5.0 out of 5 stars Not what I expected, but greatly appreciated what I ended up with

A.C. · October 20, 2013

Thank you for your service.I don't know how many times over the decades I have said that to a military veteran. After reading this book I have a substantially better understanding of what being a combat veteran really means. "Thank you" isn't enough.This isn't a "military thriller", it is an autobiography that is well presented to see into the personality, mind and heart of a patriot who was a military hero ... who was also married, with children. We get personal insights into what drew Chris Kyle into the military, watch him evolve into the SEAL sniper The Legend, but also watch him struggle with the conflict of prioritizing service to his country where he contributed so well, brotherhood loyalty to his SEAL Team, and his family relationships back in the USA. We see brief glimpses of Taya also struggling and growing while she shares some "military wife" personal perspective and challenges she experienced, which I think is an important contribution to help the reader better understand that aspect of Chris' life. Chris Kyle shared himself as a person before, during and after his incredible service, with a lot of information on his military experience that opens eyes for anyone non-military as well as providing some insights into the war from his perspective. Well done.Knowing the history makes it a harder emotionally but very worthwhile to read through the memorial letters from those who knew Chris, to see how others perceived him as a person beyond The Legend. He touched so many lives. SEAL, family man, good friend to many, hero in so many eyes as a warrior *and* as a human being. And he and his friend died trying to connect with yet another veteran. What a tremendous loss. You can feel the pain of that loss on every memorial page.This memorial version is also an eye opener regarding our many other active military, veterans, and their families, and needs that may not have been met. Chris described his own struggles to transition to civilian life, and later helped others make that transition. Thousands more are still struggling. Saying "Thank you for your service" just doesn't seem like enough. This autobiography and some of the web site links provided to organizations helping our veterans helped me understand that better.Read this book as an autobiography that includes substantial insight into Chris Kyle's experiences as a SEAL and sniper, and you won't be disappointed. If you're looking for a Chris Kyle book with more technical information on the weapons, American Gun: A History of the U.S. in Ten Firearms is a good read.

5.0 out of 5 stars A raw account of a sniper

S.C.M. · August 31, 2015

I had intended to read this book and see the film but was immediately moved to do so after listening to an interview with the screenwriter on The Rich Roll podcast. The intro to the book states that it was submitted for review to the military prior to publication in accordance with their standards and that there was quite a bit that they didn't like. What that tells you is that this is a pretty raw account of serving as a dedicated Navy SEAL sniper. It is not an overly romanticized tale of a hero or a legend as Chris Kyle has come to be known. He definitely expresses his 100% dedication to his SEAL profession and in that regard is probably a Navy recruiters dream poster boy but he also shares the toll that a decade of commitment took on him physically, emotionally and in regards to his family. He really seems to have put it all out on the table. A great addition to the book are brief submissions from his wife on how this life was affecting their relationship and children. Without her contribution it would have been easy to view this story with a neat and clean arc of enthusiasm and excitement to action to a slightly rough but ultimately successful re-entry to civilian life. Instead we get a real sense of the fact that coming home entails much more than merely adjusting to indoor plumbing and quiet nights. This is a very complete view into the challenges this type of commitment ultimately entails for the individuals as well as their families.It is heart breaking to discover what ultimately claimed him after all that he and his family went thru. We can only hope that his story serves to shine a bright light on the issues surrounding combat veterans and that we are all much more conscious of the many sacrifices of the brave that serve us. I highly recommend his wife's book, American Wife, to get the full picture.RIP Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield

4.0 out of 5 stars *Memorial Edition*: American Sniper

J.B. · February 11, 2016

After watching the movie American Sniper; directed by Clint Eastwood and if you have not had the chance to see the movie, I recommend it. Purchasing the book immediately after the movie was one of the best choices I have done. This book will makes it feel like you’re there in Chris Kyle’s life moments.Overview:Chris Kyle was a hero and fighter that was willing to share his struggles with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Not many soldiers/people like t o admit that they have mental issues such as PTSD. Chris was advised by his wife Taya to go and help out with the VA (Veterans Administration) to help with his disorder.•Chris believed in God, Country, and Family but always said “the last two can be flipped around.”This book is an excellent way to express how and what families go through when their loved ones come home. Yes they do sacrifice their lives so that we can be free, but when they come home…they are not really “home”. Chris served four tours in the “great” Iraq War and suffered PTSD when coming back home. The only way for Chris to re-adjust was when he finally went to the VA and helped out with people who also suffered from PTSD.Recommendations:This product would get a four out five stars, Jim DeFelice and Scott McEwen wrote a terrific story about Chris Kyle. I purchased this item on Bolo, the book did not take a long time to reach my house and it was in nice condition on arrival.This book can keep almost anyone occupied for many hours because American Sniper is full of humor and action. This was an excellent product and if I could buy more books like this again, I would. Therefore I am highly satisfied with this product and would inform this to other people about this.•It’s a well written story about someone’s true life experience and can relate to anyone else out there going through the same traumatic things in life. Most likely people who are in military families.•This book has intrinsic benefits such as knowledge of someone bibliography. Also shares the information about the struggles of war with family time.

Insightful, candid and though provoking

V. · May 7, 2016

Chris Kyle isn't Shakespeare... then again, Shakespeare wasn't a SEAL. I absolutely loved this book. I didn't read this book for any reason other than to read Kyle's perspective, thoughts and mindset during his tours in Iraq. Kyle's book show us how deeply he cared for his country, his family, his comrades in arms, and the innocent people caught in the crossfire of war. Kyle's book also showed the physical and mental toll on his body.Reading the insights of his wife, Taya, was a pleasant surprise. I'm grateful for having her perspective as well.I think this book is a must read for anyone interested in a soldier's perspective of war, family, and sacrifice.If you're looking for a Shakespearian book... go buy a book written by Shakespeare.

Five Stars

b. · July 2, 2015

Best of the Best

Honest, down-to-earth description of a Navy Seal's personal story of being at war.

R. · June 30, 2014

I've bought this book, the memorial edition, out of my interest in experiences of modern warfare as described by those directly involved. I believe that men like Chris Kyle, who are willing to record their personal story in a no-nonsense and straightforward manner, have an important message to tell. People who have no idea whatsoever of what modern warfare consists of and what it means for the boots on the ground as well as for their families, but who are interested in gaining some insight, might benefit from open-mindedly taking in the information that is transmitted in books such as this one.Even though people in war-free western societies might have some reservations in being confronted with the realities of warfare, for many people on our planet these are the realities of life, and as such are deserving of (at least) our contemplation. One important feature in Chris Kyle's story is the survival of his humanity after what he experienced in Irak. The clear line he seems to have drawn between right and wrong, "black and white without too many shades of grey" as that may have been according to his own words, in life as a civilian and as a Navy Seal, may well have contributed to this. The fact that he lost his life while trying to assist fellow veterans in their transition to civilian life is to my opinion however, especially after listening to him speak in televised interviews on youtube and reading this memorial edition cover-to-cover, testimony that his worldview may not have been as black and white as he would have had everyone believe.My impression is that Chris Kyle stood up for what he believed was the right thing to do under any and all circumstances. A humble man of character with a determination to serve humanity. His is a story well worth reading and being remembered.

Great item

m.l. · June 23, 2025

Thank you for the order quick delivery and a very happy customer

A must read!

A.W. · September 18, 2023

After watching the film and being captured by Chris's story, I needed to read this and I am so glad I did! Chris's humour, sense of courage and bravery shows so much better in this than the story! It explains why you see a sniper going door to door, whereas the film doesn't do that.May Chris's memory live forever on!