What do you think?
Rate this book
Scars and Stripes: An Unapologetically American Story of Fighting the Taliban, UFC Warriors, and Myself
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
From decorated Green Beret sniper, UFC headliner, and all around badass, Tim Kennedy, a rollicking, inspirational memoir offering lessons in how to embrace failure and weather storms, in order to unlock the strongest version of yourself.
Tim Kennedy has a problem; he only feels alive right before he’s about to die. Kennedy, a Green Beret, decorated Army sniper, and UFC headliner, has tackled a bull with his bare hands, jumped out of airplanes, dove to the depths of the ocean, and traveled the world hunting poachers, human traffickers, and the Taliban.
But he’s also the same man who got kicked out of the police department, fire department, and as an EMT, before getting two women pregnant four days apart, and finally, been beaten up by his Special Forces colleagues for, quite simply, “being a selfish asshole.”
In Scars and Stripes, Kennedy describes how these failures shaped him into the successful businessman and devoted husband and father he is today. Through unbelievably vivid, wild anecdotes Kennedy reveals all the dumb, violent, embarrassing, and undeniably heroic things he’s done in his life, including multiple combat missions in Afghanistan, building a school in Texas for elementary kids, and creating two-multimillion-dollar businesses. You will learn that failure isn’t the end—rather it’s the first step towards unearthing the best version of yourself and finding success, no matter how overwhelming the setbacks may feel.
From decorated Green Beret sniper, UFC headliner, and all around badass, Tim Kennedy, a rollicking, inspirational memoir offering lessons in how to embrace failure and weather storms, in order to unlock the strongest version of yourself.
Tim Kennedy has a problem; he only feels alive right before he’s about to die. Kennedy, a Green Beret, decorated Army sniper, and UFC headliner, has tackled a bull with his bare hands, jumped out of airplanes, dove to the depths of the ocean, and traveled the world hunting poachers, human traffickers, and the Taliban.
But he’s also the same man who got kicked out of the police department, fire department, and as an EMT, before getting two women pregnant four days apart, and finally, been beaten up by his Special Forces colleagues for, quite simply, “being a selfish asshole.”
In Scars and Stripes, Kennedy describes how these failures shaped him into the successful businessman and devoted husband and father he is today. Through unbelievably vivid, wild anecdotes Kennedy reveals all the dumb, violent, embarrassing, and undeniably heroic things he’s done in his life, including multiple combat missions in Afghanistan, building a school in Texas for elementary kids, and creating two-multimillion-dollar businesses. You will learn that failure isn’t the end—rather it’s the first step towards unearthing the best version of yourself and finding success, no matter how overwhelming the setbacks may feel.
Audiobook
Published June 7, 2022
651 people are currently reading
5594 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 348 reviews
June 15, 2022
This book changed my life. I truly look up to this man.
December 4, 2024
Shame it’s fiction
April 22, 2022
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A biography that may very well not be for everybody.
While I'm sure some might accuse this guy of toxic masculinity, just a few years ago, we'd simply call him a knot head. I'm sure everyone knows at least one. Many of them engage in self destructive behavior, and a large proportion of them die young.
He becomes an EMT, a fireman, a policeman, a green beret, and an MMA Fighter. He gets kicked out of the EMTs, the Fire Department, and the police department for being a knot head and not bowing to authority.
When the rubber hits the road, though, he is the kind of guy needed to fight wars, to find Al-Zarquawi, and to beat guys up in the cage.
Along the way, he sort of mellows, gets married, and becomes a valuable contributing member of society.
A biography that may very well not be for everybody.
While I'm sure some might accuse this guy of toxic masculinity, just a few years ago, we'd simply call him a knot head. I'm sure everyone knows at least one. Many of them engage in self destructive behavior, and a large proportion of them die young.
He becomes an EMT, a fireman, a policeman, a green beret, and an MMA Fighter. He gets kicked out of the EMTs, the Fire Department, and the police department for being a knot head and not bowing to authority.
When the rubber hits the road, though, he is the kind of guy needed to fight wars, to find Al-Zarquawi, and to beat guys up in the cage.
Along the way, he sort of mellows, gets married, and becomes a valuable contributing member of society.
June 11, 2022
What an must read book for people that enjoy reading about our America hero’s and what it takes to keep our beautiful country safe. Coming from honest Dude about real life
Bought 2 more to hand out as gifts.
Bought 2 more to hand out as gifts.
January 5, 2025
Please vet your heroes. Tim has no doubt done some great things in his career but this book is full of lies. Tim was not the honor graduate at ranger school, his accounts of operations are full of lies corroborated by many people and this is just in the first chapter! Tim Kennedy is all about Tim Kennedy and has no interest in anything other than furthering his own image and his character and morals have always been suspect. If you need proof look into the antihero podcast or anyone Tim has served with or named and you will see how he has lied.
July 2, 2022
If you enjoy reading a book by a psychopathic narcissist about a psychopathic narcissist then this is for you
August 2, 2025
0stars. Great book of lies it seems. Solid fiction if you will
May 13, 2022
This book it like sitting with a buddy at a bar or around a campfire, swapping stories, sharing lessons learned (the hard way), celebrating accomplishments, and reflecting back a younger less wiser self. Tim Kennedy is very accomplished and a true American hero, but he started out as a zero. His story is inspirational, exciting, and at times very funny. Tim’s dynamic personality really comes through, and it made the book that much more enjoyable.
August 11, 2025
Apparently, he made up his stories of heroics & finally is being taken to court so he posted a poorly worded apology on social media July 8, 2025 for his ongoing “mistake” - “unintentionally misstating” stolen valor. Still can’t man up:
“I want to take full and unequivocal responsibility for a serious mistake. Over the years, I made public statements and gave interviews in which I unintentionally misstated aspects of my military service. Most notably, I implied directly or indirectly that I had been awarded the Bronze Star with Valor. That is not true, and there is no excuse for it. I never received that honor, and I deeply regret ever suggesting otherwise.
That kind of recognition is sacred. It represents extraordinary courage under fire acts that risk or cost lives. To those who truly earned it, and to their families and brothers-in-arms, I offer my sincere and direct apology. What I said disrespected your service, and I take full ownership of that.
I was young when I stepped into the public eye, and while I wasn't prepared for the scrutiny or pressure that came with it, that doesn't absolve me. I should have known better. Integrity is not situational, and I failed to uphold the standards I claimed to represent.
To the military and veteran community, especially those who've served in combat or lost people they love. I am deeply sorry. I know I've let many of you down. You had every right to expect more from me, and I didn't live up to that.
This apology is not the end, it's the beginning. I am committed to rebuilding trust through honest reflection, visible accountability, and ongoing service to the community I misrepresented myself to. I will no longer speak about my service in a way that elevates me beyond what I actually did. From now on, my words will be guided by truth, humility, and respect.
I understand that words alone don't heal disappointment or restore trust.
Only time and action will.
Thank you to those who have held me accountable. I will do my best to honor that accountability from this point forward.
-Tim Kennedy”
“I want to take full and unequivocal responsibility for a serious mistake. Over the years, I made public statements and gave interviews in which I unintentionally misstated aspects of my military service. Most notably, I implied directly or indirectly that I had been awarded the Bronze Star with Valor. That is not true, and there is no excuse for it. I never received that honor, and I deeply regret ever suggesting otherwise.
That kind of recognition is sacred. It represents extraordinary courage under fire acts that risk or cost lives. To those who truly earned it, and to their families and brothers-in-arms, I offer my sincere and direct apology. What I said disrespected your service, and I take full ownership of that.
I was young when I stepped into the public eye, and while I wasn't prepared for the scrutiny or pressure that came with it, that doesn't absolve me. I should have known better. Integrity is not situational, and I failed to uphold the standards I claimed to represent.
To the military and veteran community, especially those who've served in combat or lost people they love. I am deeply sorry. I know I've let many of you down. You had every right to expect more from me, and I didn't live up to that.
This apology is not the end, it's the beginning. I am committed to rebuilding trust through honest reflection, visible accountability, and ongoing service to the community I misrepresented myself to. I will no longer speak about my service in a way that elevates me beyond what I actually did. From now on, my words will be guided by truth, humility, and respect.
I understand that words alone don't heal disappointment or restore trust.
Only time and action will.
Thank you to those who have held me accountable. I will do my best to honor that accountability from this point forward.
-Tim Kennedy”
July 17, 2023
This was easily 5 stars.
Audiobook, Ft. Worth public library
CW: lots of language and violence.
Audiobook, Ft. Worth public library
CW: lots of language and violence.
July 9, 2022
What a badass human being. MMA/UFC/Strike Force Fighter, fighting human traffickers, terrorist, hunting Nazis, saving people US citizens in Kobul, Green Beret, an educator in self-defense. This book has topped my favorite reads of all time. It’s a hell of a roller coaster of failures, lost, pain, joy, and success. I have and continue to recommend this book to anyone. The book is broken down to be made for regular folk to understand especially when it comes to military operations. I was able to picture everything in the book. So well done, so smooth, I just love it! Audiobook was amazing as well!
July 31, 2025
How this book of lies has 4.5 stars still is incredible. Tim always struck me as such a narcissist when I used to watch his ufc days. But now after the anti hero podcast exposed how his whole story is full of lies I knew my suspicions were right on. I hope everyone gives that podcast a listen. They get accounts from people who were there and say a huge amount of what he claims did not happen. This guy is a sham and has now lost all his sponsors. And what sucks is that the truth of what he did was actually good enough! He just had to embellish everything beyond reason.
October 4, 2022
We need people like Tim Kennedy. Unbelievably heroic, zero ego and a true patriot. Extremely necessary especially today. Phenomenal book and what a life lived (and he’s only 43 years old)! I listened to the audiobook version and was completely blown away. From his childhood to being a EMT, firefighter and police officer, life as a Green Beret to a UFC fighter, hunting Nazis to running down child pedophiles…that’s just half of it! That being said, I do feel like the book could be edited a bit better. Either way, I will recommend this book to everyone and anyone!
September 16, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! I couldn’t put it down. I love MMA and anything military and Tim Kennedy is a well known name.
Kennedy wrote an inspirational memoir offering lessons in how to embrace failure and weather storms, in order to unlock the strongest version of yourself.
(Per the book description because my own words won’t do a review justice.)
“Tim Kennedy has a problem; he only feels alive right before he’s about to die. Kennedy, a Green Beret, decorated Army sniper, and UFC headliner, has tackled a bull with his bare hands, jumped out of airplanes, dove to the depths of the ocean, and traveled the world hunting poachers, human traffickers, and the Taliban.
But he’s also the same man who got kicked out of the police department, fire department, and as an EMT, before getting two women pregnant four days apart, and finally, been beaten up by his Special Forces colleagues for, quite simply, “being a selfish asshole.”
In Scars and Stripes, Kennedy describes how these failures shaped him into the successful businessman and devoted husband and father he is today. Through unbelievably vivid, wild anecdotes Kennedy reveals all the dumb, violent, embarrassing, and undeniably heroic things he’s done in his life, including multiple combat missions in Afghanistan, building a school in Texas for elementary kids, and creating two-multimillion-dollar businesses. You will learn that failure isn’t the end—rather it’s the first step towards unearthing the best version of yourself and finding success, no matter how overwhelming the setbacks may feel.”
Kennedy wrote an inspirational memoir offering lessons in how to embrace failure and weather storms, in order to unlock the strongest version of yourself.
(Per the book description because my own words won’t do a review justice.)
“Tim Kennedy has a problem; he only feels alive right before he’s about to die. Kennedy, a Green Beret, decorated Army sniper, and UFC headliner, has tackled a bull with his bare hands, jumped out of airplanes, dove to the depths of the ocean, and traveled the world hunting poachers, human traffickers, and the Taliban.
But he’s also the same man who got kicked out of the police department, fire department, and as an EMT, before getting two women pregnant four days apart, and finally, been beaten up by his Special Forces colleagues for, quite simply, “being a selfish asshole.”
In Scars and Stripes, Kennedy describes how these failures shaped him into the successful businessman and devoted husband and father he is today. Through unbelievably vivid, wild anecdotes Kennedy reveals all the dumb, violent, embarrassing, and undeniably heroic things he’s done in his life, including multiple combat missions in Afghanistan, building a school in Texas for elementary kids, and creating two-multimillion-dollar businesses. You will learn that failure isn’t the end—rather it’s the first step towards unearthing the best version of yourself and finding success, no matter how overwhelming the setbacks may feel.”
July 9, 2022
If I could give this more than 5 stars I would.
I love Tim Kennedy. He’s been a figure worth looking up to in my eyes for many, many years. Ever since I first read about him and his exploits at the All Army Combatives tournaments a decade or so ago I’ve deeply admired him as a person, as a personification of the warrior archetype, and as a living, breathing, semi-mythical hero. I’ve listened to him on podcasts, seen him on TV, and taken inspiration from his message of helping the helpless.
Now, reading about him writing about himself, and opening up to the world about all his shortcomings and failures, I respect and admire him even more.
Tim isn’t going to be for everyone. And that’s fine. Because there are people who kick and scream like petulant children at the notions of toxic masculinity. A narrow mind will take one look at Mr. Kennedy and immediately discard him into such a bin. But our world needs men like him. Perhaps now more than ever. He is a man of violence. Yet also a man of courage, compassion, love, honour, and respect.
This is going to go down as one of my favourite books of the year, and remain one of my favourite memoirs ever. It’s funny, heartfelt, contains a roller coaster of peaks and valleys, near death experience, tragedy, loss, and a pile of badassery. Basically, it has everything I would ever want out of a memoir from one of the toughest and most charismatic of men in the entire world.
It’s a phenomenal read. And if you pick up the audiobook it is narrated by Tim himself. His delivery is not perfect - Tim is far from the best in that regard - but he more than makes up for it simply because it is his own voice. You get to hear his animated character, sarcastic wit, and anguished reminiscence of horrifying events. Simply tremendous. I always prefer a less than perfect narration done by the author themselves over a near perfect one done by someone else (especially because they’re not always near perfect anyways).
Scars and Stripes gets my highest recommendation, and then some.
I love Tim Kennedy. He’s been a figure worth looking up to in my eyes for many, many years. Ever since I first read about him and his exploits at the All Army Combatives tournaments a decade or so ago I’ve deeply admired him as a person, as a personification of the warrior archetype, and as a living, breathing, semi-mythical hero. I’ve listened to him on podcasts, seen him on TV, and taken inspiration from his message of helping the helpless.
Now, reading about him writing about himself, and opening up to the world about all his shortcomings and failures, I respect and admire him even more.
Tim isn’t going to be for everyone. And that’s fine. Because there are people who kick and scream like petulant children at the notions of toxic masculinity. A narrow mind will take one look at Mr. Kennedy and immediately discard him into such a bin. But our world needs men like him. Perhaps now more than ever. He is a man of violence. Yet also a man of courage, compassion, love, honour, and respect.
This is going to go down as one of my favourite books of the year, and remain one of my favourite memoirs ever. It’s funny, heartfelt, contains a roller coaster of peaks and valleys, near death experience, tragedy, loss, and a pile of badassery. Basically, it has everything I would ever want out of a memoir from one of the toughest and most charismatic of men in the entire world.
It’s a phenomenal read. And if you pick up the audiobook it is narrated by Tim himself. His delivery is not perfect - Tim is far from the best in that regard - but he more than makes up for it simply because it is his own voice. You get to hear his animated character, sarcastic wit, and anguished reminiscence of horrifying events. Simply tremendous. I always prefer a less than perfect narration done by the author themselves over a near perfect one done by someone else (especially because they’re not always near perfect anyways).
Scars and Stripes gets my highest recommendation, and then some.
November 21, 2022
Ever meet one of those people who fights crazy, frequently acts on (bad) instincts, says whatever he thinks, regards the rules as challenges to be overcome, and also is smart enough to see which rules or customs could stand to be changed and how to flatly disrupt them? Tim Kennedy is that kind of guy, and his life is a wild ride. He recounts working as an EMT, a firefighter, a police cadet, a green beret, a member of special forces, an Army ranger, UFC prize fighter, and an actor. Well worth the read.
January 18, 2025
I got this book gifted to me anonymously because I did a book challenge of “gift a stranger your favorite book”. Since someone considered this a “favorite” book, I thought I’d give a try even though I have no idea who Tim Kennedy is. Well, Tim Kennedy comes off as someone who thinks everyone should know who he is. I can’t get past his huge ego, his narcissism and glamorizing war.
July 18, 2023
Really enjoyed the book. My interest waned a bit towards the end as it starting feeling a bit monotonous. Also, it’s easy to become a bit lost with all the characters and minutiae within the MMA fighting world. Luckily I had a friend in Jr. High that introduced me to UFC and Gracie Ju-Jitsu, back when almost no one knew what it was, so I was able to follow quite a bit of the MMA references.
It seems an unlikely opportunity to hear a person like Tim Kennedy articulate the moments of his never-a-dull-moment, full-throttled life. His cocky, adrenaline-addicted, action-centric, scheming, impudent personality (not a huge overlap with my personality), while leading to a plethora of great experiences to write about, doesn’t seem to lend itself naturally to literary sophistication and deep contemplation required for a good biography/memoir. While the prose is a bit clunky and no language is too beneath it to be employed, its playfulness keeps it entertaining and is as explosive and in-your-face as the RPG explosions or jaw-crushing right hooks it describes.
I inadvertently read (actually listened to audio-book which I would recommend) the book over July 4th. I couldn’t help thinking about how grateful I was for men like Kennedy and the fellow-soldiers he describes. These men are tough and seem to be cut from a different ilk. I would not be surprised if their morning breakfast cereal was literally a bowl of nails in gasoline. If a little bit of political incorrectness and “male toxicity” (i.e. describing a 400-round ammo clip for an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon or SAW as a “nut-sack”), is the byproduct of soldiers willing to risk their lives to bring the Osama’s of the world to justice and defend America then so be it – war is not a politically correct exercise and regardless of how peace-loving you are there will always be insane peoples or nations who will seek to physically impose their worldview and force you to bow and pay homage to their authority. I liked one of the parting messages which is reflecting in the book’s title, you don’t get the stripes (Sargent’s stripes) until you have the scars. Put in the hard work to achieve genuine success.
It seems an unlikely opportunity to hear a person like Tim Kennedy articulate the moments of his never-a-dull-moment, full-throttled life. His cocky, adrenaline-addicted, action-centric, scheming, impudent personality (not a huge overlap with my personality), while leading to a plethora of great experiences to write about, doesn’t seem to lend itself naturally to literary sophistication and deep contemplation required for a good biography/memoir. While the prose is a bit clunky and no language is too beneath it to be employed, its playfulness keeps it entertaining and is as explosive and in-your-face as the RPG explosions or jaw-crushing right hooks it describes.
I inadvertently read (actually listened to audio-book which I would recommend) the book over July 4th. I couldn’t help thinking about how grateful I was for men like Kennedy and the fellow-soldiers he describes. These men are tough and seem to be cut from a different ilk. I would not be surprised if their morning breakfast cereal was literally a bowl of nails in gasoline. If a little bit of political incorrectness and “male toxicity” (i.e. describing a 400-round ammo clip for an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon or SAW as a “nut-sack”), is the byproduct of soldiers willing to risk their lives to bring the Osama’s of the world to justice and defend America then so be it – war is not a politically correct exercise and regardless of how peace-loving you are there will always be insane peoples or nations who will seek to physically impose their worldview and force you to bow and pay homage to their authority. I liked one of the parting messages which is reflecting in the book’s title, you don’t get the stripes (Sargent’s stripes) until you have the scars. Put in the hard work to achieve genuine success.
July 6, 2022
This is a book that contains many adventures from many fields. There is growing up, being a young cocky asshole, firefighting and being a paramedic, police, special forces and deployments in iraq and afghanistan, fighting, hollywood and tv work and the NGOs.
By definitions some parts are more interesting than others (depends on what you like you'll like diffrent sections).
What i appreciated was 2 things. One was that Tim was very transparent and vulnerable about his shortcommings and mistakes. Killing innocent people and failing to save people from oppresion included. Two was the fact that his exploits shown me just how wide the gap between someone who was trained in any possible way of killing over a 10 to 20 year period and a regular person.
Turns out it's just like everywhere else. You meet someone who is top 0.01% in something you are just top 1 or 10% in and...turns out you are going to be humbled. Every. Fucking. Time.
Good stuff.
By definitions some parts are more interesting than others (depends on what you like you'll like diffrent sections).
What i appreciated was 2 things. One was that Tim was very transparent and vulnerable about his shortcommings and mistakes. Killing innocent people and failing to save people from oppresion included. Two was the fact that his exploits shown me just how wide the gap between someone who was trained in any possible way of killing over a 10 to 20 year period and a regular person.
Turns out it's just like everywhere else. You meet someone who is top 0.01% in something you are just top 1 or 10% in and...turns out you are going to be humbled. Every. Fucking. Time.
Good stuff.
September 5, 2023
3.5
Thank you Tim Kennedy for your service. I really appreciate reading stories like this. Prior to starting this book I knew nothing about Tim. This story was raw and direct. Though parts were difficult to get through at times, I respect his honesty. Tim uses a lot of vulgar language, which I did not like at all and UFC fighting is of little interest to me which left me skimming through some parts. Though, because his book covered a variety of areas such as relationships, professional fighting, and service as a firefighter, cop, and soldier I found certain topics of high interest to me and learned a lot.
Thank you Tim Kennedy for your service. I really appreciate reading stories like this. Prior to starting this book I knew nothing about Tim. This story was raw and direct. Though parts were difficult to get through at times, I respect his honesty. Tim uses a lot of vulgar language, which I did not like at all and UFC fighting is of little interest to me which left me skimming through some parts. Though, because his book covered a variety of areas such as relationships, professional fighting, and service as a firefighter, cop, and soldier I found certain topics of high interest to me and learned a lot.
March 8, 2023
This book randomly came up on my recommendation list and I’m glad I decided to give it a read despite not being very interested in the military. Tim does an amazing job of taking you through his trials and tribulations, his triumphs, and his lessons learned from both experiences. I have become a big fan of Tim Kennedy after reading this book. He is a true warrior and hero and his life story is a great reminder to never give up.
March 12, 2024
Kennedy surprised me with how great of a story teller he is. I’m a sucker for stories on military training, war, sports training, and the evolution of what people have to go through throughout their life. This book has a lot of that. I can relate to Kennedy’s tendencies toward being an adrenaline junkie, rule breaking, and self gratification. Many of my faults and sins can be tied back to that now and growing up. What I appreciate about this book is Kennedy’s brutal honesty. About his faults but also the detail on some of the things he saw and did while at war in Afghanistan. That’s not easy to talk about but I think it’s important for people to hear the first hand account of the evil and darkness that’s out there to this day. We can come to appreciate God’s provisions for the simple things we take for granted. I admit that this not a book that everybody will love but it’s one I related to a lot and loved hearing his story.
January 4, 2025
Cool story bro.
July 8, 2022
I want to be like Tim Kennedy when I grow up.
June 17, 2022
Awesome book. I’m a military guy and an MMA fan, so I full well knew who Tim was before this book came out. Really great book about a truly unbelievable guy with a truly unbelievable story.
April 18, 2025
I still think Tim Kennedy has a superiority complex and I still think he can be kind of a douchebag, but after reading this book I can also understand why. Kennedy knows this about himself. Tim Kennedy starting a private school, not a good idea. Sending Tim Kennedy off to fight a war, pretty good idea. Does he think too much of himself? Yes he does. But the book also illustrates how he matures and wisens up.
I don't think his ways of thinking and reasoning are always very healthy, but then again the book also explains why Kennedy acts the way he acts and thinks the way he thinks. He's lived a distorted life, but he also took good lessons and values from his hardships. In the end, he seems to have grown from a 'star spangled be all you can be hard to kill macho man' who doesn't think he can fail into a man who sees failure as the best way to grow, a man who wants to set his ego aside and use his skills to help others and the ones he loves.
I unexpectedly found the book quite an interesting read and it definitely explains a lot more of the man behind the image. The chapters about his MMA life sometimes grow a bit dull, but overall the style of the book is quite funny and fast paced. Kennedy is quite honest and open about his thoughts and his history, but it's also obvious that he skips over some parts that might tarnish his self-image.
All in all a nice book which tells the story of a man who is, for better or worse, unapologetically American. If you like him or not, he has had a pretty interesting life untill now and this book takes the reader along on his journey.
I don't think his ways of thinking and reasoning are always very healthy, but then again the book also explains why Kennedy acts the way he acts and thinks the way he thinks. He's lived a distorted life, but he also took good lessons and values from his hardships. In the end, he seems to have grown from a 'star spangled be all you can be hard to kill macho man' who doesn't think he can fail into a man who sees failure as the best way to grow, a man who wants to set his ego aside and use his skills to help others and the ones he loves.
I unexpectedly found the book quite an interesting read and it definitely explains a lot more of the man behind the image. The chapters about his MMA life sometimes grow a bit dull, but overall the style of the book is quite funny and fast paced. Kennedy is quite honest and open about his thoughts and his history, but it's also obvious that he skips over some parts that might tarnish his self-image.
All in all a nice book which tells the story of a man who is, for better or worse, unapologetically American. If you like him or not, he has had a pretty interesting life untill now and this book takes the reader along on his journey.
June 22, 2022
The stories in this book are incredible. How he survived, the situations he encountered while overseas... all while written in 1st person. Pretty unique... Pretty refreshing to read from that perspective.
Tim has helped my family in a way that he may never know. Him and Sheepdog Response helped my husband during a very hard time. My husband had worked with Tim for about 6 months - a year and so of course, we pre-ordered this book. He is one of the absolute nicest guys that we have ever met.
Now... If you have NO idea who Tim is, how he acts, what he does... The first 4 or 5 chapters will be rough to get through. Even for me, I was like whoa dude... Shut the hell up. The level of arrogance was out of this world. But trust me... Keep going. The book almost does a 180 and goes into depth, his experience in Afghanistan, his experience as an MMA fighter. This was such an interesting read. He has no doubt had an interesting and crazy life.
Definitely read this, but only if you aren't sensitive to offensive words.
Tim has helped my family in a way that he may never know. Him and Sheepdog Response helped my husband during a very hard time. My husband had worked with Tim for about 6 months - a year and so of course, we pre-ordered this book. He is one of the absolute nicest guys that we have ever met.
Now... If you have NO idea who Tim is, how he acts, what he does... The first 4 or 5 chapters will be rough to get through. Even for me, I was like whoa dude... Shut the hell up. The level of arrogance was out of this world. But trust me... Keep going. The book almost does a 180 and goes into depth, his experience in Afghanistan, his experience as an MMA fighter. This was such an interesting read. He has no doubt had an interesting and crazy life.
Definitely read this, but only if you aren't sensitive to offensive words.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2025
Would be a great fiction book. Highly exaggerated at best,outright lies at worst. He claims that he tried his absolute best to corroborate each story, but his own teammates said they didn’t even know he was writing a book.
50 grenades in a ruck? Tossing down vehicles over a Cliff? Dozens of kills in a snipers perch? Running out of ammo in a resupply convoy? Kinetic firefights with Iranians in Afghanistan?
Wannabe Green Berets will read this book and learn the wrong way to do business and might suffer the consequences for it.
50 grenades in a ruck? Tossing down vehicles over a Cliff? Dozens of kills in a snipers perch? Running out of ammo in a resupply convoy? Kinetic firefights with Iranians in Afghanistan?
Wannabe Green Berets will read this book and learn the wrong way to do business and might suffer the consequences for it.
June 22, 2022
Could not put this book down
Well written bio of a truly larger than life human who helped restore a sense of pride and honor in our military that I was slowly losing. Well done, Nick P.
Well written bio of a truly larger than life human who helped restore a sense of pride and honor in our military that I was slowly losing. Well done, Nick P.
July 27, 2022
Holy crap this was a great read. It almost feels like a novel, and is very moving. I already loved this guy and now I do even more. His co-author, Nick Palmisciano, is also a great writer and it was so cool to get to know him better in this book. Totally recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 348 reviews