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Audiobooks > Biography & Autobiography >  Military > House to House: An Epic Memoir of War
House to House: An Epic Memoir of War Audiobook, by David Bellavia Play Audiobook Sample

Download House to House: An Epic Memoir of War Audiobook

4.00155884645362 out of 54.00155884645362 out of 54.00155884645362 out of 54.00155884645362 out of 54.00155884645362 out of 5 (4.00) - 1,283 customer ratings
House to House: An Epic Memoir of War Audiobook, by David Bellavia Play Audiobook Sample
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Author: David Bellavia Narrator: Ray Porter Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Audio Length: Release Date: January 2006 Format: Unabridged Audiobook Delivery: Instant Download ISBN: 9781455188338
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Publisher Description

This is the personal side of battle, where emotion, courage, and strength are stretched to the limits.

Bringing to searing life the terrifying intimacy of hand-to-hand infantry combat, House to House is far more than just another war story—it is one of the most compelling combat narratives ever written. Populated by an indelibly drawn cast of characters, it develops the intensely close relationships that form between soldiers under fire. Their friendships, tested in brutal combat, would never be quite the same. What happened to them in their bloody embrace with America’s most implacable enemy is a harrowing, unforgettable story of triumph, tragedy, and the resiliency of the human spirit.

Staff Sergeant David Bellavia, army infantry platoon leader, gives a teeth-rattling, first-hand account of eleven straight days of heavy house-to-house fighting during the climactic second battle of Fallujah. His actions in the firefight, which included killing five insurgents in hand-to-hand combat, earned Bellavia the Bronze Star, the Silver Star, and New York state’s highest military honor, the Conspicuous Service Cross. He has been nominated for the Medal of Honor and for the army’s second highest combat medal, the Distinguished Service Cross.

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Quotes

  • “Will satisfy readers who like their testosterone undiluted…a precise, hour-by-hour account of the fighting, featuring repeated heroic feats and brave sacrifice from Americans.”

    - Publishers Weekly

  • “Infantry Sergeant Bellavia’s graphic depictions of the firefights and harrowing face-to-face combat he experienced in Iraq will pump reader adrenaline or halt circulation. Recalling a work of fiction at moments, the book chronicles events in his deployment in the Diyala Province, then at the second battle of Fallujah. Readers will feel they are in the thick of the fighting, with ever present enemy gunfire and anxiety, not to mention the aftermath of battle—debris, confusion, infection, and dysentery…a vital, striking document by a soldier who earned both Bronze and Silver Stars.”

    - Library Journal

  • “[A] ravaging and deeply personal memoir…Bellavia crafts a remarkable account filled with the horror and heartache of war…Porter offers a concentrated reading that will surely engage listeners.”

    - AudioFile

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Customer Reviews

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  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " As a soldier with multiple combat deployments, I found certain parts to be every soldiers dream fire fight that are few and far between, and some content that I could relate with. The authors actions after he was done with combat I take issue with, and If he really did that, I was in Iraq when he said he did that. And it was very much still a war zone. I'm not trying to leave any spoilers. I just find it tough to actually believe. Overall I say do read this book. The emotion and sentiment brought back memories, that should be shared. "

    - Andrew, 2/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A must read if you like reading military, you will have a tough time putting the book down. Our Military Rocks! "

    - Mark, 2/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Eh. It was okay, but at a certain point, I finished it because I felt like I had to, since I had spent so much time reading a chapter here or there, not because I particularly wanted to. I've read a decent number of books like this, so after I got a few chapters into it, I realized that it was pretty much more of the same. "

    - Jennie, 1/30/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was a really difficult book to get through - first because I am not a military person, so struggling to understand the acronyms, the jargon and the general military mindset was such a foreign experience. Secondly, this was a graphic book, and the content itself was difficult to wade through. But it was worth it. There is so much out now about the Iraq war and the soldiers, and the politics, and the foreign policy matters....that it's certainly easy to tune out. But this book is so gritty and earthy that you are forced to confront all of the stuff that we generally would rather not. It's horrific what soldiers do/are asked to do for their country (on both sides) and what they have to tell themselves in order to do it. This book will make you think and hopefully will provoke some thoughtful discussions among friends and family. "

    - Jennifer, 1/30/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Soldier's account of battling in Iraq. End of the book is quite dramatic. "

    - Daniel, 1/27/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Great account of an Army unit's experience during the battle of Fallujah. Most books I have read about the battle typically are from a Marine standpoint. Great insight on tactics, strategies and methods during this important battle. Bellavia also reveals some terrific insights about being a human being in a very inhuman situation. Warning: very graphic depictions, but nonetheless very important book. "

    - Barry, 1/25/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Hand to hand combat fought to the death can still occur in the era of smart bombs. "

    - Henry, 1/22/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " On the street, first person look at combat from the squad. Some tactics are discussed but overall it is the heart racing, adrenaline pumping action during the first days entering Fallujah. The combat and dialogue are gritty and the story is told with little or no rest. It doesn't let up until the final pages. If you want a first hand account of what urban warfare is like in Iraq, look no further. "

    - Tyson, 1/22/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " amazing narration of what these guys are going through over there and this is probably just a fraction of what they see everyday. very engaging; you want to keep reading to find out what happens next. "

    - Heather, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I think every civilian should read this book to better understand what our troops and soldiers have faced in battle. Gritty, raw, emotional and eye opening. "

    - Julie, 1/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Epic perhaps not, but a very good story which I liked. You get to know the soldiers somewhat and grieve for them and their pain. The conditions of the cities and the health of our soldiers is disturbing. It's shameful what we don't know due to the politics of the media. "

    - Robert, 1/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Loved this memoir. Could not stop reading it. It makes you think that your daily problems are trivial compared to the hardships Bellavia faced. I recommend this read to everyone. "

    - Amanda, 1/5/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Fantastic look into the battle for Fallujah. "

    - Jeff, 12/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The military does NOT get enough respect! "

    - Gregory, 11/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I have never read a war memoir before but it was recommended on NPR so I tried it. Interesting perspective and quick read though troubling. "

    - Sheila, 9/25/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A tribute to the Infantry. Simply electrifying!!! It grabs us completely, from the first to the last page. "

    - Luís, 4/11/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This was a very educational - my son served two tours in Iraq so I know he experienced some of the same things written in the book! Sometimes that is hard to read! "

    - Kathy, 12/27/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Excellent read on the war in Iraq told from a Iraq war vet. Talks about his time in Iraq and his struggles. Loved it "

    - Darrick, 11/1/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Absolutely engaging, but the language was atrocious. This is a raw account of Bellavia's experience in Iraq. He captures the emotion, sounds, smells, and rapture of war in this personal account. "

    - Randall, 6/9/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Best book about War in Iraq that I have read so far. David tells this story with lots of humor and emotion. "

    - Carey, 6/3/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of the Greatest books i've ever read. Changed my perspective on life. "

    - Elijah, 5/11/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of the most intense, military reads i've come across. Ranks up there with Lone Survivor. "

    - Trey, 5/7/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Wow, what an incredible book! It shows the bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers in Iraq and Afganistan, in a very real and dramatic way. It's extremely intense, but well worth the read. "

    - Stephen, 4/27/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " "This is quite a gripping account of some of what went on in Falluja in 2004. I really got into this after watching Black Hawk Down. That got me in the right frame of mine to really picture these scenes from Iraq. It is quite graphic and very intense, but it really gets you into the action." "

    - Sam, 1/5/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This book shows the bond of men that risk their life together for the good of our country. "

    - Robert, 12/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Excellent book on the rigors of combat and military service. It isn't the same as actually doing it but it gives you an idea of the sacrifices we vets make for our country. Sometimes, the sarcasm comes thru a bit much in the book but otherwise a good read. On my A list! "

    - Brian, 8/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Strong description of fighting on the front lines of Iraq. "

    - Greg, 7/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Absolutely engaging, but the language was atrocious. This is a raw account of Bellavia's experience in Iraq. He captures the emotion, sounds, smells, and rapture of war in this personal account. "

    - Randall, 5/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Read the book in two and a half days. "

    - Adam, 4/3/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Bellavia paints a realistic and riveting look into the grisly life of an infantryman. I hope more Americans familiarize themselves with the sacrifices our troops made in Fallujah. "

    - Joe, 12/30/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This book should be a must read to all those in high school and college so that everyone will know the horrors and the sacrifice that those who choose to fight for our country must endure. "

    - Steven, 11/26/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " There's no easing into this book - you are instantly grabbed and thrust into what can only be described as "Hell on Earth". No punches pulled, this book was gripping, intense and extremely well written.A must read! "

    - Mary, 10/26/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of the best book I have ever read. A real life story of infantrymen in Fallujah. Amazingly vivid descriptions stirring up all kinds of emotions. A must read. "

    - Umme, 10/26/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " For the hard-core military reader. First hand accounts of hand-to-hand combat in Iraq. Some scenes are very graphic and may not be suitable for all readers. Do not read if you have aversoin to the "F" word. Other than that, it was entertaining and about what I expected it to be. "

    - Steve, 9/27/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I have never read a war memoir before but it was recommended on NPR so I tried it. Interesting perspective and quick read though troubling. "

    - Sheila, 9/15/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The military does NOT get enough respect! "

    - Gregory, 7/30/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " amazing narration of what these guys are going through over there and this is probably just a fraction of what they see everyday. very engaging; you want to keep reading to find out what happens next. "

    - Heather, 6/19/2010

About the Author

Staff Sergeant David Bellavia spent six years in the US Army and has been awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star for his actions in Iraq. In 2005, he received the Conspicuous Service Cross (New York State’s highest award for military valor) and was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. He is the cofounder of Vets for Freedom, an advocacy organization of veterans concerned about the politicization of media coverage of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. His writing has been published in the Philadelphia Inquirer, National Review, Weekly Standard, and others. He lives in western New York.

About the Narrator

Ray Porter has garnered two Audie nominations as well as several Earphones Awards and enthusiastic reviews for his sparkling narration of audiobooks. A fifteen-year veteran of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, he has also appeared in numerous films and television shows.