WAR

By: Sebastian Junger

Narrated by: Sebastian Junger

Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

In his breakout best seller, The Perfect Storm, Sebastian Junger created "a wild ride that brilliantly captures the awesome power of the raging sea and the often futile attempts of humans to withstand it" (Los Angeles Times Book Review). Now, Junger turns his brilliant and empathetic eye to the reality of combat - the fear, the honor, and the trust among men in an extreme situation whose survival depends on their absolute commitment to one another.

His on-the-ground account follows a single platoon through a 15-month tour of duty in the most dangerous outpost in Afghanistan's Korengal Valley. Through the experiences of these young men at war, he shows what it means to fight, to serve, and to face down mortal danger on a daily basis.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2010 Sebastian Junger (P)2010 Hachette

Critic reviews

"Junger mixes visceral combat scenes-raptly aware of his own fear and exhaustion-with quieter reportage and insightful discussions of the physiology, social psychology, and even genetics of soldiering. The result is an unforgettable portrait of men under fire." ( Publishers Weekly)

A great feel for what our troops experience

I never had the sense of what our troops were against in Afghanistan and now I do. Junger brought the parties into my living room so they could tell me what their lives were like. Getting to know what hardships they endured, the difficulty in trying to work in that terrain, and the PTSD that automatically comes home with them was amazing. It is somewhat mind boggling that Junger and his photographer voluntarily returned time and time again to the same shooting gallery - but than all the men who were there had volunteered for the military, if not for Afghanistan. A very comprehensive telling of this current conflict.

Good and important book

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

Very difficult war

What was one of the most memorable moments of WAR?

The emotional challenges that are faced by our troops because of this very difficult method of war.

Have you listened to any of Sebastian Junger’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to another performance by Sebastian Junger.

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

War: Afghanistan Terror

Any additional comments?

This is a powerful and insightful book into the lives of the American 2nd Platoon in the Korengal of Afghanistan. This book helped me to see inside the consequences of war in the lives of the young men who are fighting it from the front lines. While reading this book I have found myself telling nearly anyone who would listen about some of the difficulties that these men faced. War is an unbelievably difficult thing and we would be wise to pursue it with extreme caution. Sebastian Junger takes his reader into the lives and psyche of these men to find men who are serving with courage and distinction, but are not really concerned with the political issues or broader military issues of the war. They mostly care about the men that they serve with, and they love one another in a way that is difficult or nearly impossible to duplicate outside of the difficulties of war. This book should be read by people far and wide if for no other reason than to understand more about the consequences of sending young men to war.

Combat Veteran Approved

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

I have never read the print version due to my busy schedule.

What was one of the most memorable moments of WAR?

The most memorable moments of WAR is the fact that the author could put into words the emotions and experiences of war that I have experienced, yet could never define. I find it difficult for those that have never served to understand. This would be a book I would recommend for those that never served and are trying to understand.

What about Sebastian Junger’s performance did you like?

I liked the fact that he experienced this book first hand, a very good narrator and author, and knows how to use words to define the difficult concepts, experiences, and emotions of war.

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

Yes, it is a book that had me addicted.

Visceral and Provocative

How does anyone walk out of such any experience dramatically unchanged? How does any reader of this book not be moved and awakened? Sebastian Junger’s words and description of his time spent with these young men is a real tribute. Told, unapologetically with graphic imagery, riveting detail and heartfelt respect, the author tares back the curtains to reveal an authentic and disturbing experience. Every civilian with an opinion about our troops and every politician who makes decisions that impact our military personnel should read this book; and if possible especially listen to the final discussion between the author and the producer of the audiobook. His insights on love, brotherhood, and PTSD are profound.

A captivating insight into what war actually is

If you really want to understand why wars are fought, this isn't the book for you. However, if you desire to know why servicemen and servicewomen choose to fight in them, this will illuminate that for you, at least in some small way. It's short and concise, but still puts you, as close as can be hoped for, into the minds of the men of Battle Company. Real and raw on-the-ground experiences from the spectrum of warfare, mindnumbing downtime to feverish firefights, are documented and recounted for you, but then analyzed and dissected. It's interwoven so well, and so smoothly. Can't recommend enough.

The Korengal Valley

Listening to this book actually made me feel as though I was actually there in combat. It is the most feeling that anyone could get other than being with those men fighting in the valley.
Being a veteran is so different than being a combat veteran.
The closeness is felt deeply between those guys who fought together in the Korengal Valley.
The love between those men will be felt for a lifetime as will those reprocessing symptoms of battle.

Loved it!!!

Very descriptive can picture what he’s saying as he’s reading it. Better than the documentary

A modern work for the history buffs

Basically, if you like to hear about heroic struggles from WWII on the history channel, this book will make you realize that the intrepid spirit of overcoming adversity and overwhelming odds is still alive and well. This book takes the reader behind the propaganda and into the very real world of modern combat. WAR gives the perspective of the modern American soldier Without being too political by way of striking a perfect balance between being interesting and relevant. A MUST READ!!!

Could not stop audible listening

The real understanding of young men that fought in Aganastan. Not for glory, but to stay alive. These young men are truly owed our gratitude. Closing ones eyes you can actually visualize and hear the terror of their experiences. Now understand why so many have post truamatic psychological problems.

Great Book

One of the best military books which discusses war from a soldiers perspective. The only book I ever recommended to my family to understand a soldiers experience - good, bad and ridiculous. I think Sebastian Junger truly bonded with the soldiers of B Co and became one of them. He was then able to speak deeply and personally about the experience. He gives a heartened perspective while at the same time not promoting combat like so many other narratives have. In summary, it is a fantastic book.