The Outpost

An Untold Story of American Valor

By: Jake Tapper

Narrated by: Rob Shapiro

Length: 22 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

The basis of the film starring Orlando Bloom and Scott Eastwood, The Outpost is the heartbreaking and inspiring story of one of America's deadliest battles during the war in Afghanistan, acclaimed by critics everywhere as a classic.

At 5:58 a.m. on October 3, 2009, Combat Outpost Keating, located in frighteningly vulnerable terrain in Afghanistan just 14 miles from the Pakistani border, was viciously attacked. Though the 53 Americans there prevailed against nearly 400 Taliban fighters, their casualties made it the deadliest fight of the war for the U.S. that year. Four months after the battle, a Pentagon review revealed that there was no reason for the troops at Keating to have been there in the first place.

In The Outpost, Jake Tapper gives us the powerful saga of COP Keating, from its establishment to eventual destruction, introducing us to an unforgettable cast of soldiers and their families, and to a place and war that has remained profoundly distant to most Americans. A runaway best seller, it makes a savage war real, and American courage manifest.

"The Outpost is a mind-boggling, all-too-true story of heroism, hubris, failed strategy, and heartbreaking sacrifice. If you want to understand how the war in Afghanistan went off the rails, you need to read this book." (Jon Krakauer)

©2012 Jake Tapper (P)2012 Simon & Schuster Audio

Critic reviews

"Tapper's sassy style...gives the book a humorous angle that probably won't be found in most mainstream books about Election 2000....For those who are looking for an insider's view and tales, this is the book to buy." (National Journal)

"Tapper, the network's ambitious, telegenic senior White House correspondent, has made a name for himself as a tough questioner...ABC's tenacious reporter is already proving to be the new star of the White House press pack." (The Daily Beast)

Just incredible!

The author did such an amazing job capturing your attention and the details of tragic but true war stories. As an Armed Forces member, I feel indebted to him for bringing the truth to light so people can see what really goes on in war in Afghanistan and in politics.

Powerfully written, very well read.

There are some books where the content is good, but the narration sucks and totally takes you out of the book (I'm looking at you Washington; A Life). This isn't one of those books. The book itself is very powerful, taking you into the lives of the troops on the front line of America's forgotten war. You get to know personalities and the hopes and desires and fears of those soldiers and you get to see the impact on their families back home.

The narration is just solid. You are not brought out of the narrative by the narration, which means it is just about perfect.

It is sometimes hard to listen to because the story itself is intense and emotionally tough, but I think it is important to hear these stories and know this bit of our history.

Every Individual must listen this book

I am a person who loves Fiction and suspense novels. Often indulging in the passion for Post 20th Century History information I was, for the second time since the book "Outlaw Platoon (by Sean Parnell and Bruning)", taken whole heartedly into the tragedy of the Islamic Fundamentalist Jihad scourge. This book reveals the reason our youth is being destroyed and permanently impared for thier entire lives after leaving this land of Afganistan.
This war has been waged for a decade and these brave, strong, and incredibly trained Military youth are worthy of praise and Prayer.
If you want know why we are there and fighting this war, this book is not the answer. It is however the truth of our freedom enjoyed in this Nation.
A must read.

My opinion

very good account of what the general public has no clue. Thank you to the men and women of our US forces that fight these sometimes sensless battles.

Great but for reader mistakes and political agenda

Would you listen to The Outpost again? Why?

I would definitely listen to this again. The heroic and heartbreaking story of these brave and determined Soldiers is gripping and emotional and reminds me that the US Soldier is the most capable, flexible, and resilient Soldier in the world. I was in Jalalabad, working for the brigade 3-61 CAV fell under when all this went down, and I can tell you that the story treated all of the Officers and Enlisted men of the Brigade/Squadron/Troops/Platoon very fairly.

The history behind the creation of the outpost is compelling, as are the men and women who were involved. I was fascinated as the local dynamics shifted with each new unit. Then, when the final battle was told, I found myself sitting in my driveway for long periods of time with this book on the radio. I just couldn't tear myself away.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I cannot point out one single person as my favorite in the story. So many of the Soldiers were distinctive, with functions and personalities that were fascinating.

Did Rob Shapiro do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

Overall, Rob Shapiro was uninspired in his reading. Much of the time, he either sounded tired or bored. If the story wasn't so very gripping, I'd have had to put the book aside.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

For the story, yes. For the reader, no.

Any additional comments?

Watch out as this book is laced with a thinly disguised political agenda, so much so that it is distracting from the actual story of the Heroes. I'm not one who likes to have the story of Soldiers used for personal agenda - using their words out of context for political motives. But get by that and the story is incredible, and well told.

Excellent

Would you consider the audio edition of The Outpost to be better than the print version?

An excellent treatment of FOB Keating's history and those that served their.

What did you like best about this story?

The coverage of the history of the FOB form founding to the last big fight.

What about Rob Shapiro’s performance did you like?

Well done

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

Why it was placed in the low ground and not the high ground.

Everyone should know this story

Would you listen to The Outpost again? Why?

Very powerful story. Tragedy and courage. Duty and service.

What did you like best about this story?

What a tremendous story. It is so sad that not more Americans know about what happened.

What about Rob Shapiro’s performance did you like?

Good author, very detailed explaination of the units involved, etc.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

Definitely a great choice.

amazing

what a great book into the depth of what soldiers had/have to endure in the heat of battle

Surprisingly Very enjoyable even for me, a female

If you could sum up The Outpost in three words, what would they be?

Very emotional in two words.

What did you like best about this story?

It made me feel as if I was there.

Which character – as performed by Rob Shapiro – was your favorite?

There was not a favorite per se.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Not sure.

Any additional comments?

Everyone should read this book and everyone should be donating or volunteering for a group that does something for our active military and for our veterans.

Never has the term snafu been more applicable. I will written story capturing a sad portion of our most recent

Is rare that I listen to an audible book which is narrated by the author. I have not found that most authors have the ability to effectively narrate their own writings. this book is well written and well Narrated. Unfortunately, the chain of command located this did their men a disservice and many men paid with their life for it. This is a story every American should read or listen to.