Breathing the Fire: Fighting to Report---And Survive---The War in Iraq [Audiobook, CD, Unabridged] [Audio CD]

Kimberly Dozier (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 27, 2008

CBS News correspondent Kimberly Dozier battled back from critical injuries sustained in a Baghdad bombing, a prominent incident that claimed the lives of her two crew members, an Army officer, and his interpreter. In Breathing the Fire, Dozier offers a personal memoir of tenacity as well as dedication and drama. Through her often painful and inspiring account, readers learn what wounded military personnel-along with their families and friends-endure on the long road to recovery. Dozier also recounts her rise to network broadcasting, shares insights into the culture of war-zone reporting, and describes the unique demands on and perils of women covering dangerous events.Dozier is a fighter. She fought to reach her position as a television reporter for CBS News, placing herself on the streets of Baghdad with a military patrol. And she fought to survive after a parked car erupted with deadly shrapnel, shattering her legs, riddling her skull, and killing several in her group. Her book traces the roots of her inner strength, which continues to propel her against daunting obstacles that most people would perceive as insurmountable. In that respect, this book is an inspiring story for women, demonstrating that their dreams and aspirations are limited only by their own resolve-a story that is perfect for its time.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

On Memorial Day 2007, award-winning CBS foreign correspondent Dozier's life changed forever. She and her crew were covering a routine patrol in Baghdad when they were hit by a car bomb that left four people dead and Dozier with massive injuries to her legs and head. Here, she recounts her struggle to stay alive, her survivor's guilt, and her road to recovery. An engaging and compelling book whose delivery is strengthened by Dozier's experience as a journalist and radio broadcaster; recommended for all public libraries. [Audio clip, author interview, and CBS video footage taken moments after the blast available through www.tantor.com.—Ed.]—Emma Duncan, Brampton Lib., Ont.
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Review

“Dozier's book is a searing, honest look at how one horrible bomb can change so many lives forever. It was hard for me to get through the chapters without having to set it down. Her words put me right back on our own family's journey to heal after Bob's IED injury in Iraq. This is a must-read for not only those who have had a loved one in the war, but for any family who has had to fight through the arduous journey to recover themselves after a life changing event.”



—LEE WOODRUFF, author "In an Instant," the memoir of

ABC News Anchor Bob Woodruff's injury in Iraq



“BREATHING THE FIRE is a harrowing tale of courage, survival, determination, fellowship and the high price of covering a war. Kim Dozier is a master storyteller and one tough journalist. Her family is lucky to have her back - and America is lucky to have her on the front lines of reporting.”

—TOM BROKAW



“Kimberly Dozier's story, from her injury in Iraq on Memorial Day 2006 to her long recovery, is an important reminder of the tremendous sacrifices that our men and women overseas have made and are still making. By writing about her experiences on the battlefield and in recovery alongside our wounded warriors, she provides an inspiring voice for those—both in and out of uniform—who face the same challenges of injury, recovery, and loss. It is a compelling read.”



—GEORGE W. CASEY, Jr., U.S. Army, U.S. Army,

former commander of multinational forces in Iraq



“Kimberly Dozier has mastered the great art of storytelling in her brilliant book about how she survived an I.E.D. attack in Iraq. She writes of her ordeal without self-pity, dissecting and reliving the trials of Job: broken bones, burns, infections, unbearable pain and occasional medical advice that made things worse. What she did to survive is remarkable; her account of it is raw and riveting. You can't put it down.”



—LESLEY STAHL, 60 Minutes



“The bomb blast that Kimberly Dozier survived in 2006 took her out of Iraq but she never stopped being a war correspondent. Here is a rare, personal view—with all the attention to detail a great reporter brings to bear—into an experience shared by thousands of wounded Iraq veterans.”

—DAN RATHER, HD Net

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Tantor Media; Unabridged edition (May 27, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400106451
• ISBN-13: 978-1400106455
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,719,833 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The truth, if you can handle it, June 25, 2008

By 

Kathy (Connecticut) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Breathing the Fire (Hardcover)

I pre-ordered this book because I have known Kim since college. I looked at the pictures but couldn't bring myself to read the book right away. I was afraid I couldn't handle the truth - another one of our college friends had visited Kim during her rehab in Baltimore and had told me how she was doing then, and I was scared of reading the whole story. So, I only picked up the book now, three months later. I figured it was finally time to find out the whole truth.

It was not an easy read. But, as they say, "war is hell." And Kim takes us on her all too real journey and out the other side. She not only shows us how she survived covering the war in Iraq, but also how she navigated a medical system in which some professionals don't always listen to their patients, but also shows us how the best ones do. She exposes a news business in which women journalists are sometimes judged not only by their skills but also on their looks. She reveals her truth, which while not always pretty, is ultimately beautiful. She also admits her fear of failure, something many women of our generation have had to conquer, although perhaps none of us quite so vividly and with the world watching.

Kim's book truly is a tribute to those who were lost that day, those who survived, and all those who help the survivors, including Kim. The truth of this war, indeed of any war, is an ugly one, but this book offers us a glimpse behind the curtain. It is vitally important that we look.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read and a Great Tribute, May 19, 2008

By 

Donald A. Lee - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Breathing the Fire (Hardcover)

Ms. Dozier has written a compelling look behind the scene of modern day war coverage. Her day by day account of her near-death experience and recovery should be mandatory reading for journalism students. The book also stands a wonderful tribute to her slain co-workers.
I really liked this book and would recommend it to all.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling Read by a Veteran Journalist, May 20, 2008

By 

Marilyn Krause - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Breathing the Fire (Hardcover)

Kimberly Dozier has done an outstanding job of telling her story with a perspective that few other journalists could provide. Her tenacity and her will to survive and regain her health, along with her desire to honor her crew and the military men who did not make for an unforgettable read.