Rate: 3.5/5

Medium: Audiobook

Overview (No Spoilers):

Unfortunately, I’m approximately three books tardy on my blog as my time has been a bit more stretched than normal with work and being in one of my best friend’s weddings over this past weekend! Luke and I had a wonderful time celebrating with Erin and Trevor! Congrats you two lovebirds!

Initially, I hesitated to pick up 13 Hours in Benghazi because I’d mistakenly thought I’d heard enough in the news to have a general grasp of the events and I knew the tragic outcome. However, upon seeing the author was Zuckoff I reconsidered, having thoroughly enjoyed two previous historical nonfiction books, i.e., Frozen in Time and Lost in Shangri-La. My faith in Zuckoff was not misplaced. I learned so much about regarding the tumultuous history of Libya and its political instability. The true story weaved by Zuckoff, was intense, frustrating, and heartbreaking. Based on how the narrative of the story was told it was fairly easy to figure out who died and who lived, although I’m not sure how that could have been avoided. There is some controversy as to the legitimacy of the tale with the CIA refuting some of the claims, however not surprised because the story did not paint the CIA in the best light during the Benghazi crisis. I won’t spoil anything but don’t be surprised if you find yourself shaking your head and getting rather irritated as the government dolls out honors post attack. Overall, 13 Hours in Benghazi was a thrilling, stressful read that sheds the light on the true events of the tragic terrorist attack, without delving into the political controversy that surrounded the aftermath.