House to House

An Epic Memoir of War

By: Staff Sergeant David Bellavia, John Bruning

Narrated by: Ray Porter

This is the personal side of battle, where emotion, courage, and strength are stretched to the limits.

In one of the most compelling combat narratives ever written, Staff Sergeant David Bellavia, an Army infantry platoon leader in Iraq, gives a teeth-rattling, first-hand account of 11 straight days of heavy house-to-house fighting during the climactic second battle of Fallujah. His actions in the firefight, which included killing five insurgents in hand-to-hand combat, earned Bellavia the Bronze Star, the Silver Star, and New York State's highest military honor, the Conspicuous Service Cross. He has been nominated for the Medal of Honor and for the Army's second-highest combat medal, the Distinguished Service Cross.

©2007 David Bellavia (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"[W]ill satisfy readers who like their testosterone undiluted...a precise, hour-by-hour account of the fighting, featuring repeated heroic feats and brave sacrifice from Americans." ( Publishers Weekly)

The Best Audiobook I've Ever Listened To

The writing is detailed, intense, and present, and HUGE kudos to the excellent narrator for bringing that all through. I spent A LOT of time in my car, after having parked for the day, just to listen to more of this book. Superb.

A day in the life of an army infantryman

Wonderful book. Visceral storytelling. Very engaging retelling of deployment. Previously I have been enthralled by special forces stories, but this is right along with them. It’s a story of brotherhood and the burden of leadership. There is one particular story told that was told with such detail, you will feel as though the fight is feet in front of you.

Simply Outstanding

The book moved along well and the story line fell into place, the speaker did a wonderful job as well. I enjoyed how the author did not sugar coat or dress up anything, the accounts of the actions told the story in a accurate and hardcore fashion.

Non-Stop “House to House” Fallujah, Irag Combat

Suspect Sergeant David Bellavia, John Bruning’s and fellow Soldiers share a timeless fellowship of Hand to Hand Combat, one which so many at home are unable to appreciate.

God bless you!

Best combat memoir

Just finished my 3rd time through this old favorite. The story and the performance are excellent. The realism in the dialogue and the... t-shirt strips (read the book)... brings the reader all the way to the streets of Fallujah. Especially love the irreverence with REMF officers. Thanks and cold ones to Bell and Fitz and the rest.

Excellent Story, Could not wait to listen

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

Yes, I've read both. Hearing the descriptive tale was better than reading

What did you like best about this story?

This soldier came full circle from a soldier to a journalist. His insight and approach to this story was superb.

What does Ray Porter bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The human factor, emotions, disappointments and the struggle of men in combat

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Death challenge

Any additional comments?

The story from front to back was enlightening on many levels

Great book

Loved the, enjoyed the author's style of presentation. The book was easy to listen and full of suspense.

Unlike Any War Book I've Ever Read

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

Top 3. I've read almost 10 specifically relating to military accounts (non-fiction) that occurred after 9/11.

Have you listened to any of Ray Porter’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

First time, he's one of the best I've listed to.

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

95% of the book was very intense.

Visceral

Visceral, that's the word I would use to describe this book. I don't write many reviews, largely because in my opinion I'm too difficult of a customer to please. But this is an extremely well done book. The author, via the narrator in this case, draws you into the action, the mindset of these men, and keeps you there right until the end. Ugly details and all. I was actually taken aback at its honesty in moments- it feels almost like a confessional at times.. Yeah, its gory, but that is to be expected. Its the down and dirty details about physical sickness, fear, resentment, and terror that kept surprising me. Definitely one of the best firsthand war accounts I have read.

Best Account of War on Audible

You need to check this out if you're interested in the Iraq War, specifically the war from the mouth of a SGT in the Army.... Infantry. Wow!!