Brothers in Battle, Best of Friends

By: William 'Wild Bill' Guarnere, Edward 'Babe' Heffron, Robyn Post

Narrated by: Dick Hill

Tom Hanks wrote the introduction to this rousing story of two inseparable friends and soldiers portrayed in the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers.

William "Wild Bill" Guarnere and Edward "Babe" Heffron were among the first paratroopers of the U.S. Army - members of an elite unit of the 101st Airborne Division called Easy Company. Arguably the bravest, most efficient, physically fit, and tight-knit group of soldiers the Army has ever produced, the unit was called upon for every high-risk operation of the war, including D-Day, Operation Market Garden in Holland, the Battle of the Bulge, and the capture of Hitler's Eagle's Nest in Berchtesgaden.

Both fought side-by-side until Guarnere lost his leg in the Battle of the Bulge and was sent home. Heffron went on to liberate concentration camps and rake Hitler's Eagle's Nest hideout. United by their experience, the two reconnected at the war's end and have been the best of friends ever since. Their story is a tribute to the lasting bond forged between comrades in arms - and to all those who fought for freedom.

©2007 William Guarnere, Edward Heffron, and Robyn Post (P)2007 Tantor Media Inc.

One of the best listens ever!

If you saw the HBO series, you will want to see it again after listening to this book. Best narration of a any book I have listened to so far. Thanks Babe and Bill for your service, and Dick Hill for bringing their story to life.

Excellent

excellent storytelling by two great Americans. must read for all those familiar with the series

Legends! A must have for WWII history

These guys become like dear friends of your own as you listen to the book with their philly accents and hearts of gold. These were men. Real men.

Best of the Band of Brothers Books

I read Band of Brothers before the mini-series came out and have read several books by members of Easy Company since. This is by far my favorite. Both men have a wonderful sense of humor that kept me laughing throughout, but they also do a very good job of conveying the pain experienced by those who experience war. If I wasn’t laughing my ass off, I was trying my hardest to keep from crying. Listening to their stories, was like having them in my living room hanging out shooting the breeze. It was a wonderful experience and made me long for more. Bill Guarnere and Babe Heffron, thank you for sharing your experiences with the world.

Think you know everything about Band of Brothers?

This book gives a more individual perspective on the movements of Easy Company that we've seen on screen, but digs deeper into the individual sacrifices, pleasures, aggravations, pain, grief and strength of these soldiers. The end is worth the whole book as they work with the actors who played them in "Band of Brothers".and re-live their war-time actions.

A worthy follow-up to any Band of Brothers fan

Loved it, though had to listen at 1.2 speed. I laughed when they did and certainly got the feels when they did too. Two very patriotic soldiers just telling it like it was. Really makes one appreciate what freedom really is, and the cost that was paid to preserve it. Currahee!

Loved this personal take between two (now) famous friends.

Bill and Babe have the kind of friendship you always hope to have in life, no matter what life dealt them they were right there battling through it. Seeing the story from their view point and hearing the additional details about Band of Brothers was really special and I can’t thank the author enough for sharing it. When Babe and Bill were sitting watching the tourists at the Liberty Bell and Bill wonders allowed if all those they lost was worth it, that really hit home. We are at a time when our country is slowly collapsing with us all watching. No patriotism, poor quality foods, no work ethic, and money having replaced the end goal in life I hope that question from someone who dealt with so much rings out loudly to everyone who reads this.

Must read after watching BOB

This book is a must read after you watch Band Of Brothers. This is not just another war book. This book goes much deeper that the HBO series. I really enjoyed reading this book. The narrator can be a little too overacting at times, but its the perfect part. Great book.

Fantastic audiobook!

What did you love best about Brothers in Battle, Best of Friends?

The story itself was fascinating, and the narration was top notch. I routinely forgot that it wasn't actually Wild Bill and Babe speaking. Dick Hill did a great job narrating this wonderful story of best friends.

The best book I've heard.

What made the experience of listening to Brothers in Battle, Best of Friends the most enjoyable?

It was the best. I say that because it was a true story lived by two genuine American heroes--and I almost never use that word, but despite their own denial of that moniker for themselves, they were. It is also extremely well read by Hill.

What did you like best about this story?

They tell an accurate account of the horror, the sacrifice and even the occasional humor of war.

What about Dick Hill’s performance did you like?

He captured the tone and feeling you would expect from these two likeable "characters". I would have loved to have met them and Hill will make you feel like you have at least had the honor of listening to them.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The stories will make you laugh and cry.

Any additional comments?

This book should be required reading in schools so that the current generation can get just a taste of some of what made the Greatest Generation great and why this country is still free because of them.