Marine Sniper: 93 Confirmed Kills by Charles Henderson, E. J. Land (Foreword by)

Best book about war I have ever read.by Anonymous

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June 07, 2009: Drenched in sweat, soaked from head to toe, and struck with the visions of bullets flying by your face hitting your army buddies and closest friends- just some of the highlights this story tells about being at war. War is a horrible thing, and Charles Henderson tells the story of one brave Marine Sniper that was so dedicated to serving his country, that he now holds the record for the most confirmed kills during wartime. It is a heart-warming, true story about the main character, Carlos Hathcock, and his struggle to compete in war everyday and how he manages to keep his family. In Marine Sniper, Charles Henderson immediately starts off the book with a battle from the Vietnam War. Sergeant Hathcock is shown to be in position ready to snipe the enemy, the Viet Cong, or VC.

Henderson tries to get the reader to understand that you can accomplish anything if you work towards it. He says that dreams can come true if you just believe and stay dedicated to them. The main character, Carlos Hathcock, always dreamed of fighting for his country. He worked hard at it everyday until he finally accomplished his goal. Carlos not only went on to fight for his country, but he also became the best Marine Sniper, and he currently holds the record for most kills at 93. Henderson also tries to get the point across to the reader that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel- at the end of a bad event, something good will always happen. In the story, Sergeant Hathcock spends endless days training to become a Marine Sniper; that he hardly has time to go home and spend time with his wife, Jo. He rarely went home during boot camp; he was never home when he started his eight month tour of duty. His wife was able to overcome the stress of thinking he could die at any moment, and they overcame a near divorce to have a beautiful son, Carlos Norman Hathcock III, named after his father and grandfather.

The true story makes the reader feel as if they were there when Hathcock completed his tour of duty with 93 confirmed kills. The plot line makes the war come to life for the reader to interact better with the book. The story is based on an interview done with Hathcock. Henderson interviews Hathcock, and then he tells the story based on what Hathcock told him. I like the idea that it is a true story basically told by Hathcock himself- the greatest Marine Sniper in history. From reading about his adventures in war, I learned about what struggles soldiers go through everyday when they are fighting, and I learned really how hard it is mentally and physically to train to fight for your country- and to stay alive.

After reading Marine Sniper, I now have a different view on war books, I now think I can enjoy them. I always found it boring to read a whole book on different battles, until now. I actually found this book to be mostly exciting and very interesting. I never thought I would be reading a nonfiction war book, until I had to do so for a book report. I can definitely say I am happy that I was forced to find this book. I believe any teenager will like Marine Sniper, and they will be able to interact with the story being told as I did. You will not be disappointed with it, I bet you will even recommend it to another person after you read it. It is a wonderful, true story- even if it is about war.

Great Bookby Anonymous

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April 13, 2009: it's hard to put down. A lot of great combat stories.