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American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History

by Chris Kyle , Scott McEwen , Jim DeFelice (Goodreads Author) , John Pruden (Goodreads Author) (Reading)

3.96 of 5 stars 3.96 · rating details · 57,972 ratings · 5,150 reviews

He is the deadliest American sniper ever, called “the devil” by the
enemies he hunted and “the legend” by his Navy SEAL brothers . ..
From 1999 to 2009, U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle recorded the most career
sniper kills in United States military history. The Pentagon has
officially confirmed more than 150 of Kyles kills (the previous
American record was 109), but it has declined t ...more

Hardcover , 381 pages

Published January 3rd 2012 by William Morrow (first published January 2011)

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Feb 29, 2012 Jim rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography , military-non-fiction , middle-east , iraq , weaponry

I was all excited when I purchased this book, expecting a Carlos Hathcock type tale of derring-do. What a letdown - I was sick of Mr Kyle by page 5.

To begin with, I'm not sure who to credit for this bit of writing; I suspect that Kyle contributed little but the anecdotal accounts and his name to the effort, as two other names are listed with his on the cover. Interestingly, his wife is not given any co-author status although she provides significant input throughout the book.

Now all feelings abo I was all excited when I purchased this book, expecting a Carlos Hathcock type tale of derring-do. What a letdown - I was sick of Mr Kyle by page 5.

To begin with, I'm not sure who to credit for this bit of writing; I suspect that Kyle contributed little but the anecdotal accounts and his name to the effort, as two other names are listed with his on the cover. Interestingly, his wife is not given any co-author status although she provides significant input throughout the book.

Now all feelings about the propriety of this very controversial armed incursion into Iraq aside, one thing that turned me off about Kyle was his total lack of regard for his opponent. They're all "evil" or "blinded by evil" throughout this book. What makes them evil is never satisfactorily explained; perhaps Mr Bush's "axis of evil" speech had something to do with it. Anyway, lightly armed Iraqis who oppose heavily armed and armoured coalition troops on Iraqi soil are "evil" and "terrorists". He states several times that he is getting payback. Payback for what, exactly? He also repeatedly claims to be defending his country, although I know of no attempt on the USA by Iraq.

I fully understand that he doesn't decide to send the troops over, and that he has a job to do, but please, Mr Kyle...just a little more regard for the human beings you're killing? Maybe a little remorse for the retarded kid you pounded because he didn't understand you? Hello...he's retarded....and he speaks another lanuage...what the hell did you expect?? People like Mr Kyle are a large part of the reason that the citizens of the USA are held in such disdain by many foreigners. His pomposity and vainglory ooze off of every page.

And the violence! I'm not talking about warfare here...I'm talking recreational violence. Bar fights. Destruction of property. Beating a fellow up because the victim's girlfriend was in an argument with another SEAL. Maybe he figured the other SEAL couldn't handle her? I cannot believe this chap didn't end up in jail. In one chapter he gleefully tells about beating a celebrity because he thought the celebrity (a former governor) was disrespecting a SEAL wake or some such BS. He neglects to mention that the celebrity is now in his 60's. Look it up on Youtube - you can see the "hero" chortling about it on a radio interview.

If this book is worth reading at all, it's only to see the decline in the American military. Apparently the officers have no control. Hazing is rampant. Citizens are beaten with apparent impunity. Childish behaviour like mooning neighbours and chasing Iraqis with radio-controlled vehicles are considered legitimate pastimes. I could go on and on...suffice it to say I won't buy any more books with this fellow's name on them. But if his wife wants to write a book about how she survived living with a self-centred vainglorious manchild, I'm buying it...her contributions were the only parts of the book that made any sense. ...more

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Katrina my thoughts exactly about EVERYTHING you said. I don't even need to write a review because every thought I had you already shared!
Aug 21, 2015 06:10AM

Katrina I will also say though that as a counselor i can understand how they have to have that killing mindset when they are over there because they would nev ...more
Aug 21, 2015 06:23AM

May 05, 2015 Petra X rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: popculture-anthropology , biography-true-story , reviewed

Excellent read, absolutely enlightening to how thoroughly enjoyable, not to mention competitive, war can be to those that are obviously hooked on the adrenaline rush. The author is such a man, and when promoted out into an office job, a planner, turns it down because what he wants to do is be right in the middle of the action with a gun and his mates and was willing to put up with all kinds of hardship and danger, not to mention turning down a pay rise in order to do so.

If people honestly still Excellent read, absolutely enlightening to how thoroughly enjoyable, not to mention competitive, war can be to those that are obviously hooked on the adrenaline rush. The author is such a man, and when promoted out into an office job, a planner, turns it down because what he wants to do is be right in the middle of the action with a gun and his mates and was willing to put up with all kinds of hardship and danger, not to mention turning down a pay rise in order to do so.

If people honestly still believe that war is something that soldiers absolutely loathe and they only do it to be upright citizens who want to defend their country and way of life, they need to read this book and War , The Junior Officers' Reading Club Killing Time And Fighting Wars and perhaps Brotherhood of Warriors , all ones I have read recently. War for conscripts is one thing, but these men are all volunteers and they re-enlist for further tours until either they get it out of their system or think of something else to do - often related, like security services.

This author was the Top Guy, the best shooter of them all, planning his missions carefully, executing them perfectly and - who knew - taking along his notepad (on big missions, there was someone there with a laptop detailing the action!) to make detailed notes about each killing so that he could justify it as was required. The British and Israelis have to do the same thing, Iraqi, Palestinian and Afghani insurgents aren't required to justify their killings. These Rules of Engagement are just one way, and you can be sure that a large amount of the public sympathy is going to go to those who never play by those rules but kill as many as they can. Not only that but it is interesting that Americans at least, I don't know about the British or Israelis, will also treat those they have just wounded, sending them to their military emergency hospitals.

I like reading about the mechanics of war from all sides, whether it be those who some call freedom fighters and others say are terrorists, the military and especially the medical teams that try to put all the still-alive victims back together again. I'm just finishing off Paradise General: Riding the Surge at a Combat Hospital in Iraq and have previously read The Dressing Station: A Surgeon's Chronicle of War and Medicine . It's all very interesting but I am glad, so glad, I don't have to fight, I wasn't built for gore, guts or even glory.

Edit: If you read this book then please read http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/04/us/... Chris had started a foundation to help troubled vets and was working with one yesterday, a young man of 25, when the man fatally shot Chris and and his companion. Chris was a wonderful man, a family man, who had served his country to the best of his ability. RIP Chris. ...more

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Feb 08, 2012 Steve Rawls rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I tried, I really tried but I just couldn't make it through this book. I wanted to like it because I'm ex military and I live in Texas but about half way through I put the book away for good. The writing was dull and choppy, the sentences short and non descriptive. It read as if it had been written by my nine year old son. I found the repeated referral to bar fights and the continuous boasting of kill numbers to be a complete turnoff. I had hoped for colorful narrative like that of Black Hawk Do ...more

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Jun 25, 2015 Shelby *wants some flying monkeys* rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: liburry-book , read-2015

Before reading this book I had heard of Chris Kyle. I have not seen the movie and honestly I didn't know much about the controversy surrounding this man.
I'm very conflicted on reviewing this book. I almost just threw up my rating and walked away but I tend to forget the books I've read and I try and review for myself so that I can remember the book later.
This one. I just don't know.
I don't know if they paint Chris Kyle in the movie as he has bared himself in the book. I'm curious enough that I ...more

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Shelby *wants some flying monkeys* Dᴀɴ 2. wrote: "Shelby *wants some flying monkeys* wrote: "I think the two that I live with are shouting about killing the "pigs" at this moment. Bare ...more
Jun 26, 2015 04:39PM

Dᴀɴ 2.☢ heh heh. I think it only applies to the animal kingdom. IE that's the only reason I can come up with to explain why my German Shepard doesn't murder m ...more
Jun 26, 2015 04:46PM

Feb 03, 2013 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm hesitant to write a review of this book. I'm not a military reader, nor do I usually delve into autobiographies. But, I saw Kyle on a tv interview, and liked how he appeared there. I have come away from the book with a better understanding of what the guys on the ground experienced vs. what the news media has shown us here at home. A long time ago when I was studying political science, I studied a mission that failed back in the '70's. I read first hand accounts from the military commander i I'm hesitant to write a review of this book. I'm not a military reader, nor do I usually delve into autobiographies. But, I saw Kyle on a tv interview, and liked how he appeared there. I have come away from the book with a better understanding of what the guys on the ground experienced vs. what the news media has shown us here at home. A long time ago when I was studying political science, I studied a mission that failed back in the '70's. I read first hand accounts from the military commander in charge, all the way up to de-classified White House stuff. I walked away from that assignment thinking that the Colonel who planned the mission and then had to answer to that "failure" had a better understanding of human nature, goals, and obstacles than the politicians even wanted to think about. I walked away from Kyle's book with the same attitude.

I wouldn't classify this book as "literature". Literature implies someone who studies and learns a craft then writes a novel. This book is a story. It's value doesn't lie in big words or fancy phrases. The value is in the fact that is has come out so recently after the events have taken place that memories are still fresh. The value of this book is that Kyle wrote the story himself and did not leave it to historians in dusty libraries. With time, the matter-of-fact approach will be invaluable to all the poor rubes who will study political science. They will have an excellent first-hand account to draw from.

Most of all, I've walked away from this book with a sense of gratefulness that I can be sitting here behind my computer with my dog writing a commentary on a warrior's story while my family is safely at work and school. Thank you Mr. Kyle and military personnel.

***2/3/2013 Update
I'm so sad to hear about the senseless death of Mr. Kyle. My condolences to his family and friends. May the work he did helping veterans continue. ...more

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Don Brack Amanda...May God Bless You!!!
Just wanted to let you know that I spent 22years in combat arms (Tank Corps)and it is people like you that enables us to ...more
Mar 02, 2012 04:41PM

Reatta Stafford Loved this review and the book!
Feb 19, 2014 07:43PM

Amanda Don and Reatta,
Thank you for your kind words.
Feb 21, 2014 09:06AM

Apr 26, 2013 Jason Fotinatos rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Oh my goodness. I really wanted to like this book. I tried hard to like this book, even if it started out with Chris describing Iraqi women and children as "evil savages" who he enjoyed killing. His only regret was that he did not get a chance to kill more of them. I respect the sacrifices that the members of our military have made over the course of our relatively short history, and the trials that they face when they return back home. So, even if I was disgusted with the first few pages, I rea Oh my goodness. I really wanted to like this book. I tried hard to like this book, even if it started out with Chris describing Iraqi women and children as "evil savages" who he enjoyed killing. His only regret was that he did not get a chance to kill more of them. I respect the sacrifices that the members of our military have made over the course of our relatively short history, and the trials that they face when they return back home. So, even if I was disgusted with the first few pages, I read on. I was hoping he only started out in this manner, because he would eventually come to terms with his misguided judgements. Alas, no such luck.

Chris never makes any mention of why he felt that he was doing the right thing by being in Iraq, besides an off-hand comment here and there about how he wanted to kill Saddam Hussein for planning 9/11. The abhorrent ignorances only continue throughout the book, and he adds to the loveliness by constantly reminding the reader how much he enjoys killing. In fact, he discusses his love for the marines, because they are a group of people who "just really love to kill." The irony in that statement is self explanatory.

Even if I didn't appreciate Mr. Kyle's beliefs, opinions, or attitudes, I'd hoped that the saving grace of the book would be the content of the stories. Again, no dice. The whole first half of the book recalls his days filled with abundant free time between training and waiting to go to war, which he spent fighting at bars, and eventually meeting his wife who "looked hot, and classy as hell in black leather pants." When he finally got around to describing the events of the war, he makes no effort to go into any details about the strategies or how a scene unfolded, but glosses over those incidentals to instead describe how great it felt to kill people.

On top of all of this, the writing itself was horrific. He, and his wife who also writes portions of the book, have the vocabulary of a 8 year old child. The only three phrases he used to describe anything was either "it sucked", "it was awesome", or "it was badass!"

Ok, I'm done. Onto bigger and better things. ...more

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Feb 11, 2012 Alex de G rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was, without a doubt, one of the worst pieces of literature I have ever wasted my time with.

I was recommended this book by a colleague; and I wish I had the hours back that it took to read.

The author comes across as an unsympathetic, often racist, gun-ho "shoot first, think later"-type - some of the best quotes:

* "I don't shoot people with Korans - I'd like to, but I don't"
* "At times, [killing] was a game"
* "Giving them [the Iraqi people] the tools they needed to progress is not what ...more

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Sep 03, 2012 Camelia Skiba rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The other night, watching the show ‘Stars Earn Stripes’, my son recognized Chris Kyle, the author of “The American Sniper”, a biography he read for a school assignment. Curious about it, I picked up the book and browsed through it. Needless to say, I finished it in 1 and 1/2 days.

I come from a country where patriotism used to be forced down our throat on a daily basis, a continuous lie the communists told us for generations. The result of it? We all hated it.
After moving to the US I always wond The other night, watching the show ‘Stars Earn Stripes’, my son recognized Chris Kyle, the author of “The American Sniper”, a biography he read for a school assignment. Curious about it, I picked up the book and browsed through it. Needless to say, I finished it in 1 and 1/2 days.

I come from a country where patriotism used to be forced down our throat on a daily basis, a continuous lie the communists told us for generations. The result of it? We all hated it.
After moving to the US I always wondered what drives Americans to stand when the national anthem is played before each game. What unseen force tells them to fly their flag, high on a mast, for the world to see it, for the wind to dance with it. What drives them to enroll in the military, leaving all they love and their family and make the ultimate sacrifice.
Chris Kyle’s autobiography answers to all these questions and more. As Chris explains it, it's God, country and family. It's being selfless and the need to protect all that you inherit from your forefathers, believe in, all that you have, and all that you are.
American Sniper is Chris Kyle’s account on the Iraq war where he’s deployed 4 times. To most people one time is more than enough. You serve your country, do your duty the best you can and then return home. But not for Chris. He needed to be there among his fellow countrymen, covering them, taking fire for them and protecting them with his life if it meant that was the last thing he'd do.
What media presented (and I should say manipulated) about the war in Iraq is by far different than Chris’ view on it. We American's didn't go there to, as Chris says, “bring democracy to Iraq”. We went there to protect fellow countrymen, fight for our country not Iraq. It's a war that politicians deemed necessary, not our soldiers. They only followed orders.
As a kid Chris had always dreamt to join the military. A dream he'd fulfilled, lived and finally shared memories of it by writing this biography. It's written from Chris’ point of view, concise and detailed, a progressive narration of war seen through a soldier's eyes. From time to time his wife Taya pitched in, giving us an insight of what a family goes through while their loved ones is at war, the constant fear, the anguish, the frustrations. The biography tells untold stories of unknown heroes. It doesn't sugarcoat, doesn't use fancy words and artistic scenes. There's nothing artistic about the war.
Like you and I doing our job, that’s what Chris did: his job. People might or might not agree with his cold-blooded attitude toward the people he killed. But before you throw that stone let me ask you something: if you disagree with Chris why didn't you stand to protect this country?
God Bless America!

...more

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Jun 21, 2015 Hunger For Knowledge rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: military , bios-memoirs , non-fiction , scribd-audio , e-books-bought , movies-tv , reviewed

During my 32 years of Finnish mind, I have devoted a lot of my reading time to military biographies, military and war history and everything that is connected with war and soldiers in general. It has been a fun, interesting, educating, knowledge gaining journey full of various different perspectives, nationalities and reading experiences spiced with some extremely fascinating real life encounters with veterans (my favorite might still be the accidental bump with a Vietnamese Vietnam veteran. I b During my 32 years of Finnish mind, I have devoted a lot of my reading time to military biographies, military and war history and everything that is connected with war and soldiers in general. It has been a fun, interesting, educating, knowledge gaining journey full of various different perspectives, nationalities and reading experiences spiced with some extremely fascinating real life encounters with veterans (my favorite might still be the accidental bump with a Vietnamese Vietnam veteran. I bet he was a huge trouble to American soldiers in his time).

One thing that connects all of my reads it that most memoirs are from soldiers that enjoyed and loved their job, and did it professionally and good. Most of them never had problems of seeing enemies as enemies, most of them did not suffer great deal of moral conflicts with their war actions as to them it was a necessity; kill or get killed. Many have been patriots, it doesn't matter what nationalities they have been, and felt they did their duty not just to their countries but to their military buddies as well. They all experienced a great bond between their fellow soldiers and have lived to share great, sometimes dark and raw, tales of it.

And so did Chris Kyle. He absolutely and without any doubts loved what he did. He was all the way soldier, from his heart to his soul. A Seal. And I have absolutely no problem with that. I can without any hesitance in me to respect a person such as that, as a soldier but also as a human being.

But he did not come across just as a soldier, a sniper, but as a simple (but not a simple-minded), humble, determined guy with a big heart. A man who adored his family, who was a good friend, someone you could count on when shit hit the fan.

I can't even explain how much I enjoyed listening this audiobook as it engaged me from the start. The telling was so laid back with full of Kyle's history and all those fascinating military training, war experiences that made it almost impossible to press the pause button.

This was my second book narrated by John Pruden (first one was Hell's Angel), and he is fast becoming one of my favorite to narrate memoirs such as this.

This book stayed too long on my TBR-list, and I am glad I finally got it under my belt. After all, there is movie out and everything. I am not sure will I watch it, though, as I believe it might be more politically correct than this book could ever be.

Also posted at: http://hfk.booklikes.com/ ...more

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Aug 19, 2012 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a book written by a Navy SEAL Sniper, not a professional author. Yes, he did get some help, but it's ultimately his tale. Could it have been written better? I don't know, maybe, but I think it would have made the book feel more like a "story", and less like an account of his experiences. Personally, I loved this book. There is no sugar coating, no PC koombyah. This is an account of war, and it seems pretty realistic and gritty. I don't feel like the author was grandstanding or bragging, ...more

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May 29, 2015 Carmen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Anyone

Shelves: non-fiction , traditionally-published

I loved this book, I thought it was excellent. I never, ever planned on reading it or picking it up. The thing that changed my mind about reading it was that a best friend of mine, a man who is about as far from a Navy SEAL as you can get (LOL) told me that he had read it and thought it was amazing. That got my attention. I really know and trust this man and if he was telling me the book was great, I was going to give it a shot.

I'm so glad I did. This is a fun, wild ride - which is EXACTLY what ...more

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Sep 08, 2015 Nandakishore Varma rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

July 6, 2015

I watched the movie yesterday. While it's brilliantly shot and exceptionally well-directed, it left me cold. I just could not sympathise with gun-crazy, sociopathic protagonist.

I need to read the book now. I do not think I will like it, to judge from a popular quote:

“I am a strong Christian. Not a perfect one—not close. But I strongly believe in God, Jesus, and the Bible. When I die, God is going to hold me accountable for everything I’ve done on earth. He may hold me back until last

...more

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Taryn I intensely dislike the nationalistic, militaristic mindset that Chris Kyle obviously had. I equally dislike people using their religions as excuses f ...more
Jul 26, 2015 07:48PM

Nandakishore Varma Taryn wrote: "I intensely dislike the nationalistic, militaristic mindset that Chris Kyle obviously had. I equally dislike people using their religion ...more
Jul 26, 2015 08:30PM

May 26, 2012 Brad H rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have never really given a book review...so please bear with me.
I have seen several posts by people that have said that the writting is not funcional...or displaced ? That might be true. I did find a couple of places where I had to reread a sentance or 2 to understand it.
However, after reading maybe close to 500 + Novels....I would have to place this on the TOP Shelf.
What I found very interesting was it was from his perspective and his inner ordeals. I heard about this book becasue he did an in I have never really given a book review...so please bear with me.
I have seen several posts by people that have said that the writting is not funcional...or displaced ? That might be true. I did find a couple of places where I had to reread a sentance or 2 to understand it.
However, after reading maybe close to 500 + Novels....I would have to place this on the TOP Shelf.
What I found very interesting was it was from his perspective and his inner ordeals. I heard about this book becasue he did an interview on the Opie and Anthony Show on XM radio. So I added this to my ever growing list of books that I wanted to read.

There are few books that a person will come in contact with and will truely enjoy. Not only will you cheer for the kill, but, you will find yourself with a tear for the soldiers and family.

One of the truely cool things about this book was the added view points of his wife and family. After serving in D/S and D/S I did not know what the family was thinking and feeling. It was a refreshing and devestating feeling to now "know" from their perspective.

There is a part in the book, that you know and dread is comming. You know its comming...you know its there but, you can't find it. When you do...its like a cloth covered hammer. its devestaing and tragic...but told from a real soldiers point of view.

I could go on and on..if you wanted but I will leave you with this;

I would walk across NYC noon traffic to shake Mr. Kyle's hand and give his wife a hug. Not for an autograph or fame and fortune. Just to say hello and thank you for the book.

One of the finest books I have ever read.

Brad H. ...more

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Aug 11, 2015 Manny marked it as not-to-read · review of another edition

Just saw the movie.

Clint Eastwood certainly presents the case very efficiently: if only we could kill all the people who hate America, the world would be a better place. Though at times I did suspect him of reductio ad absurdum .

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Aug 02, 2015 Keith rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

To start with this book is poorly written which makes it a pain to read, but the real point taken from this book is just how clueless the author can be.

I've known plenty of soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, they signed up for the military to DEFEND our country then they're shipped overseas to OFFEND other countries. Most soldiers I've known have had the good sense to realize they've been lied to and used by the U.S. government for war profiteering. This author however thinks Iraqis are "evil" fo To start with this book is poorly written which makes it a pain to read, but the real point taken from this book is just how clueless the author can be.

I've known plenty of soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, they signed up for the military to DEFEND our country then they're shipped overseas to OFFEND other countries. Most soldiers I've known have had the good sense to realize they've been lied to and used by the U.S. government for war profiteering. This author however thinks Iraqis are "evil" for wanting to defend their own country! How absurd is that? He had no problem killing people because he fell for the brainwashing he was given that Iraqis are inherently evil and have no right to freedom, life, or property.

It amazes me that someone can have so many experiences that should show their own hypocrisy yet they still fail to realize it. If the U.S. was invaded by a foreign army that claimed we were just inherently evil and deserved to die wouldn't this author think we'd have the right to defend ourselves? I know I would defend our country, and I know if I was Iraqi and some foreign invader came in to steal my property and freedom then I'd defend myself as well.

Overall the book shows just how foolish some U.S. citizens are. If this guy can be on the front line watching our military murder and steal and not see through the propaganda that's led him to not only waste his life, but to serve out the orders of a tyrannical empire, then it shows that people at home will have an even more difficult time using their heads.

If you read this book with an understanding of the wars, property rights, the difference between offense and defense, etc. then the book provides a good look into how a government can distort someones view of the world to use them for their own gain. ...more

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Nomad You can reasonably argue that we should not have fought in Vietnam. But a democrat President signed a Pease Treaty with South Vietnam ,that if they we ...more
Aug 07, 2015 07:48AM

Keith Nomad wrote: "You can reasonably argue that we should not have fought in Vietnam. But a democrat President signed a Pease Treaty with South Vietnam ,t ...more
updated Aug 07, 2015 10:33AM

Apr 12, 2012 Mike (the Paladin) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: biography , history

This is without doubt an interesting and I believe a valuable book. I note several reviewers which note that the book isn't well written. This is somewhat true in that the writer makes use often of short declarative sentences. There are no literary flourishes no genteel turns of phrase. On the other hand the writing style is direct, clear and (again) interesting. The book is often much like reading a letter from a friend.

This story takes us into the training life, the professional life, and also This is without doubt an interesting and I believe a valuable book. I note several reviewers which note that the book isn't well written. This is somewhat true in that the writer makes use often of short declarative sentences. There are no literary flourishes no genteel turns of phrase. On the other hand the writing style is direct, clear and (again) interesting. The book is often much like reading a letter from a friend.

This story takes us into the training life, the professional life, and also the personal life of a SEAL (Sea, Air, and Land Teams). There are intersecting chapters where we hear from Kyle's wife. There is at least a bit of insight into both their thoughts and feelings. I suspect anyone who's ever been in a situation anything like this will be reminded of the struggle of someone else to understand what's in your mind while you try to grasp what's in theirs.

I'm tempted to say more, but I won't as I can't do justice in a review to what's covered in the book. It's I suppose that I've just finished it and it's in my mind.

You will probably come away from this book with your own impression of Chris Kyle, his life and his beliefs. And of course, his actions.

I have the greatest respect for him. We would be and I'm sure are different in many ways but in others we'd agree 100%. I've been in...friendly fights. I have badly damaged knees left that way I'm sure from a life time of heavy physical work. BUT the first major injury to my left knee was in a "friendly fight" with a Marine (a U.S.Marine) when I was in the army. He had me by four inches and a few pounds and when he threw me across the floor I shifted to to stop myself and get up...and turned my knee out sideways at a good 90 degrees. I never reported that injury but hobbled around for months lest I get in trouble for it. Oh well...(this was 1974, I was discharged in 1975) Anyway, all the best to Chris Kyle and his loved ones. I wish him and his family a wonderful life and hope he and his partners prosper.

I recommend this book. You will if you allow yourself an open mind find out things that have not been spoken of through most media outlets. They're not secret or classified, they just don't fit the picture most want to show. You'll learn of the comradery found in combat. You'll even learn that things like honor and patriotism aren't thought obsolete, naive or silly in all places. Not yet at least. ...more

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Mar 31, 2013 Steve rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book made me sad - both for the Americans who were killed or maimed, and for the people who are killed and maimed by the Americans.

War sucks, and is almost always wrong.
This book did nothing to change my opinion on that.

It was very familiar reading Chris's experience and understandings and recognizing myself when I join the Marine Corps both to fight for my country and to prove myself right before the first gulf war. I was both a patriot and a romantic. Now I am neither, but instead I wis ...more

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May 13, 2012 Tyson Call rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I’m torn.

On one hand, this book was an interesting look into the day-to-day life of a soldier. Mr. Kyle seems to have no qualms admitting to the less glamorous sides of war, including the bureaucracy surrounding everything a soldier does. On the other, he seems to have not pondered much the implications behind the war that he helped fight. I’m not anti-war, though I know it is a complicated topic. Kyle doesn’t seem to agree. He didn’t seem to have time to think about such things when he was busy I’m torn.

On one hand, this book was an interesting look into the day-to-day life of a soldier. Mr. Kyle seems to have no qualms admitting to the less glamorous sides of war, including the bureaucracy surrounding everything a soldier does. On the other, he seems to have not pondered much the implications behind the war that he helped fight. I’m not anti-war, though I know it is a complicated topic. Kyle doesn’t seem to agree. He didn’t seem to have time to think about such things when he was busy picking off “savages” (his words) with his sniper rifle.

Kyle’s attitude is so absolutist that it will make you queasy. He nonchalantly regales the reader with stories about his manly exploits in Afghanistan, in a voice that seems to be feigning “no big deal,” though it is very clear that this is very important to him - that he be perceived as a badass - though it is clear enough from his stories that he need not embellish to meet that macho ideal he strives for.

I have watched videos of Kyle on YouTube and he seems like a kind man. This is not the impression that you will get from this book, as it is filled with bar fights, disrespect for all people of the countries he fought in, and chauvinist posturing. In this book, the way he tells his war stories is akin to taking an already “manly” Chicago-style ballpark frank with all the fixings and adding gasoline as the final condiment. He does everything but whip it out and try to measure for you.

I read Marcus Luttrell’s Lone Soldier and it was a completely different experience. If that book is Saving Private Ryan then this is Captain America .

I acknowledge Kyle’s bravery and sacrifice, even though it isn’t exactly clear that we required it of him as a country. Regardless, the government sent him there, and he was willing. For that I am grateful, as this is no small feat. This very book, however, communicated to me more than anything else that the force which we were fighting was not much more than a band of AK–47 weilding roustabouts, not an opposing army. For Kyle it was just like a shooting gallery, with the occasional lucky shot on the Americans. I don’t claim any personal knowledge of the situation over there, I only know what I read, and this is the impression that I got.

I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone. It is not uplifting, nor depressing; it is but an account of a series of battles by a particularly gung-ho soldier who happened to see quite a bit of action during his time at war, but is unwilling to consider the sum beyond the parts. ...more

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Jan 20, 2015 It's just me Shelly B rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: auto-bio , military

“....the insurgents put out a bounty on my head.
They also gave me a name: al-Shaitan Ramadi—“the Devil of Ramadi.”

The American troops he worked with called him, "The Legend." So take your pick "the Devil of Ramadi" or "The Legend?" They both sound pretty bada$$ to me!!!!

Chis Kyle...
Navy SEAL...Sniper...husband...father...leader...patriot!

“The Navy credits me with more kills as a sniper than any other American service member, past or present."

What fascinated me most with this book was being able ...more

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Jan 15, 2015 Eric Franklin rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Anybody who tears up for "God, Country, and Family" - in that order.

Recommended to Eric by: I'll never say

This book showcases a pathological lack of introspection on behalf of its author. It takes a complex world at a chaotic time and reduces it to black and white so that he doesn't have to feel remorse or contemplate the root causes of violence and how it might have been avoided in the first place. I respect Chris Kyle's service and hoped to find a thoughtful reflection on his experience in Iraq but this cowboy turned Navy Seal's lack of self-reflection was really hard to read.

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Jun 01, 2015 Hanna marked it as no-thanks · review of another edition

A book.

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Dec 28, 2014 TL rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to TL by: gift from my aunt for christmas

On my own, I probly wouldn't have picked this up... nothing against these types of books, just not my normal read. I got this as a christmas gift from my Aunt Eileen so I figured why not step out of my book zone and try it?:)

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this... I may not agree with everything Chris says but I admire and respect him... he's a got a strong sense of faith and patriotism. He made things that would normally have my eyes gloss over sound interesting and compelling.

I loved wh ...more

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Mar 03, 2013 Kelly rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction , work-occupation , war , biography-autobiography

This is hard for me to review. I do not have a military background, and I fear that my comments here might upset those who do. I chose to read the book after Chris Kyle was killed while on a gun range. I have not seen him on any TV interviews nor have I read any other articles about him. I saw the brief news report about his murder, and I remembered reading a review of his book. Some of Kyle's descriptions fascinated me with his direct honesty while others repulsed me with his cavalier attitude/ This is hard for me to review. I do not have a military background, and I fear that my comments here might upset those who do. I chose to read the book after Chris Kyle was killed while on a gun range. I have not seen him on any TV interviews nor have I read any other articles about him. I saw the brief news report about his murder, and I remembered reading a review of his book. Some of Kyle's descriptions fascinated me with his direct honesty while others repulsed me with his cavalier attitude/descriptions. In the beginning Kyle says that it doesn't matter how many of the enemy he has killed, but he then goes on to "brag" (was it bragging or am I reading too much into his words?) about the number of kills on different missions. For a Christian man, he certainly swears quite a bit (that's merely an observation and not a criticism because I, too, swear despite being Christian). I found myself liking and almost admiring Kyle at times for his bravery, patriotic loyalty, and his "aw shucks, I'm just doing my job and I'm not anyone special" attitude. However, other times I found him irritatingly obtuse about family and civilian life, and I found the stereotypes he highlighted about training, other branches of the military, and the enemy degrading. I liked that Kyle's wife added her side of the story to some of the chapters because it humanized Kyle,and It's nice that the couple's marriage survived despite the odds. I was never tempted to stop reading the story, and I like that Kyle was candid in his portrayal of what he does - he's very human - part hero, part badass, part humble, part good ole boy - all that is needed to be the man and SEAL he needed to be in order to get the job done. My final verdict? I might not always connect with a man like Kyle or feel comfortable with what he does and why, but I'm darn glad that there are men like Kyle who are willing and able to do what most of us cannot. And I am saddened that his death was unbecoming of the man he was; he deserved better than that. ...more

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Jan 13, 2015 Neil rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really liked the movie that was based on this book. That was until I read the book unfortunately poetic licence from the film makers has taken over again. Why take a great book then mess around with the truth of it had Chris kyle still been around I think the movie would of been totally different. That being said I loved the book.....honest and captivating and written with a bit of wit in harrowing and horrific circumstances its a very good read. Recommended.

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Feb 09, 2015 Don rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I can't believe Chris Kyle is gone, he has left a void in this world that can't be replaced. I really enjoyed the writing in his own words. I felt like I got to know him, feel what he was feeling, experiencing. The man was a American Hero, he did what his country ask of him, he did more than ask of him, there needs to be more Americans with the same values and beliefs as Chris.

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Sep 09, 2014 Mike rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: afghanistan , history , military , mid-east , xcharity-2014

4 Stars . Straightforward, not politically correct, raw, honest story of a SEAL at war. Very good at his main job of killing his enemy, honest in his description of his evolution from young, idealistic warrior to hardened combat veteran. I appreciated his wife's contributions to the story. She provides an alternate view of his combat deployments and how his service impacted their relationship. Non-military readers will gain an appreciation of how the family has to deal with someone deployed to th ...more

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Jun 12, 2013 TK421 rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: essays-auto-bio

I am not going to bore you with an overview of this book. Suffice to say, it may not win any literary awards but it will make you rethink how you have previously viewed the elite warriors of SEAL teams.

The writing is awkward and clunky, push through this. The story is not about the words Chris wrote; it is about the emotions his words conveyed. At times, this story had me choking back tears. At times, I was appalled at Chris and his buddies' views on death and war. At times, it seemed as if cha ...more

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Feb 04, 2013 Brent Hudson rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I felt I was reading a book written by 12 year old who could "shoot stuff real good." This was an incredibly shallow book without any show of moral struggle.

(Update Feb 5, 2013-- Chris Kyle shot to death at shooting range )

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Jul 23, 2012 Tammy-Anne rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I dont know where to begin....i finished this book today and cried!!!! For Marc Lee, Ryan Job, and all the others who fought to keep the war off OUR SOIL!!!!! Men and women who fought side by side, branch with branch of Armed Forces, fighting thru a hell that only previous Veterans could understand!!!! Those who gave all!!!! I was more than impressed i was in awe, and speechless for quite some time after reading this, trying to deal with the emotions i felt for these men and women and their fami ...more

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Jan 25, 2015 Markus rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobooks , military , middle-east , audio-books-2013

'We hope you liked listening this audiobook'...well, sir, i didn't, not even the least bit. First i thought this was a joke and my sarcasm detector was broken, just too painfully stupid to be true. It starts just fine, a little bit back story, training etc. Then 9/11 happens and our hero goes to war. He kills 150 + enemy soldiers, i mean, pure evil savages. This is Iraq, Saddam Hussein was behind the 9/11 attacks and so on, so why these savages doesn't appreciate when USA tries to rebuild this s ...more

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view all 8 comments

Malia Simon wrote: "I dont know about "sad" seems rather like poetic justice for this serial killer. Who would take a veteran with PSTD to a gun range for t ...more
Jan 26, 2015 06:45AM

Diane I am reading this now, and was just thinking the only thing worse than reading this would be a book on tape version and then I read your review and fe ...more
Sep 13, 2015 04:24PM

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About Chris Kyle

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Chris Kyle is a former United States Navy SEAL, who with 255 kills, 160 of them officially confirmed by the Pentagon, is the deadliest marksman in United States military history.Kyle served four tours in the second Iraq war, and was awarded the Bronze and Silver Star medals multiple times. In addition he was aw ...more

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Books by Chris Kyle

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Quotes from American Sniper

“The joke was that President Bush only declared war when Starbucks was hit. You can mess with the U.N. all you want, but when you start interfering with the right to get caffeinated, someone has to pay.” — 47 likes

“Great way to fight a war - be prepared to defend yourself for winning.” — 32 likes

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title link	preview: American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History
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