Just finished reading this (again) and it's such a fantastic book. I'd give it 5 stars and nominate it to be on every high school kids "must read" list. Get's a place on my book shelf!
excellent feel of the persons fighting and the 'hell' of there world, without overemphasis on fighting, strategies, etc. I especially gained insight into appreciating and living my own life as he describes the slow death of young fatally wounded prisoners too far from any medics, who couldn't have been saved anyway. that's just one scene tho - not dwelled on.
This is the story of Audie Murphy, one of America's most decorated soldiers and later a Hollywood actor (he even played himself in a movie about his war experiences because he had such a baby-face, so he looked pretty much as young as he was when he was actually in the war even though it was many years later when they made the movie). If you are looking for a full biography, this isn't it. Although it does touch upon certain aspects of his life prior to WWII, there isn't much detail regarding that. The book mostly focuses on his experiences as a soldier. This book paints a very vivid picture of the horrors of war and what soldiers needed to do to keep their lives and their sanity. Due to the way the book was written, Murphy's fellow soldiers are introduced in a very brisk manner that does often keeps you confused about who is who, though this does match the mood of the war experiences that are being shared (ranging from confusion to trying not to get attached to anyone because they might die in the next battle). Is it wrong that it ruined it for me a bit when I went to look up something while reading this book and I found out that the book was ghostwritten by another soldier who was a professional writer and a friend of Murphy's? For some reason, that made the story feel a little less enjoyable, but that might just be me. Anyway, it is amazing how Murphy managed to survive the war based on some of the encounters told. If you are really into WWII, then you will enjoy this book. As a more casual reader, certain parts might seem confusing, especially battle strategy stuff and troop movement. I know that I really liked certain chapters (my favorite was one where he meets a nurse in a hospital and they talked about shared war experiences...I think that chapter in particular really summed up Murphy's character as a person), but others I really wanted to glaze over because I'm not a WWII buff. Still, you can't help by admire the dedication of Murphy and the other soldiers who risked everything during WWII and this book does give you an appreciation for that.
