What Was Asked of Us: An Oral History of the Iraq War by the Soldiers Who Fought It

As a Veteran I felt obligated to see what our troops were experiencing in Iraq. Every chapter was the experience of a survivor, whether they came out of it intact or in pieces, who told about their buddies who didn't make it. These are the men and women who went to war believing in the weapons of mass destruction, but quickly discovered there weren't any. How on their first tour in the sand they were liked by the Iraqis, but by the time their second tour rolled around they were hated. How promises were made by others that the troops couldn't keep, which disappointed the Iraqi people even more. There was the little girl's shoe. Unfortunately her foot was still in it and the rest of her was nowhere to be seen after the explosion. A common thread that ran through most of the chapters was a request for honesty as to why they were actually sent. Some said it was all over oil, but they just want honesty from the United States government. There was little or no political correctness and I believe the Chaplain was the only one who didn't curse. I've already loaned out my copy. It should be on the best seller lists. For those who believe placing a stupid yellow ribbon on their SUV is sufficient sacrifice, GUESS AGAIN!

As a Marine, i am constantly asked what i think of the Iraq war and what my friends who are there now think. I never truly answer that question. Anyone who has never been in war should read this book before making an opinion on what is happening in Iraq. Family members of our warriors who are going there, are there, or have been there, should read this book to gain an understanding of what their loved ones are suffering. To fellow warriors who have been there, read this book, but handle with extreme care. Semper Fi

It is the story of the war in Iraq, out of the mouths of the people who have been there fighting it. It has no political agenda, just the words of soldiers and marines who have done one or more tours of duty there. After reading it, I wondered even more "why are we there?" It is sometimes gruesome, often sad, but it is, more than anything, a real look at what's happening over there. Most of the people interviewed have no illusions - only one actually believes there was a connection between Saddam Hussein and 9/11, although I believe 30 or more were interviewed. It is an interesting, albeit upsetting read - one can't help but wonder how these soldiers, many of them kids, really, are going to recover mentally from what they have had to do in Iraq, just to stay alive. It is also a story of "brothers" wanting to fight for their "brothers". A few recognized the fact that there was going to be a civil war no matter what they did, and felt that our presence there was futile. They are professional military, and they are doing their jobs, but feel the people in Washington have no idea what is going on on the ground there, and pay no attention to what is really needed. My heart breaks for the men interviewed, as well as for their fallen comrades, and the innocent Iraqi's that died. The book doesn't leave you with much hope for the war itself, but it does tell you a lot about the young men and women who are fighting it, and fighting to keep their humanity, too. It is a book everyone should read, particularly those who support the war, in my opinion. Although it is difficult to read at times, at least for people like me, who don't have particularly strong stomachs, it is also necessary - we are the ones who allowed them to be sent there. I think it is important that we know exactly what we sent them into.

In "What was Asked of Us," Trish Wood has captured the true nature of war. The challenges of combat requires a team effort, but each individual's experience is very personal. The personal experiences of the 29 soldiers and Marines who share their stories with Trish takes her readers onto the battlefield and into the fight. It is "a must read" for those who have been there and for those who have not.

The book reveals once more the power of stories. No matter how many hours of cable news, talking heads, and political speeches you may have seen, or commentaries you may have read, when it comes down to it, it's the men and women who were there who can tell us the most. Trish has done an outstanding job compiling one of the first oral histories of the Iraq War. I can not overstate the importance of this book. In reading it, no American can take another breath without feeling a debt of gratitude and a sense of responsibility for what we have asked (and continue to ask) of today's military in Iraq and Afghanistan.