Band of Sisters: American Women at War in Iraq (Nonprofit Handbook: Everything) [Paperback]

Kirsten Holmstedt (Author)

Book Description

Series: Nonprofit Handbook: Everything | Publication Date: September 5, 2008

* Winner of the 2007 American Authors Association Golden Quill Award

* Winner of the 2007 Military Writers Society of America Founders Award

In Iraq, the front lines are everywhere . . . and everywhere in Iraq, no matter what their job descriptions say, women in the U.S. military are fighting--more than 155,000 of them. A critical and commercial success in hardcover, Band of Sisters presents a dozen groundbreaking and often heart-wrenching stories of American women in combat in Iraq, such as the U.S.s first female pilot to be shot down and survive, the militarys first black female pilot in combat, a young turret gunner defending convoys, and a nurse struggling to save lives, including her own.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Holmstedt started studying the experience of women marines when she lived near Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Her research became a master's thesis in creative writing and the most up-to-date discussion of women in the current war. Unblushingly in favor of women in combat, she doesn't whitewash their experiences or exaggerate their achievements. Their male colleagues aren't universally accepting, but many of them admit that the women are performing effectively; since 20 percent of the troops currently in Iraq are women, they must. Following the tradition of American soldiers before them, they say that they are "just doing the job." That is, they are flying F-18s into enemy ground fire, driving Hummers and trucks that may be ambushed at any moment, and playing invaluable roles in intelligence operations and in the nation building that is one of the more positive aspects of a seemingly interminable and frustrating conflict. Nearly 500 female soldiers have been killed or wounded in Iraq. Invaluable as well as readable. Green, Roland --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"An extremely well-written book., Highly recommended!" RNSA Summer 2008 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Stackpole Books (September 5, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811735664
• ISBN-13: 978-0811735667
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #263,154 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Band of Sisters...women at war, July 25, 2007

By 

Joseph Fabel "Papajoe" (Elk Grove, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Band of Sisters: American Women at War in Iraq (Hardcover)

"If you fail to try, you have already failed". Wow, powerful stuff. Yet, this attitude infused the individuals portrayed in this "book about women at war". A number of them chose military positions fraught with the need to prove oneself to male counterparts. The women remained women throughout. It was not necessary to mentally change gender. Each accepted that she had to overcome stereotyping by the "boys' locker room mentality." Rewardingly, each prove up to the task given her. Each earned the honor bestowed upon her as a military individual dedicated to her country. They deserve our praise and gratitude.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone should buy a copy of this book and READ it!, August 23, 2007

By 

E.M.D. (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Band of Sisters: American Women at War in Iraq (Hardcover)

As the wife of a former Marine, I am aware of the sacrifices that all military personnel make on a daily basis. However, after reading this book I can truly say that I am blown away at the commitment, dedication and determination that these women posses. The author presents each story in a clean, precise way making it easy to feel an emotional connection to each woman profiled. Each individual story is thoughtfully organized, and presented in a way that makes the reader feel like these are our neighbors, friends and relatives. I am truly thankful that the author took the time to seek out these women and tell their stories so that we as civilians can realize what it's like to walk a mile in their combat boots. I highly recommend this book and know you will not be disappointed after reading it!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars To whom much is given, much is required., August 8, 2007

By 

Neil E. Bevis (Perth Western Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Band of Sisters: American Women at War in Iraq (Hardcover)

Never before has the pharase 'to whom much is given, much is required', been more appropriately described as it has been in this book. The female warriors chosen, no doubt from among many who could equally have been selected, have shown that as leaders they had vision, were able to communicate that vision, and could execute it under extremely difficult and often in the most dangerous and desperate situations. This book shows in graphic literary detail the strengths and courage of all military personnel, especially female, who clearly believe that when put together in a combat situation they owe each other maximum loyalty. The courage of a De Caprio, the compassion of a Salinas, the leadership of a Mayo and all of the others makes this book a long overdue recognition of the modern military female warrior. The author has brought together the true strengths of women who more than men suffer and overcome discomforts by simple adaption (such as the lack of privations and hygiene) as well as having to demonstrate their courage, and they did this without whinging, bitching or whining. These are truly remarkable military personnel and this book demonstrates this. But most importantly the author has done it in a sound, descriptive, explanatory way. Neither she or the individuals interviewed use their service as a sopabox. It is simply as it is. A truly worthy book.