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Notes from Afghanistan
Notes from Steven Specht's experience teaching Afghans in a year-long deployment as a contractor. As well as letters and essays sent home over that time.
ebook
First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 17, 2023
Real life
Reasonably well written story with lots of interesting anecdotes from real life. Definitely the adventure and an interesting little peek into his world, but some of it was overly graphic. For instance… I didn’t need to see the photograph of the dead llama bleeding out.
Reasonably well written story with lots of interesting anecdotes from real life. Definitely the adventure and an interesting little peek into his world, but some of it was overly graphic. For instance… I didn’t need to see the photograph of the dead llama bleeding out.
June 18, 2023
Great Insight
"Notes from Afghanistan" by Steven Specht offers a refreshing and honest account of the war-torn country from a non-newsy and non-military perspective. Specht's writing style is straightforward and devoid of unnecessary embellishments, allowing the raw truth of the situation to shine through. What sets this book apart is its focus on highlighting the reality of war in Afghanistan, providing a unique and authentic understanding. The inclusion of various stories adds depth to both the conflict and the locations, making it a captivating read that sheds light on the untold narratives of the Afghan people.
Overall, "Notes from Afghanistan" offers a compelling and insightful glimpse into the harsh realities of war. It is a book that stands out for its dedication to truth and its ability to present a fresh perspective on a much-discussed subject. Whether you are interested in understanding the intricacies of the conflict or seeking a unique portrayal of Afghanistan, this book is highly recommended for its genuine and thought-provoking accounts.
"Notes from Afghanistan" by Steven Specht offers a refreshing and honest account of the war-torn country from a non-newsy and non-military perspective. Specht's writing style is straightforward and devoid of unnecessary embellishments, allowing the raw truth of the situation to shine through. What sets this book apart is its focus on highlighting the reality of war in Afghanistan, providing a unique and authentic understanding. The inclusion of various stories adds depth to both the conflict and the locations, making it a captivating read that sheds light on the untold narratives of the Afghan people.
Overall, "Notes from Afghanistan" offers a compelling and insightful glimpse into the harsh realities of war. It is a book that stands out for its dedication to truth and its ability to present a fresh perspective on a much-discussed subject. Whether you are interested in understanding the intricacies of the conflict or seeking a unique portrayal of Afghanistan, this book is highly recommended for its genuine and thought-provoking accounts.
July 22, 2023
A must read for schools, universities, and future historians.
In a very up, close, and personal journalism that reminded me of Hunter Thompson in Hell's Angels (when he was still about the journalism), Steven Specht takes us for a year in Afghanistan, at the heart of what the Americans did to fight the Taliban and help the new Afghan government.
It is a very touching tale of a teacher making a difference, bringing his own stone to a huge building, cherishing every success in his students, and getting his heart broken over every defeat.
It is also hilarious, and I had to frequently stop reading because my hernia did not agree with my unbridled laughter. As Specht would put it, "oh well".
A great read, that made me look back at that period in History with fresh eyes, and a new way to analyse the present.
In a very up, close, and personal journalism that reminded me of Hunter Thompson in Hell's Angels (when he was still about the journalism), Steven Specht takes us for a year in Afghanistan, at the heart of what the Americans did to fight the Taliban and help the new Afghan government.
It is a very touching tale of a teacher making a difference, bringing his own stone to a huge building, cherishing every success in his students, and getting his heart broken over every defeat.
It is also hilarious, and I had to frequently stop reading because my hernia did not agree with my unbridled laughter. As Specht would put it, "oh well".
A great read, that made me look back at that period in History with fresh eyes, and a new way to analyse the present.
June 11, 2023
Eye-Opening
Memoirs are not usually the genre I prefer to read. That being said, I feel this one was eye-opening in the sense that the author provided detailed accounts of his experiences, both positive and negative, and admits that those experiences changed his mindset. The storytelling is honest and direct, without a lot of exposition or sugar- coating. I won’t say that I enjoyed reading this book, but I definitely learned a few things.
Memoirs are not usually the genre I prefer to read. That being said, I feel this one was eye-opening in the sense that the author provided detailed accounts of his experiences, both positive and negative, and admits that those experiences changed his mindset. The storytelling is honest and direct, without a lot of exposition or sugar- coating. I won’t say that I enjoyed reading this book, but I definitely learned a few things.
February 11, 2013
Great read into the mindset and overall goings on in Afghanistan. Great for anyone interested in seeing a no-nonsense honest view of the war and the people of Afghanistan.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews