Who is this book for?
- History enthusiasts interested in modern Middle Eastern conflicts and US foreign policy.
- Readers seeking to understand the origins of the War on Terror and its impact on current events.
- Military personnel and veterans, especially those connected to the Marine Corps or with service in the Middle East.
- Students of political science and international relations looking for case studies in foreign intervention.
- Individuals interested in detailed accounts of significant historical events and their long-term consequences.
Who is unlikely to appreciate this book?
- Readers who prefer broader historical overviews rather than detailed, event-specific accounts.
- Those who find it challenging to follow complex political and military narratives with numerous names and details.
- Individuals seeking a light or casual read, as the subject matter is heavy and emotionally challenging.
- Readers who are sensitive to descriptions of violence or traumatic events.
- Those who prefer fiction or are not typically drawn to non-fiction historical accounts.
Things online reviewers enjoyed about this book
- Well-researched and authoritative account of the 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut
- Provides valuable historical context and lessons for understanding modern terrorism
- Seamlessly combines ground-level stories with thoughtful analysis
- Offers insights into leadership, strategy, and foreign policy
- Compelling storytelling that makes history accessible
- Balanced perspective on political and military aspects
- Incorporates diverse sources including interviews, letters, and diaries
- Explores the impact of the event on US foreign policy and the Marine Corps
- Provides a comprehensive look at a pivotal moment in history
- Writing style is engaging and keeps the narrative flowing
Things people didn't like as much about this book
- Lack of maps to provide visual context of the events
- Missing timeline appendix to help organize the sequence of events
- Some readers found it difficult to keep track of names and details
- Potentially too much detail from survivor testimonies, becoming redundant for some
- Insufficient background on Middle Eastern history leading up to the event
- Some readers found it challenging to follow the timeline and narrative structure
- Potentially too granular in detail for readers seeking a broader overview
- Controversial portrayal of Israel's actions, according to some readers
- Lack of clear identification of quoted individuals' roles and affiliations
- End matter (acknowledgments, bibliography) considered excessive by some
