Books Like...
If you liked American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:An intense, emotionally charged survival memoir that's as polarizing as it is powerful - an essential read for fans of military stories, but its politics and writing style aren't for everyone.
"Lone Survivor" by Marcus Luttrell is a gripping account of Operation Redwing, a combat mission in Afghanistan that ended tragically for a 4-man SEAL team. The narrative vividly describes the SEAL training program, the intense battle against Al Qaeda operatives in the Hindu Kush mountains, and Luttrell's harrowing escape, capture, and rescue. The writing style is detailed, emotional, and raw, providing insight into the courage, violence, and strong language experienced during the mission.
Would this ever become easier? House to house, freeway to freeway, state to state? Not so far. And here I was again, behind the wheel of a hired SUV, driving along another Main Street, past the shops...2006•435 pages A fast-paced, no-frills insider account of one of history’s most famous military missions - perfect for action lovers and military enthusiasts, though perhaps too straightforward or narrow-scope for those seeking deeper analysis or literary flair.
No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama Bin Laden by Mark Owen is a gripping firsthand narrative of the mission to eliminate Osama Bin Laden as experienced by a Navy SEAL. The book delves into the intense training, detailed planning, and the high-stakes execution of the operation, providing readers with a behind-the-scenes look at the life and operations of Navy SEALs. Mark Owen's writing style is described as thoughtful, careful, and well-written, presenting the SEAL team members as disciplined, efficient, and experienced individuals who put their lives on the line in hostile situations.
The book offers a detailed account of the raid to capture Osama Bin Laden, showcasing the sacrifices and dedication of the SEAL team members who work tirelessly to ensure the safety of the country. Mark Owen provides insight into the mentality and focus of the men in these specialized military units, highlighting their bravery, precision training, and the camaraderie that defines their teamwork. Through vivid descriptions of guns, gear, strategies, and training, the book immerses readers in the world of Navy SEALs and the high-stakes missions they undertake.
It was 2004, seven years before I would ride a Black Hawk into Abbottabad, Pakistan, on one of the most historic special operations raids in history. I was in the selection and training course for SEA...September 2012•343 pages- #3
Save:A wild, unvarnished ride through the early Iraq War with unforgettable characters - brutally honest, darkly funny, and a must-read for anyone curious about the real lives of US Marines in combat.
'Generation Kill' by Evan Wright is a firsthand account of the 2003 invasion of Iraq from the perspective of front line grunts in the First Recon Battalion. The book focuses on the experiences, struggles, and impact of the war on the soldiers rather than just the tactical aspects. Wright provides a vivid and honest portrayal of the Marines, their camaraderie, challenges, and the intense situations they faced during the invasion. The narrative moves fast, capturing the essence of the whirlwind of battle and brotherhood within the platoon.
The book is described as thought-provoking, entertaining, and unexpectedly engaging. It offers a character study of the soldiers involved, showcasing their personalities, interactions, and how the war affected them on emotional and physical levels. Wright's writing style is praised for its unbiased and unvarnished manner, presenting the Marines' hopes, nightmares, successes, and challenges in a raw and authentic way. The book is commended for providing a unique and rare perspective on the war from a non-military standpoint, highlighting the hard work, brotherhood, and struggles of the Marines without a political agenda.
Major General James Mattis calls the men in First Reconnaissance Battalion “cocky, obnoxious bastards.” Recon Marines belong to a distinct military occupational specialty, and there are only about a t...2004•365 pages A gritty, high-octane true story that reads like an action thriller, but take some claims with a pinch of salt. Perfect for military history fans who want adventure and don't mind blurred lines between fact and legend.
'Bravo Two Zero' by Andy McNab is a non-fiction account that reads like fiction, detailing the story of a group of soldiers on a mission in the Gulf that goes terribly wrong. The narrative provides a thrilling and descriptive insight into the events that unfold during the failed mission, capturing the harrowing experiences of the soldiers involved, including their capture and interrogation by the enemy.
offers a unique perspective on military operations, particularly focusing on the elite combat unit of the British SAS. Through McNab's storytelling, readers are exposed to the intense and dangerous world of special operations, showcasing the bravery and resilience of the soldiers involved in the mission gone awry in Iraq.
As members of the Counter Terrorist team based in Hereford, my gang and I unfortunately were not involved. We watched jealously as the first batch of blokes drew their desert kit and departed. Our nin...January 1991•437 pages- #5
Save:Unflinchingly close-up, War delivers a visceral, powerful look at modern combat and the bonds between soldiers - raw, unsettling, and unforgettable, but sometimes short on broader reflection or context.
War by Sebastian Junger is a gripping account of the experiences of Second Platoon, of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, stationed in the dangerous Korengal Valley in Afghanistan. Junger, an embedded journalist, lived with the soldiers, capturing their story with depth and poignancy. The book delves into the psychology of soldiers, exploring themes of fear, bravery, and the deep bonds formed in the face of war. It provides a raw and honest look at the realities of combat, the adrenaline-fueled moments, and the struggles faced by soldiers both on and off the battlefield.
Junger's writing style immerses readers in the daily lives of the soldiers, from moments of extreme boredom to intense combat situations. The book offers insights into military strategy, the group dynamics of a combat unit, and the impact of war on the minds and bodies of its participants. Through personal profiles and humanizing characteristics, Junger paints a vivid picture of the soldiers in the Korengal Valley, providing a glimpse into the harsh realities of modern warfare.
O’BYRNE AND THE MEN OF BATTLE COMPANY ARRIVED in the last week in May when the rivers were running full and the upper peaks still held their snow. Chinooks escorted by Apache helicopters rounded a mas...April 2010•313 pages - #6
Save:A powerful, unflinching memoir that stands out for its honesty and literary style - If I Die in a Combat Zone is a Vietnam War classic that lingers in your mind long after you finish the last page.
If I Die in a Combat Zone by Tim O'Brien presents a profound exploration of the Vietnam War through O'Brien's personal experiences as a young soldier. The book chronicles his journey from his home life and feelings of confusion about the war to his harrowing year in Vietnam, showcasing the psychological and moral struggles of combat. O'Brien's writing is characterized by stark honesty, rich imagery, and a thought-provoking, philosophical depth that challenges notions of courage, duty, and the reality of warfare. He expertly weaves together vivid descriptions of military life with introspective reflections on the nature of war, making the narrative both immersive and emotionally resonant.
1973•223 pages - #7
Save:A gripping, unsentimental dive into the daily reality of a WWII Marine. If you want a raw, memorable memoir that inspired "The Pacific," put this on your must-read list - just be ready for some poetic tangents and period-typical language.
Helmet for My Pillow by Robert Leckie is a memoir depicting the author's experiences as a Marine in the Pacific during World War II. Through vivid and intense storytelling, Leckie takes the reader on a journey from his enlistment, basic training, and deployment to the fierce battles in the Pacific theatre, including Guadalcanal and Peleliu. The book captures the horrors of combat, the camaraderie among the marines, and the day-to-day struggles faced by these young men in the midst of war. Leckie's writing style is described as honest, unsentimental, and at times poetic, offering a personal and gripping account of one man's war experience.
The war with Japan was not yet four weeks old, Wake Island had fallen. Pearl Harbor was a real tragedy, a burning bitter humiliation. Hastily composed war songs were on the lips of everyone, their hea...1957•336 pages An intense, brilliantly researched, and unflinching account of urban combat - essential reading for anyone interested in the realities of modern war, but not for the faint of heart.
'Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War' by Mark Bowden is a compelling and detailed account of the First Battle of Mogadishu in 1993, where a small force of American Rangers and Special Force units found themselves trapped and outmanned by Somali armed rebels. The book provides a blow-by-blow retelling of the dramatic firefight, highlighting the chaos of war, individual heroism, and the complexities of modern urban warfare. Bowden's writing style, based on individual interviews and actual recordings from the battle, brings the harrowing ordeal to life with graphic detail, making it recommended for readers with a relatively strong stomach.
The book is praised for its authenticity, journalistic effort, and ability to provide a balanced view of the conflict by incorporating perspectives from both sides. It is commended for its thorough research, gripping storytelling, and for shedding light on the realities of war, the dedication of military personnel, and the complexities and mistakes that can shape the outcome of military operations.
At liftoff, Matt Eversmann said a Hail Mary. He was curled into a seat between two helicopter crew chiefs, the knees of his long legs up to his shoulders. Before him, jammed on both sides of the Black...January 1999•468 pagesA gripping, boots-on-the-ground memoir that immerses you in one of the most harrowing battles of the Afghanistan War - raw, real, and unforgettable for anyone who wants to understand courage under fire.
'Red Platoon: A True Story of American Valor' by author Clinton Romesha is a gripping narrative that takes the reader into the heart of the battle for Combat Outpost Keating in Afghanistan. Through a first-person perspective, Romesha vividly portrays the experiences of the soldiers on the ground, immersing the reader in the intensity and challenges faced during the fight. delves into the personal stories of the soldiers involved, highlighting their courage, dedication, and the harsh realities of war.
Romesha's writing style is praised for its raw and gut-wrenching portrayal of the siege at COP Keating, capturing the reader's attention with its conviction and authenticity. provides a detailed account of the day-long battle, showcasing Romesha's meticulous research and attention to detail. Through a combination of first-person narrative and objective presentation, Romesha successfully conveys the heroism and sacrifices made by the soldiers, offering a unique perspective on the events that unfolded at Keating.
I COME FROM an old Nevada ranching family with military traditions that date back to my grandfather Aury Smith, who took his brother’s place in the draft during the summer of 1943 and eventually wound...May 2016•392 pagesA brutally honest, thought-provoking account of one Marine’s Gulf War experience - deep, messy, and not always flattering, but powerful in its authenticity. Perfect if you want the reality behind the uniform, not the Hollywood version.
"Jarhead: A Marine's Chronicle of the Gulf War and Other Battles" by Anthony Swofford is a unique war memoir that focuses more on the emotional aspect of being a soldier rather than just combat. It delves into the struggles of soldiers trying to find their place in enemy territory while dealing with intense emotions. The author's writing vividly portrays the grim reality of being a Marine in the Gulf War, highlighting the internal conflicts and challenges faced by soldiers away from their home country. Despite the non-linear narrative structure, the book offers a compelling and engaging insight into the emotional turmoil experienced by soldiers during and after the war.
On August 2, 1990, Iraqi troops drive east to Kuwait City and start killing soldiers and civilians and capturing gold-heavy palaces and expensive German sedans—though it is likely that the Iraqi atroc...January 2003•302 pages
