"Band of Sisters is one of the few truly revealing books written about our military in the past decade--and one of the most fascinating to read. This overdue account of the combat actions of the women who wore our country's uniform in recent wars reads as swiftly as a thriller, but the thrills here come from the real sacrifices and valor of America's fighting women. Author Kirsten Holmstedt earns a salute for honoring these all-American heroes." Ralph Peters, author of “Never Quit The Fight” and “Wars Of Blood And Faith”
“What price freedom? The experiences of these women warriors give us a different and profound look at that question. This book is destined to become a military classic! There is power in these stories that must be shared. The Military Writer’s Society of America gives this book its highest book rating of FIVE STARS and its recommendation as a must read book!” W. H. McDonald Jr., Founder of The Military Writer’s Society of America
An insightful, intimate portrait of America 's fighting women in Iraq , a perilous place with no front lines. This is must reading for men and women alike as gender equity plays out on the battlefields, as well as the playing fields, of the future -- Charles Jones, author of "Boys of '67: From Vietnam to Iraq, the Extraordinary Story of a Few Good Men"
"Band of Sisters is lyrical, visceral and potent. Kirsten Holmstedt, a gifted reporter, sets a peerless standard as a raconteur with powerful stories of the valor of today’s women in combat. Her detailed, unique research blends smoothly with a warm, professional tone, elevating her work above the many Iraq war narratives. A fitting tribute to women of all ages and ranks who volunteer to serve." Dave Danelo, author of “Blood Stripes: A Grunt’s View of the War”
“A fascinating account of a part of the war that is rarely covered. Holmstedt introduces an eye-opening description of women warriors exposed to ambushes, bombs, and war close up. Band of Sisters describes the experiences of modern day women defending our great nation.”
Major General Donald Gardner, President of Marine Corps University
"This is an exceptional book about some extraordinary women who represent a warrior class that is too often overlooked. I found Kirsten Holmstedt's writing captivating, insightful, and emotionally compelling-I laughed, I cried, and I felt so proud of all of her heroines; and, of an America that gave them opportunity. My career experience being associated with women warriors would only confirm those that she found representative." Lt. Gen. C. Norman Wood, USAF (Ret.)"
"Band of Sisters is a must read for all military war buffs and for those who will study the war in Iraq and Afghanistan in the future. It’s the inside story of modern warfare from the perspective of modern warriors. Asymmetric warfare cares not about the gender of its participants, and I'm glad these women are on our side. Kirsten has done a terrific job in capturing their personal experiences so that we will never forget." Colonel Adele Hodges
“Women have and continue to do so much for our military. The only difference now is that we are in combat roles. I want to thank you for bringing these patriotic women together to share their stories with the American public. Our blood runs red, white, and blue, and it can be shed just like our brothers. We deserve the credit and our place in history. In the end, though, we all come together for one reason-freedom-and under one flag. Thank you again for the support. God bless!” Sergeant Sarah Lytle has served two tours in Iraq as a CH-46E avionics technician
and aerial gunner
"There may still be much to debate about the ill-fated war in Iraq but there is no question that American women in uniform have played a far greater role in this conflict than any in the past, including more than 70 who have been killed and more than 430 who have been wounded. A North Carolina writer proves herself a dogged researcher as she collects the fascinating personal stories from women who have served in Iraq, from various branches, ranks and jobs. Holmstedt's comprehensive look at their courageous and gritty service experiences deserves wide readership because of the way that it captures what has only been episodic in most news coverage of this tragic blunder. " Seattle Post's summer reading list today, June 22, 2007
