Sacrifice
A Gold Star Widow's Fight for the Truth
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo first 3 months
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Buy for $18.00
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Brittany Pressley
-
By:
-
Michelle Black
About this listen
The shocking and affecting memoir from a gold-star widow searching for the truth behind her Green Beret husband's death, this book bears witness to the true sacrifices made by military families.
When Green Beret Bryan Black was killed in an ambush in Niger in 2017, his wife, Michelle, saw her worst nightmare become a reality. She was left alone with her grief and with two young sons to raise. But what followed Bryan's death was an even more difficult journey for the young widow. After receiving very few details about the attack that took her husband's life, it was up to Michelle to find answers. It became her mission to learn the truth about that day in Niger - and Sacrifice is the result of that mission.
In this heartbreaking and revelatory memoir, Michelle uses exclusive interviews with the survivors of her husband's unit, research into the military leadership and accountability, and her own unique vantage point as a gold-star widow to tell a previously unknown story. Sacrifice is both an honest, emotional look inside a military marriage and a searing investigation of the people and decisions at the heart of the US military.
©2021 Michelle Black (P)2021 Penguin AudioCritic reviews
“A heartbreaking minute-by minute-composite of miscommunication, deception, bravery, and heroism.... A compelling, heartrending story of ultimate sacrifice.” (Booklist, starred review)
“Black’s story is important for what it reveals about corruption at the highest levels of the military and how that corruption can result in the needless sacrifice of soldiers’ lives.... [A] courageous and heartfelt military memoir from the perspective of a soldier’s family.” (Kirkus Reviews)
“Black’s narrative hauntingly encapsulates her grief.... Her book’s detailed research, based on new reporting and military memos, is one of the most complete accounts of the events of that fateful day.... Black’s recollections on grief are especially poignant.” (Library Journal)
Related to this topic
-
All Secure
- A Special Operations Soldier's Fight to Survive on the Battlefield and the Homefront
- By: Tom Satterly, Steve Jackson
- Narrated by: Tom Satterly
- Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As a senior non-commissioned officer of Delta Force, the most elite and secretive special operations unit in the US military, Command Sergeant Major Tom Satterly fought some of this country's most fearsome enemies. Tom is a legend even among other Tier One special operators. Yet the enemy that cost him three marriages, and ruined his health physically and psychologically, existed in his brain. Told through Satterly's firsthand experiences, it also weaves in the reasons for his career-long battle against the most insidious enemy of all: post-traumatic stress.
-
-
- One of those books that truly make a difference
- By henry on 12-21-19
By: Tom Satterly, and others
-
Legion Rising
- Surviving Combat and the Scars It Left Behind
- By: Jeff Morris, LC Mickler
- Narrated by: Jack Ares, Audra Buras
- Length: 7 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Not everyone has pulled shards of another man's skull from the palm of their hand. Not everyone has stood over the bodies of friends whose lives were lost in an instant. Not everyone has struggled to face their own reflection for years on end. But anyone who has experienced trauma or adversity will resonate with Legion Rising, the unflinchingly honest account of an army officer's journey through combat in the Iraq War and rising beyond the scars that trauma leaves behind.
-
-
The vivid memories
- By Chris Wright on 01-21-24
By: Jeff Morris, and others
-
Three Wise Men
- A Navy SEAL, a Green Beret, and How Their Marine Brother Became a War's Sole Survivor
- By: Beau Wise, Tom Sileo
- Narrated by: Beau Wise, Brian Troxell
- Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From Beau Wise and Tom Sileo comes Three Wise Men, an incredible memoir of family, service, and sacrifice by a marine who lost both his brothers in combat - becoming the only "sole survivor" during the war in Afghanistan.
-
-
True American heroes’ finest hour
- By Ann S. on 01-24-21
By: Beau Wise, and others
-
Foxtrot in Kandahar
- A Memoir of a CIA Officer in Afghanistan at the Inception of America’s Longest War
- By: Duane Evans
- Narrated by: Eric Martin
- Length: 6 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Kandahar. The ancient desert crossroads and, as of fall of 2001, ground zero for the Taliban and al-Qa'ida in southern Afghanistan. In the northern part of the country, the US-supported Northern Alliance has made progress on the battlefield, but in the south, the country is still under the Taliban's bloody hold and al-Qa'ida continues to operate there. With no "Southern Alliance" for the US to support, a new strategy is needed if victory is to be achieved. Veteran CIA officer Duane Evans is dispatched to Pakistan to "get something going in the South." Foxtrot in Kandahar is his story.
-
-
Fascinating look into CIA ground forces in early Afghanistan
- By Invictus on 09-23-18
By: Duane Evans
-
Always Faithful
- A Story of the War in Afghanistan, the Fall of Kabul, and the Unshakable Bond Between a Marine and an Interpreter
- By: Thomas Schueman, Zainullah Zaki
- Narrated by: Patrick Kirchner, Wali Habib
- Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Band of Brothers meets Argo in this dramatic and heartfelt dual memoir of the war in Afghanistan told by two men from opposite worlds. Always Faithful entwines the stories of Marine Major Tom Schueman, and his friend and Afghan interpreter, Zainullah “Zak” Zaki, as they describe their parallel lives, converging paths, and unbreakable bond in the face of overwhelming danger, culminating in Zak and his family’s harrowing escape from Kabul.
-
-
Great Read!
- By justin on 08-13-22
By: Thomas Schueman, and others
-
Battle Ready
- Memoir of a SEAL Warrior Medic
- By: Mark L. Donald, Scott Mactavish
- Narrated by: Fred Berman
- Length: 9 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As A SEAL and combat medic, Mark served his country with valorous distinction for almost 25 years and survived some of the most dangerous combat actions imaginable. From the rigors of BUD/S training to the horrors of the battlefield, Battle Ready dramatically immerses the listener in the unique life of the elite warrior-medic who advances into combat with life-saving equipment in one hand and life-taking weapons in the other. It is also an uplifting human story that reveals how a young Hispanic American bootstrapped himself out of a life that promised a dead-end future by enlisting in the military.
-
-
Captivating, honest, humbling. Just a grade A job
- By jones on 03-20-13
By: Mark L. Donald, and others
-
All Secure
- A Special Operations Soldier's Fight to Survive on the Battlefield and the Homefront
- By: Tom Satterly, Steve Jackson
- Narrated by: Tom Satterly
- Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As a senior non-commissioned officer of Delta Force, the most elite and secretive special operations unit in the US military, Command Sergeant Major Tom Satterly fought some of this country's most fearsome enemies. Tom is a legend even among other Tier One special operators. Yet the enemy that cost him three marriages, and ruined his health physically and psychologically, existed in his brain. Told through Satterly's firsthand experiences, it also weaves in the reasons for his career-long battle against the most insidious enemy of all: post-traumatic stress.
-
-
- One of those books that truly make a difference
- By henry on 12-21-19
By: Tom Satterly, and others
-
Legion Rising
- Surviving Combat and the Scars It Left Behind
- By: Jeff Morris, LC Mickler
- Narrated by: Jack Ares, Audra Buras
- Length: 7 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Not everyone has pulled shards of another man's skull from the palm of their hand. Not everyone has stood over the bodies of friends whose lives were lost in an instant. Not everyone has struggled to face their own reflection for years on end. But anyone who has experienced trauma or adversity will resonate with Legion Rising, the unflinchingly honest account of an army officer's journey through combat in the Iraq War and rising beyond the scars that trauma leaves behind.
-
-
The vivid memories
- By Chris Wright on 01-21-24
By: Jeff Morris, and others
-
Three Wise Men
- A Navy SEAL, a Green Beret, and How Their Marine Brother Became a War's Sole Survivor
- By: Beau Wise, Tom Sileo
- Narrated by: Beau Wise, Brian Troxell
- Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From Beau Wise and Tom Sileo comes Three Wise Men, an incredible memoir of family, service, and sacrifice by a marine who lost both his brothers in combat - becoming the only "sole survivor" during the war in Afghanistan.
-
-
True American heroes’ finest hour
- By Ann S. on 01-24-21
By: Beau Wise, and others
-
Foxtrot in Kandahar
- A Memoir of a CIA Officer in Afghanistan at the Inception of America’s Longest War
- By: Duane Evans
- Narrated by: Eric Martin
- Length: 6 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Kandahar. The ancient desert crossroads and, as of fall of 2001, ground zero for the Taliban and al-Qa'ida in southern Afghanistan. In the northern part of the country, the US-supported Northern Alliance has made progress on the battlefield, but in the south, the country is still under the Taliban's bloody hold and al-Qa'ida continues to operate there. With no "Southern Alliance" for the US to support, a new strategy is needed if victory is to be achieved. Veteran CIA officer Duane Evans is dispatched to Pakistan to "get something going in the South." Foxtrot in Kandahar is his story.
-
-
Fascinating look into CIA ground forces in early Afghanistan
- By Invictus on 09-23-18
By: Duane Evans
-
Always Faithful
- A Story of the War in Afghanistan, the Fall of Kabul, and the Unshakable Bond Between a Marine and an Interpreter
- By: Thomas Schueman, Zainullah Zaki
- Narrated by: Patrick Kirchner, Wali Habib
- Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Band of Brothers meets Argo in this dramatic and heartfelt dual memoir of the war in Afghanistan told by two men from opposite worlds. Always Faithful entwines the stories of Marine Major Tom Schueman, and his friend and Afghan interpreter, Zainullah “Zak” Zaki, as they describe their parallel lives, converging paths, and unbreakable bond in the face of overwhelming danger, culminating in Zak and his family’s harrowing escape from Kabul.
-
-
Great Read!
- By justin on 08-13-22
By: Thomas Schueman, and others
-
Battle Ready
- Memoir of a SEAL Warrior Medic
- By: Mark L. Donald, Scott Mactavish
- Narrated by: Fred Berman
- Length: 9 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As A SEAL and combat medic, Mark served his country with valorous distinction for almost 25 years and survived some of the most dangerous combat actions imaginable. From the rigors of BUD/S training to the horrors of the battlefield, Battle Ready dramatically immerses the listener in the unique life of the elite warrior-medic who advances into combat with life-saving equipment in one hand and life-taking weapons in the other. It is also an uplifting human story that reveals how a young Hispanic American bootstrapped himself out of a life that promised a dead-end future by enlisting in the military.
-
-
Captivating, honest, humbling. Just a grade A job
- By jones on 03-20-13
By: Mark L. Donald, and others
-
Ghost of the Valley
- By: Sean Ambriz
- Narrated by: Todd Hutto, Sean Ambriz
- Length: 4 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ghosts of the Valley gives a full spectrum recount of the incidents that took place in Afghanistan and the recovery process that became necessary upon return to the peace of home. The book itself will hopefully serve as a benefit to soldiers who have not yet deployed, civilians who struggle to understand the average combat veteran, and the soldiers who have redeployed that still struggle in their recovery process.
-
-
Compelling -A Must Listen
- By Mark S. Gerecht on 03-18-21
By: Sean Ambriz
-
American Spartan
- The Promise, the Mission, and the Betrayal of Special Forces Major Jim Gant
- By: Ann Scott Tyson
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell, Danny Campbell
- Length: 15 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Some have called him "Lawrence of Afghanistan". To the Pashtun tribesmen he is "Commander Jim", leader of the "bearded ones". He is Army Special Forces Major Jim Gant, one of the most charismatic and controversial U.S. commanders of modern memory, a man who changed the face of America's war in Afghanistan when his critical white paper, "One Tribe at a Time", went viral at the Pentagon, the White House, and on Capitol Hill in 2009.
-
-
THE TRUE ARMY OF ONE!!!"THE SPARTAN"
- By Hunter on 07-17-14
By: Ann Scott Tyson
-
War Story
- Sometimes the Real Fight Starts after the Battle
- By: Steven Elliott
- Narrated by: Chris Abell
- Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A must-listen for veterans and their loved ones, War Story is an explosive look at the chaos of war - and the battle for life in its aftermath. It confronts some of life’s biggest questions: Why do we choose to fight for a country or a cause? What happens when the cost of that fight overwhelms and destroys? Can we forgive and be forgiven? How do we find hope? At its core, War Story is a dramatic personal encounter with war and faith, love and tragedy, and ultimate renewal.
-
-
Amazing
- By Anonymous User on 08-24-21
By: Steven Elliott
-
American Heroes
- By: James Patterson, Matt Eversmann, Tim Malloy
- Narrated by: Joe Mantegna
- Length: 11 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
U.S. soldiers who served in overseas conflicts—from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan—share true stories of the actions that earned them some of America’s most distinguished military medals, up to and including the Medal of Honor. They never acted alone, but always in the spirit of camaraderie, patriotism, and for the good of our beloved country. There has never been a better time for all of us to think about duty, sacrifice, and what it means to be an American hero.
-
-
EXCELLENT
- By Wilson Che' Gray on 10-25-24
By: James Patterson, and others
-
The Outpost
- An Untold Story of American Valor
- By: Jake Tapper
- Narrated by: Rob Shapiro
- Length: 22 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At 6:00 a.m. on the morning of October 3, 2009, Combat Outpost Keating was viciously attacked by Taliban insurgents. The 53 U.S. troops, having been stationed at the bottom of three steep mountains, were severely outmanned by nearly 400 Taliban fighters. Though the Americans ultimately prevailed, their casualties made it one of the war's deadliest battles for U.S. forces. And after more than three years in that dangerous and vulnerable valley a mere 14 miles from the Pakistan border, the U.S. abandoned and bombed the camp.
-
-
Good, could have been great.
- By Ryan on 01-22-13
By: Jake Tapper
-
Service
- A Navy SEAL at War
- By: Marcus Luttrell
- Narrated by: Kevin T. Collins
- Length: 12 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell returned from his star-crossed mission in Afghanistan with his bones shattered and his heart broken. So many had given their lives to save him-and he would have readily done the same for them. As he recuperated, he wondered why he and others, from America's founding to today, had been willing to sacrifice everything-including themselves-for the sake of family, nation, and freedom.
-
-
love this book ~ add it to your must read list!!
- By HYoung on 05-18-12
By: Marcus Luttrell
-
Echo in Ramadi
- The Firsthand Story of U.S. Marines in Iraq's Deadliest City
- By: Scott A. Huesing
- Narrated by: David Marantz
- Length: 9 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From the winter of 2006 through the spring of 2007, 250 marines from Echo Company, Second Battalion, Fourth Marine Regiment, fought daily in the dangerous, dense city streets of Ramadi, Iraq, during the Multi-National Forces Surge ordered by President George W. Bush. The marines' mission: to kill or capture anti-Iraqi forces. Their experience: like being in hell. Now Major Scott A. Huesing, the commander who led Echo Company through Ramadi, takes listeners back to the streets of Ramadi in a visceral, gripping portrayal of modern urban combat.
-
-
Combat is Combat
- By Calvin Guthrie on 05-21-18
By: Scott A. Huesing
-
Violence of Action
- The Untold Stories of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War on Terror
- By: Charles Faint, Marty Skovlund Jr., Leo Jenkins
- Narrated by: Sean Crisden, Paul Boehmer, Emily Durante
- Length: 13 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Violence of Action is much more than the true, first-person accounts of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the Global War on Terror. Within this audio are the heartfelt, firsthand accounts from and about the men who lived, fought, and died for their country, their regiment, and each other. Objective Rhino, Haditha Dam, recovering Jessica Lynch, the hunt for Zarqawi, the recovery of Extortion 17, and everything in between...
-
-
Great Book
- By shane on 06-18-15
By: Charles Faint, and others
-
Eagle Down
- The Last Special Forces Fighting the Forever War
- By: Jessica Donati
- Narrated by: Brittany Pressley
- Length: 9 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A Wall Street Journal national security reporter takes listeners into the lives of US Special Forces on the front lines against the Taliban and Islamic State, where a new and covert war is keeping Afghanistan from collapse.
-
-
Excellent depiction of the non tactical battle.
- By Paddy on 11-16-21
By: Jessica Donati
-
Cowboys Over Iraq
- Leadership from the Saddle
- By: Jimmy Blackmon, General David H. Petraeus US Army - Ret. - foreword
- Narrated by: Shawn Compton
- Length: 13 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Cowboys Over Iraq tells the amazing story of leadership, innovation, initiative, and a brotherhood that was forged in the crucible of combat during the invasion of Iraq.
-
-
New perspective
- By N.M. on 04-08-24
By: Jimmy Blackmon, and others
-
Trident
- The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader
- By: Jason Redman, John Bruning
- Narrated by: Erik Bergmann
- Length: 12 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Decorated Navy SEAL Lieutenant Jason Redman served his country courageously and with distinction in Colombia, Peru, Afghanistan, and Iraq, where he commanded mobility and assault forces. But his journey was not without its supreme challenges. He was critically wounded in 2007 when he was struck by machine-gun fire at point blank range. During his intense recovery period, Redman posted a sign on his door, warning all who entered not to "feel sorry for [his] wounds."
-
-
SEALS and Leadership
- By Pamela Dale Foster on 06-20-14
By: Jason Redman, and others
-
Ashley's War
- The Untold Story of a Team of Women Soldiers on the Special Ops Battlefield
- By: Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
- Narrated by: Kathe Mazur
- Length: 10 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From the author of the New York Times best seller The Dressmaker of Khair Khana comes the poignant and gripping story of a groundbreaking team of female American warriors who served alongside Special Operations soldiers on the battlefield in Afghanistan - including Ashley White, a beloved soldier who died serving her country's cause.
-
-
A Diamond Among Diamonds
- By Cynthia on 04-25-15
What listeners say about Sacrifice
Highly rated for:
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- tha sista
- 04-29-22
Incredible courage
This woman has incredible courage. The first third of the book is truly heart wrenching. If you aren’t moved to tears you aren’t alive. The last two thirds infuriating. The authors research is very detailed and well explained.
The narrator was excellent. Glad I bought this book.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lurchy
- 08-06-22
Prepare to Experience a Range of Emotions
What a great service Michelle Black did by penning the true story of ODA 3212. She honors the sacrifice of those who lost their lives and those who fought courageously alongside their fallen brothers. She also exposes the cowardice corruption demonstrated by the BC and higher, all in the name of distancing themselves from any responsibility for putting the team in an untenable, deadly situation. As a father of an ODA Team Leader this complete void of honor by the chain of command and their failure to value the input of the ground commander makes me so very angry.
This is a must listen, if for no other reason but to get an understanding of what those at the tip of the spear face in service of our country.
Thank you Michelle Black for your painstaking research required to write this book. Your love for your husband is so evident. I too lost my wife way too soon after a long battle with a brain tumor. I believe in my heart that she is always near our kids and me as I have no doubt Bryan is always close to you and your sons. God bless you and your family.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Eric Krook
- 01-09-24
Resilience & Tenacity
“Sacrifice” - the most courageous “love story” I’ve ever heard. Michelle Black’s fortitude and determination is a commendable example of true leadership and Warrior spirit.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- P. Eps
- 03-03-22
Loved this
Such a heartbreaking story! Michelle Black’s never quit attitude to get to the true story of what her husband and his team had to endure is heart wrenching and inspiring.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Disaster L.
- 08-23-21
Maddening yet brilliant
You will cry, you will laugh. You will be disgusted by the military machine that gets it wrong in many cases. This book is well written and very well read. Just finished it and am going to start it over again. You will not be disappointed.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jennifer Ashburn
- 07-16-22
Amazing biography!
Definitely not my typical genre but my youngest wanted to do this book for summer reading so I obliged. I’m happy to say it was very well written and narrated. The story follows a group of green berets on a mission in Niger where they end up ambushed and alone. Miscommunication and corruption at the top levels of the military lead to the green beret group going several days with no sleep and little water with no back up. When reports come out for the families it’s heavily redacted and leads to more questions and little answers or help to find the truth. It completely tears at your heartstrings and makes you want justice for everyone wronged.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- John
- 09-24-22
great book
loved it informative and keeps you peeled listening from beginning to end I definitely recommend this
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- UDI
- 03-16-22
Thank you for telling your story.
Thank you for exposing what has occurred. I have had the pleasure of meeting Jeremiah's father. The team and their families deserve so much more than what has been given.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Alex
- 05-20-22
Fantastic and emotional read
I remember seeing something about this book when it first came out, but didn’t think much of it, heard the author’s interview on a podcast and picked downloaded it the same day. I did not realize the complexity of this situation in regards to the military’s attempts to pass the blame. I never believed the “rogue team” line circulating for a while for reasons stated in the book, and that’s without my personally knowing any of the individuals. This story is heart wrenching, it is sad, it makes you hold your spouse and kids a little longer each time you leave them. I am truly saddened for the loss of these 4 warriors, and the pain their families have had to endure for America. We as a Nation owe it to these fallen four, and the countless fallen from our inception to be better. We must learn from their sacrifice, or we will be doomed to repeat it in the future.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- liz
- 07-19-22
A must read
Heartbreaking and angering. This is a must read for all, if not for the families the truth would have been hidden and history would have put these men under “cowboys” and the what not to do.
One person can change the world and the author is an example of this.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!