Black Hawk Down

De: Mark Bowden

Narrado por: Joe Morton

Ninety-nine elite American soldiers are trapped in the middle of a hostile city. As night falls, they are surrounded by thousands of enemy gunmen. Black Hawk Down drops you into a crowded marketplace in the heart of Mogadishu, Somalia with the U.S. Special Forces - and puts you in the middle of the most intense firefight American soldiers have fought since the Vietnam War. Award-winning literary journalist Mark Bowden's dramatic narrative captures this harrowing ordeal through the eyes of the young men who fought that day. He draws on his extensive interviews of participants from both sides - as well as classified combat video and radio transcripts - to bring their stories to life.©1999 Mark Bowden, All Rights Reserved (P)1999 Simon & Schuster, Inc., All Rights Reserved, AUDIOWORKS Is an Imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division, Simon & Schuster Inc.

Incomparable - The Best Modern War Story Available

Mark Bowden's <U>Black Hawk Down</U> is the best story of modern war, as the subtitle calls it, I have ever read. I read the book, watched the movie and have listened to the audible audio several times. The depth and multitude of personal accounts of the battle that day in October 1994 is unbelievable. Bowden was patient and throrough in his research for this book and interviewed dozens of combatants and witnesses from both sides of the fight. His research coalesced into this masterpiece of military history that, in my opinion, should be required reading in highschools throughout the country, especially as we face the very real prospect of war on the ground in a clan dominated country once again with Iraq.

The character development in this book is fleeting but ample enough to get to know many of the Rangers and Delta Force operators that fought, bled and too often died in this battle. The story of the most selfless and heroic Sergeant First Class Randy Shugart and Master Sergeant Gary Gordon coming to the aid of downed pilot Mike Durant is reason enough to listen to this book. This book allows us to honor all of the men who fought in this battle, for their courage and humanity.

I highly recommend this book and suggest that you use the following web resource to supplement your listening: <a href="http://inquirer.philly.com/packages/somalia/">Black Hawk Down: An American War Story-The Original Newspaper Series Online.</a> Mark Bowden is a writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer, where this story first appeared as a serial piece in the newspaper. This website includes maps, videos and the full text of the serialized version of the story.

Listen to this book and understand fully what we may be committing our soldiers to with a new war in the streets of Baghdad on the horizon. Will the citizens of Baghdad embrace our mission to bring freedom to their streets or will they react more like the people of Mogadishu?

I wish this book were available unabridged

With a great book such as this one, I am always left wondering what has been omitted. Please give us the choice to hear the whole thing!!

Good Action

I really enjoyed the book. It had good action and I thought the book did a better job of painting a realistic picture of combat and what our troops go through. It also gave a Somali side of the story more than the movie did and didn't pull any punches.

Never got to see the movie - this was a good sub!

What did you love best about Black Hawk Down?

This book really puts you in the moment - you can almost feel the bullets zinging past you. And Joe Morton's narrative voice matched the book's tone perfectly - like a post-events military briefing - while his characters came in bursts that were believable and shockingly intense.

Any additional comments?

I always wanted to see the movie, but after a decade of never getting around to it I realized it's never going to happen. It's never a problem squeezing in another audiobook though. Before I started listening, I took one last look at a review of the film, which said the action was great, but character development was a little thin. I'd say the same about the book. Still, if you want to know more about what went down or what it's like when our troops go into these hostile environments, this is a riveting listen.

i had just read seal team six

this was an ok book. i think i might have liked it more if i didnt just read seal team six.

Mr. Bowden does his homework

"Black Hawk Down" gives the listener/reader a glimpse into the mind of the professional soldiers that make up Delta Force and the United States Army Rangers. "I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country." These are dedicated, selfless, heroic men and Mr. Bowden has done his best to put the story of this part of their history forward for us.

Had lots of action

It had an amazing story and great narration. I was very happy with the amount of action.

God bless all who serve!

This was a very personal story as I was a friend of one of the soldiers killed. I always wondered what had really gone on and happened to cause his young life to expire. Very well written and kept me engaged to the very bitter end. Thank you for telling the story of our brave men who put it all on the line for each one of us!!!

Forget the movie

The movie almost disgraces the book. The story is well told and great for those with basic understanding of military ops.

Mark Bowden nailed the relationship between our soldiers and our political leaders

The author stated in the beginning that he had no military background. But he did a wonderful job I’m explaining that in all wars and even during peace, The heroes of this country are our soldiers. Their patriotism is the glue that holds America together. MoodsOur political leaders Almost never consider the Contributions or needs of our soldiers or our veterans adequately. Our military leaders sometimes demonstrate the same patriotism and heroism of our soldiers but sometimes are also just another example of highly paid bureaucrats in our government today. This story is a must read story for young people so that they can understand the contribution they can make if they have the fire in their belly for America and it is also a must readFor the rest of us so we understand how much we owe them. Thank you Mark Bowden