Generation Kill

By: Evan Wright

Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor

They were called a generation without heroes. Then they were called upon to be heroes. Within hours of 9/11, America's war on terrorism fell to those like the 23 Marines of the First Recon Battalion, the first generation dispatched into open-ended combat since Vietnam.

They were a new breed of American warriors unrecognizable to their forebears - soldiers raised on hip-hop, Internet porn, Marilyn Manson, video games, and The Real World, a band of born-again Christians, dopers, Buddhists, and New Agers who gleaned their precepts from kung fu movies and Oprah Winfrey.

Cocky, brave, headstrong, wary, and mostly unprepared for the physical, emotional, and moral horrors ahead, the "First Suicide Battalion" would spearhead the blitzkrieg on Iraq and fight against the hardest resistance Saddam had to offer.

Generation Kill is the funny, frightening, and profane firsthand account of these remarkable men, of the personal toll of victory, and of the randomness, brutality, and camaraderie of a new American war.

©2008 Evan Wright (P)2008 Tantor

Wright is a hero among journalists.

What did you love best about Generation Kill?

I have read the book, watched the HBO mini-series, and listened to the audio book. I love this story. The characters, real Marines, come to life in this book. Evan Wright did an outstanding job explaining each person he spent time with. I think that some of the video game references might have out shined the meaning of the book in mainstream media, but these guys felt very real to me.

What other book might you compare Generation Kill to and why?

That is a difficult question to answer because the other books in this genre that I have read were written by the soldiers themselves and did not have the same broad spectrum insight that Wright gave in his book. I totally love the war themed genre though.

Which scene was your favorite?

Probably, Person's Rip Fuel rants. All of them were funny.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

It would have to be the familial bond that happened to theses guys after going through hell together.

Any additional comments?

If you are going to listen to this at work, please use headphones. I ticked off my boss unknowingly by listening to it in my work room. I did not know that his office was directly under my work space. A lot of F-bombs.

A great story documented just the right way

Would you consider the audio edition of Generation Kill to be better than the print version?

Yes. The way it is written makes it easy for the narrator to be seen as a reporter just speaking to you about the events that took place during that period of time.

Who was your favorite character and why?

All the characters were great. They are described perfectly, each wit their own specific traits and attitudes of what's going on that they all are interesting. It makes you wonder about what was really going through some of their minds during specific times throughout the book.

Which scene was your favorite?

Any scene that involved the characters during combat. To hear the narrator describe their actions and thoughts during high stress situations really showcases the many different types of personalities that make up the military.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I could've easily listened to this in one sitting. The subject matter has always been interesting to me and the author does a great job of documenting what he saw and experienced during his time with the Marines.

Good listen.

If you like the genre, this is a great book, and tailer made for Patrick Lawler's style. There is a fair amount of sardonic humor in the book that can be expressed, or ruined, by the narrator, and Patrick is a master of vocal expression. He's a real storyteller, not just a reader.

Furthermore, the book portrays a captivating view of the second Iraq War from the standpoint of the Marines who participated in the day to day combat, together with some insight into the root cause of some of the problems we are struggling with today as a result of the way the war was conducted. All in all, a very worthwhile liste.

Iraq veteran approved

Read the book after my first tour in Iraq 2004. Loved the HBO series, only Iraq war film I can watch, audiobook was just as fun.

Great writer- Great Narrator!

I listened 3 times. This book is one of my "cult classics" already.
narration is excellent. Well written. I need more of this style.

Great insight

Finally a narrator that fits the story being told. And if you are a vet of any kind you will understand every detail of this story. If not a vet will open your mind to what really goes on behind the scenes and news reels! Highly recommend

intense reporting

Very intense story of soldiers and what they deal with in a time of war. I imagine that only soldiers who actually served can really know what it is like to go through something like this. This book is comparable to other biographies and histories I've read in the last five to ten years.

The bringing to light what war is like and the accurate telling of it

What I enjoyed most about Generation Kill were the funny remarks and conversations throughout. Person was absolutely hilarious

The Xbox generation goes to war

Where does Generation Kill rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is my all-time favorite audiobook, I'm not sure how many times I've listened to it but if I had to guess it would be around 15. The funny thing is I've re-listened to this book more in the short time I've had it than I have Dune, which I listen to every 4-5 years.

What did you like best about this story?

The story is bare bones and as gritty as the desert the war was fought in. I've caught interviews with the men this book is written about and they all agree that it's a clear and truthful re-telling of the events that happened during the initial invasion of Iraq. I often tell young service members to have their spouse read/listen to this book to give them an idea of what may be going to happen.

What about Patrick Lawlor’s performance did you like?

This is a fairly heavy topic and yet he was able to bring out those moments of humor that pop up and keep us sane.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Being former military and Special Operations I loved the way it showed how singing is used as a stress reliever when you're board but, need to stay alert.

Any additional comments?

I believe that, in time, this book will take its place along with "Catch 22" and "For Whom The Bell Tolls".

Of course better than the HBO TV series...

Every bit as funny in the comedic parts. Very poignant look at the realities of war.