Resolve To Read A Great Book In 2010

Literary scholars and neophytes alike have long debated what makes a work of literature great: a unique story, compelling characters, artful narrative, universal truths.

For me, to be defined as “great”, a work of literature must pass one additional litmus test: after reading, I must not forget it. I must consider and re-consider it. I must wrestle with it. If after reading it, I can immediately close the cover and begin another book, then I have not been touched, challenged or provoked. No book better met this definition in 2009 than Jon Krakauer’s epic tale, Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman.

Football fans will likely know the former Arizona Cardinal who left his position as safety to enlist in the Army following the attacks of 9/11. While serving a tour in Afghanistan, Pat Tillman was killed by fratricide (or, “friendly fire”)--a fact deliberately withheld from Tillman’s family, the media and the American public by the United States government. But this summation is only the beginning of Tillman’s journey.

In Where Men Win Glory, author Jon Krakauer presents two tightly interwoven narratives: Tillman’s rise from a loyal, but hot-headed teenager to a rising football star and conflicted soldier, with the rise of a group of Afghanis from anti-Soviet freedom fighters to anti-American terrorists (more commonly known as the Taliban). We see this juxtaposition presented through Krakauer’s tight historical timeline based on first-hand accounts, government reports, journalistic sources, interviews, diaries, journals and letters. Krakauer’s in-depth research demonstrates what it is to be a good journalist.

But, as usual, Krakauer goes beyond the journalistic to create something literary. Readers may recognize Krakauer’s other works, Into the Wild, Under the Banner of Heaven and Into Thin Air (which the Julia Hull District Library book club will be reading in January). All distinct (true) stories, these works share common threads: a male lead, compelled by a sense of duty and adventure, willingly risks his life for some (supposed) larger good.

Where Men Win Glory is no exception to this rule. In it, Krakauer begs three looming questions: Why are humans driven to sacrifice, even in the face of great danger? When should we protect our own interests, and when are we morally obligated to project the interests of our community, nation, world? What is our duty to country and what is our country’s duty to us? Examining Tillman’s tale is central to answering these questions.

Pat Tillman’s story is that of a hero, but not only in the classic sense, which Krakauer alludes to in the title of his work. Rather, Tillman is a recognizable character who commands respect from his family, friends and peers--a man who loves deeply, reads and reflects fervently, questions adamantly and lives fully. Readers will grow to admire the person, beyond the image.

A warning: Krakauer’s account of Tillman’s experiences will at times enrage you; Parts 3 and 4 which describe his death and cover-up should haunt you. But these are the things of great literature: the lump in your throat, the shadow on your memory. Like any New Year’s resolution, these are the things that can change us by altering the way in which we see the world. During a time of year where many resolve to change for the better, challenge yourself this 2010 to read and reflect upon a great book.