He came to Lubbock for a book signing. I was fortunate enough to have the chance to meet him. The way he dutifully rose to his feet to thank each person and shake their hand was impressive. I watched him as he did it the same way each time, never showing a trace of annoyance or boredom. You could see a SEAL's impressive humility and sense of duty in that.

I guess most people had been through by the time I got there so there wasn't a line after I got my copy signed. That gave me the chance to ask him: "What's the best advice you could give to someone new to the teams?" A: "The best advice I was given was keep your ears open and your mouth shut: you were given two ears and one mouth for a reason. Volunteer for everything. It may sound useless at times, but you'll learn alot."

Just looking into his eyes I left knowing more than I came into the store with...

The book is great. It's one of the best we've seen on the forum's BOTM. It really puts what we're preparing for in context. It is tough. Twice so it brought me to tears...

quote:

Originally posted by Fred Casebolt:
On June 7 Marcus Luttrell was discharged from the Navy, having served with the elite Seals, survived a fierce battle in Afghanistan and earned a Navy Cross for combat heroism.

Just out of curiosity: did publishing his memoir have anything to do with his discharge?

Incredible book. Much better written than I was expecting. Anyone even slightly interested in the global WOT or the SEALs should absolutely read this book. A+

I just finished reading the book. I didn't like it. It has nothing to do with the content of the story but it has everything to do with the way it was written. The story shows a lot of courage in front of adversity from Luttrell's part, no question about it. But I feel the writer (Robinson) failed at the deeper emotional level.

I've read everything out there (fiction and non fiction). In all the books, I was able to find meaningful quotes and to relate somehow. Quotes usually jump at me. Not so in this book.

I guess the fact that it was written by someone else (OK Luttrell collaborated) and that a whole chapter is basically identical to one of Dick Couch's book (and acknowledged too) didn't help. I also found it somewhat repetitive in some aspects. After reading a lot about this book, seeing some of the interviews Luttrell did, I really felt he should have written the book himself. He would have been a better storyteller than Robinson.

Sometimes you read a book and you can put it down. This one failed on this point.

Just my humble opinion!

Lucie

I was also pretty disappointed in the book. I didn't think it was written very well, and if you've read Warrior Soul you can skip the whole part about BUD/S.

I still think you should read the book though if you're going to BUD/S because even with it's flaws it will help develop your mindset and give you a good perspective on the kind of toughness you're going to need. The story is moving and incredibly motivating. It left me feeling humble.