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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"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 (4 out of 5 stars)
“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" 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" 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" 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" Soldier's account of battling in Iraq. End of the book is quite dramatic. "
— Daniel, 1/27/2014" 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" 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" Hand to hand combat fought to the death can still occur in the era of smart bombs. "
— Henry, 1/22/2014" 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" 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
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.
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.