The Good Soldiers - David Finkel

The Good Soldiers

By David Finkel

  • Release Date: 2009-09-15
  • Genre: History
4.5 Score: 4.5 (From 149 Ratings)

Description

The Prequel to the Bestselling Thank You for Your Service, Now a Major Motion Picture

With The Good Soldiers, Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter David Finkel has produced an eternal story — not just of the Iraq War, but of all wars, for all time.


It was the last-chance moment of the war. In January 2007, President George W. Bush announced a new strategy for Iraq. It became known as "the surge." Among those called to carry it out were the young, optimistic army infantry soldiers of the 2-16, the battalion nicknamed the Rangers. About to head to a vicious area of Baghdad, they decided the difference would be them.

Fifteen months later, the soldiers returned home — forever changed. The chronicle of their tour is gripping, devastating, and deeply illuminating for anyone with an interest in human conflict.

Reviews

  • The Good Soldiers

    5
    By Trucker Chuck
    A book that gives a real idea of the grind of a regular Infantry unit’s tour in Iraq. You are not going to get a ‘daring-do’ adventure about some elite unit. Just what average serviceman has to deal with. Out of respect and to understand what Army and Marine Infantry really go through, read this book.
  • Good book but one question

    4
    By CFickter
    This is a good book about a group of soldiers who got little recognition for the danger they were in. But I can't help to think the author used this more as an opportunity to bash President Bush. It did little service to the bravery of this group of soldiers
  • Transfers bought book to another device

    1
    By James Ross
    I payed for the book The Good Soldiers can it be changed to a different device without having to pay again?
  • The good soldiers

    5
    By Corsair MiTT
    So real I had some difficulty reading it. It took me back to my days of traveling through fallujah and then Baghdad. I felt every bit of hurt and anger as I read each word. This is a true depiction of the war in Iraq. From a grateful Soldier...
  • The book to read!

    5
    By cwg3
    This book is the one to read regarding the the surge of American troops in Iraq. The raw truth and emotion of each page will surely take you on an emotional roller coaster for the laughs to tears and every possible feeling in between. A must read if you want an honest interpretation of what the surge meant to those who had to support it with their lives.
  • Amazing

    5
    By vassakjlv
    This book is incredibly well written; from the timeline, to the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, to the details about the men and the missions. I could not put it down and cannot say enough praises for anyone looking for a current war time novel. Reading this book not only gave me a real perspective and insight for what my husband went through during his two deployments, but a much larger appreciation for our service branches and the brave individuals that serve our country.
  • I was there!

    5
    By Mudbug1979
    I commanded a military police company that supported the 2-16 during this time...I remember the smells...explosions...and memorial services...very well written!! Thank you!
  • The good soldiers-the great book

    5
    By Drivefest
    Really no different from the many incredible war books I have read over the years. That's a compliment. In spite of all the technical advances, the machines of war. Or the political rhetoric that always says that this war is different, we see once again that war really does come down to men, mud and bullets. It comes down to individuals making life or death decisions, while dealing with their own fears. It comes down to messy human emotions and relationships, and conflicts about their own humanity.
  • Awesome and disturbing

    5
    By SEHGator
    So graphic and powerful. This is the real story and tragedy that is Iraq and the terrible sacrifices we've made for a country that never wanted us to help in the first place. Anyone that believes we should be fighting in a foreign country should first walk in the shoes of soldiers like those in the 2-16. It's not "all good".
  • I was there

    5
    By stevendennison
    I was in 2-16 during this deployment. Great literature on what we went through.

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