Chasing Ghosts: Failures and Facades in Iraq: A Soldier's Perspective
by Paul Rieckhoff
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 79)
Read in March, 2008
This book was very well written. Readers looking for a scathing critique of our current war in Iraq might be disappointed. Although there are many things in the book that will anger readers (soldiers using their own money to buy Walmart walkie talkies because they aren't provided with the necessary equipment), the author does a good job of showing that we are truly in a difficult situation. Sometimes the possible options are all bad.
The author was an infantry man, and an Amherst graduate....more
The author was an infantry man, and an Amherst graduate....more
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Read in May, 2008
There is a lot to be said for the voice of the soldier in understanding the true state of war. Paul Rieckhoff has given us an insiders view that goes beyond the good news/bad news journalism and asks some hard questions about American politics. His stories are sad, funny, and inspiring. With all the "let's support the troops" talk its clear from "Chasing Ghosts" that we are doing a poor job of even getting that piece right. There are too many cases of soldiers left to fend fo...more
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Read in July, 2007
recommends it for:
People who want an inside view of the war in Iraq
This is, overall, a very even-handed inside account of the Iraq war from one of America's heroes. There are times where Rieckhoff lets his political viewpoint show through, but in general, he tries to give a fair,open-minded view of things.
This war is a tragedy of great proportions. This book shows how our military isn't anywhere near perfect. In fact, it is very flawed in places. It's a shame, because people have lost their lives because of it.
There are some raw scenes here. Whil...more
This war is a tragedy of great proportions. This book shows how our military isn't anywhere near perfect. In fact, it is very flawed in places. It's a shame, because people have lost their lives because of it.
There are some raw scenes here. Whil...more
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Read in September, 2007
This book is simply amazing. Paul Rieckhoff is a poli sci grad from Amherst who served in the Iraq war in 2003 and later went on to found the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans' Association. Paul's scathing indictment of the war, particularly its planning and execution, should be required reading for national politicians and all citizens. What's more, his writing is fast-paced, engaging and funny as hell. I couldn't put it down, and plan to send it as a gift to all three of my uniformed brothers ...more
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Read in July, 2008
recommended to Kelly by:
Kathryn Basham, my teacher for Beyond Combatrecommends it for: Everyone
Amazing. I loved Colby Buzzell's book, and wasn't sure if there would be another soldier's account of the Iraq war that could be so good, but this is it. It's funny and even heartwarming at times, and also very scary and infuriating. I read it in four days because I couldn't put it down. The author founded IAVA, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, a non-profit organization. Very impressive and inspiring. I actually might need to read it again.
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Read in October, 2007
If you want to read an incredible account of the Iraq conflict from the point of view of a U.S. soldier I highly recommend IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff's account in Chasing Ghosts: Failures and Facades in Iraq, A Soldier's Perspective. The book recounts his experiences as a First Lieutenant and Infantry Platoon Leader for the U.S. Army, and his vision for a different path. I couldn't put the book down.
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Read in November, 2007
This is a gripping account written by a hardcore soldier who surprisingly happens to be an i-banking ivy league educated east villager. I used to listen to Rieckhoff on air america before the 2004 election and found him to be smart and engaged. He has tons of short chapters. Though, I think the material is too upsetting for bathroom reading.
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I rarely read nonfiction. I picked this one up. I found it to be insightful and informative. Written by a Vet it contains details of his experience in Iraq and somewhat of his disillusionment regarding the job he was sent to do. However, like all things, views differ depending on the Vet you talk to.
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pretty amazing account of what it was like to be in iraq during the invasion and how our gov't has totally not lived up to supporting the people we're sending over there
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911 this, 911 that. When in reality Iraq had nothing to do with it!
Very entertaining but it gets tiresome watching the author compare everything with 911.
Very entertaining but it gets tiresome watching the author compare everything with 911.
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This made me understand a little bit about what it must be like for soldiers in Iraq. Well-written, empathetic, and harrowing.
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Read in January, 2007
recommends it for:
Anyone interested in contemporary culture and geopolitics
A powerful memoir by the founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Vets of America. Every citizen should read this book.
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Read in January, 2007
An indispensable book for anyone wanting to understand the soldiers' experience in Iraq. Highly recommended.
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Written by a soldier, this offered an interesting perspective on Iraq.
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