182 Days in Iraq

This is an outstanding book in its honesty, humor, and style! I had the pleasure and good fortune to serve with the author in Iraq during his combat tour. As a US Marine colonel, it was fascinating and refreshing to see Phil Kiver doing all America asked of him and more. This did not always fit in well with the US Army bureaucracy, but thank God we have Warriors like this who make good things happen. Kiver's initiative, skill, sense of humor, and determination to do what was right in furthering the American cause for a better Iraq vs simply being "PC" by Army standards and playing it safe, is to be highly commended! His book is a must read for Americans really wanting to know what duty is like in and around Baghdad. From the senior Army HQ down to the USMC squad level in Fallujah, Kiver is refreshingly honest. He calls 'em as he see's 'em and the reader will appreciate this. This Soldier can think and write, doing a tremendous job describing a complex situation in a clear, fresh, and rewarding manner. Some in his chain of command were obviously intimidated by his brain, energy, determination, and outspoken style, but shame on them. As WWII US Army legend, Gen George S. Patton, once said: "If everyone is thinking alike, then no one is thinking." Kiver would have made a great Marine, for we tend to protect our "unique" types who think out of the box and may be a bit excentric! Enjoy this book and know that the author is in my opinion, one of the best representatives of a new "Greatest Generation." A special thanks for him going the extra mile to risk a dangerous visit to Fallujah, where on the eve of battle in November 2004, he took time to personally interview dozens of US Marines about to go into harm's way. I will always be indepted to him for covering this unique combat engineer story surrounding Israeli D-9 armored dozers. God Bless the United States Army for doing the "heavy lifting" in Iraq (ie: 70% of the casualties). As a US Marine, I was proud to serve alongside my Army brothers for two combat tours. Hang in there Kiver and whatever you do, KEEP WRITING and being yourself! "Semper Fi", Col Michael C. Howard, US Marines, I MACE G-3 Engineer Camp Pendleton, California (Home: Portland, Oregon)

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

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."

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.