Thank You Marcus Luttrell

"Anything in life worth doing is worth overdoing"

When I started this challenge on January 1st, I was actually planning on reading a book called "You'll Get Through This" which probably would've been a great book but I don't think I was in the right mindset to read it. So I picked up this book instead. Even though it was my second choice, Lone Survivor is one of the best books I've ever read. Lone Survivor is filled with action, adventure, and a true heartfelt essence that cannot be duplicated. This is actually the first book I've read about the U.S Armed Forces and I was not disappointed. 

Lone Survivor is the true life account of Marcus Luttrell, Seal Team 10, and the failed mission of Operation Red Wing. When I started this book I had actually already seen the movie and being the book nerd I am, I usually like to read the book before I see the movie but after watching the movie I knew there had to be more to the story. Boy was I right! Marcus describes his team and the men who serve our country as Navy Seals with praise and compassion. In great detail he describes just what it takes to be a Navy Seal, the actual mission, and the aftermath. His book gave us an amazing insight into the lives of Navy Seals and what they go through on a daily basis. 

If you want to see the astounding book translated onto the big screen, go watch the movie of the same name Lone Survivor starring Mark Wahlberg, Ben Foster, Taylor Kitsch, and Emile Hirsch. Since it was in limited release at ArcLight Hollywood on Christmas day, I was able to go see it before it's wide release last weekend. I have to say that this film was one of the best films I saw in 2013. Grantland's Bill Simmons says it's "The most extraordinary war film since Saving Private Ryan". Granted I haven't seen Saving Private Ryan in quite sometime but I do agree that that is an extraordinary movie, but Lone Survivor is a mix of action and heart that speaks to the general audience while placing the war in present day reality.  If you've never experienced war, which most of us haven't, you can still appreciate this film as more than just an action movie. All 4 guys did an amazing job portraying the terrifying idea that is war. I must say this though, obviously the movie was made for the American public. What I mean by that is this. The movie was great, the pace was great, and the action was amazing but the book is almost completely different, but surprisingly I am okay with that. Movie magic lightens the original story but the heroism is still there. 

If you haven't read the book, READ IT! If you haven't watched the movie, WATCH IT! You will not be disappointed by either. 

Lastly, I want to give a big THANK YOU to Marcus Luttrell, the men we lost on that day, and all the men who fight for our country. I never knew the politics behind war but thanks to you, now i do. 

-S