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Where Cowards Go to Die
Awards and Accolades for Where Cowards Go to
Gold Medal Winner, Nonfiction Book Awards for Biography & Memoir * Gold Medal Winner, Readers' Favorite Book Awards * Winner, 2024 Book Excellence Awards * 2023 Chanticleer Military & Front Lines Finalist for Narrative Non-Fiction * 2023 International Book Award Finalist for Autobiography/Memoir * Winner, 2022 NYC Big Book Award for Military Nonfiction
"Well s**t—that was intense! Where Cowards Go to Die is an enthralling personal plunge down the rabbit hole of the Global War on Terror." — Peter Zeihan, New York Times bestselling author of The End of the World Is Just the Beginning
In the darkness of war-torn landscapes, where honor is tested and the line between bravery and cowardice blurs, a former soldier, awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, takes readers on a harrowing journey in his haunting and visceral memoir.
Benjamin Sledge, a seasoned combat veteran who served a portion of his time under the Special Operations Command, departs for Afghanistan shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11 but returns home shattered. Haunted by his experiences in Afghanistan, he embarks on a multi-year odyssey wrestling with mental health, purpose, and faith, which eventually drives him to volunteer for another combat tour in Ramadi, the deadliest city of the Iraq War.
With raw honesty and unflinching detail, Sledge exposes the complex emotions and moral dilemmas faced by soldiers caught in the crucible of war. Through his evocative prose, readers are transported to the battlefield, where the weight of life and death decisions hangs heavily on every step.
Sledge's narrative voice, characterized by a rare blend of poetic eloquence and unfiltered authenticity, captivates readers from the first page and holds them captive until the very end. Throughout the memoir, he vividly captures the reality of the men and women who learn to fight without remorse, love each other without restraint, and endure the high cost of returning to a country that no longer feels like home.
Gold Medal Winner, Nonfiction Book Awards for Biography & Memoir * Gold Medal Winner, Readers' Favorite Book Awards * Winner, 2024 Book Excellence Awards * 2023 Chanticleer Military & Front Lines Finalist for Narrative Non-Fiction * 2023 International Book Award Finalist for Autobiography/Memoir * Winner, 2022 NYC Big Book Award for Military Nonfiction
"Well s**t—that was intense! Where Cowards Go to Die is an enthralling personal plunge down the rabbit hole of the Global War on Terror." — Peter Zeihan, New York Times bestselling author of The End of the World Is Just the Beginning
In the darkness of war-torn landscapes, where honor is tested and the line between bravery and cowardice blurs, a former soldier, awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, takes readers on a harrowing journey in his haunting and visceral memoir.
Benjamin Sledge, a seasoned combat veteran who served a portion of his time under the Special Operations Command, departs for Afghanistan shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11 but returns home shattered. Haunted by his experiences in Afghanistan, he embarks on a multi-year odyssey wrestling with mental health, purpose, and faith, which eventually drives him to volunteer for another combat tour in Ramadi, the deadliest city of the Iraq War.
With raw honesty and unflinching detail, Sledge exposes the complex emotions and moral dilemmas faced by soldiers caught in the crucible of war. Through his evocative prose, readers are transported to the battlefield, where the weight of life and death decisions hangs heavily on every step.
Sledge's narrative voice, characterized by a rare blend of poetic eloquence and unfiltered authenticity, captivates readers from the first page and holds them captive until the very end. Throughout the memoir, he vividly captures the reality of the men and women who learn to fight without remorse, love each other without restraint, and endure the high cost of returning to a country that no longer feels like home.
- GenresMemoirNonfiction
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2022
21 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 23, 2023
Wow. What a gripping journey this book takes you on. Ben’s story answers that question I think most of us have always been curious about.
“What was it like to serve… and how did that impact you?”
The reality is that it is much different than I would have assumed. It’s not all firefights and action like the movies would lead us to believe. Rather, Ben’s writing illuminates the many juxtapositions of first hand experience with war so well, and it kept me engaged hearing the back and forth. The boredom interrupted by moments of chaos. The internal fight to appear stoic, but also feeling terrified and numb to death, the anger but also empathy he would feel for the Afghans, etc. And in the middle of it all - I would also find myself laughing out loud at many points throughout the book. He does an incredible job of balancing the somber, seriousness of war, with lightheartedness. He lets you in on the many jokes, the hilarious rumors about Beyoncé coming to perform, the funny stories behind nicknames, but then in the same chapter - you’re right back into the thick of life Ramadi.
The book concluded with Ben’s story of coming home and how that challenged his views on faith, war, and many other things. I found it so hard to believe that you come home and have to sort of just “figure it out”. Though, I found many of the conclusions he came to, to be encouraging but incredibly weighty. Thank you for your service, and story, Ben. I absolutely loved the book and found myself forcing runs or going biking just so I could continue listening to your story
“What was it like to serve… and how did that impact you?”
The reality is that it is much different than I would have assumed. It’s not all firefights and action like the movies would lead us to believe. Rather, Ben’s writing illuminates the many juxtapositions of first hand experience with war so well, and it kept me engaged hearing the back and forth. The boredom interrupted by moments of chaos. The internal fight to appear stoic, but also feeling terrified and numb to death, the anger but also empathy he would feel for the Afghans, etc. And in the middle of it all - I would also find myself laughing out loud at many points throughout the book. He does an incredible job of balancing the somber, seriousness of war, with lightheartedness. He lets you in on the many jokes, the hilarious rumors about Beyoncé coming to perform, the funny stories behind nicknames, but then in the same chapter - you’re right back into the thick of life Ramadi.
The book concluded with Ben’s story of coming home and how that challenged his views on faith, war, and many other things. I found it so hard to believe that you come home and have to sort of just “figure it out”. Though, I found many of the conclusions he came to, to be encouraging but incredibly weighty. Thank you for your service, and story, Ben. I absolutely loved the book and found myself forcing runs or going biking just so I could continue listening to your story
August 23, 2023
Benjamin Sledge, a seasoned combat veteran who served a portion of his time under the Special Operations Command, departs for Afghanistan shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11. Throughout the memoir, he vividly captures the reality of the men and women who learn to fight without remorse, love each other without restraint, and endure the high cost of returning to a country that no longer feels like home. Where Cowards Go to Die is not merely a war memoir; it is a profound exploration of the human condition. With raw honesty and unflinching detail, Sledge exposes the complex emotions and moral dilemmas faced by soldiers caught in the crucible of war.
Seldom have I read a memoir, an autobiography, or a documentary that reads like a thriller fiction story, complete with that all-important sense of reality... verisimilitude. Author Sledge has achieved just that and impresses with vivid descriptions of war and all the brutality that entails. As an Army veteran (Vietnam Era) and during the Afghanistan/Iraq wars a civilian in the Department of Defense, European Headquarters G-3 Operations, I can fully attest to the accuracy and detail Sledge uses to tell his story; a story that runs the gamut of emotions and situations—the good (yes, there is always some), the bad, and the ugly that defines the lives of soldiers, civilians (aggressors and defenders) in a wartime situation. Sledge describes not only the battles themselves but also the effects of those events on the surviving soldiers, and their family's reactions to the wounded (physically and mentally) when they returned home as well as the flag-draped coffins. Where Cowards Go To Die is a fascinating, albeit horrific dive into the world of war, a dive that is a life-changing event for everyone concerned including the reader who never has and/or never will personally experience it.
Seldom have I read a memoir, an autobiography, or a documentary that reads like a thriller fiction story, complete with that all-important sense of reality... verisimilitude. Author Sledge has achieved just that and impresses with vivid descriptions of war and all the brutality that entails. As an Army veteran (Vietnam Era) and during the Afghanistan/Iraq wars a civilian in the Department of Defense, European Headquarters G-3 Operations, I can fully attest to the accuracy and detail Sledge uses to tell his story; a story that runs the gamut of emotions and situations—the good (yes, there is always some), the bad, and the ugly that defines the lives of soldiers, civilians (aggressors and defenders) in a wartime situation. Sledge describes not only the battles themselves but also the effects of those events on the surviving soldiers, and their family's reactions to the wounded (physically and mentally) when they returned home as well as the flag-draped coffins. Where Cowards Go To Die is a fascinating, albeit horrific dive into the world of war, a dive that is a life-changing event for everyone concerned including the reader who never has and/or never will personally experience it.
August 6, 2025
Benjamin Sledge has a writing style that puts you right in the middle of the situation, whether it's a surprise attack in Afghanistan, pulling pranks on his buddies during downtime in Iraq, or suffering through a failing marriage. He describes scenes that are frightening, embarrassing, depressing, and touching. His prose paints a picture and his dialogue creates the emotional impact. I learned a lot about our armed forces, some of which I didn't want to know. I think this is an important book for those who want to understand modern day warfare and the psychological effect it has on our soldiers, which should be all of us.
If I could, I would give this book 4.5 stars because the one thing lacking was a central theme to pull the reader from one chapter to the next. Each chapter is a vignette that is often intense, but each chapter stands alone. In the end, the author has a personal transformation, but it would have been better if the transformation had been foreshadowed early and hints weaved among the chapters, so that you yearn for that transformation before it occurs. However, given the importance of this book, I chose 5 stars.
If I could, I would give this book 4.5 stars because the one thing lacking was a central theme to pull the reader from one chapter to the next. Each chapter is a vignette that is often intense, but each chapter stands alone. In the end, the author has a personal transformation, but it would have been better if the transformation had been foreshadowed early and hints weaved among the chapters, so that you yearn for that transformation before it occurs. However, given the importance of this book, I chose 5 stars.
April 15, 2024
Raw, visceral, brutally honest. This is not a typical war memoir. Benjamin Sledge leaves no rock unturned as he takes your through his journey of self-discover. Sledge does not glorify war or his participation in it (or any of his other antics). He gives you the full story, warts and all, and works to weave a cohesive thread of he changes, was changed, and grew through his time. Sledge also doesn't just talk about war, though that is a major portion due to the role it played in his journey. He talks of growing up as a metal-head outcast and participating in the psuedo-christian churches espouses ideas that turned him away from organized religion. He also talks about his post-war experiences and discovery of faith.
All-in-all this is a beautiful and real story that will have you laughing and crying alongside the author. If you served in war I'm sure you'll connect. If you didn't, you'll better understand those around that did.
All-in-all this is a beautiful and real story that will have you laughing and crying alongside the author. If you served in war I'm sure you'll connect. If you didn't, you'll better understand those around that did.
July 7, 2022
Where Cowards Go to Die is a book you stay up way too late to finish because you need to know what happens next. Sledge tells a story of conflict on foreign soil and deep within the soul. You’re taken from riveting firefights to the difficulties of adjusting to life without them, from experiencing death to exploring the purpose of humanity.
Sledge merges war memoir with an exploration of philosophy and theology in a way I’ve never seen. It’s a beautiful and haunting story that frustrates, angers, encourages, and uplifts. Written in an approachable way for those without military experience, Sledge takes the reader on his journey of being broken down and put back together again.
Where Cowards Go to Die is highly recommended for anyone willing to wrestle with conflict, experience growth, and explore deep meaning.
Sledge merges war memoir with an exploration of philosophy and theology in a way I’ve never seen. It’s a beautiful and haunting story that frustrates, angers, encourages, and uplifts. Written in an approachable way for those without military experience, Sledge takes the reader on his journey of being broken down and put back together again.
Where Cowards Go to Die is highly recommended for anyone willing to wrestle with conflict, experience growth, and explore deep meaning.
July 12, 2023
This book hits the ground running with a terrorist attack and both the author and his friend bleeding out. It suddenly shifts to his childhood, and how judgment and hypocrisy tore at his soul. It flips back and forth for the rest of the book, taking you on a ride where you THINK you know where it’s going. But then it surprises you in all the right ways, causing you to think deeper about the point of life just minutes after he has you laughing about the Night of a Thousand Markers.
His story helps us understand a tiny piece of what war does to a person’s soul. As someone who doesn’t read non-fiction, I can promise you it will entertain, enlighten, and challenge you in ways you didn’t see coming.
His story helps us understand a tiny piece of what war does to a person’s soul. As someone who doesn’t read non-fiction, I can promise you it will entertain, enlighten, and challenge you in ways you didn’t see coming.
May 12, 2023
An amazing book that holds back nothing
I have to admit I was wondering what the writers definition of a "coward" would be and why he would name a book with such a negative vibe. I was a bit apprehensive at first, thinking the author would transition from war to civilian life in a few chapters, leaving me wondering what He did mean. But, to my surprise he took me on a roller coaster ride of events that showed me this is a book about heroes, not cowards. This is a must read if you've ever wondered what combat does to the mind and spirit. God bless big Sledge and his brothers for the huge sacrifices.
I have to admit I was wondering what the writers definition of a "coward" would be and why he would name a book with such a negative vibe. I was a bit apprehensive at first, thinking the author would transition from war to civilian life in a few chapters, leaving me wondering what He did mean. But, to my surprise he took me on a roller coaster ride of events that showed me this is a book about heroes, not cowards. This is a must read if you've ever wondered what combat does to the mind and spirit. God bless big Sledge and his brothers for the huge sacrifices.
May 2, 2024
Incredibly moving, brutal, honest, and surprisingly uplifting. Sledge doesn't hold back or sugar coat anything in this raw account of the realities of war. It was hard to read at times, because few of us have seen war as it really is.
Sledge finishes the book intelligently and philosophically, challenging all of us to face our own cowardice and grow, regardless of who we are and what we've been through.
"We should be confronting this subversive cowardice inside us by asking what matters in life, not running from it."
Sledge finishes the book intelligently and philosophically, challenging all of us to face our own cowardice and grow, regardless of who we are and what we've been through.
"We should be confronting this subversive cowardice inside us by asking what matters in life, not running from it."
August 25, 2022
It’s easy to see why PTSD exists after reading this book. Benjamin dealt with a lot of scary and morbid situations while serving overseas, and it obviously changed him. His friends looked at him differently after his experiences. I don’t envy anyone who has to live with the tragedies they witness in war. Hopefully he (and anyone that goes through war) can find peace.
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August 27, 2022
Benjamin tells his story with humility, honesty, and the kind of dark humor that is a hallmark of those in stressful circumstances.
His journey is one through a hell that few can understand, while searching for grace, redemption and balance in its wake.
It’s a hard book to put down, so I recommend just ignoring the rest of your life while you read it!
His journey is one through a hell that few can understand, while searching for grace, redemption and balance in its wake.
It’s a hard book to put down, so I recommend just ignoring the rest of your life while you read it!
October 10, 2023
Simply put, this book was incredible.
Masterful storytelling and beautifully edited to the point where I didn’t want to stop.
While the subject matter was very up front and harrowing, it was something that needed to be talked about.
Sledge’s brutal honesty made this book a must-read. I’m eagerly awaiting his next book, should he write a new one.
Masterful storytelling and beautifully edited to the point where I didn’t want to stop.
While the subject matter was very up front and harrowing, it was something that needed to be talked about.
Sledge’s brutal honesty made this book a must-read. I’m eagerly awaiting his next book, should he write a new one.
July 26, 2022
Sledge weaves stories of his childhood and adolescent years with his experience at war in a well-written way. I found this allowed me to get a more fuller picture of who he was.
As someone who has no experience with the military, I am thankful that Sledge wrote this in an honest way and did not write a filtered version of his story. It was an eye-opening read that has given me a greater respect for veterans.
I highly recommend this book.
As someone who has no experience with the military, I am thankful that Sledge wrote this in an honest way and did not write a filtered version of his story. It was an eye-opening read that has given me a greater respect for veterans.
I highly recommend this book.
July 26, 2022
Amazing and worth every word!
Thank you for the stories, the emotions, the truth, and the journey. Being just a civvy, this made me reach out to those I know who served. Great read for all!
Thank you for the stories, the emotions, the truth, and the journey. Being just a civvy, this made me reach out to those I know who served. Great read for all!
May 11, 2024
While I have to admit I read this almost against my will, the story and setting were interesting enough to keep the pages turning. But Mr Sledge and his story deserve a much better editor! It could have been a much better book.
September 7, 2022
I listened to a podcast with the author that I really enjoyed. This definitely tells about the after effects of war, and that made me so grateful to our veterans and so sad for them.
November 12, 2023
Must read
Excellent read for combat Veteran’s and non combat Veteran’s.
The description of emotions during and after combat are spot on.
Excellent read for combat Veteran’s and non combat Veteran’s.
The description of emotions during and after combat are spot on.
September 8, 2022
Sledge’s writing is vulnerable in a way that helps you empathize with him and those he served with. It makes you remember that these stories are real and painful and the people who lived them need our love and grace. Even after the war is over and they’re home, they’re still fighting a battle within themselves few can truly understand.
Where Cowards go to Die is dark, humorous at times and a faith-building read. I read it in one sitting and thought about it for days after.
Where Cowards go to Die is dark, humorous at times and a faith-building read. I read it in one sitting and thought about it for days after.
April 7, 2023
Great book, highly recommend.
February 5, 2023
Maybe the most honest, open, vulnerable, and unabashed Post-9/11 military memoir I've read yet. Pay attention to Sledge's argument for civilians's civic duty to veterans' reintegration/readjustment. Also a conversion narrative.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews