Charlie Wilson's War
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| Length: | 20 hours, 30 minutes | ||||||||||
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Overview
Charlie Wilson's War was a publishing sensation and a New York Times, Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times bestseller. In the early 1980s, a Houston socialite turned the attention of maverick Texas congressman Charlie Wilson to the ragged band of Afghan "freedom fighters" who continued, despite overwhelming odds, to fight the Soviet invaders. Wilson, who sat on the all-powerful House Appropriations Committee, managed to procure hundreds of millions of dollars to support the mujahideen. The arms were secretly procured and distributed with the help of an out-of-favor CIA operative, Gust Avrokotos, whose working-class Greek-American background made him an anomaly among the Ivy League world of American spies. Avrakotos handpicked a staff of CIA outcasts to run his operation and, with their help, continually stretched the Agency's rules to the breaking point. Moving from the back rooms of the Capitol, to secret chambers at Langley, to arms-dealers' conventions, to the Khyber Pass, this book presents an astonishing chapter of our recent past, and the key to understanding what helped trigger the sudden collapse of the Soviet Union and ultimately led to the emergence of a brand-new foe in the form of radical Islam.
Reviews (5)
Disgusted in Gig Harbor
Written by Anonymous on October 3rd, 2008
- Book Rating: 5/5
Okay, don't get me wrong. This was a great book, start to finish. Narration excellent. If you love recent American history, you probably won't find a better read. My disgust is the huge waste that occurred to support this cause. Agree or disagree with me. I was shocked and appalled. I know corruption and waste and greed and evil exist, but this is beyond anything I could even begin to image. I will be heart sick forever having read this account. Charlie Wilson is no hero in my book. I cannot imagine looking myself in the mirror having done even one percent of what he did. Read and have your eyes opened.
Charlie Wilson's War
Written by Michael Scott from Santa Cruz, CA on August 15th, 2008
- Book Rating: 5/5
I had NO idea of how involved we were in the whole Afghanistan conflict. I recently picked up the movie at my local rental house a few weeks ago, and was riveted by it. I knew I just had to find the book, just to find out how accurate the account was. I couldn't stop listening to this one.... 17 disks *almost* didn't seem to do it justice. It's a shame that some of the primary characters didn't get more of the recognition they deserved, and it's a pity how certain truths were dealt with, but still an amazing account. I can remember listening to the whole Iran/Contra affair on the radio, including Ollie North's testimony... it's amazing to me that this was small potatoes compared to what was REALLY happening in secret, without anyone really paying attention! This is a must-read!!!
Charlie Wilson's War
Written by Charles Fochs from Lyndon Station, WI on December 6th, 2006
- Book Rating: 5/5
This is no doubt one of the best books I have ever listened to. It was GREAT. I can not say enough as to how well it was written. I am a Combat Vet and love history, or excitment in books I listen to. I was not sure I would like this book but I did. It was an interesting look at how the CIA and our government get things done, without the other half knowing what is all going on. I gaurantee you will not be disappointed READ THIS BOOK.
Unbelievably captivating - for its lengthy detail of a topic I would normally find dry.
Written by Tyler Gleason on November 1st, 2006
- Book Rating: 5/5
This book is a supurbly detailed account of the CIA's involvement in the Russian invaision of Afghanistan. As my title states, I would normally avoid this like the plauge - but my dad had rented the first installment, and I had to listen to the other three! That's right... in some 17 CD's of narration, the conflict is covered from many angles - and in an unbiased manner. The icing on the cake for me, was the fact that the author managed to get through all but the last CD without mentioning Al' Queda or Osama - in what could have easily digressed into a giant scandal of "oh how screwed up we were, feeding the very enemies we now face!." Bottom line - get the first set - if you aren't as hooked as I was, don't bother with the rest of the account.
Charlie Wilson's War
Written by Carol Fiul on October 18th, 2006
- Book Rating: 5/5
I haven't enjoyed hearing a book as much in a very long time. This 17 CD book is a real eye opener. I already had some idea about the covert actions of this government in the world, but never with the clarity I have now. If you ever wondered why we are so incredibly accepting of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, you won't be when you have finished this book. Beautifully read. I sometimes get into the car and just drive around so I can hear more of the book. This is a good and informative read for anyone on the right or left. I just bought a copy so I can listen again.