Walk in My Combat Boots

True Stories from America's Bravest Warriors

By: James Patterson, Matt Eversmann, Chris Mooney

Narrated by: Jason Culp

Length: 10 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's Summary

"These are the stories America needs to hear about the remarkable young men and women who serve" (Admiral William H. McRaven, US Navy, Ret.). The most moving and powerful war stories ever told, by the men and women who lived them.

Walk in My Combat Boots is a powerful collection crafted from hundreds of original interviews by James Patterson, the world’s number-one best-selling writer, and First Sergeant US Army (Ret.) Matt Eversmann, part of the Ranger unit portrayed in the movie Black Hawk Down. 

These are the brutally honest stories usually only shared amongst comrades in arms. Here, in the voices of the men and women who’ve fought overseas from Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan, is a rare eye-opening look into what wearing the uniform, fighting in combat, losing friends and coming home is really like. Listeners who next thank a military member for their service will finally have a true understanding of what that thanks is for.

©2021 James Patterson and Chris Mooney (P)2021 Hachette Audio

Critic Reviews

“A vivid and authentic portrait of life in the modern military … Powerful. This edifying collection captures the highs and lows of the military experience.” (Publishers Weekly)

“Urgent and full of suspense. . . In this wide-ranging, consistently absorbing collection, the authors cover the entire spectrum of American military action during the last 50 years, from Vietnam to the ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq . . . A gripping account of American military members’ experiences before, during, and after wartime.” (Kirkus, starred review) 

"This book will take your breath away, break your heart, and leave you in awe of the hard work, raw courage, ingenuity and resilience of the men and women who wear the boots. You'll hear them say why they do it, and how they deal with triumph, tragedy and living with the legacy of their service. Every American should read it." (President Bill Clinton) 

I enjoyed the variety of the stories.

I enjoyed the book. As a veteran myself I enjoyed hearing the stories, especially the ones that were similar to my experience. The only issue I had was with the reading. I think having a veteran read it would have been better. His mispronunciation of acronyms, spelling them out instead of reading the words, like F-O-B instead of FOB, and S-A-W instead of SAW, etc. It’s a little thing, but as a veteran, it bothers me when military words are spoken incorrectly.

Awe inspiring listen

I didn't serve on the Vietnam War and have often regretted it. I also questioned whether I would have lived up to expectations had I served. Listening to this book was inspiring as it let me live vicariously the experiences of those who did serve and paid the price and overcame. I am humbled by their courage and determination. Saying thank you are too small and too little words to express the full measure of my gratitude for these people and others like them.

Ear opener!

Enjoyed all the short stories. Make you better understand the impact of war on veterans.

great listen!

it was a great book! a good perspective of what different soldiers from different branches experienced during their military careers. I highly recommend it!

Interesting.

It’s interesting to hear these stories. I only listen to 1 or 2 at a time, so it takes a long time. It’s sad to hear about the sacrifices they made for so little

Everyone should read this book

This is an incredibly moving and powerful series of short stories from the men and women who defend our country. It is a window into both the physical and emotional wounds. My only comment is that the narrator’s voice didn’t match the emotion of the situations being described. I am a former Army officer that worked in the medical field and was incredibly moved by this book

POWERFUL

This was such a excellent book. As a Veteran, I love the stories and can relate in so many ways.

You will laugh, and likely cry. Do not pass this up.

Hearings what veteran want

Learning the true truth of person in and around the time in war of men telling their story and getting to the truth.

Horrible narration

Narrator was so bad I could not finish the book. I can not describe how bad it was.

Would be a good story

What a bad choice to have a narrator who does not know how to use military jargon. So distracting. I am tapping out after just the first chapter. Too bad. It could have been interesting