War Reporting for Cowards

War Reporting for Cowards

by Chris Ayres (Author)

Synopsis

When his boss offers Chris Ayres an assignment embedded with US Marines on the front line in Iraq, he's too cowardly to say no. He soon finds himself camped in the desert, blinded by sandstorms, surrounded by military machismo on all sides. He decides he wants out. But this, his greatest act of cowardice, will almost kill him. War Reporting for Cowards is an extraordinary true story and the debut of a brilliant new voice. A hilarious cross between Scoop and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, it is a seditious insight into the political events that have defined the century.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 304
Edition: New e.
Publisher: John Murray
Published: 05 Jun 2006

ISBN 10: 0719560020
ISBN 13: 9780719560026
Book Overview: Chris 'risk averse' Ayres saw journalism as his ticket to schmoozing with celebrities and penning pompous opinion pieces. Instead he landed a plane ticket to Iraq.

Media Reviews
Chris Ayres has invented a new genre: a rip-roaring tale of adventure and derring-don't Toby Young Ayres' wry humour, intelligent writing and constant admission of his own incompetence makes this book a great, but horrifying read. Wanderlust 'Hugely entertaining' Metro 'A sharp and off-message look at the war in Iraq.' Publishing News A memorable new voice Independent Ayres [writes with] engaging honesty John Simpson, BBC World Affairs Editor and bestsel 'A miracle of observation' The Times What a snivelling piece of s**t Operation Freedom 'Reminded me of the granddaddy of the genre, Evelyn Waugh's novel Scoop ... truly indispensable' New York Times 'War is hell. But through the eyes of Chris Ayres, it's also funny as hell' Playboy 'Hilarious' New York Times 'Ayres's book stands out as a new sub-genre. He is disarmingly (pun intended), honest and hilarious about his lack of stomach for the fight.' -- What's On In London: Joe Cushley 'At once hugely entertaining, and surprisingly, a better insight into the sheer awfulness of war than any gung-ho adrenaline junkie could ever achieve.' Metro, Siobhan Murphy 'Ayres' book stands out as a new sub-genre [of war reportage classics] ...He is disarmingly (pun intended) honest and hilarious about his lack of stomach for the fight' What's On In London 'Brilliant' Nuts '[Ayres] has the knack for evoking the weirdness of life on the front line and finding humour in the horror.' Glasgow Herald
Author Bio
Chris Ayres, 29, is the west coast correspondent for The Times. He was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, grew up in the Scottish borders and was educated at the University of Hull and City University, London, before joining The Times in 1997. Ayres held the positions of media business correspondent and Wall Street correspondent, based in New York, before taking up his current position in L.A. He was an embedded reporter with the United States Marines during the 2003 Iraq War, his coverage earning him a nomination for the British Press Awards 'foreign correspondent of the year'.