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The Dawn Prayer: A Memoir
A photographer captured in Syria and imprisoned for seven months recounts his story and how he became the first American ever to escape al-Qaeda.
''What is your name?'' asked General Mohammad.
''Matthew,'' I said. I had stopped saying Matt a while ago because it means 'dead' in Arabic.
On New Year's Eve in 2012, Matthew Schrier was headed home from Syria, where he'd been photographing the intense combat of the country's civil war. Just forty-five minutes from the safety of the Turkish border, he was taken prisoner by the al-Nusra Front, an organization the world would come to know as the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda.
Over the next seven months he would endure torture and near starvation in six brutal terrorist prisons. He would face a daily struggle just to survive. And, eventually, he would escape.
In this gripping, raw, and surprisingly funny memoir, Schrier details the horrifying and frequently surreal experience of being a slight, wisecracking Jewish guy held captive by the world's most violent Islamic extremists. Managing to keep his heritage a secret, Schrier used humor to develop relationships with his captors -- and to keep himself sane during the long months of captivity.
The Dawn Prayer (or How to Survive in a Secret Syrian Terrorist Prison) is a tale of patriotism and unimaginable bleakness shot through with light, of despair and friendship, sacrifice and betrayal, in a setting of bombed-out buildings and shifting alliances. It's the story of the first Westerner to escape al-Qaeda -- not a battle-hardened soldier, but an ordinary New Yorker who figured out how to set his escape plan in motion from a scene in Jurassic Park. From the prisoners' fiercely competitive hacky sack games and volleyball tournaments (played using a ball made of shredded orange peels and a shoelace) to his own truly nail-biting breakout, Matthew Schrier's story is unforgettable -- and one you won't want to miss.
''What is your name?'' asked General Mohammad.
''Matthew,'' I said. I had stopped saying Matt a while ago because it means 'dead' in Arabic.
On New Year's Eve in 2012, Matthew Schrier was headed home from Syria, where he'd been photographing the intense combat of the country's civil war. Just forty-five minutes from the safety of the Turkish border, he was taken prisoner by the al-Nusra Front, an organization the world would come to know as the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda.
Over the next seven months he would endure torture and near starvation in six brutal terrorist prisons. He would face a daily struggle just to survive. And, eventually, he would escape.
In this gripping, raw, and surprisingly funny memoir, Schrier details the horrifying and frequently surreal experience of being a slight, wisecracking Jewish guy held captive by the world's most violent Islamic extremists. Managing to keep his heritage a secret, Schrier used humor to develop relationships with his captors -- and to keep himself sane during the long months of captivity.
The Dawn Prayer (or How to Survive in a Secret Syrian Terrorist Prison) is a tale of patriotism and unimaginable bleakness shot through with light, of despair and friendship, sacrifice and betrayal, in a setting of bombed-out buildings and shifting alliances. It's the story of the first Westerner to escape al-Qaeda -- not a battle-hardened soldier, but an ordinary New Yorker who figured out how to set his escape plan in motion from a scene in Jurassic Park. From the prisoners' fiercely competitive hacky sack games and volleyball tournaments (played using a ball made of shredded orange peels and a shoelace) to his own truly nail-biting breakout, Matthew Schrier's story is unforgettable -- and one you won't want to miss.
312 pages, Paperback
First published April 3, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 13, 2020
This book is based off a true story about being kidnapped in Iraq by a terrorism group. Matthew explains in his point of view what it was like being the prey. These individuals were dangerous and he did the right thing by observing the situation than letting his needs cloud his judgment. I saw this book on Fox News when he was interviewed. Very moving story and a book that is hard to forget!
May 7, 2021
I read this book because I read Theo Padnos' book, Blindfold, and I wanted to hear Matt's side of the story. The two men were imprisoned together for months, and Matt left Theo behind when he escaped.
Matt Schrier is a very engaging writer with a lot of personality and swagger, and that definitely makes his book interesting. But I also do not entirely trust him. He seems bitter and like a bit of a bully, even though he is also funny. The way he talks about women and gay men (he jokingly asks Theo "Are you a fag?" when they first meet) is off-putting. Even so, I would probably rather spend time with Matt than with Theo at a party.
However, Matt's disdain for his former cellmate is so intense that it's disturbing, especially because their relationship takes up so much of the book. Theo's version of the tale has issues of its own, but it is much more introspective, and lack of swagger in their cell translates to a more sensitive book in many ways. Matt's work flew by and was highly entertaining, but it didn't feel as deep.
And, of course, it's impossible to totally trust either of these men. They were clearly each other's polar opposite, were forced to endure trauma together anyway, and experienced things that no human being should ever have to. And they're both human, which means they both want to come out of this looking as good as possible.
One thing I will say is that I loved being able to read both of these books—it is fascinating to look at a shared experience like this one from two different perspectives. And whatever their faults, I am glad both men are now safely home.
Matt Schrier is a very engaging writer with a lot of personality and swagger, and that definitely makes his book interesting. But I also do not entirely trust him. He seems bitter and like a bit of a bully, even though he is also funny. The way he talks about women and gay men (he jokingly asks Theo "Are you a fag?" when they first meet) is off-putting. Even so, I would probably rather spend time with Matt than with Theo at a party.
However, Matt's disdain for his former cellmate is so intense that it's disturbing, especially because their relationship takes up so much of the book. Theo's version of the tale has issues of its own, but it is much more introspective, and lack of swagger in their cell translates to a more sensitive book in many ways. Matt's work flew by and was highly entertaining, but it didn't feel as deep.
And, of course, it's impossible to totally trust either of these men. They were clearly each other's polar opposite, were forced to endure trauma together anyway, and experienced things that no human being should ever have to. And they're both human, which means they both want to come out of this looking as good as possible.
One thing I will say is that I loved being able to read both of these books—it is fascinating to look at a shared experience like this one from two different perspectives. And whatever their faults, I am glad both men are now safely home.
January 21, 2021
The story is engaging and well written, but aside from the typical American hero theme written all over it, the story is loaded with hidden agendas.
The writer is either very ignorant and naive or very malignant!
The writer is either very ignorant and naive or very malignant!
June 30, 2018
“What is your name?” asked General Mohammad enthusiastically. “Matthew,” I said. I had stopped saying Matt a while ago because it means “dead” in Arabic.
I have been postponing writing a review for this books for a while now, because I find it very hard to believe that this is a true story, Mathew was disrespectful with almost everyone, he also was trying to be very funny with his captivators almost the entire book which again I find very hard to believe, especially that he wasn't a military man before (assuming he would get used to these situations), he was just a photographer! Also I had this weird vibe that he was some kind of hero and that everything was under his control (WTH!) he was a prisoner of one the most terrorist organizations in the whole world!
"An American Jew pretending to be a German-American Christian pretending to be a Sunni Muslim, and an atheist pretending to be a Christian had just gotten into a fight over a Koran. Only in fucking Syria."
But I also don't want to be disrespectful of his experience, the situation in Syria is beyond explainable and seriously anything could happen there, all in all, I give it 2 solid stars for his experience only. Sorry Mathew!
"It’s funny—in America the criminals are the ones you do your time with, but in Syria they’re the ones who run the prisons."
I have been postponing writing a review for this books for a while now, because I find it very hard to believe that this is a true story, Mathew was disrespectful with almost everyone, he also was trying to be very funny with his captivators almost the entire book which again I find very hard to believe, especially that he wasn't a military man before (assuming he would get used to these situations), he was just a photographer! Also I had this weird vibe that he was some kind of hero and that everything was under his control (WTH!) he was a prisoner of one the most terrorist organizations in the whole world!
"An American Jew pretending to be a German-American Christian pretending to be a Sunni Muslim, and an atheist pretending to be a Christian had just gotten into a fight over a Koran. Only in fucking Syria."
But I also don't want to be disrespectful of his experience, the situation in Syria is beyond explainable and seriously anything could happen there, all in all, I give it 2 solid stars for his experience only. Sorry Mathew!
"It’s funny—in America the criminals are the ones you do your time with, but in Syria they’re the ones who run the prisons."
January 11, 2021
Kidnapped by terrorists when he was just on his way ut of Syria in December 2012, photographer Matthew Schrier endured seven months of imprisonment, torture, near starvation and apparently also the worst possible cellmates imaginable while being shuffled back and forth from one makeshift prison facility to another before making a successful bid to escape. It's one hell of a story, though I have to admit that despite the horrific experiences he recounts, at times I found it hard to sympathize with the author who comes across as a rather unlikable person.
March 22, 2018
The Dawn Prayer (Or How to Survive in a Secret Syrian Terrorist Prison) by Matthew Schrier is the story of Schrier’s seven months spent in captivity in a Syrian terrorist prison. He was kidnapped and held captive by the Syrian Al-Qaeda, Jabhat al-Nusra, in 2012 and managed to escape and make it back home to the US. Mainly with no help from anyone on this side of the world, and certainly not from any help inside the prisons. It’s pretty incredible that he made it out alive.
I’m glad that Schrier prefaces the book by kind of apologizing for how he may come across, as it kind of prepares you for what you read. You probably won’t really like him, especially not at first. Only three pages in and I wanted to tell him to shut up and stop being so bloody arrogant. But it’s really worth it to stick with him, I promise.
Schrier’s style is interesting in a detached sort of way, but I suddenly realized about two thirds of the way through that the matter of fact, jokey tone that he uses is actually his way of being able to recount the horrors of his time in Syria. That it was also his way of getting through it all in one piece, and most likely how he manages to function normally now. It was his way of talking about how he made friends with other POWs, and how they would disappear, never to be heard of again that struck a huge chord with me. Of how alliances were made and broken within the cells and how, surprisingly, the strongest alliances he made became friendships, while the one that would have seemed the most obvious ended up being fraught with betrayal and contempt.
It was however terribly hard for me to read about how much he despises his cell mate/other US citizen prisoner Theo, and how disgusted he is by him. The amount of times he hammers home how disgusting/stupid/idiotic/animalistic his cell mate is becomes slightly ridiculous. Everything Theo does is wrong, everything he says is stupid... But once in a while Schrier swoops down, godlike, to protect/save Theo. It’s almost as if he needs to prove how strong and smart he was by putting someone else down. I feel guilty even writing this because Schrier goes through his own fair share of torture and horror, and not only tries continuously to help himself survive but also others. But what struck me the most in his book is his contempt of Theo. Theo may well have been an awful companion/person (and yes he sounds like he had some serious issues, as well as an utter inability to help a fellow prisoner) but after a while I started zoning out every time I began to read what Theo had done wrong again.
But, despite the talk of how much he despises Theo, the real terrors are very present in the book and I can’t even imagine how horrific Schrier’s time in Syria was. His courage and ability to keep on going despite it all is pretty exemplary.
After I finished The Dawn Prayer I found it really helped me to watch videos of Schrier talking about his time in captivity. While his writing style grated on me a bit, he actually comes across as a really interesting, funny, and positive person on screen and in person. I do however want to read Theo’s recount of the time they spent together (although he most likely lies about it anyway, if Schrier’s personality description is accurate).
The Dawn Prayer will be published by BenBella Books on April 3rd, 2018. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy!
I’m glad that Schrier prefaces the book by kind of apologizing for how he may come across, as it kind of prepares you for what you read. You probably won’t really like him, especially not at first. Only three pages in and I wanted to tell him to shut up and stop being so bloody arrogant. But it’s really worth it to stick with him, I promise.
Schrier’s style is interesting in a detached sort of way, but I suddenly realized about two thirds of the way through that the matter of fact, jokey tone that he uses is actually his way of being able to recount the horrors of his time in Syria. That it was also his way of getting through it all in one piece, and most likely how he manages to function normally now. It was his way of talking about how he made friends with other POWs, and how they would disappear, never to be heard of again that struck a huge chord with me. Of how alliances were made and broken within the cells and how, surprisingly, the strongest alliances he made became friendships, while the one that would have seemed the most obvious ended up being fraught with betrayal and contempt.
It was however terribly hard for me to read about how much he despises his cell mate/other US citizen prisoner Theo, and how disgusted he is by him. The amount of times he hammers home how disgusting/stupid/idiotic/animalistic his cell mate is becomes slightly ridiculous. Everything Theo does is wrong, everything he says is stupid... But once in a while Schrier swoops down, godlike, to protect/save Theo. It’s almost as if he needs to prove how strong and smart he was by putting someone else down. I feel guilty even writing this because Schrier goes through his own fair share of torture and horror, and not only tries continuously to help himself survive but also others. But what struck me the most in his book is his contempt of Theo. Theo may well have been an awful companion/person (and yes he sounds like he had some serious issues, as well as an utter inability to help a fellow prisoner) but after a while I started zoning out every time I began to read what Theo had done wrong again.
But, despite the talk of how much he despises Theo, the real terrors are very present in the book and I can’t even imagine how horrific Schrier’s time in Syria was. His courage and ability to keep on going despite it all is pretty exemplary.
After I finished The Dawn Prayer I found it really helped me to watch videos of Schrier talking about his time in captivity. While his writing style grated on me a bit, he actually comes across as a really interesting, funny, and positive person on screen and in person. I do however want to read Theo’s recount of the time they spent together (although he most likely lies about it anyway, if Schrier’s personality description is accurate).
The Dawn Prayer will be published by BenBella Books on April 3rd, 2018. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy!
January 29, 2022
I think I'm probably being a bit generous with my rating only because I give the author credit for having enough brain cells left to write a memoir after being stuck in a Syrian prison for seven months. One thing I learned for sure is that he despised Theo Padnos, the other American also captured and held with him during his imprisonment, and unfortunately that disdain and dislike for his countryman makes up a large part of the book. At the end of the day it's a memoir and it is interesting enough.
July 30, 2024
Could not put it down, what a ride. Gives great insight to just how brutal being a POW would be.
December 21, 2023
Schrier’s story of survival in a Syrian terrorist prison is indeed captivating and showcases his remarkable courage and resilience. His escape from such a dire situation is nothing short of incredible.
However, the book is marred by Schrier’s attitude towards his cellmate Theo. His disdain for Theo is palpable throughout the narrative, often describing him in degrading terms and criticizing almost every action of his. This constant negativity towards Theo becomes overbearing, making it difficult to empathize with Schrier’s perspective.
Additionally, Schrier's decision to convert to Islam for better treatment, while in stark contrast to Theo's steadfastness to his Christian faith, raises questions about his character. It's also disconcerting how he casually uses derogatory language, such as referring to Britney Spears in a disrespectful manner and using a gay slur. These instances reflect poorly on his character and detract from the gravity of his story.
While the book succeeds in detailing a harrowing experience of survival, it's overshadowed by Schrier's apparent arrogance and lack of humility. His treatment of others, especially Theo, and some of his choices and remarks, left a negative impression on me.
However, the book is marred by Schrier’s attitude towards his cellmate Theo. His disdain for Theo is palpable throughout the narrative, often describing him in degrading terms and criticizing almost every action of his. This constant negativity towards Theo becomes overbearing, making it difficult to empathize with Schrier’s perspective.
Additionally, Schrier's decision to convert to Islam for better treatment, while in stark contrast to Theo's steadfastness to his Christian faith, raises questions about his character. It's also disconcerting how he casually uses derogatory language, such as referring to Britney Spears in a disrespectful manner and using a gay slur. These instances reflect poorly on his character and detract from the gravity of his story.
While the book succeeds in detailing a harrowing experience of survival, it's overshadowed by Schrier's apparent arrogance and lack of humility. His treatment of others, especially Theo, and some of his choices and remarks, left a negative impression on me.
June 22, 2018
I had heard nothing about this book, so I was a bit leery when I saw it on the new book rack at the library. I do not do brutality and gore well, and I was not sure that this was a book for me.
It was. I couldn't put the book down. The author has done an excellent showing and telling of what he and the others with him lived through - or not lived through, as happened in some cases.
The ending of the book is very positive. The epilogue is "must" reading.
I think every American needs to read this.
It was. I couldn't put the book down. The author has done an excellent showing and telling of what he and the others with him lived through - or not lived through, as happened in some cases.
The ending of the book is very positive. The epilogue is "must" reading.
I think every American needs to read this.
May 12, 2018
So many characters that I couldn’t keep track of. Certainly a harrowing experience but I couldn’t connect to the author.
May 18, 2018
Wow - Where to start…
In The Dawn Prayer, author Matthew Schrier tells how he survived and escaped from captivity by Al Qaeda in Syria. His torture and experiences are brutal and harrowing to read. He holds nothing back with his language, nor with his scorn in telling of the betrayal of his fellow American captive.
The story is told from his side through his return to freedom. Equally as disgusting is learning of the actions and behavior of the FBI in all their ineptness, and puppeteering of Matthew’s financial losses, all in the name of exactly what is the question. Another sad indictment of that agency that leaves so many unanswered questions hanging (like what exactly were they doing?).
The one thing that stands out is that Schrier is a survivor. At no time are politics ever introduced that reveals his leanings. He tells of his experience, where he made friends, had memorable moments, and found some small beauty in a situation most of us cannot even comprehend. If you think you can handle the intensity of what happens while being held captive by a brutal regime, give this book its due consideration. And remember when reading that Schrier was not a combatant — he was simply a photographer doing a job; one of our fellow citizens.
The book is well written, and may his speaking of his experience bring him satisfaction in knowing that he is the epitome being loyal to his country.
Thank you to NetGalley and BenBella Books for allowing me to read an Advance Review Copy of The Dawn Prayer. My review is entirely my own opinion and not in any way influenced by receiving this book.
In The Dawn Prayer, author Matthew Schrier tells how he survived and escaped from captivity by Al Qaeda in Syria. His torture and experiences are brutal and harrowing to read. He holds nothing back with his language, nor with his scorn in telling of the betrayal of his fellow American captive.
The story is told from his side through his return to freedom. Equally as disgusting is learning of the actions and behavior of the FBI in all their ineptness, and puppeteering of Matthew’s financial losses, all in the name of exactly what is the question. Another sad indictment of that agency that leaves so many unanswered questions hanging (like what exactly were they doing?).
The one thing that stands out is that Schrier is a survivor. At no time are politics ever introduced that reveals his leanings. He tells of his experience, where he made friends, had memorable moments, and found some small beauty in a situation most of us cannot even comprehend. If you think you can handle the intensity of what happens while being held captive by a brutal regime, give this book its due consideration. And remember when reading that Schrier was not a combatant — he was simply a photographer doing a job; one of our fellow citizens.
The book is well written, and may his speaking of his experience bring him satisfaction in knowing that he is the epitome being loyal to his country.
Thank you to NetGalley and BenBella Books for allowing me to read an Advance Review Copy of The Dawn Prayer. My review is entirely my own opinion and not in any way influenced by receiving this book.
April 26, 2021
I usually take a long time on non-fiction reads, but this book is so intriguing and funny and unbelievable that I whisked through in no time. Schrier is so entertaining that I almost wish he would get kidnapped again and escape so I could read about it. He holds nothing back, even about feelings he might rather deny, and I plan to use some of this handy information should I ever be kidnapped in a similar manner.
January 12, 2020
3.5 it was very interesting and sad and disturbing. Some of it was a little unbelievable, namely how much of a jerk and an idiot he made Theo out to be.
May 3, 2022
I knew this book was going to be brutal and difficult to read just based on the full title. In that regard, I was not surprised by the content. I found that Schrier’s accounts of the moments of friendship and kindness among prisoners were the more surprising and interesting moments. I was shocked and disappointed to read about how the FBI handled his case, particularly with Schrier’s family. I’m was very glad he chose to speak openly about that.
The one part of this book that I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around is this: There is never a point in this book when Schrier speaks hatefully about his captors in any degree even slightly close to the hateful diatribe he shares about his cellmate (and fellow American) Peter Theo Curtis. It starts relatively mild in the beginning, but his rants about Theo continue through the entire book and some of the issues seem a little petty given their horrible circumstances. If Theo wanted to sleep 18hrs a day, why would that make someone else angry? Theo did not escape with Schrier, but he was eventually released and has also written a book about his experience. I am tempted to read it just to see if the hatred was mutual. Honestly, it just seemed like a weird thing for this author to focus on. You’d think he’d hate his captors more than an irritating cellmate.
There were moments when the author was a difficult person to like. He comes across as a jerk quite a few times but he doesn’t seem aware of that. Regardless, I’m glad I read his book and I admire the strength it took for him to survive this ordeal.
The one part of this book that I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around is this: There is never a point in this book when Schrier speaks hatefully about his captors in any degree even slightly close to the hateful diatribe he shares about his cellmate (and fellow American) Peter Theo Curtis. It starts relatively mild in the beginning, but his rants about Theo continue through the entire book and some of the issues seem a little petty given their horrible circumstances. If Theo wanted to sleep 18hrs a day, why would that make someone else angry? Theo did not escape with Schrier, but he was eventually released and has also written a book about his experience. I am tempted to read it just to see if the hatred was mutual. Honestly, it just seemed like a weird thing for this author to focus on. You’d think he’d hate his captors more than an irritating cellmate.
There were moments when the author was a difficult person to like. He comes across as a jerk quite a few times but he doesn’t seem aware of that. Regardless, I’m glad I read his book and I admire the strength it took for him to survive this ordeal.
October 23, 2024
Honestly I have read a few books now based on true stories of kidnappings etc I have not read the book written by Theo though I assume the stories differ...I must say I found the writer very difficult to relate to although his writing is good and its an engaging book I honestly think he does not come off the way he thinks he does. I found him to be incredibly inhumane in his treatment of Theo based on his own words i would assume that in such a traumatic and difficult situation everyone reacts and behaves differently...I could see myself giving up hope and trying to sleep for 20 hours a day to get away from the hell I am in. He harped on about the guys cleanliness but common that should not have been the bulk of the story or talk away. The writer comes off as a bit arrogant and self serving I mean towards the end he actually wrote that military people told him he should have actually killed Theo! WTF man even if that is true it did not need to be part of the book at all and if he was such a good guy he would have wrote that he responded immediately by saying no way nobody understands how hard that situation was i would never kill him for that or anyone - or something to that effect which makes me really question if something like that was even said I am sorry but writer came off as mean and as callous as his captors and its sad because I don't think he is . I am glad that they both made it out alive and am truly sorry they had to endure that experience in the first place but honestly I wouldn't recommend this book it can offensive
August 11, 2025
This could go 3.5. I think I had some disbelief for a lot of the book until I learned near the end that he’d spent a bit of time in prison as a teen - those survival skills made his Syria story much more believable by the end.
I had a lot of respect for Matthew’s ability to stay positive so much of the time, and to get to know his captors in an effort to humanize himself.
He was a harsh guy, and his words about those he didn’t like were cutting and harsh, but he also acknowledged I. The beginning that things we do in a situation like that aren’t always things we can be proud of and I believed that.
I want to know if his wimpy cell mate was truly that bad. Was he truly that negative and wussy all the time? I couldn’t always read the spin; with the Moroccan man and the massages, was that out of kindness, or self preservation? Because that guy got worse and worse as their story went along (the Moroccan).
Also felt a bit of disbelief that reintegration was so easy for him. Maybe it was his outlook through it all. Everyone is different. Coming back from Iraq was hard, and I wasn’t kept prisoner! He sounds like a tough guy for sure.
I had a lot of respect for Matthew’s ability to stay positive so much of the time, and to get to know his captors in an effort to humanize himself.
He was a harsh guy, and his words about those he didn’t like were cutting and harsh, but he also acknowledged I. The beginning that things we do in a situation like that aren’t always things we can be proud of and I believed that.
I want to know if his wimpy cell mate was truly that bad. Was he truly that negative and wussy all the time? I couldn’t always read the spin; with the Moroccan man and the massages, was that out of kindness, or self preservation? Because that guy got worse and worse as their story went along (the Moroccan).
Also felt a bit of disbelief that reintegration was so easy for him. Maybe it was his outlook through it all. Everyone is different. Coming back from Iraq was hard, and I wasn’t kept prisoner! He sounds like a tough guy for sure.
April 5, 2022
[3.5 stars] “The Dawn Prayer” was a gripping first-person account of an American photographer held & tortured for seven months by the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda. After listening to an interview with Matt on the Jordan Harbinger podcast I bought his memoir immediately. Matt’s writing style is quick and captivating, and despite his continuous use of crass language, it never read as inauthentic.
During his time trapped in the Middle East, Matthew was able to work the system, and ultimately escape his captors. In sharing his many experiences and interactions with his other captives and captors, I was mind-blown at his ability to humanize his captors. He managed to do so with humor (often self-deprecatingly) and a super chill swagger.
Where he lost points for me, was in the relentless trashing of the other American captive. I found myself yelling at the book “Ok, WE GET IT, you don’t like him” and questioning if the shit-talking was overcompensating for how the book ended.
During his time trapped in the Middle East, Matthew was able to work the system, and ultimately escape his captors. In sharing his many experiences and interactions with his other captives and captors, I was mind-blown at his ability to humanize his captors. He managed to do so with humor (often self-deprecatingly) and a super chill swagger.
Where he lost points for me, was in the relentless trashing of the other American captive. I found myself yelling at the book “Ok, WE GET IT, you don’t like him” and questioning if the shit-talking was overcompensating for how the book ended.
April 2, 2024
The book was fairly easy to get through. I feel as though the Author is arrogant or cocky & definitely unpleasant. I do understand he was locked in prison(s) and captured by the enemy- however, he definitely seems to have gotten off easy considering how others were treated. I’d probably be a bit unpleasant as well.
Every time I saw how he was trying to be a “good American” and not be the one to leave Theo behind, I couldn’t help but laugh. I guess he felt telling his true feelings would not be considered ideal for his book.
Everybody reading the book can feel the disdain he has for Theo. I’m not interested in reading Theo’s book and if I’m honest, I only read this one because it was free. So no love lost on my part. I have a feeling if I were stuck with either of them I’d kill them both in their sleep.
Every time I saw how he was trying to be a “good American” and not be the one to leave Theo behind, I couldn’t help but laugh. I guess he felt telling his true feelings would not be considered ideal for his book.
Everybody reading the book can feel the disdain he has for Theo. I’m not interested in reading Theo’s book and if I’m honest, I only read this one because it was free. So no love lost on my part. I have a feeling if I were stuck with either of them I’d kill them both in their sleep.
July 7, 2018
The author has a wonderful sense of humor which appears to have served him well during and post captivity, and it comes through in his writing. To some degree it probably helped save his life. Reading this book was intense to say the least. Man’s inhumanity to man in the 21st century continues to boggle the mind. I noticed at least one other reader questioned the authenticity of the story which I have to say I at first found surprising, but in today’s climate I can understand that too. I think for me what added credibility was his description of the FBI’s handling of his personal financial situation and how it was so FUBARred. Yep sounded exactly right. Good read worth my time. I did need a stiff drink at the end though.
November 18, 2024
A very gripping read, I'd first learnt of Schrier through an interview he did with Jordan Harbinger. I admire his ability to persevere (sort of reminded me of Man's Search for Meaning but with a focus on the practical-side of sustaining hope) and humanise many of his fellow prisoners and captors. I read some of the reviews criticising his treatment of Theo, which honestly baffled me considering Theo was actively putting Matt in danger and was insanely uncooperative. I don't imagine any of these reviewers would harbour as much sympathy if they were stuck in a perilous situation with a character like him. However, I do intend to read his own account - Blindfold - because I am curious to see his perspective and mental state.
November 25, 2020
I NEVER thought I'd enjoy a detailed memoir of someone escaping a Jihadist prison in Syria.
Usually I prefer stories that don't seem anxiety-inducing, but Matthew's incredible storytelling had me spell-bound. I read the entire book in one sitting because I couldn't stop.
Matthew managed to find humor in the darkest moments, make friends during captivity, and stay clear headed enough to plan his escape.
Despite being unjustly locked up, not once did he judge an entire culture based on the horrible treatment he received by extremists and even showed love for the Syrian friends that he made during one of the worst experiences anyone could go through.
Usually I prefer stories that don't seem anxiety-inducing, but Matthew's incredible storytelling had me spell-bound. I read the entire book in one sitting because I couldn't stop.
Matthew managed to find humor in the darkest moments, make friends during captivity, and stay clear headed enough to plan his escape.
Despite being unjustly locked up, not once did he judge an entire culture based on the horrible treatment he received by extremists and even showed love for the Syrian friends that he made during one of the worst experiences anyone could go through.
November 24, 2021
If you didn't know this was true, you'd struggle to believe it. Quite how Matthew Schrier managed not to lose his mind is a testament to the strength of his character. I was overwhelmed again and again by the torture and mind games played on this photo journalist. Yet every time they knocked him down he got back up and continued to fight for his humanity. Talk about put your own problems into perspective. The treatment he received from his own government is as shocking as the suffering he experienced at the hands of his captors. All in all, a horrific story which needs telling so lessons can be learned. My hat is off Mr Schrier, you are a hero for every man
June 21, 2018
I cannot really say that I "enjoyed" reading this book as it was about men being tortured, starved, etc., but I found the book very moving. I found myself completely absorbed when I would open the book and begin reading, having to force myself to put it down.
I liked the way Mr. Schrier depicts the men he was imprisoned with, in that they were men, human beings, with families, a sense of humor, right, wrong, and the way they looked after one another as much as possible.
This is his first book, I look forward to future endeavors. He is a talented writer.
I liked the way Mr. Schrier depicts the men he was imprisoned with, in that they were men, human beings, with families, a sense of humor, right, wrong, and the way they looked after one another as much as possible.
This is his first book, I look forward to future endeavors. He is a talented writer.
June 22, 2018
This was a page turner. I couldn’t put it down. Ultimately it’s a frustrating read, learning about the daily physical torture and mental and emotional manipulation. At times it’s hard to imagine what happened inside one secret cell after the next. Schrier talks about finding the most unlikely of allies in the most unlikely of places throughout the story and seeing the best of humanity in the very worst of places. This story is one of adversity, resilience and a burning desire to get home. A harrow tale, but an important read.
September 1, 2018
This was a fascinating read of a guy who got kidnapped by terrorists, lived through 7 months of imprisonment and torture, and hatched an escape plan that worked. There’s a disclaimer in the intro that the language in the book is vulgar due to the nature of the content, and indeed, if you’re sensitive to profanity this book is not for you. All in all, though, it was an interesting read and I give it 3.9/5. Goodreads...the masses are clamoring for precision in the ratings system! Viva Le Revolution!
March 20, 2021
This is a difficult book to rate. It was a rapid read, captivating and entertaining, at times very funny, despite the tragic story. Some of the crass language seemed gratuitous, yet never inauthentic, which is why it didn't bother me. My main reservation was the constant and repetitive trashing of the other American captive. We get it, they didn't like each other. But some of the invective seemed like overcompensation for what happened towards the end of the book. In itself, this, too, is fascinating, but it's the reason I chose a 4 rather than a 5 rating. Still, an excellent read.
January 4, 2020
Very exciting story & easy read. I can't imagine what the author has been through in captivity, hope no more people have to endure such torture.. I was a bit put off by his hatred towards Theo which took over the story and his ego. Closing the book by saying that his survival techniques were being taught in the FBI etc was a bit farfetched. An experience like this can often be humbling. Nonetheless definitely worth a read
October 22, 2020
Weirdly enough, the memoirs of a hostage held by terrorists for over 8 months are the funniest book I've read this year (although I'm on a war kick, so that's not saying much). The author has an incredible way with words, and it's clear that his sense of humor had a huge impact on his ability to survive while imprisoned. I can't assign a category to this book - I would recommend this to anyone and everyone!
October 24, 2020
The book is easy read and engaging. It is also impressive how Matthew could keep track of dates and details by just relying on memory.
On the other hand, I didn't like mentioning so many unnecessarily characters and details not really contributing to the story. It seems like to be a fair level of exaggeration about negatively describing the cellmate (even not considering the war zone context) and positively describing author's actions and decisions.
On the other hand, I didn't like mentioning so many unnecessarily characters and details not really contributing to the story. It seems like to be a fair level of exaggeration about negatively describing the cellmate (even not considering the war zone context) and positively describing author's actions and decisions.
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