Quicklet on Michael Hastings' The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America's War in Afghanistan

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Michael Hastings' The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America's War In Afghanistan is not just a novel, but a follow up piece a clarification of sorts on a long form article he wrote originally for Rolling Stone. In this article, he speaks freely about his time accompanying Stanley McChrystal in Afghanistan, and McChrystal's company of men.

The book itself is released with Hastings' and only Hastings' final approval (no Rolling Stone edits allowed) and therefore presents the full story with all it's elaborations, in an attempt to convey the originally intended message. While it still may not be a letter of recommendation per-se, it shows all sides of the story, and leaves it up to oneself to make the final judgement.

The book is split up into four sections. Part one alternates chapters between the time leading up to McChrystal's appointment as leader of the war, and Hastings' time with the group in Paris, Berlin, and Kabul. The next section is almost a calm before the storm, labeled as an interlude in Dubai. The following two sections are in chronological order progressing through time in Afghanistan. There is a narrative feel along with the intimate reporting, making for a compelling read. Overall, the book is an honest, forthright account of a civilian's time with those in uniform, and the futility of fatality in a war that should not have happened.

MEET THE AUTHOR

William Kryjak is a freelance writer based out of Hartford, CT. His previous work includes some pieces for a counterculture publication as well as some small copywriting jobs. He loves hockey and science fiction.

EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK

The Operators has a tight style; it reads like a magazine article. Factual and formal, but still a light tone; similar to when a CEO tells a joke. He is comfortable with his prose, but never lets his words wander. He says what he means and he means what he says.

Hastings always mentions the types of restaurants that the generals go to, and often they are kind of Americanized food in other countries, like they are tourists, which goes hand in hand with the sort of out of touch attitude that they have. The war is the only life that they truly understand. Culture is merely a byproduct.

Hastings is extremely detailed, even noting when people do or don't laugh at jokes. It's apparent that he has interviewed many people, and as a result has a true understanding of…

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CHAPTER OUTLINE

Quicklet on Michael Hasting’s The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America’s War in Afghanistan

+ About the Book

+ About the Author

+ Overall Summary

+ Important People Mentioned

+ …and much more