LONE SURVIVOR by Marcus Luttrell

Marcus Luttrell with Patrick Robinson, Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10 (Little, Brown and Company, 2007).

Also available on Kindle and Nook and Audio CD.

(NON-FICTION)

Reviewed by Kevin A. Penrod, Jr.

            Lone Survivor is by far the best book I have ever read. And people who know me know that says a lot considering the number of books I read. You might know this title due to the film adaptation that was released earlier this year. I have now read the book twice front to back, and seen the movie.

            Lone Survivor is the eyewitness account from Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell of operation Redwing and his friends of SEAL Team 10 that gave their lives to save his. This book gives an amazing insight into the training, endurance, and dedication it takes to be a Navy SEAL. During a mission to take out a Taliban leader, Marcus Luttrell and his team of 3 other brave men were discovered in the hills of Afghanistan by some goat herders, one of whom was a kid. After some debate they decided so as to not face the media firestorm back home to let them go. Soon after that, the Taliban leader they were sent to take out sent an entire army up into the hills to kill them. After a long gunfight follows, the SEALS slid down the side of a cliff twice and were shot numerous times (one of the SEALs was shot 10 times before going down). Marcuss' best friend went out onto an open ridge to call for help knowing it meant the end of his own life. Marcuss was the last one left alive.

            This book, in my opinion, should be required reading in schools. It is the ultimate testament to the brave men and women who fight for this country. I don't recommend it to younger readers or those faint of heart. No manly games during the movie and both times I read the book I cried like a baby. It is a fantastic book. I highly recommend it. If for no other reason read this book to know the story and to honor the brave men who lost their lives in those mountains, men such as:
                        Petty Officer Matthew Axelson
                        Lieutenant Michael Murphy
                        Petty Officer Danny Dietz
                        Lieutenant Commander Erik Kristensen
                        Chief Petty Officer Dan Healy
                        Shane Patton
                        Petty Officer First Class Jeff Taylor
            We will never forget these American heroes or the major lesson of this story. Never forget and never quit.