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.
"[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)
"As raw as it gets"
David Bellavia's memoir "House to House" describes the intense fighting and the sacifices made by our forces in Iraq in raw detail. If you are looking for a first-hand account of what is really going on in Iraq then this is the book you should download. David, thank you for your service to our country.
"From the Ground"
This is one mans view of the US assault on Fallujah, if you want an overview of strategy this is not the book for you. This is about the struggle of Staff sergeant Bellavia and his platoon as they fight house to house in the city of Fallujah. Personally I like the detail and the perspective from the man on the ground, no gloss, no political spin, just the raw details as he sees them. The saying "someone has to do it" in never more appropriate than in this book. War is not clean, surgical or all electronic yet... We still rely on the "Warrior" despite the spin often portrayed in the media. The book does not always read well but this is not meant to be a classic this is one mans perspective and I think he does the job well. You have to admire anyone who is prepared to place themselves in harms way in situations like this, God Bless our troops may we always support them, despite the social/political climate.
"Wow, Best of this type!"
Very near the top. Story is just amazing and author brings you along so well.
when author fights by himself in the house near the end of the book. Also when he recounts his interactioins with his son it just tore me apart. Reminded me of my son and having to leave him and his mother when I travel.
Have not listened to one of his other performances but this was truely stellar.
You bet....but I forced myself to break it into little pieces to make it last.
I was thinking this would be similar to many other similar books I read but I was absolutely floored by the emotion, and the feeling that pours forth from this book. Only regret is not purchasing sooner. You will judge other books of this type by this book from now on.
"Great story, well read and written"
Really good honest account of a soldiers time in a battle zone. Reflects the brutal reality of life in combat as an Infantry man.
"One of the best audio books I have listened to"
This book gives a brilliant insight of what it was like to be in the US Army, in Iraq, post Saddam. The author is very funny, honest and doesn't spare the listener from any of the horrors of war. This is a book you must get.
"Wow!"
This is a great book. Not good, great. Full-on immersion into the life of an Army Infantryman from go (wading through sewage to get to an objective), no blinders or Political Correct-washing.
Fast, hard, and real - and read by the great Ray Porter.
J
"excellent writing, story and narration"
I think this is a great book. I've read or listened to many books about the wars in Iraq (including another that focused on Fallujah) and AFG. and think this is one of the best. Although I like almost all of the other books, this one really gives a sense of what the weeks, days and hours for Staff Sgt. Bellavia and his unit were like (unrelentingly brutal). It gives details about things I've never thought about before - what it's like to have lacerations from flying shrapnel all over ones face and body in a filthy, bacteria laden environment (the result is intense infection), or the consequences of not being able to take off combat boots for days on end (painful, rotting feet) - and those are just a couple of the "little" things.
I wish every American would read this. As our troops return from multiple deployments, it's extremely important that the general population be educated about what they've endured. I can't imagine anyone reading this without coming away more understanding of and compassionate towards our combat veterans (and active duty service members).
Finally, I can't say enough good things about the narrator - he is fantastic.
"The Best Audiobook I've Ever Listened To"
The writing is detailed, intense, and present, and HUGE kudos to the excellent narrator for bringing that all through. I spent A LOT of time in my car, after having parked for the day, just to listen to more of this book. Superb.
"Review comments"
This was an excellent download. I felt like I was there, but glad I wasnt. Would recommend this to everyone.
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"Outstanding"
Look this novel has got it all and from my experience is the gold standard of a war fighters tale. The author doesn't pull any punches and tells his story openly and with an emotional rawness that you don't see in these novels. I think this book is a BUY.