Walk in My Combat Boots

by James Patterson, Matt Eversmann, Chris Mooney (Primary Contributor)

"These are the stories America needs to hear about the remarkable young men and women who serve." - Admiral William H. McRaven, US Navy (Ret.). The most moving and powerful war stories ever told, by the men and women who lived them.

*Walk in my Combat Boots* is a powerful collection crafted from hundreds of original interviews by James Patterson, the world’s #1 bestselling writer, and First Sergeant US Army (Ret.) Matt Eversmann, part of the Ranger unit portrayed in the movie *Black Hawk Down*.

These are the brutally honest stories usually only shared amongst comrades in arms. Here, in the voices of the men and women who’ve fought overseas from Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan, is a rare eye-opening look into what wearing the uniform, fighting in combat, losing friends and coming home is *really* like. Readers who next thank a military member for their service will finally have a true understanding of what that thanks is for

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Military Fiction, War, Biography, Military History, Memoir

416 pages, Hardcover

First published February 8, 2021

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[JD · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing read about what it takes to serve in the United States armed forces in the modern era. The book consists of 47 self told stories from service members of all the branches of the armed forces of America, and covers the whole spectrum of modern day duties and includes all ranks, from privates to generals. Some of the stories stretch as far back as the Vietnam War where those individuals started their service and only concluded with the beginning of the War on Terror. What I liked most about this book, is that all these experiences are unique and does not only consist of the frontline special forces units that you mostly read about. The book goes from a frontline Marine rifleman to truck drivers, flight nurses, detention barracks guards and much more. I also think that women in the forces gets very good representation. As with all books of this scope, there are some stories that are better than others, but all of them in my opinion was good, and the bottom-line of all of them is that these people gave selfless service to something bigger than themselves and carry these physical and emotional scars with them and are proud of what they did, and they all deserve out respect and gratitude for trying to make the world a better place. Highly recommended and will be hard to beat as my best read for 2022.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐
This is an audiobook review. These stories are told in first person and I wish JP could pull some strings and add a female narrator to read the stories of female veterans.

Walk in My Combat Boots: True Stories from America's Bravest Warriors is an amazing collection of 47 of servicemembers and veterans stories. They vary in lengths from 5 minutes to over 20 minutes, from different backgrounds and era. What they share are love for country and their dedication to their duty. Thank you for sharing your experiences, and your stories.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Looking at my old uniforms, I wonder how many other veterans are out there like me, how many others just boxed up their stories, their unique experiences and sacrifices, and tucked them away in some dusty attic or cellar." -- retired U.S. Army special operations master sergeant Tom, on page 285

Completely in the same vein as their Walk the Blue Line (contemporary police work) and/or The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians (no explanation required), authors Patterson and Eversmann again team up for vignette-styled narrative with Walk in My Combat Boots. Mainly focusing on those who served in America's armed forces since the start of the 21st century - although a few veterans of Vietnam and Desert Storm are included in the mix - the duo presents a diverse line-up of men and women speaking about their experiences, many of whom served in the post-9/11 era. It focuses mostly on Army and Navy personnel, though there are Marine and Air Force representations as well. Also, much like Walk the Blue Line, there's a certain directness and stoicism - along with expected doses of gallows humor - in the content, with these veterans going about their perilous work and serving with pride, alternating with some completely understandable moments of sheer terror or homesickness when posted overseas. (This subject matter must have been particularly close to co-author Eversmann's heart, as he is a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Army's 75th Ranger Regiment.) One chapter, however - focusing on an Australian journalist / war correspondent during her time in Iraq and Afghanistan - seemed inexplicable in its inclusion because she was not an American OR serving in the military at all, and thus did not quite fit with the stories. I mean, why didn't they just interview a staffer affiliated with the Stars and Stripes instead? Still, this was a minor quibble in an otherwise very good book - and the final chapters present quite a gut punch, and serve as an effective coda - so in a sincere manner I was reminded of the phrase 'If you love your freedom, thank a veteran.'

[Boremomsn.Com · Rating 1 out of 5]

The authors committed the cardinal sin: they wrote a book that was a bore to read. The book is made up of numerous short vignettes from various people from all walks of life. Each person's story is unique, but what is lacking is any cohesiveness to tie everything together, to show the bigger picture. Over and over you read about some guy or gal, how serving in the military was hard, failures, triumphs, jacked situations, overcoming, people dying, limbs blown off, how it affected them, how they dealt with it, or didn't. There is even one vignette from a reporter. None of it was stuff that hasn't been heard before - except maybe the women's stories, and all of it amounted to one big nothing for this reader. I'm a veteran from an era when simply being in the military didn't qualify you for a 'thank you for your service'. In fact, even though Vietnam was over, you could still be spit upon in some cities if you went out in dress uniform. Most of us joined for many of the same reasons the folks in the book signed up. Learn a trade, my dad served, so here I am, my turn, or it was just a call to duty. When President Carter's boondoggle rescue attempt to get the hostages out of Iran happened, we thought we were going to war. We didn't. Later, after the twin towers were pulled down, we did go to war. I never saw combat - the timing just wasn't right. I consider myself lucky because I've heard stories from Vietnam vets, from Gulf War vets, seen pictures of horrific stuff. It is nothing to speak about, and most of those guys don't. Instead, they usually get that far away look in their eyes and mumble about how 'fucked up' it was and they are glad they are home. But for the ones who talk about it....read the book if you have to know. I am sure this book will be therapy for some struggling veteran dealing with PTSD, or struggling to live civilian life. It may even stop a veteran from suicide. In that sense, the stories needed to be told. But what this book is not, and why I did not like it, is what it purports to be: a book of stories that America needs to hear. What this book was for me is stories about shit happening. I already knew that. There are plenty of 5 star reviews - I'm glad for those folks. Maybe you will enjoy it as much as they did. Nevertheless, this book is one that is not going to go on my recommended reading list.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this book since I saw it advertised about a month ago. I absolutely love Matt Eversmann and loved the book he wrote with Dan Schilling (combat controller, which is my favorite military specialty, btw!) And of course everyone loves Blackhawk down. Well this book is a compilation of stories from different branches of the service and different ranks and specialties, and it is so well done, I can’t put into words how important these stories are, especially for anyone who loves military history or stories of individuals. I thank every one of these soldiers, airmen, marines and family members who were able to put these words and experiences down on paper to share with me. Amazing.

My favorite was the graves supervisor and his amazing stories from Vietnam, the Normandy beaches and desert storm. Completely chilling and beyond interesting. He should write an entire book himself.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s taken me a minute to gather my thoughts on this book.

It was powerful, emotional, raw and so real.
These snippets are so important for people to understand what our military men and women have gone through. I read books like these to understand and try to get a glimpse at what my husband is suffering through. He has debilitating ptsd and after reading this my heart only breaks more for him. The sad part is I wish I could share some of these stories with him but I know they would be to painful, he still lives it everyday.

I’m not a James Patterson reader but this is not a Patterson book at all! I applaud him for working on this book and publishing these important looks into history.

I’d definitely recommend this book to everyone!

[Terry Plank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be required reading for US History classes

James Patterson is one of my favorite authors and he did not disappoint. I have always had a deep respect for our veterans. Patterson brought to life some real life stories from real heroes. We should be honoring our veterans, whether they are active, enlisted full-time, guards or reserves. Thank you for serving and sharing your experiences. Thanks to the co-authors for finding the soldiers to share their stories. We forget the blood that was shed for us to have the freedoms we have in this great country.

[Gerri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed emotions trying to rate this book. Many in my family have served and my current DIL’s entire family has a military background so I’m well aware that many of these stories should be told for those who aren’t familiar with some of the horrors that take place. Maybe and just maybe telling these stories will help vets dealing with the many challenges of living in civilian life. I would have enjoyed the book more if it was more than just short story after short story with no real ending to tie everything together. For me, there was no ending to this book. Would have liked to hear from the author’s on how these few were chosen to tell their story from the thousands and thousands who have servied, died for and defended our country. A Prologue, Acknowledgements, or Author’s notes at the end would have been appreciated.

[terry grena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the truth hurts

These are just a few deep stories about the reality of war and its warriors . Having joined the Marine Corps in 1965 , I looked forward to doing my part to honor our country and our commitment to freedom. I spent a year in Vietnam.I’m not going to debate the pros and cons of the decision. If your only takeaway from this book is “ Living here is a privilege not a right “ you’ve learned a valuable lesson . Whether you support the Wars or not , don’t spit on or cuss at the warriors. You may end up a victim of your own stupidity...

[Sharon Orlopp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Incredible stories from our military heroes who keep us safe. Huge kudos to the men and women who risk their lives every minute in super challenging environments.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

My apologies to my fellow Buddy Reader, but I didn't enjoy this one QUITE as much as you did.

I'm not discounting the stories in this book. They are all true and heartfelt and very moving. The military mindset is a very specific one and while I do sympathize, I have not lived as an Army brat or been in the service or been in a relationship with someone in the military, so I am unable to 100% empathize/understand that mindset.

I also really don't enjoy reading books about war, fiction or non-fiction, so this was a bit of a stretch for me.

I really enjoyed Patterson's Walk the Blue Line, about police officers (I did work with and get to know officers during my stint as a paralegal, so I understand that mindset much better than I do a military mindset. They are quite similar, but there are differences, at least from what I can tell from those who I knew and both books.) and while I haven't finished the Librarian and Bookseller book, that is 100% my mindset, as I am a bookseller and am friends with librarians and other booksellers. I fully expect that one to be five stars once I get around to finishing it.

I 100% respect the men and women who defend our country so we can all sleep soundly at night and I 100% feel for their loved ones who go months without being able to see or touch their soldier, who might not come home whole or at all (yes, I watch those videos where the loved ones are surprised by their loved one coming home sooner than expected and I CRY EVERY TIME), so it is not for lack of caring about the hardships that they all go through that this book didn't reach me as much as I had thought it might.

I am glad that those who told their stories were able to do so. That takes courage of a different sort than they showed in the field of battle.

This was a sad book. Maybe not sad, bittersweet? The storytellers made it out, but not all of their friends did. War is brutal and stupid and pointless. What are they fighting for? At the end of the day, they are just fighting to survive in a place where real, positive change seems hopeless. More than one made the personal observation that the people they were there to try to help were stuck in, and/or enjoyed, the way their lives were. The women were poorly educated and waited on the opium smoking men hand and foot. Why would the men want that to change? Why would they want their women educated and to have autonomy for themselves?

Definitely recommended reading, but it's not easy reading.

3, not bad but not one to read and thank you and God bless to all of the men and women who keep us safe by putting themselves into harms way, stars.

[Steve · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't say I liked it. Loss of limbs, minds, and American lives. I can only wonder how much input James Patterson provided or was it just oversight and direction, or -otherwise ($). There was no real ending to the book and at times made me wonder who won that war and was it worth the costs in
ALL lives and dollars. Repetitive, sad, and 3/4 through the book was almost a "not finished"
Patterson should stick to fiction.

[Patricia M · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were a few interesting and inspiring stories. Most were same old same old. They should have expanded some of the stories and deleted others.

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of short vignettes from soldiers describing their experiences in combat. Many of them are harrowing. Recommended for everyone.

[Brian Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding book for sure. I really liked the individual stories, on their family back grounds and their experiences in the military.
I’m a Marine Corps veteran with some family that served. My Uncle was in the Army in the Korean War, my Father was in the Vietnam war. I even found out recently my Fathers Uncle was in the invasion of Normandy on D-Day, and my Fathers cousin died at Pearl Harbor.
I was in Desert Shield/Desert Storm with 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines. Being a Marine was a rewarding experience for me. I feel it made me who I am and I’m proud of having served.
There are some stories that will get you emotional reading, especially the Memorial Day section.
A must read if you like military type books.

[Bill Yarbrough · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am retired (in 1982) military with over 20 years of service in the Army and the Air Force. This book is basically about Iraq and Afghanistan vets and their experiences, which is a lot different than the Vietnam War because of jungle versus desert. We should have NEVER been in either war---the French couldn't win in Vietnam and the Russians couldn't win in Afghanistan. These two wars were all about the military industrial complex and money for the corporation/owners period. The United States just made more enemies around the world because of these two wars, but the military industrial complex made huge amounts of money from killing so many people. Whole countries were NOT responsible for 9/11---the culprit was ultimately found and punished, but many others continue to get away with much worse out in the open. Way too many vets/families suffer from PTSD, wounds, missing limbs, and other hardships, because of these idiotic wars!!!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there is going to be any book you read in your lifetime, it should be this one. I recommend this book to anyone who has/have had been personally in the service before, or if they have a son or daughter that is/is considering enlisting into one of the branches. I believe this book gives a clear perspective of what a soldier goes through. Many of the accounts talk about how September 11th shaped their decision into joining up. All experiences talk about what each individual went through with basic training, wartime/deployment, and at times the gruesome factor(s) that may have lead an individual to possible or even ultimate suicide. Please enjoy and may it humble you by provoking you into giving these men and women the respect they deserve in making the sacrifice they have made to protect us on the homeland.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read!
Real, honest and sometimes brutal stories from the men and women in the Armed forces.
There's heartache and uncomfortable truths but there's also humor and love.
I truly think everyone should read this. It really is an inside look into what they experience and the truth behind not only what it's like to enlist and serve but also what it's like to come home.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a little difficulty rating/reviewing "Walk in My Combat Boots" by Patterson and Eversmann. The book consists of many short vignettes by current and former soldiers/airmen/sailors about their service experiences. Most of the stories are powerful, gut-wrenching, and some even hard to read/listen to (I listened to the audiobook). These are stories that every American and especially national leaders should have to read. They should make us think long and hard before committing our young men and women to the horrors and dangers of modern combat.
The problems I have with this book have nothing to do with the personal stories. I don't understand the organization of the book, the method of choosing these stories (among tens of thousands of others), or what the aim of the authors was. In reality, the authors really were interviewers and scribes, and it's hard to see a lot of authorship. Finally, I would have chosen voices truer to young men and women to narrate the audiobook. 3.5 to 4 stars for me.

[Don Follett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brutally honest book of the personal stories of men and women who have been in "harms way" and seen and experienced things many people will never see or experience. As expected, it has both humor and pathos and is not recommended for the faint of heart. Mr. Patterson and 1st Sergeant Everson have given us a good cross section of what combat is actually like. During the Civil Way being in combat was called "Seeing the Elephant." This book allows the reader to "See the Elephant" through the eyes of the men and women who have been there and done that. I enjoyed reading the book and salute those who have contributed, those who have served and those who have paid the ultimate price. May God Bless all of you.

[Ryan Haueter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thought there were too many stories without much substance. Each one very short and difficult to become attached to each individual. Was hoping there would be more there since I have so much respect for our military and veterans.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome book. It really shows what our troops go through and how they deal with it. I have such respect for them and their families. Thank you all for your service💕

[Numidica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The quality of the writing varied, since a large part of this is a transcription of the interviews with veterans. Overall, this was very interesting to me as a veteran, and my heart goes out to these guys and gals, especially the Army and Marine vets. What an unwinnable mess both Iraq and Afghanistan were, and what a waste of talent and resources, but I get it 100% when almost every one of them says they wanted to go back. You will never be in a situation again, outside the military, where there is that much responsibility, life and death responsibility, responsibility for decisions involving huge amounts of resources, as leaders have in combat units. There is nothing else like it. I just spent the weekend with a good friend who I served with in First Ranger Battalion who had to call in cluster munitions from Naval Air on top of a friendly position where the guys were pinned down by enemy fire and needed a medevac for a badly wounded lieutenant (another guy I knew). He had to make that decision on his own, and he knew it was either going to save the LT's life (maybe), or else he was going to get Rangers killed, and he would likely be court-martialed. It worked, and the LT lived, though he coded on the medevac helicopter on the way to the hospital ship and had to be revived, and he took many pints of blood because he'd basically bled out from being shot five times. If my friend Mike hadn't had the courage to do what he did, the LT would have died, and maybe other guys as well.

This book is full of those kinds of stories, and frankly, it was a little exhausting for me to read them. Their stories about struggling to fit back into a society where nothing you do is as important as that, where there is scant understanding of what they've been through are important as well. Most people work through that transition, but sadly some don't. Good book.

[Elise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a narrative. This is a collection of stories from people who have served in different branches of the military.

The stories shared are raw and real, many of the stories are shared from time spent on the battlefield or in combat of some kind.

Some of the stories are gruesome, most are sad, many are violent, and full of language. I understand that these are true stories and soldiers tend to use colorful language. They are hardened by the situations they're placed in.

I read this book because my brother-in-law just finished basic training. I wanted to understand him and some of what he may go through.

If you know someone who is serving, this would probably be a good read as you strive to understand what they're going through. Just be aware of the harsh realities in these stories.

[Nicole Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the utmost respect for the soldiers and their families. I really enjoyed this book. One critique I have is some of the stories left me hanging, wanting to know more information. It was like they were at the climax of sharing their story when it ended, and the next story began. It would have been great if the stories were completed, and even an update on where the soldiers are all at now. Regardless, I admire their courage, bravery, and strength! Much love and respect to them all.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humbling is only the beginning with this book. It puts life's problems into perspective, reminding me that there are so many people from so many backgrounds who have gone the extra, selfless mile in serving overseas to protect our country. It fills me with complete awe when I read about the conditions that so many of these people faced while at war. And yet, after walking through Hell and back, they would proudly admit that they'd do it again.

[Abbey Witt · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s easy to not REALLY think about what the brave military women and men go through to protect our freedom. This book of true stories by veterans and their loved ones helped me to better understand the sacrifice. I could see it. I could feel it. I realize this is just a small subset of US war stories, but it has changed me. I have so much respect and gratitude for these heroes for sharing their stories, so we might better understand them and what they have endured on our behalf.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very deep with emotional stories from actual soldiers. They all touch you in one way or another, but each made me both thankful towards them for protecting our country and equally as thankful that I never had to go to war. The story I most felt was by Jason Burke on page 211. He says things that I 100% agree with on the futility of us being in Afghanistan. This book and the stories within, will remain with me for a long, long time.

[Dale Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our recent wars no longer dominate the front pages so it’s easy to lose focus on the real Americans who volunteer to fight for us. These 400 pages of brief vignettes paint a vivid picture of the contribution our sons and daughters have made to freedom for others despite horrendous conditions and often conflicting orders. Told in their own words. I highly recommend it.

[Amanda Ledyard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional rollercoaster ride. As a military spouse, it was so enlightening to read. It also was extremely moving to read all the different experiences and mindsets that told their stories. This is a must read for anyone in the military family, but also anyone that needs a small glimpse into their world.