Black Hawk Down

The main gripe I have with the book is the way it is written. Although by writing the account as if it were appearing on screen keeps things moving, it can be confusing getting to know which unit he is talking about from time to time when quickly jumping around from different perspectives. But it is definitely worth sticking with at the beggining.

The other major flaw is that it is written in American English and the grammar can be a bit annoying.


The printed word puts you right there in the heat of battle   May 15, 2001
Wow - what a read. Well researched from eye witness interviews, this is an excellent read, clearly for those interested in special forces and military documentaries, but also for the casual reader. I couldn't put the book down. The style and intensity of the writing is like a virtual newsreel, painting an amazing image of the realities, ferocity and second by second unfolding of a modern day close quarter battle.


A most read for Special Forces fan's   January 5, 2001
Anyone who loves Spec Ops units will love this book it gives a great insight,into Delta Force the US Militarys most elite fighting force. Mark Bowden tells this tale in such away you'll be on the edge of your seat all through it,the book is full of humor,saddness and none stop action. If your thinking of joining the military read this first you might think twice.


The US special forces put to the test - a must read!   October 30, 2000
This was the ultimate test of the US special forces ability in a crisis situation. This particular generation of the US special forces were highly respected without having earned such respect, this was their chance. This book is just one of many to prove that planning in warfare is essential. It highlights serious problems with the US military tactics in the field, which since the days of WW2 have lost so many men. It demonstrates that even the US can get themselves in an unfair fight, if proper precautions are not taken. In this book, 18 elite soldiers lose their lives to somali gunmen supporting various regimes who have a common enemy, America. The US special forces, as suggested by this book need to analyse their tactics, what will happen when they are inserted behind enemy lines (a special force duty). Behind enemy lines you are against, not 1,000 civilian gunmen, but a whole armed forces, trained, experienced. This book takes you very close to the action, and although the author has no military background,his comments are well researched and usually unbiased. He successfully demonstrates the fear of the soldiers who all end up seeing someone they know die to somali gunmen. The in turn bravado followed by fear followed by death makes for an intriguing read, even for those with no military knowledge this is understandable and gripping.