American Sniper
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Book Brief
528
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Iraq • 2000s
•
Good & Evil•
Family•
Military & War•
World History2012
HarperCollins
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
American Sniper is the autobiography of Chris Kyle, the deadliest sniper in U.S. military history, co-written with Jim DeFelice, Scott McEwen, and Chris’s wife Taya. It details his experiences in Iraq starting in 2003, his background in Texas, SEAL training, deployments, achievements, personal losses, and the impact on his family, culminating in his decision to leave the SEALs and focus on family life and a new business. The book contains discussions of violence, war, and loss.
Gritty
Suspenseful
Emotional
Dark
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
186,282 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Jim DeFelice's American Sniper receives mixed reviews. Praised for its gripping, authentic portrayal of a soldier's life and vivid combat scenes, it captivates readers with its raw honesty. However, some critique the book for perceived glorification of violence and lack of deeper introspection. Overall, it is a compelling yet contentious narrative. DeFelice, Jim, and Chris Kyle with Scott McEwen. American Sniper. Harper, 2012.
Who Should Read American Sniper?
Readers who enjoy military memoirs, patriotism, and personal stories of courage will appreciate Jim DeFelice's American Sniper. Fans of Chris Kyle’s American Sniper or Marcus Luttrell’s Lone Survivor will find this book equally compelling, with its detailed accounts of combat and insights into the life of a Navy SEAL.
186,282 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Chris Kyle's wife, who provides an alternate perspective in the narrative, highlighting her own experiences and views on Chris’s military and family commitments.
A determined and resilient SEAL team member who, despite being rendered blind by an injury in combat, continues to live a full and active life.
A religious and dedicated member of Chris’s SEAL team who has a significant impact on the narrative through his dedication and the personal loss his death represents.
A reliable SEAL team member known for his fighting spirit, whose qualities earn him Chris Kyle’s trust and ensure they are assigned to missions together.
An unreliable soldier who fails to provide necessary support in combat, exemplifying some performance challenges within the military.
The unnamed children of Chris Kyle, who represent his deep conflict between his duties as a serviceman and his role as a father.
528
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Iraq • 2000s
•
Good & Evil•
Family•
Military & War•
World History2012
HarperCollins
Adult
18+ years
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