About Face

By: Colonel David H. Hackworth US Army Ret., Julie Sherman

Narrated by: John Pruden

Length: 40 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Called "everything a 20th-century war memoir could possibly be" by the New York Times, this national best seller by Colonel David H. Hackworth presents a vivid and powerful portrait of a life of patriotism.

From age 15 to 40, David Hackworth devoted himself to the US Army and fast became a living legend. In 1971, however, he appeared on television to decry the doomed war effort in Vietnam. With About Face, he has written what many Vietnam veterans have called the most important book of their generation. 

From Korea to Berlin, from the Cuban missile crisis to Vietnam, Hackworth's story is that of an exemplary patriot, played out against the backdrop of the changing fortunes of America and the American military. It is also a stunning indictment of the Pentagon's fundamental misunderstanding of the Vietnam conflict and of the bureaucracy of self-interest that fueled the war.

New York Times best seller. A Military Book Club Main Selection. A number-one Amazon.com best seller in Korean War Personal Narratives.

©2019 Colonel David H. Hackworth (P)2019 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Very long, but worth it!

About face can be an expression that means to take the opposite opinion. Very true with this book. Recommended by Jocko, approved by thousands of happy listeners. Many lessons, war stories, and critiques throughout the book.

Simply the Best

This book was one of the first few I listened to after joining audible. Initially I was a bit skeptical about how far I'd get into a 40 hour long audiobook before moving on. I soon found myself unable to listen to anything else until I had finished it, and I am about to listen to it again! For almost a month, every commute and any other time I'd normally listen to music or an audio book I chose to listen to About Face exclusively. I just couldn't stop! Once you get past the introductions it is a nonstop barrage of visceral storytelling, heroism, brotherhood, life lessons, and leadership.

This book is like no other I have found since. The scope and depth of this great man's experiences are unrivaled, on war or otherwise. David Hackworth was a maverick and pioneer that made a lasting impact on the Army, the military, and on understanding leadership and brotherhood in its rawest form.

If you like war memoirs or are a leader or aspiring leader, this is a must read or listen. Or if you simply want to learn more about post WWII America and the Korean and Vietnam wars, this is a must listen. It will entertain, engage, instruct, and guide you all the way through. One of the best parts about it is that it is not meant to be a book on leadership, military tactics, or navigating bureaucracies, but it accomplishes all of that and more.

Jockos top pick

Definitely had my knowledge expanded about both the Korean War and the Vietnam war. This is a great book with a good narrator, I definitely would recommend getting it. And getting after it.

Lots of interesting stories

Loved this audio book, funny, shocking and very interesting. It should be required reading for any future solider, to at least know that you ave getting into.

a must read

so many lessons about history, human nature and leadership. many relatable histories about a business that reassembles that much the nature of the man endeavors.

Must read for current Soldiers

It was a long listen, but well worth it. I believe that much of what he talks about unfortunately is still present in our great armed forces.

A book that you don’t want to end.

About Face is an engaging and entertaining book that tells the story of a true American hero. The book is long and entertaining the whole way. I was sad when it ended. I wish the were all this good. The narrator is fantastic as well!

Great leadership reading

Another reading that can help become a better leader. This should be on a list of anyone in or going in military or civilian service from every country.

Powerful Book

Loved it. The best book that I have ever read. Must read for all Americans.

Amazing narration

The narrator did this story MORE than justice. Emphasized the right words and phrases in all the right ways. Thanks for making this already incredible story even better.