Pic and description taken from amazon.com
DESCRIPTION:
The widow of American Sniper Chris Kyle shares their private journey, a moving and universal chronicle of love and family, service and patriotism, grief and sacrifice, faith and purpose.
How does someone carry on after the death of a hero?
By becoming a hero herself.
Though Chris and Taya Kyle's marriage had its difficult moments, it was always a love story. Together they'd endured military service, a best-selling book, unexpected fame, and a film deal starring a hot Hollywood actor. But just when Taya thought that she and Chris were finally going to live their dream together, her husband was murdered. In the wake of his death, a grieving Taya was left to raise her two young children and handle the many things Chris left behind: the business, the book, the movie, and a myriad of legal issues.
Matching the straightforward, soul-baring style of American Sniper, Taya talks with honesty about the trials and triumphs of her life with and without Chris - the sleepless nights as a military spouse, the exhilaration as her husband was lionized, the quiet moments when family sheltered them from the madness of fame, the joy of discovering her own purpose in harmony with Chris' own legacy. In American Wife she recounts the struggles and looks toward the future, revealing the intimate story of her marriage and the inspirations that have given her strength. She speaks out on the effects of fame, both good and bad, and provides a road map for others faced with difficulties big and small.
American Wife is a startling and affecting portrait of a woman of grit and determination - an example we can all follow to become heroes in our own lives.
MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:
I don't even know if I have the words to express how much I loved this book. I know I cannot write an eloquent review to adequately write down my words about this book either. It was just WOW. Awesome.
I thought American Sniper was a great book, but after listening to Taya's side of the story, it makes that book so much more. More what? Just more. Not only is Taya's side of the story emotional, and touching, it's told in her own voice. I don't even know how she got through the reading of this book without getting emotional. I am sure she did when the microphones were off, but I think it made this book more powerful hearing it in her own words.
I started listening to this a while ago, and have had to take some breaks because it was too emotional for me at times. When I started it I was taking my daughter to EFY (a kind of church camp for LDS kids), and I cried all the way there, and all the way back home.
Taya's story is just beautiful. Heartbreaking, emotional, uplifting, spiritual, and just down right amazing. I was particularly touched and cried like a little girl when she had to sit and tell her children that their dad had died. They all took it like champs. I don't know if I could have held it together as much as Taya did. Her faith, and strength is absolutely beautiful.
Taya's choice to carry Chris's charities and work after his passing is so touching. I really do not have to words. I just don't. It was beautifully written, and such a touching and inspirational story.
If you have read American Sniper then you should take the time to read Taya's side of what happened and the aftermath of serving in the military. Chris's useless death is maddening to me. I don't know if I could have taken it with the grace that Taya did, and you find out her true character in this book.
Source: I bought this book for myself on audible. I was not compensated in any way for this review. These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.
(**on a side note: I broke down and watched the movie American Sniper, and I was totally disappointed. I loved the book so much and the movie didn't seem to do it justice. BUT that is just my opinion)
MY RATING:
WHERE TO BUY:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Taya Kyle founded the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation in honor of her late husband Chris Kyle, legendary U.S. Navy SEAL and author of the bestsellers American Sniper and American Gun. The foundation is devoted to strengthening the marriages of veterans and first responders. An active public speaker, Taya Kyle makes frequent appearances at fund-raisers and other events, inspiring others to find strength and persevere through struggles. She and her two children live in Texas.
Jim DeFelice is the co-author of Chris Kyle’s #1 New York Times bestseller American Sniper. He also is the author of Omar Bradley: General at War, the first in-depth critical biography of America’s last five-star general, and the co-author of the New York Times bestseller Code Name: Johnny Walker: The Extraordinary Story of the Iraqi Who Risked Everything to Fight with the U.S. Navy SEALs. He writes acclaimed military thrillers, including the Rogue Warrior series from Richard Marcinko, founder of SEAL Team 6, and the novels in the Dreamland series with Dale Brown.
I'm so excited this was so good since I knew I wouldn't be watching the movie, I just might need to pick this up instead. I really think I will like it as well. Sad the movie didn't live up to the book though, not fun when that happens, especially with a story like this one.
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