Title: American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History
Author: Chris Kyle
First published January 3, 2012
528 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780062107060 (ISBN10: 0062107062)
Rating: 4.02
Overview
American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History by Chris Kyle is a gripping and unforgettable memoir that takes you into the heart of the War on Terror. As a U.S. Navy SEAL, Kyle recorded more career sniper kills than anyone in U.S. history, earning legendary status among his fellow soldiers.
Iraqi insurgents feared him so much they named him al-Shaitan (“the devil”) and placed a bounty on his head. But Kyle’s story is more than just tales of deadly accuracy from rooftops and stealth positions.
Through honest accounts of the pain of war, Kyle shares his experiences of twice being shot and losing two close friends. He also honors his fellow warriors who raised hell on and off the battlefield.
Moving first-person accounts by Kyle’s wife, Taya, add a personal dimension to this adrenaline-charged memoir, detailing the strains of war on their marriage and children, as well as on Chris. From childhood hunting trips to becoming a world-class sniper, American Sniper is a thrilling eyewitness account of war that only one man could tell.
About the Author
This article is about Chris Kyle, a highly decorated former member of the United States Navy SEALs. He holds the record for the deadliest marksman in the history of the United States military, with 255 kills, 160 of which were confirmed by the Pentagon. Kyle served in four tours during the second Iraq War and received numerous awards, including the Bronze Star with Combat V device four times and the Silver Star.
He was on active duty from 1999 until 2009.
Sadly, Chris Kyle and a friend lost their lives on February 2, 2013, while at the Rough Creek Lodge shooting range in Erath County, Texas.
Editoral Review
American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History is the memoir of Chris Kyle, a former Navy SEAL and the most lethal sniper in American military history. The book was first published on January 3, 2012, and has since become a bestseller and the basis of an acclaimed film.
Written with Scott McEwen and Jim DeFelice, the book offers a gripping and personal account of Kyle’s experiences during his four tours of duty in Iraq. The memoir chronicles Kyle’s life from his childhood in Texas, his early experiences with firearms, his enlistment in the Navy, to his deployments in Iraq, and ultimately his return home.
It provides a raw and unflinching insight into the mind of a sniper, the camaraderie of the SEAL community, and the hazards and psychological toll of war. Kyle also confronts the ethical and moral complexities of his role as a sniper, as he balances his mission to protect his fellow soldiers with the responsibility to take human life at a distance.
The book has significant historical and cultural significance, as it offers a detailed and personal account of the Iraq War, one of the most controversial conflicts in recent American history. It also tackles issues of patriotism, duty, sacrifice, and post-traumatic stress disorder, which have relevance beyond the military world.
In light of recent conflicts and debates over military intervention and the role of the military in society, the book remains a relevant and thought-provoking work. The strength of American Sniper lies in Kyle’s powerful and harrowing narrative, which is brought to life by McEwen and DeFelice’s expert storytelling.
The book is detailed and immersive, and Kyle’s voice is authentic and compelling. The book is fast-paced and full of action, offering a vivid depiction of life on the front lines.
The book is also a poignant and personal reflection, as Kyle shares his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and the difficulties of readjusting to civilian life. However, the book has drawn criticism for its lack of critical reflection on the Iraq War and the political context in which it took place.
Kyle’s portrayal of Iraqis and Muslims has also been criticized as simplistic and stereotypical. Some have also criticized the book for glorifying violence and promoting a one-dimensional view of heroism.
Overall, American Sniper is a powerful and compelling memoir that offers a personal and vivid account of one man’s experience of war. The book is both a thrilling and gripping read and a poignant insight into the human cost of war.
While it is not without flaws, it is a significant contribution to the literature on the Iraq War and a worthy testament to Kyle’s sacrifices and service. For readers who are interested in military memoirs, American Sniper is a must-read.
It provides a unique and personal perspective on the Iraq War and the experiences of a Navy SEAL sniper. However, readers should be aware of its limitations and potential biases.
The book is also recommended for those interested in the broader issues of war, patriotism, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The book is rated four out of five stars.
