Last Updated on September 3, 2009 by James Dziezynski
Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman by Jon Krakauer
Jon Krakauer is one of my favorite writers reaching back to his days at Outside (you know, when the magazine used to be about the outdoors). The general public is familiar with his most noteworthy works, Into the Wild and Into Thin Air. His other works are also fantastic reads, especially Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith about the tumultuous roots of Mormonism. I’d highly recommend any of these titles.
On September 15, his newest book Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman is going to be released in hardcover. While a bit skeptical of the subject matter at first, Krakauer’s track record is too strong to ignore. What I know of Tillman comes from a variety of sources ranging from the pop-culture-fueled ESPN Page 2 columnists to the mainstream news stations. What I trust in Krakauer’s tackling this project is that Tillman is far from a one-dimensional character. Many are familiar with Chris McCandless, the protagonist in Into the Wild. I assume Tillman is as complex, brilliant and troubled as McCandless.
What I’m most looking forward to in the book is how Krakauer handles the aspect of military service as an extension of an adventurous spirit. One thing mountaineering and military men share are the deadly risks they partake in their causes, though from two completely different angles. Mountaineering relies on self-reliance, constant personal monitoring, adaptability and is more focused on success of the individual or small teams. The soldier is trained to be obidient, subserviant, follow orders without second thought and his success is nearly always part of a larger goal. Contrasting these two views from the eyes of an accomplished and apparently thoughtful man like Tillman is sure to reveal insights at the behest of the author’s skilled hand.
When Tillman became a reluctant poster-boy for the Bush administration’s all-American hero, it was with great hesitation the details of his death slowly emerged: killed by friendly fire. I’m reading to dive into this book with an open mind and draw my conclusions with Krakauer’s skilled intellectual prodding.
Keep your eyes out for it.
