Many aspects of this book were absolutely fascinating. I enjoyed (in a better-you-than-me-but-holy-cow-that's-impressive kind of way) reading about all the training that Howard went through, from joining the Navy through becoming a SEAL and then later a sniper. Learning some of the history of the SEALs was neat too. Seeing the events of the movie Black Hawk Down (yes, I'm sure the book was better and more accurate--I'm planning on reading it too--soon) from another perspective was really interesting as well. And I just can't get past the fact that the author met Rudy from Survivor; I had no idea that Rudy Boesch was such a well-known individual in the military world. I shared quite a bit of this book with others while I was reading it; I just couldn't help myself. There were many times that I didn't want to put this book down, and I'd already purchased a print copy for my classroom library before I was even halfway done with my digital one.

The authors did a decent job of taking what must be a challenging adult book and making it more accessible to a younger audience. At times narrative transitions were less than smooth, because it appeared that a larger chunk of information must have been pared out of this version. The end result was a bit of choppiness in the tale, but overall it doesn't really detract from the narrative. I think readers from middle school on up can find a lot to relate to in many parts of this memoir, and in fact I have read parts of it out loud to my classes already. If the grown up version happened to cross my path, I definitely wouldn't be adverse to reading it as well. ( )

Library Thing Early Reviewers - Excellent teen adaptation of the SEAL Team Six Warrior. Riveting stories with details will keep the reader interested and engaged. highly recommended. ( )

Howard Wasdin wrote about his life in a format designed for the young adult reader. He covers his abusive childhood and his life after the U.S. Navy. The book outlines his time in the Navy from a search and rescue swimmer, too SEAL and sniper training, his time in SEAL Team 2 and SEAL Team 6. The majority of the book covers his part in the Battle of Mogadishu; which most would know as Black Hawk Down book/movie. The book is a very fast read. ( )

A memoir that gives us an overview of Howard Wasdin childhood, his entry into the Navy and the events that lead him too become a U.S. Navy SEAL. The book has a very brief overview of his life before joining the SEALs and his life after leaving the Navy. The main narrative focused on his time in the Navy outlining his various training assignments, a few missions but mainly the book goes into depth on his involvement in the Battle of Mogadishu. The main operation which most people will know from the book and/or movie 'Black Hawk Down' is shown through his eyes; a member of SEAL Team Six and a Special Forces sniper.

It does not glorify combat and shows the horrific cost too both sides in a conflict. His accounts are straight forward and should help anyone realize what the military Special Forces do for their country. He also shares his mental state as a successful SEAL member, too being wounded several times in the battle and finally the stress of being home and separated from the close knit support one gets use too being a member of a specialized unit. This book has been adapted for young readers and I would suggest for anyone who wishes too read this book to find the adult version. ( )

“When the Navy sends their elite, they send the SEALs. When the SEALs send their elite, they send SEAL Team Six”

This is a mildly interesting look at what it takes to be a SEAL and then a sniper. The intensive training makes my Army basic training look like nursery school. The story also follows Wasdin on several missions, including the show-piece of the Battle of Mogadishu, which was covered in Black Hawk Down, in both book and film.
This memoir version looks like it was packaged as a YA, so I’m curious how the original book was written. If this subject interests you, check it out, otherwise remain at ease. ( )