Faith in the Fog of War: Let us Die to Make Men Free

I've read both volume I & II of Faith in the Fog of War ... Both are great books .... realistic reads. I've read all the OIF / OEF books and there is not one better for the military knowledged and those interested in realistic soldiering. Capt Plekenpol has a tremendous depth of understanding of where he was and who he is.

Please check my review of the first book for more on his writing style, but even though I am still in the middle of this book, I have to say it is a wonderful continuation of the first! The stories feel a little deeper and the messages follow suit. His personal style and narrative still take you with him to not only the stories, but to the consequences and in the moment decisions, involving you in the truth of his spiritual messages before he even states them. The situations are all real and I think that challenges me to look for lessons in my own life as he does here. I loved the first book because it seemed to be able to fall on both sides of the fence - to those already deep in a spiritual walk, and those (especially military & more masculine) who may be curious about faith, but more likely to pick up a book covering war/humor. This one goes a step further dealing with some of the more challenging issues of truly living a Christian life day to day. God has been figuratively underline passages for me, raising questions and pushing points that even-or maybe especially- veteran Christians take for granted, without really considering. With evangelism, pride, loving those different than ourselves, etc (I'm still only halfway through :)) he challenges you here, but after first letting you into his personal life in a big way. Since he steps on his own toes first, you have to like him even when he steps on yours. Ladies especially if you think 'war' books aren't for you, Plekenpol makes both of these books personal enough to make it appealing even if the setting may not be your first choice. Military or not I highly recommend!

After finishing Cpt. Plekenpol's first book, I immediately picked up the second, and was instantly captured again by his stories of war and God. This sequel has more intense stories of his time in Iraq, which makes it a real page turner. The applications from the stories will meet you where you are, and encourage you to keep fighting through whatever life is throwng at you! I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to get a firsthand account of what Iraq is REALLY like, or who needs some inspiration in their day to day life.

Once again Capt. Chistopher Plekenpol reaches down deep to stir your heart with more stories from war with Christ at the center. Writing with the ability to bring you face to face with the battles in your own life, Chris challenges you to look closely at your faith. Through the stories of life in war and the opportunity for personal reflection, you can't help but be changed.