Spellbinding, Inspiring, Humbling

It was mesmerizing from the first chapter. I listened to it straight though; I just could not help myself. And even as I listened I wondered within myself " How does America still produce such men'. I am in awe of each of them and thankful to and for each of them. I do not think anyone can read this story without being flooded with all types of emotions. For those who came home let there be Peace; for those who did not let there be Rest, for those who did nothing to help let there be Shame.

73 people found this helpful

Amazing Book!

Would you listen to 13 Hours again? Why?

Yes, This book kept me interested from the very beginning when it reaches back into history to relate previous incidents in Benghazi as well as historical battles and background on how Benghazi came to be. As opposed to Benghazi under fire, this book is told from the standpoint of the CIA Annex security team that was told to "Stand Down" that fateful day on September 11, 2012.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The details of the accounts really bring more of the events into perspective and a lot more than what you could ever hope to hear about on the evening news. It also gives a contrasting view of the "Stand Down" order and why/how it was given. To me, the responsibility for the delay in responding should have fallen on the CIA station chief that was dead set on enlisting the help of the 17 February Militia to assist in the attack on the embassy in a feeble attempt to keep the "Secret" CIA Annex a secret by not sending this quick reaction force to assist.

Which scene was your favorite?

The details of the battles and how each one stood out on it's down as the story progressed..

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

We need to go NOW!

Any additional comments?

It also sheds light on the last hours of Navy SEAL Tyrone "Ty" Snowden Woods and Navy SEAL Glen "Bub" Anthony Dohrety and how they came together on that fateful evening/morning. In fact, Glen apparently never fired a shot and was killed with Tyrone when a mortar struck the rooftop position they were on. Glen had climbed up to visit with Tyrone after arriving from Tripoli with a rescue team that included two Delta Force Operators (who did not participate in the battle, but received awards for heroism). It details how Kris "Tonto" Paronto, Mark "Oz" Geist and John "Tig" Tiegan (all part of the original response team), fought off wave after wave of attackers and the troubles each of them faced as they took the fight to the attackers.

Explanations of how they heard rumors that it was an attack that was ignited by a Youtube video, and how the operators knew that wasn't the case. How they searched for Stevens to the point of nearly dying themselves from Smoke inhalation, toxic gasses, etc.

It tells how following the initial assault on the Embassy grounds, most of the fighting then took place at the CIA Compound about a mile away. That is was an organized military style attack, not a bunch of demonstrators, that quickly dialed in and landed three perfectly placed mortars on one rooftop during the battle... again, not an easy task for goat herders.

This book puts you right next to these heroes and the battles they fought with the attackers, their station chief, the flames in the Embassy building and better judgement. I would STRONGLY recommend this book for anyone wanting to know what REALLY happened in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012.

41 people found this helpful

And we thought Willie was Slick

Give me a *rah-rah, go-team!* moment.

Breathes there the man with soul so dead
Who never to himself hath said,
This is my own, my native land!
Whose heart hath ne’er within him burned,
As home his footsteps he hath turned
From wandering on a foreign strand!
If such there breathe, go, mark him well;
For him no minstrel raptures swell;
High though his titles, proud his name,
Boundless his wealth as wish can claim
Despite those titles, power, and pelf,
The wretch, concentrated all in self,
Living, shall forfeit fair renown,
And, doubly dying, shall go down
To the vile dust from whence he sprung,
Unwept, unhonored , and unsung. [Sir Walter Scott]

I would like to have read over the transcripts of Hillary Clinton's testimony before the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations [January 23, 2013] before writing my review, but I've only read 20 pgs., available on-line, so far and am too conflicted to read further. The dance around the facts -- the Washington Spin -- both saddens and disgusts me. Granting that the head that wears the crown must bear the burden of the kind of baby-splitting wisdom that mere citizens *can't handle such truths*...I've always hoped that at the very least there remained a patriotic duty to protect our soldiers, and even our citizens, that served as the last remnant of the American Spirit, a kind of inoculation against the rampant corruption that has infected our government. See; I was the nerd that held my hand over my heart and said the Pledge of Allegiance, believed the patriotism of "Give me liberty, or give me death!" even while ducking under my desk for bomb drills. We used to grow up that way -- memorizing the preamble to the Constitution, the Gettysburg Address, etc. believing in our country. They say our innocence died somewhere in the 60's. No doubt, there's not much that shocks us anymore when it comes to the deterioration of "liberty and justice for all."

With such desolation of spirit (and the barrage of soundbites from the unending squabbles that pass for "Political Debates") I approached the reading of this book.

I was fortunate to spend many hours listening to my father-in-law, a retired Colonel in the USAF, tell of his service: He flew combat missions in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Over his career he recorded over 6,000 flying hours, 500 of which were combat time. A test pilot with the Air Force he was the first to fly the now famous F-100, and was in line to be an astronaut until his hearing failed him due to his early test flights. As many other patriots, he had amazing stories of bravery and heroics. He flew missions that were supposed to be one-way; he still would not reveal the *top-secret* details even in his 90's. He told stories of parachuting out over the middle-eastern deserts and being picked up by camel riding gunmen, held prisoner while his release was bargained for through the USAF. He always stood firm in the fact that he would die for his country if need be, and that his country would never dessert him. He was a true Patriot, as are those that were at Benghazi.

It is only in honor of his unwavering belief in his country that I was able to persevere through this book without sheer outrage at what has become of our political head; instead, it broke my heart. I can only assume that we are not given the whole truth by those *leaders*; that there is so much more that must have been happening that we will never know, because as it stands as of this date...that is the only explanation that makes sense to my little mind as to why the President of the United States and the Secretary of State were not accused and tried with treason, as defined in Section 110 of Article III. of the Constitution of the United States.

A great telling of the events, free from an agenda or spin. God bless the USA, our soldiers and their families, and the devil take the traitors...if there be any with soul so dead.

40 people found this helpful

Well written factual accounting of a horrific day and night

This is it. With this book you can discover what happened to Ambassador Stevens and the other 3 Americans in Benghazi. This is a non-partisan accounting of those horrible events written by some of the key American heroes who were there fighting to protect Americans.

If you are content with the denials by President Obama and Secretary Clinton you probably will not appreciate this book. Conversely, if you just want a book that mercilessly attacks President Obama and Secretary Clinton for even the gum they chew you probably will not appreciate this book. This book gives facts fro the ground

38 people found this helpful

Should be required reading before the next vote.

It is unbelievable to me that in this great nation of ours .....American citizens were
left undefended. The contract security guards made up of retired Navy Seals, Army Rangers, and other retired military conducted themselves heroically and some lost their lives trying to defend themselves and Ambassador Chris Stevens. This should be
required reading before the next election. The store is told boldly and without bias.
I read this and wept..,,,,

33 people found this helpful

Can't stop thinking about this book!

Although I had read and heard enough to know what to expect in this book, I was still absolutely captivated by the personalities and the unfolding story. As soon as I finished it, I started at the beginning, again. So many people with individual stories all a part of 13 HOURS IN BENGAZI....it took multiple readings before I was able to retain all that was contained. Well done.

27 people found this helpful

A story of heroism

Compelling but not long winded the author did well gathering details and presenting the accounts in real time. The courage bravery and loyalty of our men is evident as is the cowardice of some that hid instead of fighting. The heroes are ex-military so were not bestowed the highest honors while those that did little received them. The real honor is in knowing them through this event. You'll be stirred to become a better man.

23 people found this helpful

Listened to it THREE TIMES

Any additional comments?

What can I say past the title of this review? I read it, saw the movie and read it TWO MORE TIMES.

22 people found this helpful

the real true story of The Expendables.

well told, fast moving, inside account of the Benghazi fiasco which took the life of a US ambassador as well as two former Navy SEALs. the emphasis of the story is on the actual moment by moment events as they happened and not so much laying the blame of negligence by those at the CIA or the politicos in Washington.

20 people found this helpful

No politics, real story

What did you love best about 13 Hours?

A story written with the help of the "boots on the ground" guys. Doesn't get into politics, but instead tells EXACTLY what happened in the eyes of the security operators in Benghazi. As a former Army Ranger, I love how real it felt.

What did you like best about this story?

How it was basically a journalistic report of the events, but it read like a suspense novel.

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

Help isn't on the way.

16 people found this helpful