Best Book I've Read This Year: Fearless
Recently, I was with a group of authors and book bloggers
talking about—of course—books and this question came up:
What was the last book you read that made you cry?
I had a hard time answering. Really, I think it’s John
Green’s latest, THE FAULT IN OUR STARS, but that’s not really a surprise. It’s
a stunningly smart book. Witty. Insightful. Both the main characters have
cancer. You know what you’re walking into when you pick it up.
This week, however, I read one that had me crying hard at
two o’clock in the morning.
The book is called FEARLESS and it moved me deeply. It’s not
YA fiction—not even close. This is a biography of a Navy SEAL that I picked up
after reading NO EASY DAY, which is the account of the Osama bin Laden raid.
I’ve been on a little non-fiction kick. I write about heroic characters doing
heroic things, but there are service men and women out there, in the military,
law enforcement, firefighters, etc.—who are the
real deal. After NO EASY DAY, I was hungry for more insight into the lives
of these people, who inspire me with every small and great act of courage and
selflessness.
I could tell you that FEARLESS is the story of a human being who
was flawed and yet utterly extraordinary—but no matter what I say, it won’t really get
that point across. It won’t
portray the obstacles Navy SEAL Adam Brown overcame to become one of the most elite warriors in the United States military. It won’t
show you how this man struggled more off the battlefield than he ever did on
it—and triumphed. And it won’t describe to you how sad—how truly sad I am that we lost such an
exceptional person in the line of duty.
A powerful book about the brotherhood of the SEALs. About faith. About love. About perseverance and honor and patriotism.
I almost want to
assign it to you as required reading, but I will just firmly encourage you to pick it up. This is the kind of book that makes you want to become a better person.
And if you’re reading this and you happen to serve our
country in the military, or in any branch of law enforcement:
Thank you.
4 comments
I felt the same way after reading "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand, the author herself an inspiration for all writers. The daily obstacles she must overcome and, also, live with make her accomplishments all the more extraordinary and moving. It's a fascinating read (as was "Seabiscuit"!). I will put "Fearless" on my list.
I'm adding it to my list for sure! It sounds like one that should not be missed. The best book I've read so far this year is Transcend by Christine Fonseca. Completely different from Fearless but amazing in its own ways.
Great post! Fearless sounds like a must to read. Off to the bookstore!! Another good book is American Sniper by Chris Kyle. My son-in-law is in the Army serving in Afghanistan, not a fun place to be. He will be home soon after a 9 month tour.
There are just some people whose story needs to be told. FEARLESS sounds like this is one of those.
I cry at the drop of a hat, so I may have to work my way up to reading this one, but I do believe this should definitely be on my TBR list. Thank you.
Post a Comment