Post 10: Book 3 Project

The Lone Survivor is an action filled memoir that is based on a true story about a four man Navy Seal team in the heart of the Afghan mountains.  It was made into a movie this year and the story is being known throughout America.  This book is told from the perspective of Marcus Luttrell, a Navy Seal who took part in the heroic mission.  He describes his thoughts and motivations he has had his entire life, ever since he aspired to be a seal when he was only twelve years old. 

The characters in this book are described by Luttrell rather than having their own dialogue, for the most part.  Luttrell does most of the talking in this book, and he has a very unique personality.  He has a very serious attitude and perspective on life.  A lot of the things that he says are phrases or words that had been instilled in their minds since they were in boot camp, on day one.  He recites many sayings that show what a true soldier he is.  He states things like, “I persevere and thrive on adversity.  My nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies”.  He also says many things that are commonly repeated during war-time situations.  He is constantly screaming “Yes Sir!” and “Roger that”.  There is one word that is commonly repeated throughout the book, and that is “Hooyah”.  It is commonly used in place of the words: “yes sir” and “roger that”.  Most of the dialogue in this book relates to a sort of ‘military language’.  What comes with military talk is also the occasional swear word.  There is not excessive swearing, like The catcher in the Rye.  That type of dialect is only presented when the situation is relevant.  For instance, when Luttrell describes his experience at boot camp, there are swear words sporadically placed throughout the chapter. 

When reading The Lone Survivor, I found it fairly easy to pick up on a reoccurring theme.  The book portrays a sort of “bad ass” feel to it.  The confidence of the Navy Seals almost makes you want to be one of them; makes you appreciate what our American soldiers do for us just a little bit more.  I believe that the theme of the book is trying to convey comradery, brotherhood, and team work.  That is another phrase that is constantly mentioned throughout the book; team work.  Nothing that our countries military has achieved would be possible without team work.  Team work is the reason our country is as great as it is today.  This is because our country believes in team work, and brotherhood.  When Luttrell talks about his time at boot camp, team work is something that is constantly seared into their brains. 

Overall, I thought that this book was very good.  It was well written, and kept me on my toes throughout the entire story.  There is strong use of dialect, imagery, and plot structure in this book.  The Lone Survivor is a heroic act of team work and dedication by a few of the world’s most prestigious warriors.  The Navy Seals are highly trained soldiers that will fight to the death for our beloved country.