|
| Under The Gun: Infantryman, Medic, Tattoo Artist: My Year in Iraq | 
 enlarge | Author: Malcolm Rios
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Category: Book
List Price: $21.00
Buy New: $13.13
You Save: $7.87 (37%)
New (15) Used (6) from $7.48
Avg. Customer Rating:  5 reviews
Sales Rank: 1654682
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 336
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.9
ISBN: 1425928692
Dewey Decimal Number: 920
EAN: 9781425928698
ASIN: 1425928692
Publication Date: May 8, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Brand New! Perfect Condition!
|
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Eighteen months away from Tennessee - four months in the hill country of Texas, a month in Death Valley, California, and another month in the heat of southern Mississippi - all before a year long tour-of-duty in the deserts of Iraq. First hand account of day to day patrols, down time, relationships, and tattooing with Tennessee's 278th Regimental Combat Team through the eyes of a medic who also served as an infantryman with a Bradley team, a military training advisor to the Iraqi Army, and tattoo artist for the men and women of the 278th.
|
| Customer Reviews:
 Could have been better December 27, 2006
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is the fourth and final Iraq War book written by a soldier that I will read. I have read others and they all seem to follow the same path.... mostly complaining and whining about a bad chain of command and the others that they served with. This one was a bit different because I was in the same unit, and served in the same area.
In the past, war history was generally written by historians, and they often told the story from the top. In other words you heard the view of the commanders and they were usually the focus. In recent years history has been shaken up a bit as the stories of the people at the bottom have been heard. Books like "D- DAY" and "CITIZEN SOLDIERS" by Ambrose did just that. He told the story of war from the view of the foxhole and the regular soldiers. His books were engaging, exciting, and well written. The internet has allowed anyone that chooses to become an author to have a shot at it. While not altogether a bad thing, it is watering down the market and I fear that it will have a negative impact on history.
My specific issues with the book..... After I had read one- third of it I felt like I was reading the same things restated over and over. So now you ask why I finished it..... just curious if I was going to be trashed anywhere as others were, thankfully I was spared as I only know the author in passing.
I have never considered myself a terribly religious person, but I am a believer. In essence I took offense at the alternating preaching vs. foul language routine. It seemed unnecessary.
I also found it interesting that someone who so easily found the faults of others often mentions the whiskey he could obtain. Though forbidden, he still chose to do so. It would seem more worthwhile to set an example to the others by not partaking in the things you disapprove of rather than to do so yourself and spill the beans in a tabloid style book critical of others.
Also, I was at times concerned about some of the information provided from an OPSEC standpoint. I think he often could have made his point and moved on without telling so much about how we operated. Or if the need seemed crucial to go that in depth, at least leave out the specifics of cities and villages. In a small way I feel as if he could put others at risk with a few of the things he mentioned without considering that others are still there.
Finally, in defense of Rios, I felt every emotion he did maybe even as strongly at times and I think most other soldiers there did or do. I was frustrated with my chain of command from time to time. There were some among us that were less than professional in their duties and some I disliked. On the other hand, some disliked me as well. He did early on in the book briefly show some flashes of good writing using good analogies and great descriptions, but that ended quickly.
In essence I feel about this book like I have the others that I have read about the same topic, it is a shame that people hang their dirty laundry out in a public manner for their own satisfaction, gain, and profit. It is obvious that those serving from my generation could take a few notes about humility from those that paved the way for us. I think Rios passed up the opportunity to tell some of the good things happening there.
 He pulls no punches October 22, 2006
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Once I heard about the book, I could hardly contain my excitement until I had a copy of it to see and read.
As a grandmother with a grandson IN IRAQ, I wanted to learn as much as possible about his life over there as I possibly could. And since I personally know the Rios family, I knew I could depend on Malcolm's account of it.
It might be rough and raw, but he definitely describes
it so thoroughly that you will feel you are there while
reading it.
Unlike John James' and Dennis W. Carter's reviews, I have nothing but GOOD to say of this book and of the author and of his convictions. He should be thanked for his
dedication and willingness to fight for the freedoms that
we all enjoy (but take for granted every day of our lives).
As for his artistic expressions in tattooing, it is pretty evident that he's been given a talent in art that
not everyone enjoys. The pictures in the book belie the
comprehension of "scratchings".
Now if you'll excuse me, I want to get back to "Under The Gun".
Waste of money September 5, 2006
2 out of 6 found this review helpful
I feel it my obligation to warn others.. this book is not worth the paper its written on. And like stated elsewhere, should never have made it to print. If you are interested in the tattoo aspect of this story, forget about it, the author is a scratcher at best and concerned with little more than money getting and self glorification. Nothing of importance here. I have read countless war memoirs.. this ranks below them all and consists of mainly praising jesus and complaining about his fellow brothers in arms. The preaching gets to be a bit much at times. If I could return it, I would in a second. If you want to buy my copy.. email me.
I'd give this book a negative number if I could August 5, 2006
1 out of 4 found this review helpful
Apparently the author of this book feels that he is the best thing to come along since Sun Tzu. If everyone would just listen to him, the war in Iraq would have ended long ago. He states that all everyone does is gripe and complain, and then proceeds to do just that the entire length of the book. This self-serving piece of trash reeks of hypocrisy and should never have made it to print. I was with this unit in Iraq, and this is NOT a true portrayal of our time there. It is a slap in the face to every serviceman and woman that has served in the War on Terror. Don't waste your money.
It is very real, honest and very well written!!!! June 16, 2006
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
This book is has the three "R'S"...REAL, RAW (to the point), and REALLY GOOD! It makes you feel like you are really there and a part of the author and the 278th Regimental Combat Teams life. Definitely a great read!! ~Marie B. {Richmond, VA}
|
|
|
Powered by Associate-O-Matic
| |
