Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 86
 Great Account of the War in Afghanistan November 21, 2009
John R. Sedivy (Cape Cod, MA)
It has been said that real life can sometimes be more exciting and intriguing than some of the most action-packed fiction novels or movies. Horse Soldiers by Doug Stanton portrays such a story.
Set just prior to the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, Horse Soldiers tells the tale of the Army Special Forces and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) invasion of Afghanistan following that attack. It ties together loose ends from this time and fills in some gaps such as the stories of Mike Spann and John Walker Lindh and what exactly happened in Afghanistan during this time.
Doug Stanton does a fine job of telling the story of the brave soldiers and agents who fought in the opening days of the war in Afghanistan. His method of describing the environment is superb. I had listened to the audiobook and for the most part I could picture the surrounding environment based on the descriptions provided.
One aspect that made "Horse Soldiers" difficult at times were the many characters and the fast pace. The core group of characters are treated in great detail, but there are many more who are not given as much treatment. When the action kicks into full gear it's sometimes difficult to remember who's who's and what's going on. In all fairness this is likely not the author's fault - it's strictly the nature of the beast - fast pace and confusion. If nothing else this gave me an appreciation of how difficult the special ops and CIA had it over there - not only do they have to worry about combat - but they have to keep a large and diverse cast of characters straight, each with their own interests and agendas!
In many ways this felt like a sequel to Charlie Wilson's War and in many ways it is. If you like military action, spy thrillers, or just want an overview and update on the war in Afghanistan, then I highly recommend Horse Soldiers.
 So much owed by so many to so few October 25, 2009
andris virsnieks (Seattle, WA USA)
Fifty special US military personnel accomplished in two months what Pentagon planners had said would take two years. Unbelievable? Yes. But this is a nonfiction book. Doug Stanton's dramatic true story reveals how the impossible was made possible by this handful of courageous US Soldiers.
Horse Soldiers October 24, 2009
R. Capell (Lake County, CA)
Every American should read this book for the first hand information concerning what is going on in that area today and is likely to continue for quite awhile.
Enormous Insight October 16, 2009
V. P. Dura (Rogersville, AL USA)
This book provides enormous insight into the mentality of the Afgan (and probably other mid-east Islamic fanatics) people and fighters. A great book.
Fighting on Horseback October 15, 2009
Donna J. Runnels (Burnham, Maine)
When I saw the American soldiers on horseback in Afghanistan several years ago, I was very interested. I bought this book for my son who is serving in Iraq, but I read it before sending it to him. Only one of the Americans was an experienced horsemen. The description of the uprising at the prison and the death of the CIA agent gives you a clear understanding of what happened. The prisoners were never thoroughly searched because they might find it "offensive". This book gave me a better understanding of the tribal war lords in Afghanistan and what our soldiers and Marines are up against there.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 86
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