Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman (2009)

This was a riveting book that I could not put down. I didn't give it four stars because at times it feels like a piece of rush-to-publish investigative journalism (maybe an excellent example thereof) but that sort of thing comes dangerously close to voyeuristic true crime so I can’t bring myself to give it the same “score” as Savage Detectives. That’s like comparing a road apple to an astral orange.

Still, this book was amazing. The revised Anchor Books edition offers far more detail than The Tillman Story documentary and debunks some conspiracy theories too. Highly recommended. ( )

I was vaguely aware of the media frenzy over Pat Tillman, but since I am not a football fan, I didn't appreciate his story. Now I do. This book really brings home the toll war takes on soldiers and their families. Reflecting on it, I am newly conscious of the need to clearly state one's ethical principles and of how easily, even thoughtlessly, I have shunted aside the question "What is the most just, the most moral action I could take under the circumstances?" Tillman agonized over these questions, and made courageous choices. ( )

Worse than the Bush administration's shameful cover up of Tillman's death from "friendly fire" is its repugnant exploitation of the man's life and death for political gain. The revelation that General Stanley McChrystal played a significant role in the cover up is all the more disturbing since Obama hand-picked him to direct the war in Afghanistan. Tillman turns out to be a fascinating fellow and more's the pity his life was wasted senselessly. ( )

Pat Tillman was an exceptional athlete who left an NFL career and millions of dollars, as well as a newlywed wife, to join the military in order to defend the U.S. Reading this account of Pat Tillman's life and death was informative. It is tragic that this young soldier lost his life while serving his country. The fact that friendly fire, weapons fired by his fellow Rangers and friends, were responsible for his death makes it even more difficult to digest.

It was enlightening to have the recent history of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan presented in an organized manner. I found the author's presentation of policy and politics to be very polarizing. It is surprising how we can look back at the same experiences and see the facts so differently.

The biggest tragedy for me is the hopelessness that remained for the Tillman family when Pat was killed. As atheists, there is little source of comfort for them. How sad . . .

The conversation between PFC Bryan O'Neal and Pat Tillman, as they realized that they were being fired upon by men from their unit, was chilling. (O'Neal speaking) "I began to pray out loud," he said. "I was sure I was going to die . . . Pat then asked me why I was praying, he asked me what it could do for me."

Moments later, Pat was shot with mortal wounds to the head. O'Neal survived. ( )

Not the typical Krakauer I'm used to. Found his research spurious, at best. Had no consent from the Tillman family for the material within the book. Relied on Tillman's widow predominantly for information on all parts of Pat's life. Provided history of Afghanistan is excellent, succinct yet thorough. However, the historical piece are tediously spliced with background on Tillman using awkward and abrupt transitions. Most concerning are the in-your-face political opinions (not that I disagree with them, necessarily) that serve only to show the sizable agenda that Krakauer wanted to address. Important to do, I guess, but takes away from the incredible story of Pat Tillman. ( )