Apache [Hardcover]

 

 

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Apache is a girl's book! Ok, ok, so it's really a boys book but don't be fooled by the stereotypically masculine cover and the macho hard hitting words, it really is a girl's book too.

How did I end up reading it? 3 grown men in my family have read it and they've all had big crocodile tears rolling down their faces, I swear. I've seen them punch the air in triumph, explode in raucous hilarity and then sit giggling for hours as they read on. I even had to endure the constant "you're never going to believe this", "this is incredible" and after catching them try to hide their damp cheeks "you're going to have to read this". If that wasn't bad enough I was then shown the footage online. "Yeah alright, I get the point; it's a true story..." I thought my hubby was arguably sad for sitting up until 3am in the morning reading and finally when he'd finished it I was a happy lady.
Apache was sat on the kitchen table waiting to be loaned out (yet again) and whilst waiting for a cake to bake (sorry, they don't all come from the supermarket!) I had a peek at the pictures. By pure accident I started reading the text next to the pictures on page 102. I burst out laughing and found myself engrossed in no time (a girl Apache pilot, never!). For the next 2 days I couldn't pull myself way from it. I tried, I really couldn't and he had to put up with the bedroom lamp on until 3 in the morning for once.

I took it to book club and all the ladies reluctantly purchased it and began reading. Remarkably they ended up sitting up until all hours too and it's the first time we've all completed a book in the same week. The comments were unanimous. We all experienced every emotion possible and couldn't quite believe we would like a book about a current war. This isn't for the faint hearted either. If you have a family member serving in Afghanistan and don't want to know the very scary truth, give it a wide berth; it will suck you in and before you know it you will be crying with worry. I've never felt so compelled to write a book review before, despite being an ardent reader. Pleasingly it doesn't go into politics or question what we are doing in Afghanistan in the first place. It just tells the story of what it's like to fight in the world's most hostile country. It's a firsthand account of what it's like to do the job so many of us wish would never have to be done in the first place. You will really feel like you're in the helicopter and that you're making Ed Macy's decisions for him. It's surreal to be that immersed and absorbed in another world. In fact, so bizarre I found my heart racing and often worried if I would make it out alive - 'IT'S JUST A BOOK' for Christ's sake! Whether you're for or against the armed forces, or the war in Afghanistan, or of a need to fight instead of talking, you will have no doubt after you finish Apache that this is simply a book about what our young men and women have to put up with everyday. Rightly or wrongly, they're our children getting paid to do a job, that's all. If there's one thing I've learned (and I learned a lot reading Apache) it's that our troops are compassionate and care for the Afghans. There is no macho attitude or killing spree going on. The Apaches are governed by very strict rules when it comes to shooting and the pilots always think about the effect they will have - often choosing not to shoot rather than risk hitting a house (just in case there's someone at home in the warzone/greenzone!)
Afterwards I felt like I could fly an Apache but then I pinched myself and decided to stick to cakes. It's a real rollercoaster of a ride so don't say I didn't warn you.
Kitchen Diva

PS. I'm new to reviewing so I hope I haven't gone on too much. Oh, have a box of tissues ready when they go into the fort (men included) and don't put a cake in the oven....

Having only retired from the British Army in Jan 2008 the author has already produced this awesome book. I'm not going to review the "plot" as that information is readily available elsewhere on this page. The book is a totally unputdownable true story, focusing on the rescue of a captured lone marine. You are put into the heart of the action, feel the adrenaline and what must have been terror at what really goes on out there. definatley an eye-opener in terms of giving you a taste of life on this particualr front line, and not the carefully edited version we are all fed by the BBC and Sky news....

Illustrated with detailed diagrams and a good selection of photographs I finished this book the same day - which I hate doing as I always feel I haven't had my money's worth !! But without a doubt - it will be being read again....

I really can't recommend this book highly enough. If you want a damned good thrilling factual read then this is for you.

Having read 'Sniper One' and many other non fiction accounts of the recent war in Afghanistan and Iraq I would rate this as the second best book I have read...the first being 'Sniper One'. Ed Macy delivers the hook very early and defies the reader to put it down after the first page.

Fantastic read. Even the author of Sniper One recommends this book so it must be good!

There's hardly any technical phrases that will confuse the casual reader and is written in a style that is accessible to all apart from those that can't actually read!

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5.0 out of 5 stars Apache
The book is well written and accessible to readers with a non-military,or even non military aviation background. Read more

Published 4 days ago by izzy

5.0 out of 5 stars respect
Engrossing, could not put it down. A lot of courage shown. A well written account of the bloody events of war. A lot of respect for those involved. Read more

Published 1 month ago by Discover

5.0 out of 5 stars A gripping and insightful read!
Gripping from start to finish, packed with fascinating technical detail and laced with humour, "Apache" by Ed Macy is a tour de force. Read more

Published 2 months ago by Jeremy Legg

5.0 out of 5 stars crackin'
It's a great book. Highly recommended for anyone interested in military flying at its best. The RAF and the Army Air Corps, what a battle-winning combination.

Published 4 months ago by colin todd

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning Read
I have been reading books since I was introduced to Enid Blyton adventures one rainy day back in the 70's. Read more

Published 4 months ago by Andrew

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing read!
I was lucky enough to speak to Ed's wing man last year. He now pilots my local Air Ambulance ... reading Ed's book then speaking to the man that actually lived most of the content... Read more

Published 5 months ago by Mosses

5.0 out of 5 stars Teamwork, Trust and Tactics
This story really does tell the shear adrenaline rush you will experiance above a battle fields when listening to four radio frequencies, flying with both hands, both feet and... Read more

Published 6 months ago by Dondons_Mac

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
Absolutely loved the book, but was rather disappointed by the fact that 25% of the book was a glossary and index.

Published 6 months ago by James

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding drama.
I'm not one for the written word but had to say, this book is first class, the drama, tension and sheer adrenalin rush is well penned. A difficult book to put down.

Published 6 months ago by xw302

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed it!!
Recommended by a friend. Factual book with no exaggerations. Really enjoyed it. Good quality and value. Well worth reading.

Published 6 months ago by J. Harris

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