I bought this book a couple of months ago, and put it on top of my to read stack. I have changed my reading to non-fiction this past year, and there are many I feel a need to read. This particular book intrigued me from the first mention of it, and became more of an intrigue when I heard Chris Kyle being interviewed, and then mourned with many at his untimely death.
I took the book with me as reading material for my flight to and from Oregon last month. I started reading as soon as we reached our flying altitude and read until we landed. I laughed and gasped my way through the first chapters, often sharing some of the lighter, more comical parts (and there were many) with Claudette. I am not sure what the other passengers might have thought of this grandmother reading a book of this nature, but I enjoyed it on many levels.
I saw in Chris the attitude my son Jason has. I could see Jason's face in many of the scenarios described by Chris and felt that maybe, just maybe I was getting an insight into what Jas had experienced at times.
War is not fun and games. Lives are changed, good people are hurt and most civilians haven't a clue. I guess this is what troubles me the most. I was raised an army brat (air force actually) and military is in my blood. Maybe that is why I feel the need to defend our young men and women who choose to enlist. My brothers were military, and I tried to join at seventeen, but the military said, "Come back when you turn eighteen." By then I had met my husband and my plans changed. I have often wondered- what if...
Getting back to the book. There is a certain man in the U.S. who is suing the family of Chris Kyle for something written in the book. My take on that is had he not opened his mouth, no one would know who Run-a-way is. You, sir, should be ashamed.
I do not like some of the words used in the writing of this book. But, I am not this man's judge. Would I say anything similar under the same circumstances? Maybe. This book does bring to light some of the horrors our service men and women have endured for years. The trauma that surrounds them on a daily basis is mind boggling. They deserve all the love, honor, and respect possible, as they return home.
I continued reading on our return flight and found every chapter gripping. I found his style quite relaxed, even though he was dealing with a very troubling subject: the shooting of more than 150 (confirmed) bad guys.
I can not say it is an easy read because nothing about war is easy, but I can say it is a remarkable read. I think many of you will find it this way, too.
