Customer Reviews: Read 20 more reviews...
 Rich Boy Joins Israeli Special Forces October 30, 2008
The author Aaron Cohen grew up in Hollywood, California to a wealthy family. Yet he knew that something was missing in his life.So at the age of eighteen, he travels to Israel where he works and lives on a kibbutz.Later, he joins the IDF.
But he is not satisfied with just any unit but works hard and is accepted into a Top Secret Israeli Special Forces unit that takes the war to the terrorists.I really enjoyed his details of his training but was a bit disappointed that there was not a bit more information on his combat missions (that was due to security reasons).I would recommend this book to anyone who has aspirations on joining the IDF.
Stunning October 29, 2008
Brotherhood of Warriors is a disturbing look at life in one of the Israeli Special Forces, the Sayeret Duvdevan. The Sayeret Duvdevan is a counterterrorism force that works in the West Bank conducting secret operations against Palestinian militants. They undergo a year and a half of intensive and dangerous training which would surely be illegal in the U.S., followed by less than a year of active duty in the West Bank.
The stress and emotional toll taken by the soldiers is startling, as are the differences between life in the U.S. and Israel. The author's background in the U.S., as well as his lack of knowledge about Israeli life in the beginning of the book help American readers connects to the story. The steady change he undergoes throughout his life in Israel is the most compelling part of the book; it shows the damage to humanity from being in an unending war.
This book is a real eye-opener for any American wondering what life on the front lines of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is like. I had never heard of the Sayeret Duvdevan before reading this book, and I will be looking for more good books on the Sayeret Duvdevan and their fellow IDF Special Forces, the Sayeret Matkal, and the Sayeret S-13.
 Worth your time and money September 10, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
My very brief review: Well written, engaging, humorous at times, inspiring, educational and most importantly a testament to those that put the safety and well being of their countrymen above their own.
Very Introspective, not Enough Military Info August 11, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I got this book about 20 days ago and I just finished. If I can use one word to describe this book it will be "introspection". The author spends about 50% of his narrative on his Jewishness and his desire to be in touch with it entirely. A lot of the introspection is about his childhood and upbringing; moving to Israel; life in Israel; and his feelings/reactions to special operations in the IDF special forces (Duvdevan). The other 50% is very unrevealing in the way of military operations. Very little is conveyed in the way of tradecraft and what is revealed is very basic. He does provide a glimpse into IDF special mission units, but just a glimpse. Of course, he is protecting operational security and methods, but it leaves a lot to be desired of a book with such a title. It seems like the story glosses over missions and operations and then he abruptly ends the book with his exit from the Israeli Defense Forces. It then becomes a little preachy on the lack of American resolve post-9/11. Otherwise, a good book with something to be desired. I came away feeling like he could have written more.
Cohen's Story is facinating, a good read July 23, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
A good read and a fascinating story, Cohen becomes a man in the IDF and makes it to a special unit. The story brought me back to my days in the IDF. Some details are a bit exaggerated for effect or inaccurate but it doesn't take from the quality of the story.
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