War Story

A great read. David Richardson writes a compelling story that captures the nature of warfare...periods of routine and even boredom, punctuated by periods of intense and close combat and it’s aftermath. The book is well written and does not read like a situation report or a logbook entry like so many other memoirs. War Story captures the reader’s attention and never lets go. Richardson explores man’s fascination with war. Most impressive is how he captures the bond of personal relations that are prevalent in the military and combat. Be it training future officers on a campus, family bonds to one’s mother, a relationship with a girlfriend, or the bond that form among Marines in combat...these relationships are powerful and propel this story. Great book! Must read. Very entertaining.

Great read. I was an advisor to the Iraqi Army so this grabbed my attention - I've read it twice now. This book tells it pretty much like it was - warts and all. The author does a great job of putting you in the scene. Reading the book brought back smells, tastes, and some cultural surprises I'd long forgotten, and probably should forget. So, if you wonder what that experience of living and fighting side by side with Iraqis was like, read this, an you'll know. I'm assuming the art parts are as accurate as the war parts - slimy and weird, but without all the noise - shooting, explosions etc. It's also humorous in places, just like war. I appreciated the ending - also like war in the 21st century, one minute there's fighting, dirt, blood. then its over and your on a plane. If you fought in Iraq, or wonder what it was like give this one a try.

This is unlike any other "War Story." It's raw and blunt, a bit arrogant, and a masterful use of language. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. His ideas about the nature of love, art, and war are first explored as a college professor preparing midshipmen to become officers, then tested and refined in combat. His story is an important contribution to the conversation about why we go to war.

Protagonist Major Clay Steerforth exemplifies the qualities of the timeless warrior class as he struggles through the mundane Washington DC art scene, all the while working toward getting orders to Iraq to face the test of combat. However, once there, he faces the challenges of the modern battlefield where victory has become a shunned virtue, replaced by the forever war with its ill defined objectives and shifting sands. An uncomfortable but must read for the neocons and social justice warriors who will gladly send warriors to chase their pursuits, with no understanding of the sacrifices war demands.

I hope Richardson writes another book. I'd like to know what happened to Major Steerforth after he came home from Iraq. I have people in my family who were in Vietnam. Now I wish they had written a story about the war in the way War Story tells it, even though in some places the book is very raw and tough. It was a fantastic read.

Pure Richardson. From the way he paints, to the way he leads, to how he honors friendships, he is true to himself in this book. Having known him for 20 years, as I read this, I feel like I’m back a Sill smokin’ cigars drinking bourbon debating Fire Power in Limited War or the “Last Hundred Yards” with him. His description of engaging his NROTC students conjured the image of the interactions I saw between him and his 2ndLts (and 2LTs) at Ft Sill. Even if you don’t know him, his description of mentoring the Iraqi Army’s mid-level Leadership is spot on. Great perspective.

David is an amazing author! It is obvious he had first hand experience with the plot. He really brought the story to life. You'll love this one!

This book is intense, loaded with real knowledge and experience. My schedule is full for the most part but, this book was so hard to put down at times. It takes you on a journey with the hero's, puts you in the middle of action, and keeps you there. Great Read!

Hard to believe that this gentleman is a first time published author. Extremely well written. Very entertaining the way the art and military are weaved together. Would recommend this for all to enjoy. Next book please Mr. Richardson!