Customer Reviews

Breathing the Fire: Fighting to Report---And Survive---The War in Iraq

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I read this book thinking, "I am not sure if I can relate to this". War stories are not my reading genre of choice. But, I had met Kim over the phone one day and so received an e-mail from her letting me and all her address book addressees that her book had been published. So, I ordered one from Amazon not quite knowing what to expect. This book is so NOT a war story. It is the courageous story of a woman with a goal who achieved that goal, a goal which led her into combat where a life-changing event changed her life forever, as well as so many other lives. I was drawn in the moment I started reading. Kim's writing is clear, concise, factual, with just the right amount of emotion and personality. She lets people in to her very personal yet very public experience without a hint of self pity or any reference to a "poor me" attitude. The book is an inspiring one about a woman of intelligence, bravery, dedication, and love who dared to follow her dream, went through a nightmare, and is today a source of strength to people chasing a dream or living with their own struggle.

What comes through in BREATHING THE FIRE is Dozier's skill as a storyteller. She is a reporter through and through, even when relaying her own story. Without fail she delivers the telling detail. Her story of injury, recovery, loss, and ultimately hope needs no embellishment and she gives it none. A frank, compelling, and inspiring read from a courageous and insightful individual.

This is a magnificent, uplifting story by a woman of indomitable courage. Pick up "Breathing the Fire," and you won't set it down until you've finished it.

First off, full disclosure. I have met Kimberly, and we have exchanged emails. I respect her as a journalist, and now as an author.

Her book is a quick read, but not always a pleasant one. In her brisk style honed as a broadcast writer conveys a candid and authoritative narrative. I found three themes of particular interest.

Her description of military medical practices is fascinating. She gives a detailed yet comprehensible explanation of the life-saving methods practiced by corpsmen and medics on the battlefield. Procedures immediately after the explosion are clearly spelled out, and I think that has to be a comfort to anyone who has a friend or relative in harm's way.

She also tells us about the long and agonizing rehabilitation process from start to finish. Too often we only hear about the tragic incident and then the outcome, whether it's happy or bittersweet. The gut-wrenching middle gets left out or short-changed. But Kimberly clarifies the recovery process without being maudlin or grotesque. This book is highly recommended for anyone facing long recovery from serious injury (and for their family and friends).

Kimberly's decision regarding the choice of psychotropic drugs versus counseling is instructive and can be a guide to others in similar situations. She recognized, or perhaps just sensed, that she did not need drugs. Of the three states of mental health problems -- stress, distress and disorder - she was battling the first two, but not the third.

Her counseling references also are in stark contrast to the situation for many active military personnel. DOD recognizes other mental health professions for independent insurance reimbursement, but not certified counselors. This is a disturbing disincentive, particularly at a time when the shortage of mental health care services for military personnel and their families is well documented. Maybe her book will prod (or shame) the military establishment into making counselors more readily available to service personnel and their families.

Her editors let her down in a few places (dropped words, redundant passages), but otherwise "Breathing the Fire" is a good story told well, with interesting information and revelations for just about any reader.

This book was phenomenal, the details are so true to what patients go through when they sustain the injuries that Kimberly did. The way she talked about how you know some MDs truly care about you as a Patient and some don't just by their bedside manner made me laugh, you just know when you look into their eyes. I had the pleasure to have Kim as my patient while she was at on 5-East, so I got to see first hand what she had to overcome. Even with that said this book brought me to tears when she talked what she had to battle in her head, things your corpsman can't touch. She is an amazing women and I have gained an even high respect for her after reading this. I would recommend it for any military health care professional.

Kim Dozier is one tough woman. What is powerful about this book is Dozier's willingness to tell it all. I had the pleasure of being with Kim on May 15th 2008 when she received a major award from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society--richly deserved.

I read Kimberly's book in two sittings - obviously it was hard to put down. Kimberly's story is one of strength, tenacity, and compassion. I recommended this book to my university journalism students and highly recommend it to anyone else interested in the very human side of this tragic war.