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Kidnapped by the Taliban: A Story of Terror, Hope, and Rescue by SEAL Team Six
Back Cover Copy:
“Am I About to Die?”
On December 5, 2012, American medical doctor Dilip Joseph and two colleagues are driving back to Kabul, Afghanistan, after serving villagers that morning at a rural clinic. Suddenly a man waving an AK-47 blocks their path. More armed men jump out of hiding. For Dilip, it is the beginning of a nightmare—he’s being kidnapped by the Taliban.
Dilip and his friends endure a nine-hour march into the mountains, gruesome images of torture and death, and repeated threats of execution. Four days later Dilip is freed in a daring and deadly rescue that claims the life of a SEAL Team Six operator. Yet this is more than a story of desperation, survival, and loss. It is also a tale of surprising connection, compassion, and inspiration. As Dilip begins to view the Taliban not as monsters but as men, both he and his captors are challenged to reexamine everything that matters: courage, sacrifice, hope, and faith.
Flap Copy:
With a jerk of his rifle, the leader points up the mountain on the left. There is no path. I look higher and see more armed men at the top of a hill about two hundred feet above us.
Apprehension surges up in me like black oil from a well. These aren’t ordinary robbers. This is too systematic.
I’ve been kidnapped by the Taliban.
As we walk, I fear the worst—that when we reach the top, they will shoot us. God, however this is going to end, please don’t let them torture me to death. Let it be one shot and done.
It is amazing how quickly everything we take for granted can be ripped away. In the space of a few minutes, I have lost all control of my life. All I can do is take a step, draw a breath, and hope I will be given the chance for another.
Step.
Breathe.
Hope.
Kidnapped by the Taliban is a story of both terror and triumph. After reading this dramatic and inspiring account, you will never view Afghanistan or the Taliban in the same way again.
“Am I About to Die?”
On December 5, 2012, American medical doctor Dilip Joseph and two colleagues are driving back to Kabul, Afghanistan, after serving villagers that morning at a rural clinic. Suddenly a man waving an AK-47 blocks their path. More armed men jump out of hiding. For Dilip, it is the beginning of a nightmare—he’s being kidnapped by the Taliban.
Dilip and his friends endure a nine-hour march into the mountains, gruesome images of torture and death, and repeated threats of execution. Four days later Dilip is freed in a daring and deadly rescue that claims the life of a SEAL Team Six operator. Yet this is more than a story of desperation, survival, and loss. It is also a tale of surprising connection, compassion, and inspiration. As Dilip begins to view the Taliban not as monsters but as men, both he and his captors are challenged to reexamine everything that matters: courage, sacrifice, hope, and faith.
Flap Copy:
With a jerk of his rifle, the leader points up the mountain on the left. There is no path. I look higher and see more armed men at the top of a hill about two hundred feet above us.
Apprehension surges up in me like black oil from a well. These aren’t ordinary robbers. This is too systematic.
I’ve been kidnapped by the Taliban.
As we walk, I fear the worst—that when we reach the top, they will shoot us. God, however this is going to end, please don’t let them torture me to death. Let it be one shot and done.
It is amazing how quickly everything we take for granted can be ripped away. In the space of a few minutes, I have lost all control of my life. All I can do is take a step, draw a breath, and hope I will be given the chance for another.
Step.
Breathe.
Hope.
Kidnapped by the Taliban is a story of both terror and triumph. After reading this dramatic and inspiring account, you will never view Afghanistan or the Taliban in the same way again.
202 pages, Hardcover
First published October 7, 2014
37 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 27, 2014
There are a number of problems with this mawkish portrayal of a Taliban kidnapping.
Most troublesome is the cost of life, only made worse by the author’s empty-headed perspective. In liberating the author from his captors, America lost a hero in 28-year old decorated Navy Seal Nicholas Checque, who was ruthlessly gunned down by Taliban thugs in the rescue effort.
Certainly such a fact would weigh on the conscience of the author, right?
The author’s callous response is troubling. After a skin-deep memorialization of the heroic seals, the author’s true intent shines through.
First, one would expect that after putting his countrymen in grave danger, leading to the death of a hero, the author would heed all advice. Right? Certainly, he would not return to treacherous lands against the counsel of the military? Yet, even after being pressed by Navy Seals not to return to Afghanistan (literally being told they will kill him if he does return), the bobble-headed author announces plans to return to Afghanistan. What’s more, the author actually admits to having attempted to return to Afghanistan in March 2014! Thankfully, he was thwarted, but only by the corruption of the Afghan government in losing his passport.
And boy, you really have to feel for the family of Nick Checque. The young man gave his life for this dense author, only to have the author attempt to turn around and proceed heartlessly back to the region. Makes me wonder how the author might feel if one of his five children were killed due to the carelessness of a fellow do-gooder.
Unable to return, the author does the next best thing: profits from his bone-headed kidnapping through the release of this book. Gee, wonder if any of the proceeds are going to the slain Navy Seal's family? There’s something that leaves the reader feeling ill knowing that the author will make a pretty penny off this, while the family of his savior, Nick Checque, will suffer.
The content of the book is just as disgraceful. Poorly written, overly sentimental, and surprisingly tepid given the subject matter. The book is replete with hackneyed descriptions and awash with superlatives at every bend. Each character is so unbelievable to the author, yet as exciting as this morning’s toast to the reader. Quite overdone.
Worse yet, we come to the Taliban captors. The author is hokey to the point of insulting. With overplayed surprise, the author delivers to the reader a universal truth: bad people are not all bad; and good people are not all good. The pious nun occasionally slips a cigarette, and a lowlife Taliban captor occasionally shows compassion to the infidel. To most, it’s common knowledge. But to the author, it’s earth-shattering. He sickeningly goes on in this direction— Perhaps the Taliban are not such bad guys after all? Perhaps it’s just how they were raised? Perhaps we could communicate with them to effectuate positive change?
It would be too much even if we didn’t know the cost. And knowing the cost, it’s disgusting.
My recommendation is save your money and donate to the Wounded Warriors Project or something of more value. If the author decides to make a return trip to Afghanistan, let's allow him to test his theories and rely on the "compassion" of the Taliban this time around, instead of placing the lives of our heroic young American servicemen in jeopardy.
Zero Stars.
Most troublesome is the cost of life, only made worse by the author’s empty-headed perspective. In liberating the author from his captors, America lost a hero in 28-year old decorated Navy Seal Nicholas Checque, who was ruthlessly gunned down by Taliban thugs in the rescue effort.
Certainly such a fact would weigh on the conscience of the author, right?
The author’s callous response is troubling. After a skin-deep memorialization of the heroic seals, the author’s true intent shines through.
First, one would expect that after putting his countrymen in grave danger, leading to the death of a hero, the author would heed all advice. Right? Certainly, he would not return to treacherous lands against the counsel of the military? Yet, even after being pressed by Navy Seals not to return to Afghanistan (literally being told they will kill him if he does return), the bobble-headed author announces plans to return to Afghanistan. What’s more, the author actually admits to having attempted to return to Afghanistan in March 2014! Thankfully, he was thwarted, but only by the corruption of the Afghan government in losing his passport.
And boy, you really have to feel for the family of Nick Checque. The young man gave his life for this dense author, only to have the author attempt to turn around and proceed heartlessly back to the region. Makes me wonder how the author might feel if one of his five children were killed due to the carelessness of a fellow do-gooder.
Unable to return, the author does the next best thing: profits from his bone-headed kidnapping through the release of this book. Gee, wonder if any of the proceeds are going to the slain Navy Seal's family? There’s something that leaves the reader feeling ill knowing that the author will make a pretty penny off this, while the family of his savior, Nick Checque, will suffer.
The content of the book is just as disgraceful. Poorly written, overly sentimental, and surprisingly tepid given the subject matter. The book is replete with hackneyed descriptions and awash with superlatives at every bend. Each character is so unbelievable to the author, yet as exciting as this morning’s toast to the reader. Quite overdone.
Worse yet, we come to the Taliban captors. The author is hokey to the point of insulting. With overplayed surprise, the author delivers to the reader a universal truth: bad people are not all bad; and good people are not all good. The pious nun occasionally slips a cigarette, and a lowlife Taliban captor occasionally shows compassion to the infidel. To most, it’s common knowledge. But to the author, it’s earth-shattering. He sickeningly goes on in this direction— Perhaps the Taliban are not such bad guys after all? Perhaps it’s just how they were raised? Perhaps we could communicate with them to effectuate positive change?
It would be too much even if we didn’t know the cost. And knowing the cost, it’s disgusting.
My recommendation is save your money and donate to the Wounded Warriors Project or something of more value. If the author decides to make a return trip to Afghanistan, let's allow him to test his theories and rely on the "compassion" of the Taliban this time around, instead of placing the lives of our heroic young American servicemen in jeopardy.
Zero Stars.
May 4, 2024
“Nothing focuses your thoughts quite like the expectation that you will be killed in the next few hours or even moments.”
In late 2012 an American doctor of Indian descent, working with Morning Star Development, and two Afghan nationals were abducted by Taliban in a remote valley of eastern Afghanistan, when returning to Kabul from a clinic and development site. This book details that abduction and his subsequent rescue by elite American special forces personnel. It’s a thrilling story.
More significant, however, may be the reason Dr. Joseph came to be in the valley, how he reacted and interacted with his captors and liberators. And his finding connection and reason for hope in a situation which would reduce most of us to quivering fear. This is a story of faith, hope, and love in action.
The prose is simple and direct as is the story.
You’ve got to read this book.
(Full disclosure: For ten years we supported the work of Morning Star Development in an adjacent valley of eastern Afghanistan to provide an clinic and safe drinking water to the Afghan people. We hope and pray that they, and all people, will eventually be allowed to live in peace in their own land.)
In late 2012 an American doctor of Indian descent, working with Morning Star Development, and two Afghan nationals were abducted by Taliban in a remote valley of eastern Afghanistan, when returning to Kabul from a clinic and development site. This book details that abduction and his subsequent rescue by elite American special forces personnel. It’s a thrilling story.
More significant, however, may be the reason Dr. Joseph came to be in the valley, how he reacted and interacted with his captors and liberators. And his finding connection and reason for hope in a situation which would reduce most of us to quivering fear. This is a story of faith, hope, and love in action.
The prose is simple and direct as is the story.
You’ve got to read this book.
(Full disclosure: For ten years we supported the work of Morning Star Development in an adjacent valley of eastern Afghanistan to provide an clinic and safe drinking water to the Afghan people. We hope and pray that they, and all people, will eventually be allowed to live in peace in their own land.)
July 9, 2024
“The language of compassion is understood by all.”
March 19, 2017
Very interesting read!
August 20, 2021
This book was not at all what I expected to read, and in all good ways! Dilip detailed his experience with the Taliban with such a humble reliance and trust in God as well as a softened heart of compassion towards his captors. I was amazed the whole time I was reading this and challenged to not forget the inherent value each living person has, even members of the Taliban. Such a timely, helpful read as I am trying to pray for the Taliban and all who are suffering as a result of such an evil cause.
May 29, 2015
Dr. Joseph's harrowing true story of being kidnapped by the Taliban in Afghanistan followed by a rescue from Navy Seals. Easy read, some parts are better than others, but a different take on the Taliban. They like everyone else...complex human beings--walking paradoxes---and not just complete monsters and embodiment of evil as television would depict them. I do not condone their actions, but it was eye-opening to see how hospitable, friendly and compassionate they were at times during the kidnapping.
September 17, 2021
With all the horrors going on in Afghanistan right now, I happened upon this biography of an American doctor who was kidnapped by the Taliban. It was informative about the history of the Taliban, Afghanistan, and America’s part in the country. I loved how he was able to show Grace, understanding, and empathy with his kidnappers. Absolutely recommend!
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February 19, 2021Review to come...
(Hopefully soon)
(Hopefully soon)
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February 5, 2019Very cool true story! Easy read with a great message about seeing the humanity in others, even when they have a different faith and culture from you.
August 10, 2019
While it was a little slow for the first couple of chapters, it picked up and I didn't want to put it down. This book was amazing and I highly recommend it!
March 10, 2020
The story of an American missionary kidnapped by the Taliban in Afghanistan.
October 8, 2014
This is the fascinating first hand account of an American Christian doctor doing work in Afghanistan who was kidnapped by the Taliban in 2012. Dalip Joseph is an American of Indian descent (as in the country, not Native Americans) who has a heart for Afghanistan and made multiple trips there before he was kidnapped on December 5th, 2012. A few days later Joseph was rescued in a daring raid by the US Navy SEALs. Unfortunately the SEAL point man was killed during the operation. What I found most interesting in the book is the authors’ description of the Taliban—the author does have some sympathy with some of his kidnappers and they even have discussion about America. It is intriguing to see the human side of the lower level members of the Taliban. Probably the most unusual part to the reader is the level of hospitality shown to Joseph by the Taliban, but this must be viewed in light of the fact that hospitality is built in within the Afghan culture. Readers must make no mistake that the Taliban is an evil force out there when we are reminded in the book that one of the Taliban was nicknamed Butcher for the obvious reason for what he does to hostage while another Taliban was suppose to be the suicide bomber using the vehicle that Joseph was captured in. The book was also personally enjoyable for me to read given his references to Southern California with places that I am familiar with; he’s a local guy! As someone who is fascinated with reading the book for the military side of things, there’s also a remarkable account of when a Taliban commander giving a phone to Joseph to call a certain number to negotiate for money but it ended up being intercepted by the US and Joseph ended up talking to the US military who told him that they had eyes on him. Talk about incredible (and frightening)! The Taliban commander later asked him who did he talked to and Joseph told him he does not know—after all wasn’t the Taliban commander who gave him the number? Fortunately the ordeal was for a few days and the SEALs came in to rescue him. Because of the book’s discussion about the different guys and their personality, you get the sense that Joseph was sadden to see lives being killed—yet he understood that they went in to rescue him. If you have ever read In the Presence of My Enemies of another Christian couple that parallel this hostage crisis with Islamic terrorist, you would like this book as well. The book was such an interesting read that I read it all in one day. The only concern I had with this book is the lack of the discussion about how does the Gospel applied to his situation. There is no mention by the author to the Taliban that he was a Christian though he did say that he believed in the true God. It hit me really hard thinking about how those Taliban next to him went to a Christ-less eternity. Sobering actually. With all the news of growing Jihadist movements and events in the Middle East with Christians, this is a timely account. I recommend it.
NOTE: This book was provided to me free by Thomas Nelson—W Publishing and Net Galley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
NOTE: This book was provided to me free by Thomas Nelson—W Publishing and Net Galley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
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February 14, 2015Back Cover Copy:
"Am I About to Die?"
On December 5, 2012, American medical doctor Dilip Joseph and two colleagues are driving back to Kabul, Afghanistan, after serving villagers that morning at a rural clinic. Suddenly a man waving an AK-47 blocks their path. More armed men jump out of hiding. For Dilip, it is the beginning of a nightmare--he's being kidnapped by the Taliban.
Dilip and his friends endure a nine-hour march into the mountains, gruesome images of torture and death, and repeated threats of execution. Four days later Dilip is freed in a daring and deadly rescue that claims the life of a SEAL Team Six operator. Yet this is more than a story of desperation, survival, and loss. It is also a tale of surprising connection, compassion, and inspiration. As Dilip begins to view the Taliban not as monsters but as men, both he and his captors are challenged to reexamine everything that matters: courage, sacrifice, hope, and faith.
Flap Copy:
With a jerk of his rifle, the leader points up the mountain on the left. There is no path. I look higher and see more armed men at the top of a hill about two hundred feet above us.
Apprehension surges up in me like black oil from a well. These aren't ordinary robbers. This is too systematic.
I've been kidnapped by the Taliban.
As we walk, I fear the worst--that when we reach the top, they will shoot us. "God, however this is going to end, please don't let them torture me to death. Let it be one shot and done."
It is amazing how quickly everything we take for granted can be ripped away. In the space of a few minutes, I have lost all control of my life. All I can do is take a step, draw a breath, and hope I will be given the chance for another.
Step.
Breathe.
Hope.
"Kidnapped by the Taliban" is a story of both terror and triumph. After reading this dramatic and inspiring account, you will never view Afghanistan or the Taliban in the same way again. (less)
"Am I About to Die?"
On December 5, 2012, American medical doctor Dilip Joseph and two colleagues are driving back to Kabul, Afghanistan, after serving villagers that morning at a rural clinic. Suddenly a man waving an AK-47 blocks their path. More armed men jump out of hiding. For Dilip, it is the beginning of a nightmare--he's being kidnapped by the Taliban.
Dilip and his friends endure a nine-hour march into the mountains, gruesome images of torture and death, and repeated threats of execution. Four days later Dilip is freed in a daring and deadly rescue that claims the life of a SEAL Team Six operator. Yet this is more than a story of desperation, survival, and loss. It is also a tale of surprising connection, compassion, and inspiration. As Dilip begins to view the Taliban not as monsters but as men, both he and his captors are challenged to reexamine everything that matters: courage, sacrifice, hope, and faith.
Flap Copy:
With a jerk of his rifle, the leader points up the mountain on the left. There is no path. I look higher and see more armed men at the top of a hill about two hundred feet above us.
Apprehension surges up in me like black oil from a well. These aren't ordinary robbers. This is too systematic.
I've been kidnapped by the Taliban.
As we walk, I fear the worst--that when we reach the top, they will shoot us. "God, however this is going to end, please don't let them torture me to death. Let it be one shot and done."
It is amazing how quickly everything we take for granted can be ripped away. In the space of a few minutes, I have lost all control of my life. All I can do is take a step, draw a breath, and hope I will be given the chance for another.
Step.
Breathe.
Hope.
"Kidnapped by the Taliban" is a story of both terror and triumph. After reading this dramatic and inspiring account, you will never view Afghanistan or the Taliban in the same way again. (less)
October 30, 2015
Dr. Dilip Joeseph, a U.S. doctor, is working in Afghanistan going from village to village offering his medical services and seminars to the people of Afghanistan. After a lunch with the chief of police, Dilip, his coworker Rafiq, and their driver and assistant Farzad, are pulled over by men waving AK-47s in the road. These men are part of the well known terrorist group, the Taliban. After a nine hour hike through the mountains, the group stops in a shelter. The hostages learn that if the Taliban doesn't get 300,000 dollars in three days, they will be killed. In this time, Dilip talks with his captors, and realizes that all they were ever taught was to kill, and how different his own life would've been if he had had their upbringing. In the middle of the 4th night, a navy SEAL team raids the hut where Dilip is being held, killing his captors. Dilip then realized that one of the SEALs was shot in the head, and died the next day. This man gave his life for the freedom of another. Dilip comes home to an emotional reunion with his wife and kids.
Reading this book reminded me that nobody's born evil, their actions are based on their upbringings and what they were taught and not taught growing up. It also makes me appreciate things such as family and friends much more, knowing that at any minute they can disappear. My views on people in general have changed after reading this book.
I would recommend this book if you're in between books and just looking for something interesting and relaxing. The plot was great, except the blurb gave away the ending, so I knew what would happen for the entire story. Even still, it was a great read, and I am glad I picked it out. If you're looking for an interesting book. I would recommend this one.
Reading this book reminded me that nobody's born evil, their actions are based on their upbringings and what they were taught and not taught growing up. It also makes me appreciate things such as family and friends much more, knowing that at any minute they can disappear. My views on people in general have changed after reading this book.
I would recommend this book if you're in between books and just looking for something interesting and relaxing. The plot was great, except the blurb gave away the ending, so I knew what would happen for the entire story. Even still, it was a great read, and I am glad I picked it out. If you're looking for an interesting book. I would recommend this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2014
Kidnapped by the Taliban is one of those books that you want to read from cover to cover in one sitting. Apparently Dr. Joseph’s memories with his Taliban captors seems so fresh that I as a reader even felt the terror that he experienced and the rigorous physical activity that he went through as they journey the Afghanistan terrain.
It may not easy on his part to write this book especially that his rescue claimed the life of a SEAL Team Six operator, but I admire Dr. Joseph for his courage in doing so. Through this book reader will learn the other side of the Taliban – or should I emphasize the good side of his captors.
Everyday we heard about brutality of extremists we may have loathe and cursed them but this book made me realize that indeed “man is basically good” as he relate his story about the good treatment he got from his captors [at some point] like a guest and how they exchange conversation that them too had the hope that they want to have a better life. I assume his captors are just a victim of wrong beliefs.
One chapter that moved me is the “The Taliban Dry my Tears”, it was when his 2 colleagues were freed and he was left alone with his captors. He cried but the act of his captors drying his tears using theirs scarves is truly remarkable.
It is clearly revealed in this book that Dr. Joseph developed a special bond of friendship with his captors but it is sad to know that their journey ended into a bloody one.
I received this book for free from publisher through BookLook Bloggers in exchange of my honest opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Guidelines.
It may not easy on his part to write this book especially that his rescue claimed the life of a SEAL Team Six operator, but I admire Dr. Joseph for his courage in doing so. Through this book reader will learn the other side of the Taliban – or should I emphasize the good side of his captors.
Everyday we heard about brutality of extremists we may have loathe and cursed them but this book made me realize that indeed “man is basically good” as he relate his story about the good treatment he got from his captors [at some point] like a guest and how they exchange conversation that them too had the hope that they want to have a better life. I assume his captors are just a victim of wrong beliefs.
One chapter that moved me is the “The Taliban Dry my Tears”, it was when his 2 colleagues were freed and he was left alone with his captors. He cried but the act of his captors drying his tears using theirs scarves is truly remarkable.
It is clearly revealed in this book that Dr. Joseph developed a special bond of friendship with his captors but it is sad to know that their journey ended into a bloody one.
I received this book for free from publisher through BookLook Bloggers in exchange of my honest opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Guidelines.
May 23, 2017
$1.99
American Indian, Dr. Dilip Joseph was raised by parents who had a strong Christian faith and believed in giving back to others. Dilip went on to do the same thing, and after gaining an education in the US, he began dedicating time in Afghanistan to help people who are lacking in the basics of education, nutrition and health care. Most people were happy to have him around, and he gained a lot from giving back until one day he was kidnapped by the Taliban with his translator (and coworker), Rafiq, and his guide, Farzad. With his Indian background, he understood the Afghanistan culture better than most Americans would, and with the help of his translator, he was able to connect with some of his captors on a personal level. He realized that he could have easily turned out like them because these young men were doing what their fathers had showed them. What other choice do they have? Dilip realized even though he could be shot down at any moment, that he had more peace and hope than any of his captors ever could hope to have. In this he reminded me of Dr. Viktor Frankl, a Nazi Holocaust survivor who got by on his faith and knowing he couldn’t control every situation but he could control how he responded to it. Of course the title tells you how this story ends, and it is a gripping, quick read, but I wondered whether he had experienced a little bit of Stockholm Syndrome toward his captors. He seemed to have more compassion for them then for the SEAL Team Six who rescued him.
American Indian, Dr. Dilip Joseph was raised by parents who had a strong Christian faith and believed in giving back to others. Dilip went on to do the same thing, and after gaining an education in the US, he began dedicating time in Afghanistan to help people who are lacking in the basics of education, nutrition and health care. Most people were happy to have him around, and he gained a lot from giving back until one day he was kidnapped by the Taliban with his translator (and coworker), Rafiq, and his guide, Farzad. With his Indian background, he understood the Afghanistan culture better than most Americans would, and with the help of his translator, he was able to connect with some of his captors on a personal level. He realized that he could have easily turned out like them because these young men were doing what their fathers had showed them. What other choice do they have? Dilip realized even though he could be shot down at any moment, that he had more peace and hope than any of his captors ever could hope to have. In this he reminded me of Dr. Viktor Frankl, a Nazi Holocaust survivor who got by on his faith and knowing he couldn’t control every situation but he could control how he responded to it. Of course the title tells you how this story ends, and it is a gripping, quick read, but I wondered whether he had experienced a little bit of Stockholm Syndrome toward his captors. He seemed to have more compassion for them then for the SEAL Team Six who rescued him.
November 19, 2014
Dr. Dilip Joseph’s vivid, authentic storytelling offers a rare view into the physical, psychological, and spiritual experience of Taliban captivity. While the threat of death from the captors’ pointed AK-47s and Kalashnikovs was unmistakably real, so was the strange intimacy shared between captives and captors around meals of fresh naan and green tea, the human connections that were possible even under the most hostile circumstances. Dr. Dilip’s unbreakable personal faith in God, along with the courage and resilience of his beloved teammates and fellow captives, Dr. Rafiq and Farzad, resonate throughout the pages of this book. Their ongoing commitment to serve some of the most destitute people on earth living in rural Afghanistan is a moving testament. Finally, the sacrifice made by the SEAL rescue team serves as a sobering reminder of the costliness of freedom and the preciousness of each moment of life.
November 22, 2014
Christian Medic. Taliban Kidnapping. SEAL Team VI rescue. Count me in!!
Dilip Joseph is a man that wants to serve and show others the love, mercy and peace that can be found within a relationship with God. While serving in Afghanistan, his own faith was put to the ultimate test. Being held for ransom, he strives to trust God and show his kidnappers compassion and love. Of course, we now know that he was rescued by SEAL Team VI, but not before touching the hearts of those that meant him harm.
This book was not at all what I was expecting. I was amazed at the love Dilip had for his captors and the relationships he was able to build with them. God gave him true peace through such a frightening ordeal. Christianity could change the world if we could all show Christ to those around us, no matter who they are.
I would absolutely recommend this book and, in fact, have already done so.
Thank you, BookLook Bloggers, for giving me this book for my review! Here’s to many more!!
Dilip Joseph is a man that wants to serve and show others the love, mercy and peace that can be found within a relationship with God. While serving in Afghanistan, his own faith was put to the ultimate test. Being held for ransom, he strives to trust God and show his kidnappers compassion and love. Of course, we now know that he was rescued by SEAL Team VI, but not before touching the hearts of those that meant him harm.
This book was not at all what I was expecting. I was amazed at the love Dilip had for his captors and the relationships he was able to build with them. God gave him true peace through such a frightening ordeal. Christianity could change the world if we could all show Christ to those around us, no matter who they are.
I would absolutely recommend this book and, in fact, have already done so.
Thank you, BookLook Bloggers, for giving me this book for my review! Here’s to many more!!
January 6, 2015
Kidnapped by the Taliban is a first-hand report of one man’s dream made real, the very real physical threats to that dream and the peace made possible through Joseph’s faith in God when that dream was threatened. This well-written account leads us to know Dilip Joseph and his desire through faith to help others both physically and spiritually whenever possible. It’s so easy to see the bad guys as just that: bad guys. Dilip Joseph’s account of his terrifying kidnap by the Taliban and his daring rescue by SEAL Team Six reminds us that both bad guys and good guys are still guys. Guys with parents and siblings, wives and children, responsibilities and dreams. Joseph and Lund have taken a potentially hate- and fear-mongering incident and made it a cause for hope.
March 26, 2015
Kidnapped by the Taliban: A Story of Terror, Hope, and Rescue by SEAL Team Six by Dr. Dilip Joseph was a great read! I think you will be surprised of his experience as a Taliban hostage.
Dr. Dilip Joseph was in Afghanistan doing non profit medical work when he and 2 of his associates were kidnapped by members of the Taliban. In this book he recounts his experience as a hostage, and his rescue and return home.
This book is very well written and was enjoyable to read. I am prior military, so maybe that aided to my interest of the topic, but I feel that this book would be enjoyed by anyone.
see more at http://chestnutgroveacademy.blogspot....
Dr. Dilip Joseph was in Afghanistan doing non profit medical work when he and 2 of his associates were kidnapped by members of the Taliban. In this book he recounts his experience as a hostage, and his rescue and return home.
This book is very well written and was enjoyable to read. I am prior military, so maybe that aided to my interest of the topic, but I feel that this book would be enjoyed by anyone.
see more at http://chestnutgroveacademy.blogspot....
March 20, 2016
Story of a doctor that had been kidnapped by the Taliban
The book is a good read and relatively short, but, filled with the details about the doctor's background. The doctor gets abducted by the Taliban and is finally rescued by U.S. Navy seals. The tragedy is the loss of an American serviceman, who was killed by a lucky shot by one of the Taliban guards. There is much to be derived from this book, the sacrifices made by our armed forces, the degree to what our government will go to in rescuing one of our citizens, and the doctor's humility and gratitude. I highly recommend this book.
The book is a good read and relatively short, but, filled with the details about the doctor's background. The doctor gets abducted by the Taliban and is finally rescued by U.S. Navy seals. The tragedy is the loss of an American serviceman, who was killed by a lucky shot by one of the Taliban guards. There is much to be derived from this book, the sacrifices made by our armed forces, the degree to what our government will go to in rescuing one of our citizens, and the doctor's humility and gratitude. I highly recommend this book.
December 4, 2015
It is so amazing how even the taliban can demonstrate their hospitable culture even to the people they have captured. To have the chance to see through the taliban's life as a captive must of changed so many views Dilip Joseph had. It certainly changed many perspectives that I had. This is such an amazing book to read. It makes you realize that some people motives are much closer related to ours than we think. And that we are all the same race and all have things in common. I would highly recommend this book and is a new personal favorite for me.
January 20, 2015
Thank you for writing a book that touches on your observation of the cultures, humanity and compassion of the Taliban whose lives have touched yours. They're often the most feared upon group and there was nothing else to highlight in the media but their murderous natures and acts. By no means does this neutralize their acts, but it opens up a side of them that we could not possibly be aware of. Circumstance made people who they are.
September 27, 2016
This was an engrossing, yet quick read - as Dr. Joseph took us through his experiences in Afghanistan, and his capture and ultimate rescue. He paints an honest portrayal of his terror, the importance of his faith in helping him deal with the kidnapping experience, and his ability to "love" his captors and forgive. I also gained an appreciation for our SEAL's and what they so honorably do in being true patriots.
October 9, 2014
I don't tend to like this kind of book. But this one had my attention from the beginning. Very tense. It moves at a good pace. What I find most fascinating about this book is its approach. It doesn't get by on fear. It is a book about hope. Very challenging!
December 8, 2014
A story told by a doctor in minute detail about Dilip Joseph, a lot more could have been told about the circumstances to give the reader a better understanding of Afghanistan. An amazing situation from which the doctor was rescued at the cost of human lives.
June 10, 2017
The author comes across as strangely shallow. He does thank the person who gave his life in saving the author, but something seems off in the telling. The book is dedicated to his mother rather than the soldier who died in the process of saving him, which tells you something. Strange and sad.
December 21, 2017
The authors do a great job sharing the culture and traditions of the people who kidnapped Dr. Joseph. There would be less war and strife in our world if we could all look at the issues we face from others' perspectives.
December 18, 2014
Very good. Inspiring. His faith and humanity amazing in such dire circumstances. Amazing man with heartfelt desire to help others.
January 4, 2015
an interesting story of Dr. Dilip Josephs horrible experiences. I just wish that there was more to it. The story just seemed to end without finishing off some parts.
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