE HEART FOR BRAVENESS THAN PFC JESSICA LYNCH.
Rating:
Summary: I Am a Soldier, Too: The Jessica Lynch Story
Review: I Am a Soldier, Too: The Jessica Lynch Story is the story this country has hungered for, as told by Jessica Lynch herself to Rick Bragg. In it, she tells what really happened in the ambush; what really happened in the hospital; what really happened, from her perspective, on the night of the rescue. More than this, the collaboration between Lynch and Bragg captures who she is and where she's from: her childhood in Palestine, West Virginia, a lovely, rugged stretch of land always referred to as the hollow, where she rode horses, played softball, and was crowned Miss Congeniality at the Wirt County Fair the same year the steer she raised took a ribbon. It reveals her relationships with her older brother, Greg Jr., also an enlisted soldier, and her younger sister, Brandi; with her father, Greg Sr., a forty-three-year-old truck driver who has at times worked construction, cut hay, cut firewood, hauled timber, hauled concrete, run a bulldozer, run a backhoe, cleaned houses, and dug graves; and with her mother, Deadra, a city girl from Parkersburg who moved to the hollow and met her future husband when he was eleven and she was nine. And it describes what happened to the Lynch family in the agony of Jessica's capture and captivity; the terror and disbelief that cascaded through an entire town at the news of her disappearance into enemy hands; the joy of her rescue; and the long work of healing and recovery that lie ahead. Jessica Lynch has won the hearts and minds of Americans. In the hands of Rick Bragg, a renowned chronicler of American lives, her tale is told at last
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