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"The raw and unforgettable narrative of the making of our country's record-holding sniper, Chris Kyle's memoir is a powerful book, both in terms of combat action and human drama. Chief Kyle is a true American warrior down to the bone, the Carlos Hathcock of a new generation."--CHARLES W. SASSER, Green Beret (US Army Ret.) and author of "One Shot, One Kill"
"[My] favorite book of the year. Chris Kyle's "American Sniper" is an amazingly detailed account of fighting in Iraq -- a humanizing, brave story that's extremely readable."--PATRICIA CORNWELL, "New York Times Book Review"
#1 "NEW YORK TIMES" BESTSELLER--No Source
"In the community of elite warriors, one man has risen above our ranks and distinguished himself as unique. Chris Kyle is that man. A master sniper, Chris has done and seen things that will be talked about for generations to come."--MARCUS LUTTRELL, former USN SEAL, recipient of the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism under fire, #1 bestselling author of "Lone Survivor"
""American Sniper" is the inside story of what it's like to be in war. A brave warrior and patriot, Chris Kyle writes frankly about the missions, personal challenges, and hard choices that are part of daily life of an elite SEAL Sniper. It's a classic!"--RICHARD MARCINKO (USN, Ret.), First Commanding Officer of SEAL Team Six and #1 bestselling author of "Rogue Warrior"
"Eloquent ... An aggressively written account of frontline combat, with plenty of action."--KIRKUS REVIEWS
"Reads like a first-person thriller narrated by a sniper. The bare-bones facts are stunning. .... A first-rate military memoir."--BOOKLIST
From the Inside Flap
The #1 New York Times bestselling memoir of U.S. Navy Seal Chris Kyle, and the source for Clint Eastwood's blockbuster movie which was nominated for six academy awards, including best picture.
From 1999 to 2009, U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle recorded the most career sniper kills in United States military history. His fellow American warriors, whom he protected with deadly precision from rooftops and stealth positions during the Iraq War, called him "The Legend"; meanwhile, the enemy feared him so much they named him al-Shaitan ("the devil") and placed a bounty on his head. Kyle, who was tragically killed in 2013, writes honestly about the pain of war--including the deaths of two close SEAL teammates--and in moving first-person passages throughout, his wife, Taya, speaks openly about the strains of war on their family, as well as on Chris. Gripping and unforgettable, Kyle's masterful account of his extraordinary battlefield experiences ranks as one of the great war memoirs of all time.--RICHARD MARCINKO (USN, Ret.), First Commanding Officer of SEAL Team Six and #1 bestselling author of Rogue Warrior
From the Back Cover
NOW A BLOCKBUSTER MOTION PICTURE DIRECTED BY CLINT EASTWOOD--NOMINATED FOR SIX ACADEMY AWARDS, INCLUDING BEST PICTURE
From 1999 to 2009, U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle recorded the most career sniper kills in United States military history. Iraqi insurgents feared Kyle so much they named him al-Shaitan ("the devil") and placed a bounty on his head. Kyle earned legendary status among his fellow SEALs, Marines, and U.S. Army soldiers, whom he protected with deadly accuracy from rooftops and stealth positions. Gripping and unforgettable, Kyle's masterful account of his extraordinary battlefield experiences ranks as one of the great war memoirs of all time.
SEAL Team 3 Chief Chris Kyle served four combat tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom and elsewhere. For his bravery in battle, he was awarded two Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars with Valor, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and one Navy and Marine Corps Commendation. Following his combat deployments, he became chief instructor for training Naval Special Warfare Sniper and Counter-Sniper teams, and he authored the Naval Special Warfare Sniper Doctrine. Today, he is president of Craft International, a worldclass leader in training and security. He lives with his family in Texas, where he devotes much of his spare time to helping disabled veterans.
About the Author
SEAL Team 3 Chief Chris Kyle (1974-2013) was awarded two Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars with Valor, and numerous other citations. Following four combat tours in Iraq, he became chief instructor for training Naval Special Warfare sniper teams. He is the author of American Gun: A History of the U.S. in Ten Firearms. A native Texan, Kyle is survived by his wife, Taya, and their two children.
Scott McEwen is a trial lawyer in San Diego.
Jim DeFelice is the co-author, with former U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, of the multi-million-copy bestseller American Sniper, the source for Clint Eastwood's film starring Bradley Cooper. His other books include Omar Bradley: General at War; Rangers at Dieppe; and West Like Lightning: The Brief, Legendary Ride of the Pony Express. He lives in upstate New York.
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From Australia
Warwick Bell
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read!Reviewed in Australia on 20 May 2015
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Very descriptive, different to what I expected. It's objective and seems like it has come from authentic sources.
I am not a supporter of ANY war glorifications, I hate wars! especially when innocent people are murdered! but I realise that we live in a very troubled world where religion and some of it's fanatical supporters have just gone mad! And this includes Christians too! But fundamentalist Islamists are just over the top! Let's all be tolerant and understanding of each other! God is a God of peace and goodwill for all!
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Gerry
4.0 out of 5 stars Solid bookReviewed in Australia on 31 March 2015
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This is a good book which presents a very interesting story. It was refreshing in its honesty, somewhat in contrast to a world bound to political correctness. Kyle certainly told exactly as he saw it. This approach results in somewhat confronting passages at times, as he speaks from the heart on how he experienced the war zones and his role in them. Kyle was certainly a brave man and believed strongly in what he was doing. I found that to be an admirable trait.
It is a good read, but I didn't find it overly engaging. It is however, worth your time to read his story.
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Danny
5.0 out of 5 stars A Worthwhile ReadReviewed in Australia on 20 February 2016
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I found this book to be an amazing insight into the life of not only the people in the Special Forces but also their families and the sacrifices they make to support their loved ones. Chris Kyle's story is truly astonishing and the dedication to his country and fellow soldiers cannot be questioned although, at times conflicts with his own family values. His story is well written with an insight into war most of us would not comprehend.
Would recommend this book
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Readerinoz
3.0 out of 5 stars Some of his language here seems almost like a mantraReviewed in Australia on 21 June 2015
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The lasting impression I had from this book, apart from the truly awful first person account of the ugliness of war, was how totally these men are trained/ mentally programmed to think along only the lines the military requires from them. Some of his language here seems almost like a mantra. It rarely deviates from the accepted philosophy to any degree that demonstrates an independent mind with its own opinions. Of course, it's crucial that they must be able to depend on the fellow next to them in active warfare but I kept wondering when the true, authentic Chris would emerge. I can only assume the checking of the script by military reviewers may have caused some of this, but a more reflective interrogation of his experience was missing. Very interesting nonetheless.
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LardLad
4.0 out of 5 stars I did enjoy the telling of the missions and engagements and the ...Reviewed in Australia on 4 August 2015
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Chris Kyle is indeed a legend. The status is well deserved, but sometimes the book seemed a little lacking in the area of conveying the true emotions of soldiers dealing with traumatic sights, sounds and deeds, but Chris Kyle was first and foremost a soldier, not an author.
The book for me also laboured the religious aspect of Chris's life, but that is a small criticism.
I did enjoy the telling of the missions and engagements and the hardware used to carry out their jobs. The workload these men endure is phenomenal and very few could come close to his achievements. The stories are well told and exciting but not in an over-the-top way.
I liked this book and will read it again down the track.
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Alan M
5.0 out of 5 stars screen first, paper second.Reviewed in Australia on 5 April 2015
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I first saw the movie and became quite intrigued with Chris Kyle and decided to read the book to see what sort of differences they put from paper to screen. The book gave a much more in-depth look at Chris' time on deployments and being of military background that was more of what I wanted to know about. There are many many more accounts of combat situations in this book than were portrayed in the film. I do understand that the film was more to highlight the main situations that brought Chris to military noteriarty but it gives a much better description of where Chris came from before his very unfortunate death. After reading the book I felt quite sad that it had to end and I guess now I am off to read the next chapter of his legacy, "Death of an American Sniper". Definitely for me, a non-reader type this is a five star read!
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Gary Roser
5.0 out of 5 stars Warts and all. Doesn't hold back.Reviewed in Australia on 16 June 2015
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Loved it. Now I have to see the movie. I really admire the service personnel who have to do the dirty job. Like all wars, if it wasn't for looking out for your mates, they wouldn 't be there. Whilst the theme is fighting for freedom and "Old Glory" there is more too it. A great read, but be prepared for the dirty truth of war.
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laurie carter
4.0 out of 5 stars the author goes to great length to explain his every thought and feelingReviewed in Australia on 8 June 2015
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Extremely interesting ,the author goes to great length to explain his every thought and feeling ,even if you don't feel his passion for killing ,you have to feel his dedication to perfecting his craft.
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CellerDweller
3.0 out of 5 stars War is hellReviewed in Australia on 21 February 2016
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I guess that the majority of people who go to war do so with the expectation that they will be trained, and expected, to kill the enemy. This applies whether one is dropping bombs, shooting torpedoes, throwing hand grenades or stabbing with bayonets. That's what war is all about. The protagonist in American Sniper was very good at killing the enemy with his Sniper's rifle. His philosophy was simple. - If we kill all the bad guys, we can leave and go home. There were plenty of snipers performing their function during this period, and where you have a lot of people doing the same thing, there will be those who have high scores, and those whose tallies are lower. By luck, ability, and attitude of mind, Chris Kyle became more and more successful at his craft. Before reviewers of his story praise or condemn his contribution it must be first compared with other areas of warfare. Where does 'Sniping' stand when compared with say - cluster bombing, setting of land mines or off shore naval bombardment. Books of this nature bring home to the sheltered reader that war is indeed 'Hell' and it will produce people like Chris Kyle and his colleagues. We can only hope that when our warriors hang up their implements of war, that they can find an enjoyable and fulfilling peace.
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rex conn
4.0 out of 5 stars Book was confronting and I did not like the guy that much as he was war mongerReviewed in Australia on 30 May 2015
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Book was confronting and I did not like the guy that much as he was war monger ,but the book was very descriptive not quite sure if it was all true .
I still enjoyed reading the book but after seeing the film which I enjoyed he seemed to be more likeable.
Read the book first then watch the movie.
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rom Australia
Gordon
5.0 out of 5 stars ... shortly after re- entering civilian life and doing his best to help his former comrades in the SEALSReviewed in Australia on 25 February 2015
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Exciting in many ways - Chris Kyles' life story from childhood through training to active service in the military was very interesting
I was saddened to learn of his death shortly after re- entering civilian life and doing his best to help his former comrades in the SEALS.
A fabulous man who I deeply admire and I also admire his wife and family who saw little of him during his military service.
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars OkReviewed in Australia on 26 July 2017
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This book intrigued me I recommend it to no one(; the worst part was the pictures they r 2 small
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Jacob Simkin
4.0 out of 5 stars American SniperReviewed in Australia on 5 January 2015
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A well written easy to read book for the common man to understand about life as a sniper. It is about patriotism, duty and the struggles of raising a family. Both jobs are hard, a SEAL or a father and by far you understand the struggle one goes through.
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Thaiophile
3.0 out of 5 stars Afghanistan-- G. W Bush's legacy to the worldReviewed in Australia on 25 January 2015
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The man was obviously enjoying his "work". You can put your own interpretation on his mental attitude. A pity his literary skills did not match his marksmanship. A good editor would have made a difference. I found it overlong and repetitive.
Keeping out of Afghanistan in the first place would have made the loss of life and waste of money quite unnecessary.
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Peter Dent
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Delivery Time and a Great NovakReviewed in Australia on 20 August 2021
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I was Very Happy With The Delivery Time and Very Happy With The Noval it was Magnificent.
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Wocca
5.0 out of 5 stars An insight into how a sniper thinks & operates.Reviewed in Australia on 31 October 2021
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Interesting insight into the daily life of a sniper out in the field.
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Muzzy
4.0 out of 5 stars I found this book to be a great read about a very interesting man who was an ...Reviewed in Australia on 14 January 2015
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I found this book to be a great read about a very interesting man who was an absolute hero for the armed forces but had to battle demons within and struggle to be a decent father and husband.
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Ken Chinnery
3.0 out of 5 stars HAD TO BE WRITTEN FOR HOLLYWOOD!Reviewed in Australia on 29 April 2015
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An average read, but the author is fasinating; I didn't like the message or the person portrayed but, to get into the mind of a gung-ho hero and see what they see and to try and understand how they think is worth the read.
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David
5.0 out of 5 stars Will inspire another generation of American warriorsReviewed in Australia on 12 December 2018
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Chris Kyle saved the lives of hundreds of men.
In this book, he may inspire the lives of hundreds of thousands of men.
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Amanda
5.0 out of 5 stars Read it.Reviewed in Australia on 9 January 2021
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Great read. Couldn't put it down.
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rom Australia
Staya
4.0 out of 5 stars A worthy read after you saw the movie.Reviewed in Australia on 22 June 2015
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Hollywood got it mostly right. This book gets you close to the action. You can smell the cordite, the fear and the s*** of war.
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Louise Elmer Viernes
4.0 out of 5 stars Very inspiring!Reviewed in Australia on 5 March 2015
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Truly inspirational and life changing. CK is a true hero and a patriot.I couldn't imagine what war is and this book showed me what is like.
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Good BookReviewed in Australia on 26 February 2015
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A somewhat detailed experience into the life of an "American Sniper". The movie does not do the justice to the story, for which the book does.
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Theburbs
4.0 out of 5 stars I watched the film, however I wanted to read ...Reviewed in Australia on 26 March 2015
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I watched the film, however I wanted to read the book to gain a further insight, I found it well worth the read.
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SRF1982
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting read. Not sure he is the hero made ...Reviewed in Australia on 6 May 2015
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Interesting read. Not sure he is the hero made out in the movie. His line of God Country Family lost me
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Kevin Foot
4.0 out of 5 stars A insight into a snipers life.Reviewed in Australia on 8 April 2015
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Enjoyable autobiography and insight into war in Iraq and the life of a sniper stated in the Man's own words.
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Tony
4.0 out of 5 stars An alright read.Reviewed in Australia on 22 February 2015
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An alright read. I think that the hype surrounding it made for a bit of a let down, but still ok.
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Kiwi Scotsman
4.0 out of 5 stars Four StarsReviewed in Australia on 2 July 2015
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Very well told, well worth the read to see what he and his wife went through.
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Colin Sutherland
4.0 out of 5 stars A Good ReadReviewed in Australia on 19 July 2015
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Did not meet the hype however, a good read with some interesting insights into Iraq
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lance pocock
4.0 out of 5 stars Four StarsReviewed in Australia on 12 June 2015
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Very confronting and the author has interesting views on the war on terror.- He should know!
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