Uniquely written and a nice change of pace from normal book paths. Very interesting and well worth reading. Lots of background but lots of action too. I do take issue with some of the author's conclusions. While many of the normal mission steps and safeguards were not followed it may have been for a good reason. There comes a time when we have to give the upper brass some credit. Since some of the many issues never came to light, and there were many with the up to down planning, it may have been necessary and there comes a time when the down to up personnel just have to accept this. This being said, the book describes the courage and wittiness of each individual soldier involved. All can take pride in the fact that they were able to fill in the gaps with nothing more than skill and bravery. There's no need for a blame game at the end. We will probably never know all that the brass knew. Let's face it, we don't know about most of our extremely valuable military secrets and our military continue to do their jobs without demanding and explanation. It's okay to demand an explanation every time we think we deserve one. But we do our jobs whether we get one or not. Bitch but don't betray. It's almost the American way.