Band of Sisters: American Women at War in Iraq

by Kirsten Holmstedt

Book Overview

Now available in paperbackWinner of the 2007 American Authors Association Golden Quill AwardWinner of the 2007 Military Writers Society of America Founder's Award

In Iraq, the front lines are everywhere - and everywhere in Iraq, no matter what their job descriptions say, women in the U.S. military are fighting--more than 155,000 of them. A critical and commercial success in hardcover, Band of Sisters presents a dozen groundbreaking and often...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0811735664
• ISBN13: 9780811735667
• Release Date: August 2008
• Publisher: Stackpole Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.21 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.4" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

A Future Military Classic - Destined for the greatness!

The non-fiction book "Band of Sisters: American Women at War in Iraq" is truly an amazing chronicle that finally gives us access to a more complete history of the Iraq War. Gripping testimonies from our women warriors. This powerful account of women on the battlefield gives us a different understanding of what comradeship is all about! This could very well be about your sister, wife, mother, daughter or your girlfriend. She is out there risking her life and soul as part of our new military force. "What price freedom?" The experiences of these women give us a totally different and profound look at that question. This book is destined to become a military classic! There is power in these stories that must be shared. The American Authors Association gives this book its highest book rating of FIVE STARS and its recommendation as a must read book! War has no gender and neither does courage or death. This book explores the role of women warriors on the battlefields in Iraq. It also explores the meaning of what comradeship is all about. It is an amazing tale of sisters, mothers, daughters and women of all backgrounds who risked life and soul to fight alongside their brothers. A must read! Bombs and bullets are equal opportunity killers--it makes no distinction to what gender the warrior is. Our military women in Iraq chronicle a story that needed to be told. Our nation needs to listen and acknowledge what they have done and continue doing. They are a sisterhood of warriors like no nation has ever known the likes of! It is a tale of terror, courage, fear, loyalty, and survival. A must read book by all Americans!

Everyone should buy a copy of this book and READ it!

As the wife of a former Marine, I am aware of the sacrifices that all military personnel make on a daily basis. However, after reading this book I can truly say that I am blown away at the commitment, dedication and determination that these women posses. The author presents each story in a clean, precise way making it easy to feel an emotional connection to each woman profiled. Each individual story is thoughtfully organized, and presented in a way that makes the reader feel like these are our neighbors, friends and relatives. I am truly thankful that the author took the time to seek out these women and tell their stories so that we as civilians can realize what it's like to walk a mile in their combat boots. I highly recommend this book and know you will not be disappointed after reading it!

To whom much is given, much is required.

Never before has the pharase 'to whom much is given, much is required', been more appropriately described as it has been in this book. The female warriors chosen, no doubt from among many who could equally have been selected, have shown that as leaders they had vision, were able to communicate that vision, and could execute it under extremely difficult and often in the most dangerous and desperate situations. This book shows in graphic literary detail the strengths and courage of all military personnel, especially female, who clearly believe that when put together in a combat situation they owe each other maximum loyalty. The courage of a De Caprio, the compassion of a Salinas, the leadership of a Mayo and all of the others makes this book a long overdue recognition of the modern military female warrior. The author has brought together the true strengths of women who more than men suffer and overcome discomforts by simple adaption (such as the lack of privations and hygiene) as well as having to demonstrate their courage, and they did this without whinging, bitching or whining. These are truly remarkable military personnel and this book demonstrates this. But most importantly the author has done it in a sound, descriptive, explanatory way. Neither she or the individuals interviewed use their service as a sopabox. It is simply as it is. A truly worthy book.

Band of Sisters: Great Book

This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. My perspective of women in the militry has been broadened. No matter what your political bent is, this book is a must read. It is so not political; therefore, anyone can appreciate the way this book has been written. I certainly have been moved by the true stories of these military women. I've always respected those in the military, I now have a greater respect for the women as well as the men of our military. What sacrifices they make so the we can remain a free nation. I love these people, and I love the book.

Band of Sisters...women at war

"If you fail to try, you have already failed". Wow, powerful stuff. Yet, this attitude infused the individuals portrayed in this "book about women at war". A number of them chose military positions fraught with the need to prove oneself to male counterparts. The women remained women throughout. It was not necessary to mentally change gender. Each accepted that she had to overcome stereotyping by the "boys' locker room mentality." Rewardingly, each prove up to the task given her. Each earned the honor bestowed upon her as a military individual dedicated to her country. They deserve our praise and gratitude.