Harsh Reality in Iraq and Afghanistan

After reading a little bit further, the harsh reality of the living conditions throughout the earlier 2000's really shines through in the book.  What I really like about the author is that he is never apprehensive to talk to the locals and get their opinions.  He almost gets spit on by one man because of his absolute detestation of Americans and more importantly their occupation in Iraq, but the author still persists in order to get deeper into the story or just to get a point across.  I think that's what has set this piece apart from other works that have covered the war.  He spent so much time there and became familiar with so many people and places, who knows it better than he does?  His experience shines through every story, description and explanation.  It is impossible to miss.

The reading goes relatively fast, at least I think so, because Filkins often uses shorter passages that make up each chapter.  Almost like sub-chapters, he tells different stories or highlights a different person's struggle within the specific region (i.e. Afghanistan or Iraq).  I'm looking forward to reading more.