The Battle of Mogadishu : First Hand Accounts From the Men of Task Force Ranger

Rating:
Summary: Sadly disappointing, borrow it from your library for free.
Review: I enjoy military novels, fiction or non-fiction, so I was very excited to get my hands on this book. Reading this book was a chore. There are six individual stories "crammed" into one book. The stories are too condensed and too rushed, they leave the reader with too many questions and not enough feeling. For grit and pain and joy, a book that screams at you and rips you, takes you over, I would suggest "Jarhead" by Anthony Swofford.

Rating:
Summary: Women should read this too - this is a MUST READ!
Review: I loved reading these stories and having a glimpse at what a true battle is like. As a female, I truly struggled with "Black Hawk Down"; this book was definitely easier for me to digest. I didn't need to have blood spattered on every page to know that these men were literally in Hell. There is more here than a war story; it's each man's own battle over how to do his job as a soldier vascillating with his emotions over the horrific events unfolding before his eyes. In a world where celebrities, super models, and professional athletes have become our ad hoc heroes, it's satisfying to know that real people are the heroes -- fighting for their lives in the face of adversity, completing their missions, and believing in one another and a greater good, all in the name of a better world. This is a MUST READ for anyone who is interested in what's going on the world today in Iraq! The parallels are sadly similar. The bravery of the soldiers is fortunately the same. Thank you, Patriots! Thank you for sharing your stories and for making it out alive.

Rating:
Summary: One star is generous.
Review: I read this book because I was impressed with Black Hawk Down, the book more then the movie. I did not enjoy this book at all. This book doesn't seem complete. I agree with the reviewer who said each story felt rushed. I would have rather had 3/4 complete stories instead of 6 incomplete. I also wish I had the answers to the questions that the book left me with. VERY FRUSTRATING.

Rating:
Summary: Better than Black Hawk Down!
Review: This book goes into the minds of the soldiers that fought in Mogadishu. Each story details that particular soldiers experience. If you want more of a first-hand account, this is the book. I wish the guys from Delta or SEAL TEAM SIX would write their account of this battle.

Rating:
Summary: PASS ON THIS ONE
Review: This book is not even interesting. The subject matter is over done and the book offers nothing new. Soldiers fight wars, wars are not pretty, etc.

Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT COLLECTION - WELL DONE
Review: This is a very good collection of the stories of some of the men who fought in the battle of Mogadishu. This book is an excellent companion to "Black Hawk Down." Here we have the personal recollections of individuals soldiers who were on the ground during the intense battle and we see their "little part" through their eyes. We share their impressions and understanding of just what was going on. While a full overview of the battle is certainly a worthwhile study and read, I find this "one on one" account quite informative. The style is easy. For those unfamiliar with many of the terms used, the authors have provided a reasonable glossary. Hopefully we will get more of the same down the line. Recommend this one highly.