Service
A Navy SEAL at War
Marcus Luttrell
Read by Kevin T. Collins, Colleen Werthmann, James D. Hornfischer

Hachette Audio
May 22, 2012/ ISBN 1611134161
Biography / History / Military / Audiobook – Unabridged
Amazon

Reviewed by Brenda Weeaks

"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him."-- GK Chesterton

Service is about Marcus but he also includes his twin Morgan’s experiences with the SEALS. The audio begins with Morgan in the hospital. He is normally pain resistant, but due to critical back and pelvic injuries, he’s unable to move. Marcus and other mates move cots in and care for him. They eventually rescue Morgan from the hospital (Operation: Homebound). These two seem to be driven by loyalty, hero mentality, and high pain tolerance. It’s amazing and rare… The two eventually end up on the same team.

Marcus takes readers/listeners into the ‘core’ of his world, and it all begins with training in Coronado, California. In listening to some of their training programs, it sounds like fighting and crashing in new vehicles was the real highlight. Marcus takes us from training to active Ops with his “Brothers in Arms.” He speaks proudly about all of them. Marcus writes about his new SEAL team after Afghanistan (Lone Survivor) and teaming with Morgan. He also takes us through six months of urban combat in Ramadi, Iraq. Marcus shares how his father taught him and Morgan how to fight. They were trained to get up and hit back. This may explain his favorite movie and book -- Boondock Saints (Irish brothers fighting Russian mobsters) and Count of Monte Christo (a story of revenge).

By the end of the book/audio we know these SEALS are ONE. We witness their camaraderie; how they grieve inwardly and promise to ‘go forward’ in honor of their fallen. You will experience Marcus’ loyalty and respect for his Nation. If you believe in personal integrity and country and/or lived a military life, this story will resonate within you. It certainly brought back memories of my father’s 30 years in the Navy - standing on the dock, the sound and smell of the ship and surroundings, and the collective, reverent silence of so many loved ones as they said good-bye.

Marcus is a unique voice for the Military. He expresses himself in a way we Americans identify with. The audio version is narrated by Kevin T. Collins, Colleen Werthmann, and James D. Hornfischer. All I could say at the end was “Wow”….. “Service” is a must-listen.

Reviews of other titles by this author

Lone Survivor
Service [audio] [book]