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)

great

amazing and heart wrenching . couldn't stop listening if I wanted to. as a veteran I'm thankful to these guys

Well done.

Hard story to hear, but incredible heroism. We owe so much to these soldiers. Godspeed.

Incredible story

I listen to multiple books a week and this by far was one of the best. Give you a great understanding of what we service members give up. I'm a Marine and this story about the ARMY displays valor, honor, courage ,commitment and complete selflessness.

Very Impressive.

I've only seen Jake Tapper on CNN but I never guessed he could write narrative history in such an engaging manner while maintaining a respectful accuracy in describing military action. But at the end of the book one is still left with the question one was left with after Vietnam, "Was it all worth it?" Of course having to ask the question indicates the answe.

A story that all Americans should hear

Amazing story, excellent and in depth research, great writing by the author,,excellent narration, will not disappoint

it's hard to believe this isn't fiction

I loved this book. This is one of my top 5 favorite books of all time and one of my top favorite modern war books. The book is so intense, being a former combat veteran, I had to stop reading several times. the Author did an incredible job researching and telling the stories of the Soldiers and Leaders. I still can't believe it's real.

amazing but sad

amazing story all these men let down by its own government. old men letting young men die.

Outstanding!

Read this book before watching the movie, it's a outstanding account of bravery and history

Outstanding Book!

Great book following this small part of a much larger war in Afghanistan. Instead of going a mile wide, the author took it a mile deep.
Only gripe is that the narrator did not pronounce military acronyms correctly... It was a little painful to listen to those.

amazingly written

I listened to this book after listening to "Red Platoon" by Clinton Romesha. This was great insight on the building of COP Keating and the dynamics of the area leading up to the battle.