13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened In Benghazi by Mitchell Zuckoff is a book that provides a detailed account of the events that took place during the 2012 Benghazi attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound and CIA annex in Libya. The narrative is based on the firsthand accounts of the security team that fought to protect the Americans stationed there. Zuckoff, along with the surviving members of the Annex Security Team, offers an in-depth look at the bravery and challenges faced by these men during the intense 13-hour battle. The book aims to present an on-the-ground perspective of the events, focusing on the actions and experiences of the security team rather than the political controversies that followed.
About the Author
Mitchell Zuckoff is an American author, journalist, and professor known for his work as a former reporter for The Boston Globe, where he was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. He has written several bestselling nonfiction books, including Lost in Shangri-La, Frozen in Time, and 13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi. Zuckoff specializes in narrative nonfiction, often focusing on historical events and remarkable survival stories. In addition to his writing career, he serves as a professor of journalism at Boston University, where he teaches narrative writing and storytelling techniques. His work is characterized by meticulous research and a compelling narrative style that brings historical events to life.
13 Hours [BOOK SUMMARY]
13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi by Mitchell Zuckoff provides a detailed and gripping account of the September 11, 2012, attacks on the U.S. diplomatic compound and CIA annex in Benghazi, Libya. The book, based on firsthand accounts from the security team present during the attacks, sheds light on the 13 hours of intense fighting that took place, highlighting the bravery and sacrifices of the individuals involved.
The narrative begins by setting the stage in Benghazi, describing the precarious security situation and the complex political environment in Libya following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi. The story centers around six American security contractors—members of the Annex Security Team—tasked with protecting the CIA annex and supporting the diplomatic compound. The team includes former military personnel with extensive combat experience, who faced overwhelming odds during the attack.
The book meticulously recounts the sequence of events as they unfolded on that fateful night. At approximately 9:42 p.m. local time, the diplomatic compound came under attack by heavily armed militants. Despite receiving orders to stand down initially, the security team made the courageous decision to respond to the compound, where they found the ambassador’s residence engulfed in flames. They heroically rescued survivors and attempted to locate Ambassador Christopher Stevens and Information Management Officer Sean Smith.
As the night progressed, the attackers shifted their focus to the CIA annex. The security team, outnumbered and outgunned, fought valiantly to repel the militants’ assaults. Zuckoff vividly describes the chaos, confusion, and danger faced by the team as they defended the annex against waves of attacks using a combination of firearms, grenades, and other weaponry.
The book highlights the team’s desperate pleas for air support, which never materialized due to various bureaucratic and logistical challenges. Despite these obstacles, the security team held their ground for several hours, showcasing their exceptional bravery and teamwork. The attacks continued until the early morning hours when reinforcements finally arrived to evacuate the survivors.
Zuckoff’s narrative paints a vivid picture of the harrowing events and the personal experiences of the security team members. The book provides a human perspective on the tragedy, focusing on the individuals who risked their lives to protect their fellow Americans. Through detailed interviews and extensive research, Zuckoff captures the raw emotions, fear, and determination of the security team as they faced overwhelming adversity.
13 Hours [BOOK REVIEW]
Mitchell Zuckoff’s 13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi is a riveting and meticulously detailed account of the 2012 Benghazi attacks. By focusing on the firsthand experiences of the Annex Security Team, Zuckoff offers readers a unique perspective that goes beyond the political controversies surrounding the event. The book’s strength lies in its ability to humanize the individuals involved, showcasing their bravery, dedication, and sacrifices during the intense 13-hour battle.
“A minute-by-minute account of what they saw, thought and did on the night of Sept. 11-12 in Benghazi…nerve-wracking.”
The Washington Post
Zuckoff’s writing is both engaging and informative, skillfully weaving together interviews and research to provide a comprehensive and balanced account of the attacks. His narrative style brings the events to life, allowing readers to feel the tension and urgency experienced by the security team. The book’s focus on personal stories adds depth and emotional resonance, making it a compelling read for those interested in understanding the complexities of the Benghazi attacks.
“A crisply written, gripping narrative of the events of the battle in Benghazi that adds considerable detail to the public record of what happened there…[an] authoritative account.”
The Wall Street Journal
While the book does not delve deeply into the political aftermath of the attacks, it excels in highlighting the bravery and heroism of the individuals on the ground. Zuckoff’s decision to prioritize the human element over political discourse makes the narrative more relatable and impactful. Readers gain insight into the challenges faced by the security team and the difficult decisions they had to make in the face of overwhelming odds.
“13 HOURS provide(s) a moving reminder of the sacrifice made by these men who had voluntarily put themselves in harm’s way, and who ‘believed in their work and their country.'”
The Boston Globe
Overall, 13 Hours is a powerful and thought-provoking account of a pivotal moment in recent history. It pays tribute to the courage and resilience of the individuals who risked everything to protect their fellow Americans. Zuckoff’s meticulous research and compelling storytelling make this book an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the true events of that tragic night in Benghazi.
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi [MOVIE VERSION]
The book “13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened In Benghazi” by Mitchell Zuckoff provides a detailed and firsthand account of the events of the 2012 Benghazi attack, offering a comprehensive and in-depth look at the experiences of the security team members involved. In contrast, the movie “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi” directed by Michael Bay takes a more cinematic approach, condensing and dramatizing the events for a wider audience. While the book focuses on the personal perspectives and emotions of the individuals on the ground, the movie emphasizes action-packed sequences and visual storytelling to convey the intensity of the situation. Both the book and the movie aim to honor the bravery and sacrifices of the security team members, but they do so through different storytelling techniques and mediums. Overall, the book and the movie complement each other, offering audiences a more comprehensive understanding of the events of the Benghazi attack from both a factual and cinematic perspective.
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13 Hours [BOOK DETAILS]
FROM AMAZON: 13 Hours presents, for the first time ever, the true account of the events of September 11, 2012, when terrorists attacked the US State Department Special Mission Compound and a nearby CIA station called the Annex in Benghazi, Libya. A team of six American security operators fought to repel the attackers and protect the Americans stationed there. Those men went beyond the call of duty, performing extraordinary acts of courage and heroism, to avert tragedy on a much larger scale. This is their personal account, never before told, of what happened during the thirteen hours of that now-infamous attack.
13 Hours sets the record straight on what happened during a night that has been shrouded in mystery and controversy. Written by New York Times bestselling author Mitchell Zuckoff, this riveting book takes readers into the action-packed story of heroes who laid their lives on the line for one another, for their countrymen, and for their country.
13 Hours is a stunning, eye-opening, and intense book–but most importantly, it is the truth. The story of what happened to these men–and what they accomplished–is unforgettable.
My Goodreads Review:
13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened In Benghazi by
Mitchell ZuckoffMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
The book offers a gripping, detailed account of the 2012 Benghazi attacks, focusing on the bravery and sacrifices of the Annex Security Team. The book provides a firsthand perspective on the chaos and heroism of that night, moving beyond the political controversies to highlight the human element. The author’s compelling narrative and meticulous research make this a powerful read for those interested in understanding the true events in Benghazi.
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