Where Cowards Go to Die

By: Benjamin Sledge

Narrated by: Bradford Hastings

Length: 8 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

A former soldier awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart tells the story of overcoming the mental and physical wounds of war on a fifteen-year odyssey that led him back to the very place where his nightmares began—and the only place redemption was possible.

While serving a portion of his time under the Special Operations Command, Benjamin Sledge fought to keep his humanity amid the killing fields of Iraq and Afghanistan. But war never leaves its participants unscathed. In Where Cowards Go to Die, Sledge reveals an unflinchingly honest portrait of war that few dare to tell.

Stationed on a small base on the border of Pakistan in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September eleventh, the young warrior returned home shattered after embracing the barbarity he witnessed around him. Haunted by his experiences overseas, he began a fifteen-year odyssey wrestling with mental health, purpose, and faith, that eventually drove him to volunteer for another combat tour in the deadliest city of the Iraq War—Ramadi.

In his memoir, Sledge vividly captures the reality of the men and women who learn to fight without remorse, love each other without restraint, and suffer the high cost of returning to a country that no longer feels like home.

©2022 Benjamin Sledge (P)2022 Blackstone Publishing

Excellent

This is a must read for everyone! Thank you Ben for your bravery in transparency.

A good read

I appreciate the honesty that Sledge brings forth in the book. As a Marine 0311 I always keep my crayons handy. Thank you Sledge and all of those who served.

Truth

Those of us who have never served certainly don’t understand what war veterans have experienced. But I believe this book can give all of us some true insight. It is well written and easily understood. The narrators voice is smooth and easy to listen to. You should listen to and really, hear the story.

The story told right!

You will not want to put this book down! I served with the Berserker team in 2006 and can tell you this is a story worth telling!
It has finally been told right! This book compares to only a few other war story books. So if you want a good listen, and a good read! Look no further!

Amazing & Detailed Story of what it was truly like for Combat Veterans

Nothing against other combat stories (The Last Survivor) I’ve read. This one hit closer to home for me than others have. Maybe it’s because his story brings up things I’ve dealt with in my journey through recovery and how my identity isn’t found in what I’ve done but who I was created to be by God.

I really like the authenticity this book brings combat situations to life and doesn’t make it all hero like that you see in movies. The voice actor definitely gives this book deeper storytelling with an amazing performance.

10/10 would and will recommend to anyone I come across!

Enjoyed every second

Thanks for sharing your story Ben! This was a very descriptive and personal account of one warriors life and experience of war. Thanks for bringing mental health and ptsd into a normal conversation

Heavy, and powerful.

I've always loved they way Ben writes.. he has a knack for making almost anything feel familiar, as if you are the one holding the pen. This book is no different. While I've never seen combat, or lived through the things this book details, I broke alongside him in these words. Ben is an incredible writer, a true warrior, and someone I greatly admire.
Having already bought 2 hardcovers as gifts, I bought the audio version just for myself.
The narration brings this book to life in a completely new way.

I loved the author’s honesty

I feel like Benjamin Sledge open up to me what combat veterans truly go through. I appreciate his honesty and candidness. Also Bradford Hastings was the perfect performer for this book….felt like Sledge was talking to me.

Must read

This is a very well written book that allows you to explore the struggles human minds go through in life and war. I definitely recommend reading this!

My son had similar experiences as well as the repercussions.

Narrator did a great job. I’ve listened to well over 250 audiobooks and can attest to his ability.
I will recommend this book for sure!