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Earned: My Journey to becoming a Hunter of Man
From a misguided childhood and the loss of a father battling cancer, to a hunter of man. Former US army sniper deployed to Afghanistan snd now YouTube and social media influencer, Robert Terkla dives deep into his journey and what it took to becoming a modern day assassin.
- GenresWar
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2020
72 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 9, 2020
My husband bought this to read (it would be his first ever...) so I thought I would read through it first. Entertaining and insightful but the writing just wasn't there - obviously because he doesn't write for a living. Still worth it if you can get past the grammatical errors and structure.
September 11, 2021
My husband is a fan of Robert Terkla's YouTube Channel and we both read this book.
I'm an avid reader of all genres (hubby is def a niche "likes what he likes reader).
I really enjoyed the pace and descriptions of the war experience WITHOUT the need to be overly dramatic or gory (or unnecessarily politicized).
I would recommend this read for any young person who wants a first hand account of war (the aftermath) with an overall moral of persistence.
I'm an avid reader of all genres (hubby is def a niche "likes what he likes reader).
I really enjoyed the pace and descriptions of the war experience WITHOUT the need to be overly dramatic or gory (or unnecessarily politicized).
I would recommend this read for any young person who wants a first hand account of war (the aftermath) with an overall moral of persistence.
September 9, 2020
Good writer but he definitely needs an editor. Short read; my husband ordered it and I decided to read it on the 2 and a half hour drive to the beach. Its an interesting story and I plan to read the other two related books. Once you get past the typos and errors, its pretty good.
May 1, 2024
Earned Book Review
My biggest struggle with school is that I hate sitting down and actually reading. This book called Earned by Robert Terkla and Nicholas Irving has helped me get back into reading. What helped me the most about this book is that the order and point of view the author writes in makes it feel like I am sitting with Robert Terkla himself.
Although there are many different mistakes such as a few grammatical errors, this book is able to give its message clearly, because of the order that authors Nicholas Irving and Robert Terkla use. They start out the book in Robert's early childhood. Then they move into his reckless teenage years after his parents had split up. After getting into a lot of trouble, he then enlisted into the military and became a sniper in our nation's longest war. After he got out of the military he got married, had a child, and became the successful social media influencer he is today. This all is a summary of how the way they ordered the book is essential for me to be able to best understand what was happening at different points in Rob’s life.
The point of view that an author writes in is very important for the readers to be able to understand and relate to. That is why I appreciate this book so much. It makes me feel as if I am just sitting in front of Robert Terkla himself. An example of this is on page 77 when Robert is going through sniper school he says, ““You’re shitting me” I said to myself. The instructor held out the target right in front of me and pulled out a three-inch transparent circle from his chest pocket and placed it over my shot group.” This example right here was a point that I felt one to one with Robert. At the time in the book when he describes his experience of stealing a car with his friends, I felt as if I were just sitting and talking with him at morning coffee. After reading this book and feeling as if I am present with the author speaking to me, I feel that I was able to understand and follow along with what Robert had to say from his life experiences.
After being able to follow the life of Robert Terkla in chronological order and the point of view that he writes in making it feel as if he is in person speaking has made me a stronger reader. The chronological order was the best way for me to be able to follow along with the story. Robert telling his story in first person made me feel that as a reader I am the only one that he is talking to. Whether you know Robert or just a little bit of his story, I would highly recommend this inspiring book to anyone.
My biggest struggle with school is that I hate sitting down and actually reading. This book called Earned by Robert Terkla and Nicholas Irving has helped me get back into reading. What helped me the most about this book is that the order and point of view the author writes in makes it feel like I am sitting with Robert Terkla himself.
Although there are many different mistakes such as a few grammatical errors, this book is able to give its message clearly, because of the order that authors Nicholas Irving and Robert Terkla use. They start out the book in Robert's early childhood. Then they move into his reckless teenage years after his parents had split up. After getting into a lot of trouble, he then enlisted into the military and became a sniper in our nation's longest war. After he got out of the military he got married, had a child, and became the successful social media influencer he is today. This all is a summary of how the way they ordered the book is essential for me to be able to best understand what was happening at different points in Rob’s life.
The point of view that an author writes in is very important for the readers to be able to understand and relate to. That is why I appreciate this book so much. It makes me feel as if I am just sitting in front of Robert Terkla himself. An example of this is on page 77 when Robert is going through sniper school he says, ““You’re shitting me” I said to myself. The instructor held out the target right in front of me and pulled out a three-inch transparent circle from his chest pocket and placed it over my shot group.” This example right here was a point that I felt one to one with Robert. At the time in the book when he describes his experience of stealing a car with his friends, I felt as if I were just sitting and talking with him at morning coffee. After reading this book and feeling as if I am present with the author speaking to me, I feel that I was able to understand and follow along with what Robert had to say from his life experiences.
After being able to follow the life of Robert Terkla in chronological order and the point of view that he writes in making it feel as if he is in person speaking has made me a stronger reader. The chronological order was the best way for me to be able to follow along with the story. Robert telling his story in first person made me feel that as a reader I am the only one that he is talking to. Whether you know Robert or just a little bit of his story, I would highly recommend this inspiring book to anyone.
July 13, 2021
Interesting book. It's a short book, briefly discussing one man's journey from being a victim to not allowing himself to be victimized. Against the odds, he is able to become an Army sniper. Later tried his hand at the legendary Green Beret. He is injured and eventually leaves the military. His life is changed when he is out of the military. He begins self medicating with alcohol and it consumes him. He later gets a life-line thrown at him from "Hector" which suggests Terkla to start making YouTube videos. Now I will be honest, I have never seen his videos but from what I can see, Terkla seems to be ver successful at it and started a very successful company named "Googan". I am happy for anyone that can "brat" substance abuse and turn their lives around. That is what I love about this country, no matter how many "L's" you take, there is always a "W" down the road.
Regarding the book, it was indeed short. He kind of glosses over a lot which I understand, since this was not necessarily an auto-biography. The book covers his time in sniper school for the U.S. Army. He talks about the details that made that evolution challenging. Not that much about "hunting man" so the title is a bit misleading. I expected a story of someone with multiple confirmed kills talking about the mindset evolution in a Chris Kyle kind of way. Still and interesting book. As a person that supports multiple military charities, I wish Terkla the absolute best in his sobriety, his business and his state of mind as he battles PTSD.
Regarding the book, it was indeed short. He kind of glosses over a lot which I understand, since this was not necessarily an auto-biography. The book covers his time in sniper school for the U.S. Army. He talks about the details that made that evolution challenging. Not that much about "hunting man" so the title is a bit misleading. I expected a story of someone with multiple confirmed kills talking about the mindset evolution in a Chris Kyle kind of way. Still and interesting book. As a person that supports multiple military charities, I wish Terkla the absolute best in his sobriety, his business and his state of mind as he battles PTSD.
December 8, 2020
I'm not a big reader, but when I saw this book I could help but buy it. The book not only shows how her became a hunter of man, but how he took his very rough childhood and turned it around to become an amazing influencer. In the beginning of the book he tells us his challenges and advantages when growing up. More bad times then good left a bad example on him through his later teens. But as he matures he makes the better of it and turns his life around for the good. Something I liked about this book was the small details throughout. Some that help you understand his perspective a little more. You can tell that Robert isn't an author. There are just a few grammar flaws every so often, but overall I loved the book, I can relate to it in one page then be inspired on the next. I would recommend this book to older teens or adults considering there are a few graphic details all around the book.
August 25, 2020
Great guide to inspiration
Two typos aside! What I like most is it actually reveals some of how turning your life around, can be done. Often when people talk about how they better themselves, you can't see the process and they can't tell you how. Here, Robert doesn't explain in detail the how, but shows you. With determination and seeing something through, six months of pushing through on YouTube, when it likely felt ridiculous, has turned into a success. And now, he's a massive influencer who can reach others in their dark times, because of the success. Whether the military Monday segments on YouTube or sharing the evils of his childhood he overcame.
Keep doing what you're doing!
Two typos aside! What I like most is it actually reveals some of how turning your life around, can be done. Often when people talk about how they better themselves, you can't see the process and they can't tell you how. Here, Robert doesn't explain in detail the how, but shows you. With determination and seeing something through, six months of pushing through on YouTube, when it likely felt ridiculous, has turned into a success. And now, he's a massive influencer who can reach others in their dark times, because of the success. Whether the military Monday segments on YouTube or sharing the evils of his childhood he overcame.
Keep doing what you're doing!
August 26, 2020
Amazing book
This book deserves way more than 5 stars. Roberts brutal honesty in this book in itself deserves some respect. Even though I have never encountered the events in the beginning of the book personally I cannot begin to imagine the courage needed to talk about that. I admire and look up to you Robert as I am sure many other do to and look forward to possibly more books from you.
This book deserves way more than 5 stars. Roberts brutal honesty in this book in itself deserves some respect. Even though I have never encountered the events in the beginning of the book personally I cannot begin to imagine the courage needed to talk about that. I admire and look up to you Robert as I am sure many other do to and look forward to possibly more books from you.
August 30, 2020
Great short read
Having served in the military as well, I figured there would be some things I could relate to as well, so I bought the book. Turns out, I can’t relate to Roberts experience in combat, but I can relate to the emotions of leaving the service with no idea what to do next. I’d recommend to others interested in his sniper career and training, I found myself unable to put the book down.
Having served in the military as well, I figured there would be some things I could relate to as well, so I bought the book. Turns out, I can’t relate to Roberts experience in combat, but I can relate to the emotions of leaving the service with no idea what to do next. I’d recommend to others interested in his sniper career and training, I found myself unable to put the book down.
September 11, 2020
One of my Favorite Books!
This book is so real and raw! It is very educational, yet so adventurous. Puts you right on the battlefield and then takes you right into the family home! Such a diverse and well structured story. I know it's your real story, but the way it is put together is wonderful! Thank you for all you did and all you continue to do! Love the book!
Jon Vander Horn
US Army Veteran
This book is so real and raw! It is very educational, yet so adventurous. Puts you right on the battlefield and then takes you right into the family home! Such a diverse and well structured story. I know it's your real story, but the way it is put together is wonderful! Thank you for all you did and all you continue to do! Love the book!
Jon Vander Horn
US Army Veteran
December 21, 2020
Awesome stories!
This book was an amazing read! I have been watching Rob on YouTube for years now and I loved learning more about his life! Hearing his stories about his service helped me gain a better perspective of what goes into becoming a sniper. I definitely recommended this book to anyone that wants to hear good war stories or just has some free time to learn more about an amazing man's life!
This book was an amazing read! I have been watching Rob on YouTube for years now and I loved learning more about his life! Hearing his stories about his service helped me gain a better perspective of what goes into becoming a sniper. I definitely recommended this book to anyone that wants to hear good war stories or just has some free time to learn more about an amazing man's life!
August 30, 2020
There is a great 4-5 star story of Robert's personal and emotional growth, which is sadly lost without the direction of an editor. The further into the book you get, the more issues there are, and they grow to be more distracting, taking you away from the otherwise immersive and fascinating message and story of personal growth Robert shares.
September 1, 2020
Spectacularly Inspiring.
Written by a dangerous, humble man. A few grammatical errors, but nothing crazy. Personally, I loved it. It's good to see people being honest with their audience.
Written by a dangerous, humble man. A few grammatical errors, but nothing crazy. Personally, I loved it. It's good to see people being honest with their audience.
November 27, 2020
I could not put it down, to see the raw and barely filtered life of an American soldier, and getting a small glimpse of the mental and emotional baggage of war and seeing how this troubled youth came through to the other side. Simply an amazing young man.
March 29, 2021
The book was good. My issue with it was that it appears to have been edited by a 4th grader. It needs a good spellcheck grammar check and a little research on the military terms the editor doesn’t know.
August 10, 2021
Not sure
I was really excited about this book but then as I read it I felt it was all over the place and he didn’t even tell us what happened on his stalk with the target and his bodyguards.
I was really excited about this book but then as I read it I felt it was all over the place and he didn’t even tell us what happened on his stalk with the target and his bodyguards.
January 5, 2024
Robert terkla was a huge catalyst in me joining the army myself. A lot of the things talked about in this book are things I learned while in the Army myself. It’s an interesting story and I would recommend it to those that want a closer look into what sniper school is like.
March 31, 2025
I loved the whole book there was nothing wrong with it. I just didn’t care for the ending it made me mad (my own personal opinion) it also made a lot of friends that have served mad toward the end as well. Over all though really great read
August 25, 2020
Quick read
For those who watch him all the time this was a great insight into the man you see now, worth reading and thanks for all the content and for your service Rob!
For those who watch him all the time this was a great insight into the man you see now, worth reading and thanks for all the content and for your service Rob!
August 27, 2020
Great read
Great book i watch lunkertv I knew he had a ricky past but i can look at his videos in a new light.
Great book i watch lunkertv I knew he had a ricky past but i can look at his videos in a new light.
August 31, 2020
Vary nice Mr. Terkla
An honest, humble, no bullshit accounting of the first half of a good mans life, couldn’t ask for much more than that. Well done.
An honest, humble, no bullshit accounting of the first half of a good mans life, couldn’t ask for much more than that. Well done.
September 11, 2020
Great book,
it's clear Rob opens up about some tough times and although concise it gives a picture into the man's life
it's clear Rob opens up about some tough times and although concise it gives a picture into the man's life
Read
September 17, 2020It is a great read if you follow Robert on social media and on Youtube. It's also a quick one only 186 pages, but he does cram a good story into them.
October 21, 2020
Just a fantastic book and always enjoy reading past experiences from our hero's. Watching him on his YouTube channel, he is awesome. Very good book.
March 4, 2021
More like a journal. Easy, quick read.
March 14, 2021
Interesting
Good book , kind of short. I believe that a lot more could have gone into it. Left many how's and whys unanswered. Still I think his fan base will enjoy it.
Good book , kind of short. I believe that a lot more could have gone into it. Left many how's and whys unanswered. Still I think his fan base will enjoy it.
July 18, 2021
Easy read..not much for details
Quick easy read but seemed to zip through everything too quickly...not enough details about alk the stories he is telling.
Quick easy read but seemed to zip through everything too quickly...not enough details about alk the stories he is telling.
June 23, 2022
Love watching Rob's YouTube channel and found this book very interesting. It was fun to read about his experiences in the military.
March 10, 2021
Earned was such an empowering and strong book. About the Early Life and current Life of Robert Terkla. In this book he dives in on some stories of his childhood and some behind the scene stories of his military days. I love how this book is written and how it starts of as his younger ages then works its way to the more daily and current things he does in today´s time. Like his YouTube channel and caring for his daughter. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that watches Rob on YouTube (LunkersTV) or anyone that is interested in any behind the scenes military things. Overall great book and HIGHLY recommended.
November 25, 2021
My high school students (who don't typically like reading) wanted me to read this, and because they were interested I did. Overall, this has the potential to be a really engaging and thoughtful memoir. At the beginning of the book, the pages flowed. However, the grammatical errors, disjointed stories, and the technicalities of training to be a sniper completely lost me about halfway through. I did finish it because I was hoping to get back to the voice I read at the beginning (and because it was a short read). I would love to see this book reworked with the help of an editor, not just because of the grammatical mistakes, but because I would like the author to flesh out his thoughts and experiences.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews