American Sniper

American Sniper

Rating 7 out of 10

I have had the audio book American Sniper on my iPhone for a while and just have not got around to starting it.  When I saw the movie was coming out soon with Bradley Cooper I got on the stick and listened to it a couple weeks ago. Good book.  Good movie.

Chris Kyle was a tough cowboy from Texas that when the towers were hit on 9/11 decided he wanted to join the military and defend the country he loved.   He was older than most of the young men joining up at the time but did not care.  He joined the Navy Seals and quickly became one of their best.  He was totally fearless and actually loved the action.  Kyle became a sniper almost by accident then became one of the most proficient in American history.  He became very famous with everyone over there striking fear in the enemies heart just knowing he was in their country.

Part of his story is the love story with Kyle and his wife Taya who struggled to try to understand his need to keep going back overseas when he didn't actually have to.  Kyle loved his family yet found a strong need to be looking over other soldiers with his sniper rifle.

I would though suggest either reading the book OR go see the movie.  So often the movies say "BASED on a true story".  There is no amount of true story needed to qualify the movie to be based on...  Last years Lone Survivor was based on a true story and followed close to the truth until the last 20 min.  Unfortunately in American Sniper there is an important plot line that is totally fabricated.  Made for an entertaining movie making.  Just didn't happen.  I'd be curious to hear from others who also read the book.

I would still highly recommend this movie to all.  I was greatly entertained.  Bradley Cooper does a great job playing Kyle.  Good movie.