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e_gracereads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
The most incredibly well-written war story I have ever read, and true insight into the disgusting breakdown of army leadership in this corner of the Iraq War. Essential for the history buff, the military leader, or anybody looking for a read that will break their heart and make them want to punch a wall at the same time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, War, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Blood, Gore, Grief, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Cursing, and Sexual violence
heatherbermingham's review against another edition
5.0
I was a little leery about picking this up because I wasn't sure I wanted to ready something that was so intently about the murder/rape of an Iraqi family by American soldiers. I'm really glad I read this though because the book isn't just about that at all. In fact, it only takes up a very small part of the book. The book follows the battalion of the errant soldiers through their entire deployment, and while no one in the book even attempts to justify their actions, the book gives a lot of context to the event, how war affects soldiers in general, but how this group in particular was drained by a lack of resources, safe areas, and men; a very unclear understanding of why they were in Iraq and what they were supposed to be accomplishing there; and poor, constantly changing leadership and an astounding amount of loss in a short time. The writer, Jim Frederick, talked to a TON of people, most of whom appear to have been very open and honest about what can't be an easy time to remember. Good stuff if you can handle it.
space_cadet_dude's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent journalism on an extremely difficult topic. The author well stated everything that happened in a way that allows the reader to decide for him or herself what to think.
He does not shy away from the extremely gruesome crime that the events of the book led to, nor does he allow it to dictate the entire book. It was well written from start to finish.
He does not shy away from the extremely gruesome crime that the events of the book led to, nor does he allow it to dictate the entire book. It was well written from start to finish.
tanyarobinson's review against another edition
3.0
This is definitely a guy's book - a detailed account of 1st Platoon Bravo Company's year in Iraq's "Triangle of Death." I chose to read it because I was interested to understand the explanation for one of America's worst war crimes (the rape and murder of an Iraqi teen and her family), and because the book has such a high Goodreads rating. I learned more than I really wanted to.
First of all, I think I have a glorified picture of American servicemen, and I like it that way. Reading about a bunch of drunken and disorderly punks running around bullying Iraqi citizens does not sit well with me. Black Hearts makes it clear that responsibility for the breakdown of the guilty men extends far up the chain of command, which doesn't make me feel better at all. If anything, it just lays bare the complete miscalculations of overall U.S. military strategy in Iraq. I kept looking for a character I could respect, someone who I felt represented America in a positive way. Most of the officers came off looking self-interested, while the enlisted men were just angry violent boys out to vent their hatred on the population. I suppose I have to respect the man who blew the whistle on his criminal comrades, though even he didn't appear particularly bright and shiny. Every single soldier interviewed for this book, including the Battalion commander, couldn't speak a sentence without multiple uses of profanity. Honestly, I was just turned off by the whole thing.
I know that there are honorable servicemen out there. I am related to some of them! I really hope what I was introduced to in Black Hearts is not representative of the modern military.
First of all, I think I have a glorified picture of American servicemen, and I like it that way. Reading about a bunch of drunken and disorderly punks running around bullying Iraqi citizens does not sit well with me. Black Hearts makes it clear that responsibility for the breakdown of the guilty men extends far up the chain of command, which doesn't make me feel better at all. If anything, it just lays bare the complete miscalculations of overall U.S. military strategy in Iraq. I kept looking for a character I could respect, someone who I felt represented America in a positive way. Most of the officers came off looking self-interested, while the enlisted men were just angry violent boys out to vent their hatred on the population. I suppose I have to respect the man who blew the whistle on his criminal comrades, though even he didn't appear particularly bright and shiny. Every single soldier interviewed for this book, including the Battalion commander, couldn't speak a sentence without multiple uses of profanity. Honestly, I was just turned off by the whole thing.
I know that there are honorable servicemen out there. I am related to some of them! I really hope what I was introduced to in Black Hearts is not representative of the modern military.
mikethespike24's review against another edition
5.0
Intense and Eye Opening
A book that should be read by all BH Specialist. The toxic climate, battle fatigue, and numerous other events that led to this platoon’s spiral is a piece of history worth learning.
A book that should be read by all BH Specialist. The toxic climate, battle fatigue, and numerous other events that led to this platoon’s spiral is a piece of history worth learning.
hollins's review against another edition
challenging
dark
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Violence, War, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Grief and Alcohol
royzee's review against another edition
4.0
A shocking event related in a book that will never leave your memories.
aprilbooksandwine's review against another edition
3.0
I listened to Black Hearts: One Platoon’s Descent Into Madness In Iraq’s Triangle Of Death by Jim Frederick mainly because I was required to because of secret project thing that I am a judge for — and really that’s the most I can tell you at this conjecture. However, I found myself drawn to this book because war is interesting to me. I mean, it scares me and all, but it’s still interesting. I also find the whole effects of post traumatic stress fascinating as well. Furthermore, I have family serving and so, even though this is not about everyone in the military, I thought it might help to give me a little bit of insight that I sorely lack.
Read the rest of my review here
Note: Review will go live and the link will work on January 24, 2014.
Read the rest of my review here
Note: Review will go live and the link will work on January 24, 2014.