Thank you to NetGalley for this book. I had not realized I had been approved (hence the delay in reading it) and then, I honestly got bogged down in attempting to read this. There were many parts that I liked. I did like learning more of the history of Afghanistan as well as the two main types of Muslims. It helped put things into perspective. However (and this is just my opinion and preference) i did not care for how the author jumped around in the time line. For me, this felt like it was jumbled together in a haphazard manner. Now admittedly, as seen by many of my other reviews, I do not like timelines that move around. It is my own pet peeve. I realize that for many (perhaps even most?), this is not the case. I did also appreciate the list in the back of the book of those whom we lost. It was a nice touch, if a memorial can be called "nice." Overall, I just don't think this book was quite what I was looking for and not to my preference in style.

At What Cost by J.J. Ainsworth was received directly from the publisher and I chose to review it. This book touts "Ever wondered what the war in Afghanistan was like for the troops"? I was deployed to the war zone in the early part when we felt we were honestly there for a reason and when we knew the US Government had our backs. If you have only seen this conflict played out in the media or you never really paid attention until last year's debacle, you should give this book a read so you are more knowledgeable about the country, its people, and what we tried to do for them. This book helps give the average reader a more in-depth look at the history, politics, and significant conflicts during America's over extended war in Afghanistan.

4 stars

Quite a brief book covering the 20 year war in Afghanistan. Each chapter covers approximately a year in the war from a political perspective, covering the major events and the impact of those events. At the end of most chapters is a piece written by someone who deployed to Afghanistan in the military or as a civilian consultant.
Written in a very casual, relaxed American manner I could not really ascertain who the target audience of this book was. Whilst it covers the political viewpoint from a very high level the book does not add any value to the already vast amount written about the war and the country. I found the personal pieces at the end of the chapters rather boring and pointless, not really describing any operations or real depth, some personal emotions and short stories but again not really adding any value.
Fifty percent of the book is a roll call of all the people who died in the conflict.
Disappointing book, it doesn't seem to add any value and is a tedious read, written in a very casual manner which can be viewed as a little unprofessional.

'At What Cost: America's War in Afghanistan and Words From Those Who Served' returns personalities to the faceless numbers of casualties.

Being the first in the series 'At What Cost' by J.J. Ainsworth, this volume consists of three parts: an overview of the campaign, several veterans' recollections, and a list of all American men and women who died during the War on Terror. The summary will not provide new revelations for those familiar with the subject. The chronology of events written in a casual tone, with emotional comments, is the author's attempt to understand how the 20 years of war ended in a withdrawal that, to many, felt like a failure. The analysis doesn't go beyond the superficial level but nevertheless forces readers to reflect on politics and, generally, the psychology of war.

However, the book's most significant achievement lies not in the war's description. The author wanted to give a voice to the casualties and veterans, those who witnessed the events firsthand. The list of 2,448 names of fallen American men and women who died during fighting comprises half of the volume. Several interviews at the end of this book's parts represent a sneak peek into the next volume, solely dedicated to veterans' stories.

I recommend the book to those who want to find out the personal cost of the American longest war.

I received an advance review copy through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

In "At What Cost" J.J. Ainsworth has provides us with a fully detailed account of every aspect of the war in Afghanistan while never drawing his own personal conclusion, just presenting facts and personal accounts to let the readers make their own decision on rather or not the war was justified. While it is one of the longest wars, I feel like not much information if available out there so I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to know more.

Thank you NetGalley and JJ Ainsworth for a detailed look at the war in Afghanistan, the cost, and the first person accounts from those who served. I’m still thinking about the many aspects of cost and how to put them on a scale.

My brother and I, both peacetime veterans, had the following conversation about the war, this book and, again, the cost. Here are some of our thoughts:

(D - me/J - my brother)

D: I just wanted to say this book is really something. It's interesting, but it's also heartbreaking. That these people don't feel their mission was achieved. It's no wonder so many have PTSD and the suicide rate is so high. Where's their purpose?

J: As has been the case with so many conflicts that have followed WW2. No clear objective, no clear decisive win.

I feel that it is more about government leaders and an attempted at bravado.

No moral imperative.

D: Agreed. There are a few mentions of how changing administrations evolved the mission., but it seems no one could get on the same page. Neither the US nor the Afghans. Then there’s the NATO coalition. No clear direction. How do you lead when you don’t know where you’re going? Seems fundamental to me.

J: I can certainly see how that can happen. However, I would think that change in mission would further erode morale and confidence in leadership.

D: I know. There's also a small mention about the fact that we didn't understand the culture or the terrain. Basically we didn't know what we were getting into. Just like Vietnam. Same result.

J: Yep...and Korea. We as a nation can no longer see a common national goal. We can no longer carry on a civil debate or discussion on the basic principles on which the nation was founded. And yet we try to impose our will or governmental model upon others. How could anyone see a pathway to success there?

D: Absolutely correct! Instead of backing an incumbent or an old party faithful the parties should be looking for a new leader that displays those attributes. Someone ready to put aside partisanship in favor of leadership.

J: I can't imagine anyone wanting the job.

D: Succession planning. It’s done all the time in business, law enforcement AND the military. Perhaps if we had a president who came up through that process we might see different results.

Obviously, our conversation carried a bit far afield, but still has bearing on this book. Just thought I’d share.

The most impactful part of this book are the first person accounts that follow some of the chapters. It deeply saddens me that people who served and continue to do so don’t believe the sacrifice is worth the cost.

I also find it deeply abhorrent that we dishonored those civilians (Afghans) who served alongside us. A huge pat on the back to the civilian organizations who helped get them out.

Finally, I acknowledge the work of Mr. Ainsworth. I’m sure the blood, sweat and tears that went into this effort were definitely worth the cost.