Krakauer applies his trademark investigative storytelling to yet another very “American” story. His previous works, including Under the Banner of Heaven, Into the Wild, and Into Thin Air, are reflected in Where Men Win Glory. It too is an exacting look at an individual who typifies the archetype of an American hero, whose fierce independence, narrow vision, and penchant for pushing mental and physical boundary astounds, perplexes, and sometimes frightens those around him.

The outlines of Pat Tillman’s life and death are familiar to many of us. He was the talented NFL player, whose long hair, smallish size, physical prowess, and preternatural ability on the field was matched by his intelligence, innate restlessness, stringent personal code, and love of his family. After the terrorist attacks on 9/11, he follows the arc of belief system, walks away from a multi-million dollar NFL contract to join the army, train as a Ranger, and tour both Iraq and Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, he is killed in an egregiously unnecessary instance of “friendly fire.”

Where Men Win Glory is Pat Tillman’s compelling personal journey as it collides with a war he ultimately questions, and the government’s attempts to deep-six how he died.