Customer Reviews

182 Days in Iraq

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(15)

 

 

I finished the book in one day, not because I am a fast reader (indeed I am not), but because I was so caught up in the adventure. What makes this book so much better than many other "war stories" is that it is the truth, as witnessed first-hand by a broadcast journalist for the U.S. Army. His position gains him access to many gatherings that the average GI would not have, and he takes readers along for the ride. I laughed out loud many times at Kiver's wit, but I also shared his fear; I even cried on a few occasions. I will confess that I cried as I read the final pages because I so badly did not want his story to end there. I am, however, grateful that Phil Kiver made it safely home and has shared with everyone his daily journal.

For anyone who will be deployed (or the family), who has been over to the war, who wishes he were a part of the war, or who would just like to know the truth about what is happening over there, this is a must read.

This is the absolute, hands-down best work on the conflict in Iraq. Kiver vividly describes his day-to-day activities in theater. Anyone who wants to gain some insight into what it is like to be deployed should read this harrowing story of a soldier's time in a foreign land, battling terrorists and coworkers alike. However, do not take my opinion as a soldier, read "182 Days in Iraq."

"182 Days in Iraq" is Phil Kiver's revealing account of his tour of duty as a military journalist in theatre, on the ground, in the air, wanting to see it all, going places so dangerous he carried a hidden knife to kill himself so terrorists could not take him alive.

Kiver is without pretense. He tells you his politics, reveals his fears, tells tales on soldiers he thought incompetent, praises those he admired. He covered the coalition war, not only Americans, got to know the Ukrainians and Italians - gives us their take on the war, shows them with their guard down, guzzling vodka and emptying bottle after bottle of wine.

What I found most revealing was the things major media never reported, the many projects of soldiers and contractors to improve the lives of ordinary Iraqis. We see Kiver's affection for the children, his honest disgust for aspects of Iraqi life and culture that has him calling them savages.

Kiver did not tell his story to pat himself on the back or glorify the war; he is too brutally honest about his own failings, tells us repeatedly about military screw-ups.

He shows us who his is, warts and all; what he saw, the good and the bad, and simply wants us to know what it is like to be there.

It is rare reporting, not seen on the networks, right wing or left. Kiver lets you judge for yourself.

My only criticism is with Amazon, or the publisher - whoever is at fault. Why this potential bestseller is not in stock, and available next day, mystifies me.

-- Keith Quincy

I have read the book, and heard Kiver on the radio several times. If anything he is to honest about his experiences and feelings, but I believe he does it for our benefit so we can know its not all bad there most of the time. Congress should use his book in hearings when they debate the war. An excellent read

I served in Iraq with Phil during the majority of his time there. (I'm mentioned in the book on several occasions.) To all who also know him and are now writing negative reviews, not just on the book, but also on Phil personally, I can only assume you to be afflicted with petty jealousy.

Everything he says in here is an accurate account of our time there. His weblog style of writing is reminiscent of a diary because it WAS his diary. Also, because of the many opportunities he had to travel to all parts of the country, the book gives you a feel for what the war is like in all areas, both the good and the bad.

An excellent, accurate, unique book that no one should miss.

I live in New York and have heard him on the radio several times. He runs circles around those that are critical of him or the book. I just finished his book, and loved almost all of it. I wished he had written more about his home life upon his returna and where everyone ended up.

This book is historical and a superb demostration that are military is smart!

I knew Kiver in Iraq and still see him around Fort Hood now and then. When I served with him in Iraq I knew him to be the most outgoing and hardest worker in the public affairs office at Camp Victory in Iraq. Those that he worked with who he named in the book are pissed that he even has a book. Those who have negative things to say about him and his book haven't even read it. It is apparent from their reviews. Kiver makes no outrageous claims in his book. He reported the truth as it happened to him in Iraq.

As for his coworkers whom I know, they are much more incompetent they he wrote in the book. Kiver did his coworkers a favor by showing them enough respect to leave out some of the sillier things they were responsible for.

I am proud of Kiver and proud to know him. It is unfortunate that petty jeolous people even have a voice. They should just start their own blogs.

It was very good to hear a truthful "in your own words" version of what is really going on in Iraq. One in which the news media certainly does not want you to see. This was a hard book to put down, before I knew it I was finished. The book has made me have more faith in the younger generation. I wish the book never ended.

Emotion, adventure and insight into what it is like to be on the forefront of the war on terror. This book offers something for everyone. Broadcast journalist and solider in the US Army, Phil Kiver, gives readers a unique look into life on the ground in Iraq by way of his journal turned book. Phil Kiver shows readers the good and the bad of Iraq, in a far more balanced way than that of the mainstream media. This is history by someone who was there and lived it. A definite read for anyone who is interested in educating themselves on what it means to be a solider fighting for freedom.

This book is a must read for all of us, as it will be a part of history someday. It is a very gripping, insightful, and true story based on the 182 day tour of a soldier, Phil Kiver, who volunteered to serve his country in Iraq. Phil serves as a broadcast journalist for the United States Army, and we follow him on his journey from the day he leaves the United States to the day he returns. Within that 182 days you learn of all the great things that coalition forces are doing to rebuild Iraq and fight terrorism. Phil's words are written from the heart and soul, and are the words of a soldier in war. If you had any doubts about our mission in Iraq, this book will put those doubts to rest, and make you want to put on a uniform and serve your country as bravely and courageously as Phil and others are doing from this country and around the world.