Escape in Iraq: The Thomas Hamill Story

(A rewrite of review below due to mistake in stars rating) I met Tommy & Paul at a book signing in Mississippi. Thomas Hamill is a very humble man. Thanks Paul for writing a book that us "common folk" can enjoy...without having to wade through the "elites" vocabulary overkill. Like almost everyone, I knew the story...even it's ending...yet I didn't want to lay it down. I didn't tire of hearing the detailed accounts of Tommy's day to day (all 24 of them) events while captive because it caused me to feel like I was right there in the rooms and vehicles with him. His almost comical way of naming his captors based on their personalites made each charater involved more vivid. It is an inspiring story of faith in God and how "waiting" on God's "timing" is so vital...something we all need a lesson in. When I've watched other hostages aired on TV, pleading and crying as they begged for someone to rescue them, I felt so sad, because unlike Tommy, they had no peace...only torment and fear. Read how Tommy's faith in God not only carried him from day to day...but from minute to minute through what he referred to as..."the valley of the shadow of death".

WOW! This is the most inspiring story I have ever read. I literally could not stop reading. I felt as if I was there in those shacks with Mr. Hamill. The manner in which he dealt with his captivity is amazing and moving. "Escape in Iraq" is currently #26 on the New York Times bestseller list. It should be number one. This story is refreshingly uplifting and should give hope to all who read it. Dealing with my daily problems, which now seem miniscule, just became easier. I hope he sells 10 million. I can't wait for the movie that MUST be produced!

A well-written story about an ordinary guy caught up in an extraordinary situation. The book was hard to put down! Recommended reading for everyone! Would make a great movie.

I wish I knew more about what was going on in Iraq. Most of what I learn comes from either the news media (most of which are of the 'if it bleeds it leads' variety aiming at only a few seconds of sensationalism.) or the political candidates who are both mostly saying that the other doesn't know what he is doing. This book is about a man who was kidnapped by Iraqi fighters and held for almost a month. I was most interested in the way he was treated by his captors. And on the whole it wasn't too bad. They were not evil personified as one might have expected from the beheadings performed by others. In fact, they treated his wounded arm with surgery and antibiotics. His captors were not exactly friendly, they certainly didn't turn him loose, but nor were they unduly hostile. This book is about a particular incident in a nasty situation, but most important the book is about the people involved. Both Mr. Hamill, and his captors are no longer the cardboard figures you see on TV. They are all real people. It's great to get such an in depth view.

Thomas Hamill was an ordinary farmer who was searching for a way to serve his country and help his family financially. His story of the capture and escape was riveting. His courage and faith is a true inspiration to all. The book was easy to read and very hard to put down. Highly recommended to all- regardless of political persuasion.