Customer Reviews:
 Amazing Warrior July 9, 2008
This is absolutely the best book I have read. Marcus Luttrell is an American Hero. He fought the fight like a dedicated warrior. This book explains what type of atmoshere our troops are being put in and the dedication it takes to succeed. He blast the liberial media and shows support for our Commander in Chief. His men along with Marcus define what America needs from it's troops. Great Read.
 Not worth your time July 7, 2008
3 out of 11 found this review helpful
I have spent time in the military working with Special Ops forces. I suspect that real Special Operators would be ashamed at the way the author describes how great he (and his buddies) are. Half the book is just a rehash of BUD/S, and is nothing new. I am also from Texas, and his endless blathering/bragging about Texas gets pretty old even for me. The heroism described in the second half of the book is extraordinary, but I found myself wondering if the author was telling the truth. He makes several misstatements of fact early on that made me think he was not genuine and just trying to sell books or just making things up.
I was very touched by the compassion shown by his friends and neighbors while waiting for word from Afghanistan. This struck me as genuine.
I have the utmost respect for our US Special Ops forces. I just don't think he represents the SEALS as the professionals they are. For example, I suspect SEALS realize that the US military exists largely as a tool of foreign policy used to protect and further US interests. As such, it is subject to civilian control. The author laments this reality, and comes off as whiney.
I had heard the book was very good, and I was very disappointed.
Absolutely Amazing! July 7, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Reading over most of the reviews, its hard to find anything that hasn't already been said. This is just an amazing book, and if you have any interest in the military, then you will enjoy this book. It shows what our armed forces are capable of, and even shows a type of compassion that many Americans would never believe could happen in Afghanistan.
If you are trying to decide to read this book, think no further, read it!
 Great Story; Not-So-Great-Writing July 7, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Let's face it -- reviewing true stories of military heroism is tough; you really have to remember to separate the story from the writing. We are all awed by the first part, because each story of heroism stands on its own and is what makes this Country great. As for the second part, however, I will say this once again: there are great warriors and there are great writers, but great warrior-writers are few and far between. "Lone Survivor" proves to be no exception to this rule.
"Lone Survivor" is the story of Marcus Luttrell, a U.S. Navy SEAL (or Special Forces sailor). While on a mission in Afghanistan in June of 2005, Luttrell and three other SEALs comprising the combat team to which Luttrell was assigned come under murderous fire, killing the other three SEALs and launching Luttrell on a journey of survival that is harrowing, gripping, amazing and just about any other adjective you care to throw in there. I'm not going to spend time telling you about what happens because so many other reviewers have already done that. Suffice to say that the fact that this guy is even around to tell his story is no small miracle. Luttrell's survival is a testament to his training, his skill and his dedication to the mission.
If the whole book was just about the mission, I would give it five stars. Unfortunately, the mission part is tied to a "how did I get here" part, which is mostly a complete recap of Luttrell's training to become a SEAL. This dramatic mechanism -- introducing us to the main character through a formative event -- is old, especially in the military genre. Watch "Full Metal Jacket" if you want to know what I'm talking about and want to see it done well.
If you're not committed to doing it, however, it wears on a reader. The training Luttrell underwent was amazing, but there is not any reflection or enough reflection on how it changed or affected Luttrell to make it a worthwhile part of this book. Basically all we learned is that he wanted to be a SEAL his whole life and he passed the training and guess what -- he became a SEAL. There is no discernable change on Luttrell's outlook on life, himself or what he is about to do. Instead, you get the sense that it's just filler to make this book long enough to be worth the money.
Essentially, you could tear this book in half and you would still have just as good a book, if not better. I don't blame Luttrell for this; he's a Navy SEAL, not an author. And I can't tell you how happy we all should be that we have men and women like him who are selflessly dedicated to preserving our rights to do things like, oh, review books online without having to worry about someone from the government showing up at my door with a bullet for my head. But I think Patrick Robinson, the "Contributing Author" of this book, sort of dropped the ball on this one.
Bottom line -- get this book for the second half alone; you won't be sorry!
Inspiring, fantastic July 6, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
A friend recommended this book to me before I left on a recent vacation. He said it had meant so much to him that he planned to buy 20 copies to give to friends. I bought it and read it in 3 days. I'm very thankful for Marcus and his companions. I'm also thankful for all of our SEALs and those who train them. This book inspired me, not just as a person, but as an American. I'd recommend this story to all Americans.
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