American Sniper (2011)

An exceptionally lucid autobiography of one of the most feared snipers of the 21st century. Chris Kyle pulls no punches in this vivid and often savage memoir of his time as a Seal sniper in Iraq. Far from upping himself, Kyle emerges as a humble warrior battling with one of the most insidious foes of the modern era: terrorism-both state sponsored and otherwise. ( )

Left me with teary eyes even on the second time around. ( )

I absolutely enjoy reading this book. I want to thank Chris, the men and women who served.
R.I.P. ( )

Chris Kyle is a compelling storyteller, but his view of war and America is very one-dimensional, and he says more than one racially-charged thing that made me squirm in total discomfort. Also, his whole mention of getting arrested because of barfights made me go, "Really, dude? You can't just mind your own business?"

Of course, this review is complicated by knowing the facts of his death as a civilian and wondering what one can appropriately say about the dead. All I know is that he didn't exactly disabuse me of stereotypes I have employed regarding military men. And I am thankful I did not marry one. ( )

00016031