tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2856065630155928814.post8433459338456148622..comments2023-10-06T20:40:16.011-07:00Comments on Scientist Gone Wordy: Black Hawk Down by Mark BowdenRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12471937819219493034noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2856065630155928814.post-45758967931739176402013-10-02T20:12:28.846-07:002013-10-02T20:12:28.846-07:00Hey jmc, I kept meaning to read more stuff by Bowd...Hey jmc, I kept meaning to read more stuff by Bowden after enjoying BHD so much but never did. Your comment here makes me realize I need to get his stuff to the top of the TBR and quit stalling.<br /><br />If you're interested, I left a comment on Michael's review detailing several of the reasons the movie leaves me cold (and a few of the reasons it doesn't).Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12471937819219493034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2856065630155928814.post-7373055541516518082013-10-01T17:22:21.764-07:002013-10-01T17:22:21.764-07:00I read Black Hawk Down years ago and enjoyed very ...I read Black Hawk Down years ago and enjoyed very much. (The movie I felt a little ambivalent about.) I picked up BHD after reading Bowden' s book on the DEA's hunt for Pablo Escobar, Killing Pablo, which was fascinating. <br /><br />jmc Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2856065630155928814.post-11040332405138117272013-09-30T20:02:33.080-07:002013-09-30T20:02:33.080-07:00I could not agree more with all your above comment...I could not agree more with all your above comments. It's definitely one of the absolute best military books for getting such a broad perspective of one finite event (more finite than some would have preferred since the operation ended the next day). Further, even the Notes section is immersive and full of must-read details. That might be a first for me in a Notes section.<br /><br />Thanks to you as well for putting this one on the list. Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12471937819219493034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2856065630155928814.post-89548657937435319992013-09-30T17:44:34.872-07:002013-09-30T17:44:34.872-07:00Wonderful review of this stellar account of what h...Wonderful review of this stellar account of what happened almost 20 years ago, Rachel. I've read this book now three times, the last via unabridged audiobook, and it remains riveting, to say the least. And it sure was a jumping off point for the post-Cold War world. I also found most interesting the interactions of the various services, warts and all. It made for intriguing reading amid the chaos for which the Army still labels as a success. On one hand it was, and not on the other. I'd agree that another of its strengths, as you stated, was the non-partisan investigation Bowden put forward, so thoroughly researched and not pushing an agenda or a side. It's doubtful anyone else would have sought out the Somali perspective. Like the film, which naturally narrowed the scope to fit a 2.5 hour movie, it was immersive to an unexpected degree. I've read a great many history books over the years, most detailing military events, and none read like this work. Testament to how great it was when first published, and that it remains quite relevant to this day. It was stirring and thought-provoking to revisit both the book and the film that sprang from it, Rachel. Many thanks.le0pard13https://www.blogger.com/profile/09421175808461787862noreply@blogger.com