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literatetexan's review against another edition
3.0
Sincere book on the right side of history, but the writing is dry. The first 100 pages outlining Vindman's career dragged, but things got more interesting when his role in the important process got started.
orangebug's review against another edition
5.0
Such an interesting and terrifying book, with what is happening with the war in Ukraine!
Not to mention how absolutely crazy it is with that POS Trump! The intriguing back chambers details about the impeachment and the goings on certainly meant I could not put this book down. Also, side note, I am friends with Hickman's wife (he mentions Hickman) and I remember when she shared her husband's batshit rant about Vindman in one of those right wing (QAnon) conspiracy places during the impeachment. He went off the deep end, just like Flynn and that is what keeps me up at night when it comes to the military and who some of these people are in leadership. Just like President Obama's book. I am grateful that I read this after Trump was no longer in office, because it is that horrifying how corrupt he was and how much he put our country in danger, plus how much we are still paying for his presidency with regards to Russia.
Not to mention how absolutely crazy it is with that POS Trump! The intriguing back chambers details about the impeachment and the goings on certainly meant I could not put this book down. Also, side note, I am friends with Hickman's wife (he mentions Hickman) and I remember when she shared her husband's batshit rant about Vindman in one of those right wing (QAnon) conspiracy places during the impeachment. He went off the deep end, just like Flynn and that is what keeps me up at night when it comes to the military and who some of these people are in leadership. Just like President Obama's book. I am grateful that I read this after Trump was no longer in office, because it is that horrifying how corrupt he was and how much he put our country in danger, plus how much we are still paying for his presidency with regards to Russia.
mattjustinus's review against another edition
5.0
I unfortunately had this one on my shelf for over a year. I am so happy that I decided to finish it this weekend, as the vividness of Trump's first impeachment was leaving my memory. Vindman was nothing but professional in his testimony in front of the House Intelligence Committee. It is disheartening to hear a lot of the things that happened to him after he spoke out. How he was demoted, denied a promotion from Lt. Colonel to Colonel, and practically ignored by some of the people he worked 16 hour days with. I have even more respect for him after reading this, and I strongly recommend it.
drkaren's review against another edition
5.0
This was a highly satisying read. And I don't mean "satisfying" in a "damned by slight praise" kind of way.
So many books and media sources highlight what's wrong with the world right now - extremists of every persuasion, high emotion and sensational events, corruption everywhere, insolvable problems besetting us on every side.
And we know - from a brain perspective - that our brains (read: thoughts and emotions) tend to mirror what we encounter in our environments.
So I can't express enough how much I enjoyed reading about a person who just wants to contribute to the common good and to follow his moral compass, come what may from doing so. Vindman's memoir is not high literature, nor does it need to be to convey his message. It's as straightforward as his desire to tell the truth, whatever the personal cost. It is honest, thoughtful, and gently challenges us to be true to our own moral compass while respecting others and looking to the greater good. And his own journey lends credibility to the "lessons" he shares in his epilogue - not as a "self-help" guide, but as the outgrowth of sharing his own life-learning.
So many books and media sources highlight what's wrong with the world right now - extremists of every persuasion, high emotion and sensational events, corruption everywhere, insolvable problems besetting us on every side.
And we know - from a brain perspective - that our brains (read: thoughts and emotions) tend to mirror what we encounter in our environments.
So I can't express enough how much I enjoyed reading about a person who just wants to contribute to the common good and to follow his moral compass, come what may from doing so. Vindman's memoir is not high literature, nor does it need to be to convey his message. It's as straightforward as his desire to tell the truth, whatever the personal cost. It is honest, thoughtful, and gently challenges us to be true to our own moral compass while respecting others and looking to the greater good. And his own journey lends credibility to the "lessons" he shares in his epilogue - not as a "self-help" guide, but as the outgrowth of sharing his own life-learning.
cate_stern52292's review against another edition
4.0
I first noticed Lt. Col. Vindman during the Trump impeachment hearings and was immediately struck by his opening statement. I listened to his compelling testimony and was impressed with his courage and his desire to do the right thing, even when the right thing was downright daunting.
His book, "Here, Right Matters" is essentially a book about the immigrant experience. Vindman and his family escaped from an oppressive regime to make a new life in America, and Vindman himself sheds light on how that changed and shaped him into the man he is today. Throughout the book, Vindman makes a point to tie certain character traits back to the immigrant experience, things like how he learned about hard work and fostering community.
I very much enjoyed the writing style of the book, it was clear, concise, and easy to read. Vindman also infuses a lot of his own voice throughout the book, making the reader feel like they have gotten to know him and are chatting with an old friend. When he discusses the Ukraine call and its aftermath, you truly feel for Vindman and his family, as he discusses the toll it took on his wife, daughter, and brother. I greatly enjoyed this book and hope we haven't seen the last of Lt. Col. Vindman.
His book, "Here, Right Matters" is essentially a book about the immigrant experience. Vindman and his family escaped from an oppressive regime to make a new life in America, and Vindman himself sheds light on how that changed and shaped him into the man he is today. Throughout the book, Vindman makes a point to tie certain character traits back to the immigrant experience, things like how he learned about hard work and fostering community.
I very much enjoyed the writing style of the book, it was clear, concise, and easy to read. Vindman also infuses a lot of his own voice throughout the book, making the reader feel like they have gotten to know him and are chatting with an old friend. When he discusses the Ukraine call and its aftermath, you truly feel for Vindman and his family, as he discusses the toll it took on his wife, daughter, and brother. I greatly enjoyed this book and hope we haven't seen the last of Lt. Col. Vindman.
coffeebuff22's review against another edition
4.0
Mr. Vidman has both honor and courage. A quick read to gain insight into yet another treason by our former president.