Where Men win Glory: the Odyssey of Pat Tillman - Jon Krakauer

[Jane B]

Wow this book hit me really hard and I can't get it out of my head. The story of Pat Tillman is an engrossing look at a young man whom Krakauer portays as an all American, an athlete with an NFL contract worth millions that he walked away from to join the military after being profoundly affected by the events of 9/11. A young man of principle and morals who was also an intelligent and liberal thinker brought up to question and not take things on face value.

Along with the story of Pat Tillman's terrible end in Afghanistan in 2004 at the hands of one of his fellow Rangers, Krakauer's book also covers the history of the conflicts in Afghanistan from the invasion of the Soviet Union during the Cold War and the CIA funding of the Taliban to today's US led conflict fighting the very people they propped up in the first place. No wonder it is a breeding ground for terrorists - they learned from the best!

Krakauer also looks at the shocking cover up, lies and deceit of the Military investigations into Tillman's death. I could go on and on. This is a sad story on so many levels - but especially when I think of all those young people who have joined up just like Pat Tillman to honour their country and fight for what they believe is right while the top brass and politicians are cynically using them for what?