House to House

An Epic Memoir of War

By: Staff Sergeant David Bellavia, John Bruning

Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

This is the personal side of battle, where emotion, courage, and strength are stretched to the limits.

In one of the most compelling combat narratives ever written, Staff Sergeant David Bellavia, an Army infantry platoon leader in Iraq, gives a teeth-rattling, first-hand account of 11 straight days of heavy house-to-house fighting during the climactic second battle of Fallujah. His actions in the firefight, which included killing five insurgents in hand-to-hand combat, earned Bellavia the Bronze Star, the Silver Star, and New York State's highest military honor, the Conspicuous Service Cross. He has been nominated for the Medal of Honor and for the Army's second-highest combat medal, the Distinguished Service Cross.

©2007 David Bellavia (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"[W]ill satisfy readers who like their testosterone undiluted...a precise, hour-by-hour account of the fighting, featuring repeated heroic feats and brave sacrifice from Americans." ( Publishers Weekly)

I had no clue what to expect

I basically got this book because it was recommended and I needed another non-fiction book to work on my reading goals for the year. Not sure how to explain this book. I cannot put it down, but I can’t tell you wan. I have no clue. It touched a place inside of me. The narrator was great and expressed things fairly well. Some of the other voices besides the main characters we’re a little weak. However, this was a non-stop extinction level “ freak -ism”

excellence

A glimps at the dichotomy that faces warriors. Ssgt Bellavia provides insight into the struggles and absurdities of war, and the even harder struggles of those warriors when we arrive home. Having been an Infantryman arriving in the same area as the author shortly after his departure, I can sympathize with his struggles. In many ways his story and others like him aided me in my own journey of the transition from soldier to civilian and family life. This book can provide perspective to those who didn't experience war, but are trying to understand a loved one who has.

Can't stop listening!

Outstanding piece of writing. Non-stop action had my muscles tense. Narrator does character specific voices that makes what could be confusing easy to follow.

WOW!

story holds your attention! intense and heartfelt and funny at times! I recommend this book!

Great read!!!

a greatly written book.. absolutely perfect. Recommend it to anyone interested th the Iraq war up close. very up close.

Eye opener

This book will open your eyes to what it means to de a hero. A true story that will give you a look at what it takes to be a hero and make you wonder "what would I do ?".

Struggle between good and evil

The best audio book I'd ever listened to was Unbroken until this book. The language was offensive.... but that's the way warriors talk. I wept when Sgt Bell began reciting "the power of Christ compels you " to counter his enemy's "allahu Akbar"....very emotional read. Also found out why soldiers don't trust the media either.

Action Packed and Riveting

Any additional comments?

I've listened to many books based upon the experiences of warriors. Uniquely, House to House was almost 100% action. The other books I read "fluffed" their chapters with flashbacks to boot camp, drinking tales, bar fist-fight, macho guy stories, training... Not this time! In House to House you quickly hit the ground in Fallujah and it is one hell of a no nonsense, nonstop fight all the way to the final chapter.

This is what war in Iraq is really like

This book is fantastic I have listen to 30 or 40 books on Iraq and Afghanistan and this is in the top five. It is riveting and brutal.

Outstanding reading of a hero’s memoirs from Fallujah.

A vivid and chilling account from an American hero amongst American heroes. Hard to top this reading. We hung on every word and felt there with SSG Bellavia and his men.