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Buried Alive: The True Story of Kidnapping, Captivity, and a Dramatic Rescue
A true-life adventure sure to shock as well as inspire. AK47s, masked thugs, and brutal urgency erupt from Roy Hallums' account of his abduction in Iraq, shredding through those frequently sterile cable news reports revealing that another "American contractor is being held hostage . . ." Hallums was the everyman behind that report?a 56-year-old retired Naval commander working as a food supply contractor in Baghdad's high-end Mansour District. His abduction was transacted in a matter of minutes, amidst a hail of gunfire and a handful of casualties. For the first few months of his captivity, Hallums endured beatings and psychological torture while being shuffled from one ramshackle safe house to another. From the four-foot-tall crawlspace where he carried out the bulk of his nearly year-long abduction, Hallums established a surprising degree of normalcy?a system of routines and timekeeping, along with an attention to the particulars that defined his horrific ordeal. His experience is recreated here, rich with harrowing specifics and surprising observations.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 5, 2023
Again yet another book I loved... It's a fairly intense book but is very interesting and I would recommend it.
April 25, 2017
This book is just incredible, everything about it. First I decided to read this because of the cover and it looked really interesting! This book is about a guy named Roy who was suddenly taken hostage when a group of gang members stormed into his office and kidnapped him. One of my favorite parts in this book is when he gets captured by the US marines, as they tore up the rug, smashed concrete until they found a wooden door with a handle on it. As they opened it up and jumped down the marine saw Roy and another hostage that was taken, Roy said that he was filled with joy as he saw the camouflage that US soldiers wear. There was a lot of things that worked in this book. One of things that worked was the details that were given. Weather it was what they were given to eat or all the hostages names. And another one was when they got to use the bathroom and how they transported these hostages to the hole. I do not think anything in this book could have been better, everything was explained to the point. Overall a fantastic book and interesting reading about the life of a kidnapped citizen in Baghdad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2010
Buried Alive is a true story written by Roy Hallum about his 311 days as a captive of the Iraquis. Roy is working as a contractor in Iraq when he is snatched and transported from place to place in secret until he reaches his final destination. This is not only his story but it's a harrowing journey through the hell of being held hostage and captive in a concrete hole beneath the floor of a house in Iraq. The author also recounts what his family went through knowing he was being held hostage in Iraq at a time when the United States did not pay ransom for hostages.
Throughout the book, Roy maintains a composure that I cannot even imagine being able to come close to. If the beatings were not enough to break him, the lack decent food, the bugs and filth and the stark terror of never knowing if you'll live or die certainly would be. Throughout this all, Roy knows he will not convert to Islam if offered the chance for freedom and his faith sustains him. Although he doesn't write in depth about his faith, you can feel it through the strength he maintains when faced with this terror.
While Buried Alive isn't the type of book I normally read, I had a hard time putting it down as each page drew me deeper into his struggle. I was afraid the book would be overly graphic as the author explained the torture and beatings he endured and was very thankful to find that wasn't the case at all. This book made extremely thankful for the men and women who risk their lives every day in Iraq and countries like it. They must live in constant fear of ending up the way Roy Hallums did or worse.
I highly recomend read this book if for no other reason than to remind you of what you have to be thankful for.
Throughout the book, Roy maintains a composure that I cannot even imagine being able to come close to. If the beatings were not enough to break him, the lack decent food, the bugs and filth and the stark terror of never knowing if you'll live or die certainly would be. Throughout this all, Roy knows he will not convert to Islam if offered the chance for freedom and his faith sustains him. Although he doesn't write in depth about his faith, you can feel it through the strength he maintains when faced with this terror.
While Buried Alive isn't the type of book I normally read, I had a hard time putting it down as each page drew me deeper into his struggle. I was afraid the book would be overly graphic as the author explained the torture and beatings he endured and was very thankful to find that wasn't the case at all. This book made extremely thankful for the men and women who risk their lives every day in Iraq and countries like it. They must live in constant fear of ending up the way Roy Hallums did or worse.
I highly recomend read this book if for no other reason than to remind you of what you have to be thankful for.
September 12, 2023
I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars. It was a very good story about some dark topics like kidnapping and torture. Although it was a bit of a change for me because I am used to reading fiction books like Harry Potter or other stuff like that. It was sort of refreshing to be reading about something and knowing in your mind that it actually happened, and the author actually went through the experiences he is describing. This is a book meant for high school students and above. I think that the book might be a bit too dark for children in intermediate, but a middle schooler could probably read it and be fine.
I think that the pacing of the book is pretty good and moves pretty fast. The main character of the book is always moving from safe house to safe house, and it's interesting to hear about the living conditions that he was forced to endure for 311 days. I think that the author of the book did a good job of creating tension, even though you know he survived because he's writing the book. After reading the book, I looked up Roy Hallums on YouTube and saw the video of him being rescued. Which I think was cool to see after reading the book. Overall, I think that the book was very interesting and definitely worth reading.
I think that the pacing of the book is pretty good and moves pretty fast. The main character of the book is always moving from safe house to safe house, and it's interesting to hear about the living conditions that he was forced to endure for 311 days. I think that the author of the book did a good job of creating tension, even though you know he survived because he's writing the book. After reading the book, I looked up Roy Hallums on YouTube and saw the video of him being rescued. Which I think was cool to see after reading the book. Overall, I think that the book was very interesting and definitely worth reading.
February 1, 2021
I rated Buried Alive by Roy Hallums 5 stars, because it is a true story, and it contains a lot of detail. I liked the fact that it was a true story, because it made me feel like I was learning about the situation. It was interesting to understand how things were going in Iraq, and what people thought during the time there. It was pretty intense to think this actually happened to someone, being tied up, and being held in terrible conditions for nearly a year. I also enjoyed the way the author described his situation in such detail. He remembered so many little details from his capture, that it seems like a fictional story. Truly an amazing and honest story that left me feeling knowledgeable.
October 15, 2023
Written by the hostage himself, Roy Hallum tells of his ordeal as a hostage in Iraq. As he himself states in the book it was about being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was attending a party when he decided to slip next door to work on his computer. Bad idea. Terrorists quickly kidnap him and a fellow co-worker. He is moved from one hideout to another, one town to another, kept in deplorable conditions and beaten regularly. They are asking for 12 million dollars for his release once they find out that he is an American. He endures 311 days before he is finally freed.
In the book you will read about his captivity and the hardships he had to endure to just live another day.
In the book you will read about his captivity and the hardships he had to endure to just live another day.
April 15, 2010
Buried Alive is the true story of Roy Hallums kidnapping, captivity and a dramatic rescue by US Special Forces.
I went to Frayser High School in Memphis with Roy Hallums but never had the pleasure to really get to know him. I knew of his ordeal from the newspaper and TV news, I prayed for his safe return along with the rest of the country.
I don’t like reading stories about hopeless situations and had no intention of reading Buried Alive even though I was glad my former schoolmate was home safe with his family. That was until I saw the following post on Roy Hallums Facebook profile from his niece Angie Marshall. “Uncle Roy thanks for your new book Buried Alive. I have read it three times. It was a page turner with sadness, terror, humor, and courage that I always knew you had. I didn’t think I could be more proud, but I was wrong. I thank God you are finally home. You are an inspiration to me and everyone I know. Your family is lucky to have you and they never gave up. They always knew you would be back and be the incredible dad you have always been. All my love, Angie
I wrote to Angie and told her how moved I was to see such a heartfelt message and tribute to her Uncle Roy. She replied by saying “I can remember when I was a little girl; we would visit uncle Roy and Aunt Susie and I was always struck by his kindness and silent strength. He is also one of the funniest people I've ever met. His dry wit really came through in the book. I don't know many people who could survive what he went through and walk away with that same kindness and strength. I think his love for his daughters was so great, giving up was not an option for him. Enjoy the book.” I read it and enjoyed it as much as you can enjoy reading about someone else’s misery.
In November of 2004 Roy was a retired US Navy Commander, working as a contractor in Iraq when he was kidnapped from his office. He spent the next 311 days as a hostage.
Angie was right about her uncle Roy and his book. It is not a depressing book, it is a book about a man who survives against all odds. I could not put it down. I regret now not taking the opportunity to get to know Roy in school. I do feel as I know him now having read Buried Alive. You see all aspects of his personality; his courage, strength, humor and his faith in God. Roy Hallums is a hero in every sense of the word.
He writes the narrative from three vantage points and that keeps you turning the pages. Not only does the author show his courage but also the courage of his family. Roy uses their accounts to tell how they dealt with his kidnapping and what they were doing to help find and rescue him. He also did his research by interviewing members of the US Hostage Working Group, the FBI, and Special Forces to describe their part in how his kidnapping was investigated and the clues that led to his rescue by US Special Forces.
One of the things that really impressed me about his family was they were the ones to bring the kidnapping to the public’s attention. At first his capture was kept secret, the family was going to have none of that so they went to the media themselves.
Buried Alive will keep you on the edge of your seat as Roy Hallums tells you of the horror of his ordeal; the heroic rescue and his faith that helped him get through it all.
Angie was also right about his humor coming through in the book. One example is when he was being pistol whipped by a guard because President Bush had won re-election. Roy pointed out “I guess he was a Kerry supporter”.
Buried Alive is about ten months of captivity but doesn’t get into the gruesome details. Roy sees himself as a man who did what he had to do to survive. As a reader I saw him as a hero. He is what every American should strive to be. He made me proud not only of him but also proud to be an American. It is a book you will never forget. If a movie deal is not in the works yet, it will be soon.
Frayser has always been one of the roughest neighborhood's in Memphis but the people who grew up there are strong and proud. Roy Hallums is a perfect example of “You can take the boy out of Frayser (in his case way out) but you can’t take Frayser out of the boy.” He is strong physically, mentally and in his faith. His love for his family and his faith in God is what brought him home safely. His sense of humor made it more bearable for him and easier to take for you as the reader. I don’t do star ratings in my reviews but if I did I would give Buried Alive five out of five. Need I say this is a must read?
I went to Frayser High School in Memphis with Roy Hallums but never had the pleasure to really get to know him. I knew of his ordeal from the newspaper and TV news, I prayed for his safe return along with the rest of the country.
I don’t like reading stories about hopeless situations and had no intention of reading Buried Alive even though I was glad my former schoolmate was home safe with his family. That was until I saw the following post on Roy Hallums Facebook profile from his niece Angie Marshall. “Uncle Roy thanks for your new book Buried Alive. I have read it three times. It was a page turner with sadness, terror, humor, and courage that I always knew you had. I didn’t think I could be more proud, but I was wrong. I thank God you are finally home. You are an inspiration to me and everyone I know. Your family is lucky to have you and they never gave up. They always knew you would be back and be the incredible dad you have always been. All my love, Angie
I wrote to Angie and told her how moved I was to see such a heartfelt message and tribute to her Uncle Roy. She replied by saying “I can remember when I was a little girl; we would visit uncle Roy and Aunt Susie and I was always struck by his kindness and silent strength. He is also one of the funniest people I've ever met. His dry wit really came through in the book. I don't know many people who could survive what he went through and walk away with that same kindness and strength. I think his love for his daughters was so great, giving up was not an option for him. Enjoy the book.” I read it and enjoyed it as much as you can enjoy reading about someone else’s misery.
In November of 2004 Roy was a retired US Navy Commander, working as a contractor in Iraq when he was kidnapped from his office. He spent the next 311 days as a hostage.
Angie was right about her uncle Roy and his book. It is not a depressing book, it is a book about a man who survives against all odds. I could not put it down. I regret now not taking the opportunity to get to know Roy in school. I do feel as I know him now having read Buried Alive. You see all aspects of his personality; his courage, strength, humor and his faith in God. Roy Hallums is a hero in every sense of the word.
He writes the narrative from three vantage points and that keeps you turning the pages. Not only does the author show his courage but also the courage of his family. Roy uses their accounts to tell how they dealt with his kidnapping and what they were doing to help find and rescue him. He also did his research by interviewing members of the US Hostage Working Group, the FBI, and Special Forces to describe their part in how his kidnapping was investigated and the clues that led to his rescue by US Special Forces.
One of the things that really impressed me about his family was they were the ones to bring the kidnapping to the public’s attention. At first his capture was kept secret, the family was going to have none of that so they went to the media themselves.
Buried Alive will keep you on the edge of your seat as Roy Hallums tells you of the horror of his ordeal; the heroic rescue and his faith that helped him get through it all.
Angie was also right about his humor coming through in the book. One example is when he was being pistol whipped by a guard because President Bush had won re-election. Roy pointed out “I guess he was a Kerry supporter”.
Buried Alive is about ten months of captivity but doesn’t get into the gruesome details. Roy sees himself as a man who did what he had to do to survive. As a reader I saw him as a hero. He is what every American should strive to be. He made me proud not only of him but also proud to be an American. It is a book you will never forget. If a movie deal is not in the works yet, it will be soon.
Frayser has always been one of the roughest neighborhood's in Memphis but the people who grew up there are strong and proud. Roy Hallums is a perfect example of “You can take the boy out of Frayser (in his case way out) but you can’t take Frayser out of the boy.” He is strong physically, mentally and in his faith. His love for his family and his faith in God is what brought him home safely. His sense of humor made it more bearable for him and easier to take for you as the reader. I don’t do star ratings in my reviews but if I did I would give Buried Alive five out of five. Need I say this is a must read?
March 16, 2010
1st of all I was drawn to this book for several different reasons I chose this book because it was written by Roy Hallums, a retired U.S. Navy Commander and also because he was held captive in Iraq and it is his true story of what happened to him. I was born on a base and raised on one and I definitely respect the fact that he served our country and had to endure all of the beatings and torture that he did and survived.
Roy Hallums, a retired U.S. Navy Commander, worked as a civilian contractor in Iraq. He was taken captive and his life as he knew it was over in just a matter of minutes. He was taken from his office and thrown into a car, a black mask was put over his head and this begins his 311 days of torture.
Roy Hallums was taken captive, beaten, tortured and never knew when it was going to happen or if he would survive it. His story takes us through a journey with him and explains to us what he went through and how he felt on a daily basis and how he was buried alive and rescued by Special Forces.
I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The book is written in a manner that takes you into his life and explains everything in a way that makes you feel you are there. It is easy to read and understand. At first I thought I might have a problem with understanding some of it as I don't know the different types of guns and and some of the lingo used. He explained the words used and what they meant. I loved that aspect about the book. I didn't have to look up what an arabic word meant or words used by the military because I think he just realized most people don't use those words in civilian life and just explains them to us.
I found myself wondering what I would do in his situation and how a person could survive some of the things he explains. He never complained about what was happening to him he was worried about everyone else and how his family was holding up. My heart just sank when he had his hopes up to being saved and then he was just beaten again and again. I felt scared when he did and joy when I knew the special forces were there to get him it brought tears to my eyes. I found myself feeling for the family as he was going through this. I was raised in the military and I know what it feels like to have a loved one overseas. I know what it is like to not know. But to know that he was kidnapped, seeing what he is going through and not being able to do anything about it. That has to be so much worse.
I am very glad that I have had this opportunity read his book. It brings a lot of things to light. You might think when you see the news about how someone is kidnapped over there how bad it must be but to really know and understand what really happens is totally different. Everything is told in a matter that you understand and with details that are not gruesome in anyway. I will look at the news of kidnappings over there in a different way now. I feel this book was a great learning experience as well as a wonderful read. I do recommend this book to anyone.
I would like to thank Roy Hallums for his service to our country and a big thanks to the military forces that go into these hostile areas to save our loved ones in their time of need. I just think that they should be recognized more for what they do for us. Thanks again.
I was provided this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing Company as part of their BookSneeze book review bloggers program. This review is of my own honest opinion on the book that I have recieved from this company free of charge to do this review and that in no way influences the way I do my reviews. I am under no obligation to give a positive or negative review. All reviews are of my own thoughts and should not influence a non-purchase on any item soley based on my reviews as these are only my own opinions.
Roy Hallums, a retired U.S. Navy Commander, worked as a civilian contractor in Iraq. He was taken captive and his life as he knew it was over in just a matter of minutes. He was taken from his office and thrown into a car, a black mask was put over his head and this begins his 311 days of torture.
Roy Hallums was taken captive, beaten, tortured and never knew when it was going to happen or if he would survive it. His story takes us through a journey with him and explains to us what he went through and how he felt on a daily basis and how he was buried alive and rescued by Special Forces.
I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The book is written in a manner that takes you into his life and explains everything in a way that makes you feel you are there. It is easy to read and understand. At first I thought I might have a problem with understanding some of it as I don't know the different types of guns and and some of the lingo used. He explained the words used and what they meant. I loved that aspect about the book. I didn't have to look up what an arabic word meant or words used by the military because I think he just realized most people don't use those words in civilian life and just explains them to us.
I found myself wondering what I would do in his situation and how a person could survive some of the things he explains. He never complained about what was happening to him he was worried about everyone else and how his family was holding up. My heart just sank when he had his hopes up to being saved and then he was just beaten again and again. I felt scared when he did and joy when I knew the special forces were there to get him it brought tears to my eyes. I found myself feeling for the family as he was going through this. I was raised in the military and I know what it feels like to have a loved one overseas. I know what it is like to not know. But to know that he was kidnapped, seeing what he is going through and not being able to do anything about it. That has to be so much worse.
I am very glad that I have had this opportunity read his book. It brings a lot of things to light. You might think when you see the news about how someone is kidnapped over there how bad it must be but to really know and understand what really happens is totally different. Everything is told in a matter that you understand and with details that are not gruesome in anyway. I will look at the news of kidnappings over there in a different way now. I feel this book was a great learning experience as well as a wonderful read. I do recommend this book to anyone.
I would like to thank Roy Hallums for his service to our country and a big thanks to the military forces that go into these hostile areas to save our loved ones in their time of need. I just think that they should be recognized more for what they do for us. Thanks again.
I was provided this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing Company as part of their BookSneeze book review bloggers program. This review is of my own honest opinion on the book that I have recieved from this company free of charge to do this review and that in no way influences the way I do my reviews. I am under no obligation to give a positive or negative review. All reviews are of my own thoughts and should not influence a non-purchase on any item soley based on my reviews as these are only my own opinions.
February 11, 2010
My Thoughts On This Book:
Roy was working as a contractor in Iraq but he had told his family he was working in Saudi Arabia so that they wouldn't worry about him. He was kidnapped from his work place along with another co-worker Robert which would remain with Roy threw out his captivity up until the time that Robert's ransom was paid and Robert was released. Roy would then remain until rescued by Special Forces.
Roy spent 311 days in captivity going threw horrible beatings and unthinkable and unsanitary conditions. He was often moved at a drop of a hat being stuffed in the back of one trunk or another often on top or under his co-worker Robert until he reached the final place he was rescued from. He was often held with other hostages in a very cramped room in a basement type hole under a floor that would often get covered up for 3 days under concrete and a freezer moved on top of the door.
He was forced to wear a stocking cap over his head and face threw out the whole time he was held hostage and was told not to talk or he would be killed. Never having enough to eat and sometimes the kidnappers would forget to return and feed them after their 3 days of food supplies would run out. Roy had to learn how to ration out his Three cans of sardines and what little fruit and rotten vegetables they would leave them just in case they didn't return on the third day.
The day of his rescue he was getting ready to eat one of his sardines when he and the other hostage left with him at the time heard all the commotion. Not knowing if it was another trick by his kidnappers or if he was in fact being rescued after 311 days as a hostage. The fear that Roy had was he to be killed by his kidnappers now so his rescuers couldn't reach him is that what he is to expect or is it really his rescue.
I have to say I really enjoyed this book. I thought it would be really graphic detailed and that I might have a hard time not crying and getting threw this book. My dad is retired military and the story's you hear that will and can happen to hostages and what I have heard in the past on the news about how some hostages over there were beheaded a few years back almost kept me from making the decision to review this book. I am so glad I choose this book to review.
Roy wrote this book in a way where you get the details of the beating and the things going on but with out all the horror and the goer of the actual event. I loved the fact that you could feel and under stand what he was going threw as well as feeling what his family was going threw as well. His daughters diary's she kept gave a wonderful description of how his family was dealing with him being held hostage and what they were trying to go threw to get him freed.
Can you tell I really enjoyed reading this book, I can just keep going on forever. It was horrible what Roy went threw but Roy was the true hero of this book for how he had the will to keep going and surviving this horrendous ordeal.
** I was provided this book from Book Sneeze & Thomas Nelson books free to review. I am under no obligation to give a positive or negative review. My reviews are only my opinion on this book. I am never given money, I only receive the sample book free to review. I am an honest reviewer and these reviews are only written by me and are based on my own opinion. **
November 20, 2012
I was very interested in reading this book, though I found it disappointing. Despite being conversationally written, the narrative is very emotionally detached, as one would expect the voice of a survivor mostly out of the grip of PTSD to be. Still, the story read flat, to me. I was compelled by Hallums' circumstances and the opportunity to read a firsthand account of the Middle Eastern war culture (ours and theirs). I don't feel like I got that glimpse, and I wondered if it was because someone ghosted the writing of the book with him? I don't know, but the narrative voice and feeling just wasn't there.
Hallums' details on mundane aspects of Iraqi culture are interesting, if not a bit laden with judgment. Maybe that's the outcome of being tortured--developing prejudices. The author's statement that Iraqis aren't big on having to actually work, which Hallums sites as the reason their government can't accomplish anything gives profound insight into not only his state of mind regarding Iraqis after his release, but possibly during his stay there. As an aside, I couldn't reconcile that judgement with his presence there to be part of relief work. With such remarks it became hard to distinguish Hallum's rare viewpoint from general western ignorance and stereotypes toward the Middle East and Muslims.
Morally, I don't care what his reasons were. From the standpoint of solid writing, he presented himself as this great helper, but wedged a few snarky comments about the culture he was helping, throughout the book. It broke the continuity of the overall story.
I like that the narrative tries to maintain the chronology of events, with Hallums'experience mixed in with that of his family. It read a bit oddly, as if he was interviewing them. After a section on their experience he would dive right back into his real-time experience, and it took me a paragraph or two to acclimate back to being inside his thoughts. This writing convention was an original way to tell the full story without moving constantly back and forth between narrators, and without breaking the chronology. Still, the shifts to his family's experience during his captivity made the perspective a bit disjointed, especially in the last third of the book. His voice was all but lost in the pages of his daughter's diary entries. What began as emotionally detached ended up totally devoid of feeling. The writing lost me, and my interest, to a great degree.
The photographs were telling, if not in a way that the prose lacked. Still, they were a bit haphazard in the text.
In all it's a very interesting account and fairly well-written, just bland. This book doesn't have the typos, tense disagreements and such that have become common in the publishing industry today. Generally speaking, it just doesn't have a strong voice. It's as if his story alone was supposed to be compelling, without a very present voice to back that up. It's not a bad book, just not one that I need to keep on my shelf.
Hallums' details on mundane aspects of Iraqi culture are interesting, if not a bit laden with judgment. Maybe that's the outcome of being tortured--developing prejudices. The author's statement that Iraqis aren't big on having to actually work, which Hallums sites as the reason their government can't accomplish anything gives profound insight into not only his state of mind regarding Iraqis after his release, but possibly during his stay there. As an aside, I couldn't reconcile that judgement with his presence there to be part of relief work. With such remarks it became hard to distinguish Hallum's rare viewpoint from general western ignorance and stereotypes toward the Middle East and Muslims.
Morally, I don't care what his reasons were. From the standpoint of solid writing, he presented himself as this great helper, but wedged a few snarky comments about the culture he was helping, throughout the book. It broke the continuity of the overall story.
I like that the narrative tries to maintain the chronology of events, with Hallums'experience mixed in with that of his family. It read a bit oddly, as if he was interviewing them. After a section on their experience he would dive right back into his real-time experience, and it took me a paragraph or two to acclimate back to being inside his thoughts. This writing convention was an original way to tell the full story without moving constantly back and forth between narrators, and without breaking the chronology. Still, the shifts to his family's experience during his captivity made the perspective a bit disjointed, especially in the last third of the book. His voice was all but lost in the pages of his daughter's diary entries. What began as emotionally detached ended up totally devoid of feeling. The writing lost me, and my interest, to a great degree.
The photographs were telling, if not in a way that the prose lacked. Still, they were a bit haphazard in the text.
In all it's a very interesting account and fairly well-written, just bland. This book doesn't have the typos, tense disagreements and such that have become common in the publishing industry today. Generally speaking, it just doesn't have a strong voice. It's as if his story alone was supposed to be compelling, without a very present voice to back that up. It's not a bad book, just not one that I need to keep on my shelf.
July 14, 2012
So this weekend I settled in to start this and I could NOT put it down. It's a true story of an American who, while working in Iraq as a contractor, was kidnapped and tortured by Iraqi insurgents and held for over 300 days. 300 days, people. Imagine being blindfolded, rationing out small portions of mostly rotted food for a every three day span (if you were lucky), being beaten, having to make videos to plea for your life, and little to no communication with other hostages for over 300 days. If that isn't a description of hell I don't know what would be.
What I really enjoyed about this book (well there were several) was that through the whole thing, Roy had a sense of humor. His extensive military training (he was retired from the military but knew if his captors knew that he'd be dead) probably helped him quite a bit. He seemed level headed enough to be able to take mental notes of everything, to keep track of time by paying attention to the Islamic prayers he heard, and was smart enough to figure out what he should/shouldn't do to make it out of there alive.
I will confess right here and now that I don't pay attention to the news coverage. I know this may seem idealic and naive, but to me, I know it's something I can't fix. Me watching the constant barrage of news coverage is not going to make a difference. And because I don't watch it- I really have no clue about the war, why there is a war, why people are kidnapped, etc. This book really enlightened me. Am I going to watch the news now? Probably not. Am I going to click on a news link about hostages? Yes. I most likely will. Because I can't even imagine what that is like.
What also surprised me was how really unintelligent these people are (meaning the kidnappers and radical groups). I mean one could argue that they have some intelligence if they are kidnapping people in the hopes for ransom payouts in order to fund their insurgency. Sure. I'd give you that. Two points crazy people. BUT, the book really highlighted that despite what you see/read on the news, they are highly unorganized. They couldn't find their ass from their elbow. And despite all of this- it leaves me baffled that the United States, supposedly this really smart (debatable) and powerful country can't beat them. What gives?!
The other thing that I know is probably more true than we'd like is how uncooperative the US Government was to Roy Hallums' family. Really, FBI? You can't just give them an update? You can't just say, "We have no fucking clue where he is. Sorry" ?? I'm probably going to get red flagged but I'm sorry. I just think there needs to be a little more bedside manner instead of all of the red tape.
It was a good book. I really enjoyed it and I recommend anyone to read it. I think the most heartbreaking line in the whole book was Roy describing that since the war began, 50 American contractors have been kidnapped. He was the only one rescued.
What I really enjoyed about this book (well there were several) was that through the whole thing, Roy had a sense of humor. His extensive military training (he was retired from the military but knew if his captors knew that he'd be dead) probably helped him quite a bit. He seemed level headed enough to be able to take mental notes of everything, to keep track of time by paying attention to the Islamic prayers he heard, and was smart enough to figure out what he should/shouldn't do to make it out of there alive.
I will confess right here and now that I don't pay attention to the news coverage. I know this may seem idealic and naive, but to me, I know it's something I can't fix. Me watching the constant barrage of news coverage is not going to make a difference. And because I don't watch it- I really have no clue about the war, why there is a war, why people are kidnapped, etc. This book really enlightened me. Am I going to watch the news now? Probably not. Am I going to click on a news link about hostages? Yes. I most likely will. Because I can't even imagine what that is like.
What also surprised me was how really unintelligent these people are (meaning the kidnappers and radical groups). I mean one could argue that they have some intelligence if they are kidnapping people in the hopes for ransom payouts in order to fund their insurgency. Sure. I'd give you that. Two points crazy people. BUT, the book really highlighted that despite what you see/read on the news, they are highly unorganized. They couldn't find their ass from their elbow. And despite all of this- it leaves me baffled that the United States, supposedly this really smart (debatable) and powerful country can't beat them. What gives?!
The other thing that I know is probably more true than we'd like is how uncooperative the US Government was to Roy Hallums' family. Really, FBI? You can't just give them an update? You can't just say, "We have no fucking clue where he is. Sorry" ?? I'm probably going to get red flagged but I'm sorry. I just think there needs to be a little more bedside manner instead of all of the red tape.
It was a good book. I really enjoyed it and I recommend anyone to read it. I think the most heartbreaking line in the whole book was Roy describing that since the war began, 50 American contractors have been kidnapped. He was the only one rescued.
December 22, 2011
What would you do if you were kidnapped in a foreign country knowing practically none of their language nor their intentions behind your kidnapping?
Would you - could you survive? Considering torture, unsanitary living conditions, and uncertainty of rescue or release...How long? A few days? Possibly even a few weeks?
How about almost a full year?
Roy Hallums did. As the title of his book alludes, he was even literally Buried Alive, yet his faith in God and his resolve to live and see his family again miraculously carried him through to the time of his unexpected and dramatic rescue.
This book is not one that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat with suspense, nor is it filled to the brim with him expressing his love for and faith in God. However, Mr. Hallums recounts with straight-forward, realistic honesty the tortures and emotions he and his stateside family endured throughout his 311 day captivity. Not just 10 months, to him each of the 311 days was unique and difficult in itself. And throughout his retelling of these days, from both his and his loving family's perspective, the thread of God's love and provision over them is woven. Though the story is in no way beautiful, until his blessed rescue at least, the tapestry of God's plan for his life is to be treasured.
In addition to gaining a better understanding of what goes on in all aspects of kidnapping in foreign lands, I was most touched by the dramatic rescue of Roy Hallums. It brought me to tears to read how our military men risked their lives to go in and save his and anyone else they may find.
"The first rescuer pulled off an American flag patch that was velcroed on the sleeve of his uniform and pressed it into the palm of my hand, which he clasped with a handshake.
'You've been rescued,' he said to me.
I hugged him and thanked him. To this day, I carry that little flag in my pocket wherever I go." (pp. 206-207)
During these times of international struggle in our world, this book would be an interesting, informative, and enlightening read for you. This man's struggle in captivity is not to be taken lightly as there are so many others daily who are enduring very similar circumstances, many without the hope of rescue. Let this book be a guide for how better to pray for those people and their families. It has been that for me.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Would you - could you survive? Considering torture, unsanitary living conditions, and uncertainty of rescue or release...How long? A few days? Possibly even a few weeks?
How about almost a full year?
Roy Hallums did. As the title of his book alludes, he was even literally Buried Alive, yet his faith in God and his resolve to live and see his family again miraculously carried him through to the time of his unexpected and dramatic rescue.
This book is not one that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat with suspense, nor is it filled to the brim with him expressing his love for and faith in God. However, Mr. Hallums recounts with straight-forward, realistic honesty the tortures and emotions he and his stateside family endured throughout his 311 day captivity. Not just 10 months, to him each of the 311 days was unique and difficult in itself. And throughout his retelling of these days, from both his and his loving family's perspective, the thread of God's love and provision over them is woven. Though the story is in no way beautiful, until his blessed rescue at least, the tapestry of God's plan for his life is to be treasured.
In addition to gaining a better understanding of what goes on in all aspects of kidnapping in foreign lands, I was most touched by the dramatic rescue of Roy Hallums. It brought me to tears to read how our military men risked their lives to go in and save his and anyone else they may find.
"The first rescuer pulled off an American flag patch that was velcroed on the sleeve of his uniform and pressed it into the palm of my hand, which he clasped with a handshake.
'You've been rescued,' he said to me.
I hugged him and thanked him. To this day, I carry that little flag in my pocket wherever I go." (pp. 206-207)
During these times of international struggle in our world, this book would be an interesting, informative, and enlightening read for you. This man's struggle in captivity is not to be taken lightly as there are so many others daily who are enduring very similar circumstances, many without the hope of rescue. Let this book be a guide for how better to pray for those people and their families. It has been that for me.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
December 22, 2011
What would you do if you were kidnapped in a foreign country knowing practically none of their language nor their intentions behind your kidnapping?
Would you - could you survive? Considering torture, unsanitary living conditions, and uncertainty of rescue or release...How long? A few days? Possibly even a few weeks?
How about almost a full year?
Roy Hallums did. As the title of his book alludes, he was even literally Buried Alive, yet his faith in God and his resolve to live and see his family again miraculously carried him through to the time of his unexpected and dramatic rescue.
This book is not one that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat with suspense, nor is it filled to the brim with him expressing his love for and faith in God. However, Mr. Hallums recounts with straight-forward, realistic honesty the tortures and emotions he and his stateside family endured throughout his 311 day captivity. Not just 10 months, to him each of the 311 days was unique and difficult in itself. And throughout his retelling of these days, from both his and his loving family's perspective, the thread of God's love and provision over them is woven. Though the story is in no way beautiful, until his blessed rescue at least, the tapestry of God's plan for his life is to be treasured.
In addition to gaining a better understanding of what goes on in all aspects of kidnapping in foreign lands, I was most touched by the dramatic rescue of Roy Hallums. It brought me to tears to read how our military men risked their lives to go in and save his and anyone else they may find.
"The first rescuer pulled off an American flag patch that was velcroed on the sleeve of his uniform and pressed it into the palm of my hand, which he clasped with a handshake.
'You've been rescued,' he said to me.
I hugged him and thanked him. To this day, I carry that little flag in my pocket wherever I go." (pp. 206-207)
During these times of international struggle in our world, this book would be an interesting, informative, and enlightening read for you. This man's struggle in captivity is not to be taken lightly as there are so many others daily who are enduring very similar circumstances, many without the hope of rescue. Let this book be a guide for how better to pray for those people and their families. It has been that for me.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Would you - could you survive? Considering torture, unsanitary living conditions, and uncertainty of rescue or release...How long? A few days? Possibly even a few weeks?
How about almost a full year?
Roy Hallums did. As the title of his book alludes, he was even literally Buried Alive, yet his faith in God and his resolve to live and see his family again miraculously carried him through to the time of his unexpected and dramatic rescue.
This book is not one that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat with suspense, nor is it filled to the brim with him expressing his love for and faith in God. However, Mr. Hallums recounts with straight-forward, realistic honesty the tortures and emotions he and his stateside family endured throughout his 311 day captivity. Not just 10 months, to him each of the 311 days was unique and difficult in itself. And throughout his retelling of these days, from both his and his loving family's perspective, the thread of God's love and provision over them is woven. Though the story is in no way beautiful, until his blessed rescue at least, the tapestry of God's plan for his life is to be treasured.
In addition to gaining a better understanding of what goes on in all aspects of kidnapping in foreign lands, I was most touched by the dramatic rescue of Roy Hallums. It brought me to tears to read how our military men risked their lives to go in and save his and anyone else they may find.
"The first rescuer pulled off an American flag patch that was velcroed on the sleeve of his uniform and pressed it into the palm of my hand, which he clasped with a handshake.
'You've been rescued,' he said to me.
I hugged him and thanked him. To this day, I carry that little flag in my pocket wherever I go." (pp. 206-207)
During these times of international struggle in our world, this book would be an interesting, informative, and enlightening read for you. This man's struggle in captivity is not to be taken lightly as there are so many others daily who are enduring very similar circumstances, many without the hope of rescue. Let this book be a guide for how better to pray for those people and their families. It has been that for me.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
February 4, 2010
“Buried Alive”, by Roy Hallums is an extremely thought provoking true story of being kidnapped and held by extremists in Iraq. The story is told through and by the author, Roy Hallums as he takes the reader from the being to the end of a very painful and secluded imprisonment. Most of the time, he is held underground and literally buried alive by his captors.
As you pick up this book, you see the shadow of a man who appears to be in a seated position, with his hands behind his back, probably tied and his eyes are blindfolded. It appears that he is in a dark place and very uncomfortable. Reading the introduction gives you just a brief look into what this man went through for so many days and months. I can only imagine the courage and fortitude he had to endure such treatment and conditions.
Hallums tells his story in a matter of fact and simple way which brings the reader right into the scenes as well as giving the reader such vivid detail that no one can miss the terror he must have felt, with the beatings and degradation. Once can only guess how he felt, not knowing whether he was going to come out this terror alive or would he be beheaded like so many in the past had been.
It seems strange to point out here that this story was told in vivid and chilling detail, and this reader could not put the book down. You will become completely absorbed into the story, waiting to find out what is going to happen next. !!!
What can be learned from the story, is that with the right mind set and courage, even the most brutal of conditions can be overcome. Hallums appears to be a man of faith and he spent a lot of time praying and thinking about his family. He endured the conditions and initial movements from one site to the next, with a hope of survival and eventual rescue.
Another segment of his story deals with how his family dealt with his kidnapping. First the family is kept completely out of the loop of information, even to the point where officials were telling them not to speak to the media for fear that Hallums captors would find out more about the man they help captive. This could have been dangerous for Hallums as he is a retired U. S. Naval Commander, who was a civilian contractor in Iraq, at the time of his kidnapping.
The eventual rescue is also something to wait for.
This story is in deed a must read for anyone who wants to know exactly what happens to kidnap victims, however, as Hallums notes, he was lucky. Not all kidnap victims get out alive, and very seldom is there a successful escape. This story is rated 5 stars. A very compelling story, not to be missed.
As you pick up this book, you see the shadow of a man who appears to be in a seated position, with his hands behind his back, probably tied and his eyes are blindfolded. It appears that he is in a dark place and very uncomfortable. Reading the introduction gives you just a brief look into what this man went through for so many days and months. I can only imagine the courage and fortitude he had to endure such treatment and conditions.
Hallums tells his story in a matter of fact and simple way which brings the reader right into the scenes as well as giving the reader such vivid detail that no one can miss the terror he must have felt, with the beatings and degradation. Once can only guess how he felt, not knowing whether he was going to come out this terror alive or would he be beheaded like so many in the past had been.
It seems strange to point out here that this story was told in vivid and chilling detail, and this reader could not put the book down. You will become completely absorbed into the story, waiting to find out what is going to happen next. !!!
What can be learned from the story, is that with the right mind set and courage, even the most brutal of conditions can be overcome. Hallums appears to be a man of faith and he spent a lot of time praying and thinking about his family. He endured the conditions and initial movements from one site to the next, with a hope of survival and eventual rescue.
Another segment of his story deals with how his family dealt with his kidnapping. First the family is kept completely out of the loop of information, even to the point where officials were telling them not to speak to the media for fear that Hallums captors would find out more about the man they help captive. This could have been dangerous for Hallums as he is a retired U. S. Naval Commander, who was a civilian contractor in Iraq, at the time of his kidnapping.
The eventual rescue is also something to wait for.
This story is in deed a must read for anyone who wants to know exactly what happens to kidnap victims, however, as Hallums notes, he was lucky. Not all kidnap victims get out alive, and very seldom is there a successful escape. This story is rated 5 stars. A very compelling story, not to be missed.
December 10, 2015
This that I read was a really great book. The books name was burried alive by roy hallums. Now the three reasons why I liked this book is because… one it is from the person who wrote the book. Two I thought it was cool he wrote a book about his own personal life and shared it with everyone. Finally three I thought it was a really good book. So what I am going to do is give all those reasons into a big huge paragraph and explain them and why I really like those reasons that I wrote.
Number one. The first reason I like the book is because the person who was in this big tragedy he wrote the book. I like it because he was anoustit and thoughtful for him to tell the whole world his own story of what had happened in Iraq. That also took a lot of courage for him to do that whole thing. Even though there was some gruesome parts in this book it was still a pretty good book that he wrote to share with the public and everything.
The second reason why I like this book is because he wrote about his life and others. Now what I really wonder is if he made up all those characters names or if he did all his work to use there name and everything. I also want to wonder if he wanted to write a book while this thing that was going on in Iqua. I also wonder if he just started one day thinking of ways he would write this book and how he would title this book and why he chose that name and why he wanted to write the book about his personal life.
The final and third reason why I like this book is because I thought it was a thoughtful and good book that he wrote to share with everyone. The reasons why I thought that was is because he told the fl and maybe one third the truth the whole way through the book. I also thought it was really cool that he kept track of the days in his head what holiday and season was going on. Now that is one talented man who can do that for a really long time without looking or seeing the light or anything.
Now my final thought were it was a great book and I would give it a five out of five stars just for him to write that book to everyone.
November 18, 2010
Roy was a 56 year old retired Naval commander working for a food supply contractor in Baghdad’s high-end Mansour district. In 2004, Roy was kidnapped by gunmen who stormed his Office. 3 Iraqi’s and a Filipino Robert was kidnapped along with him. After shuffling Roy and Robert to a few places, they finally kept them in an underground cell in a house in the middle of nowhere.
For 311 days Roy along with Robert survived hellish conditions while being blindfolded and handcuffed most of the time. Buried Alive is the story of their survival and hope against all odds.I admire Roy for his courage and his ability to stay sane in the most trying circumstances.
Buried Alive is not just a hostage drama. We also get a glimpse into how kidnapping became a business to make money, to bargain or simply to spread terror in foreign countries. The most surprising information was how many Iraqis are kidnapped for extortion. We hear about people from various nationalities being kidnapped and the various foreign government efforts to negotiate, what we don’t hear often is how these kidnappers take hostage their own countrymen to get money.
The book also gives us a glimpse into Roy’s family and how they dealt with his kidnapping. Also, it was interesting to see how the FBI controlled every aspect of information sent/ given about the kidnapping. When I started this book my progress was a little slow but after 50 pages, I just breezed through it. Buried Alive is also a good look behind all those kidnapping and killing videos we’ve see on the news. Horrifying but true. Recommended.
For 311 days Roy along with Robert survived hellish conditions while being blindfolded and handcuffed most of the time. Buried Alive is the story of their survival and hope against all odds.I admire Roy for his courage and his ability to stay sane in the most trying circumstances.
Buried Alive is not just a hostage drama. We also get a glimpse into how kidnapping became a business to make money, to bargain or simply to spread terror in foreign countries. The most surprising information was how many Iraqis are kidnapped for extortion. We hear about people from various nationalities being kidnapped and the various foreign government efforts to negotiate, what we don’t hear often is how these kidnappers take hostage their own countrymen to get money.
The book also gives us a glimpse into Roy’s family and how they dealt with his kidnapping. Also, it was interesting to see how the FBI controlled every aspect of information sent/ given about the kidnapping. When I started this book my progress was a little slow but after 50 pages, I just breezed through it. Buried Alive is also a good look behind all those kidnapping and killing videos we’ve see on the news. Horrifying but true. Recommended.
January 25, 2010
Synopsis:
Roy Hallums was a 56 year old retired Navel Commander who was working for a food supply contractor in Iraq. On November 1, 2004, Roy was abducted and held hostage for 311 days. During his first few months, Roy was beaten and mentally tortured while he was moved from place to place. Then, he came to his last prison, a 4 foot high basement that he was kept in, blindfolded and bound, until he was finally rescued.
My comments:
I was eager to read Roy's story, as I remember when Roy was abducted, and the video that was sent to the media, as well as the interviews with his family. Roy's book held me in it's grips from beginning to end. I am amazed at his resilience and bravery not only to go back over his time in captivity, but to how he told his story so eloquently. I cannot imagine one surviving what Roy had, let alone staying sane and in control all throughout the ordeal.
I cannot speak highly enough about this book, nor highly enough of how Roy is helping others to get a grasp of what happens to someone who is abducted in Iraq. This book was an excellent read and very well written and should be put on everyone's to-read list for this year!
This book was supplied through Thomas Nelson's Book Sneeze program in exchange for a review.
Roy Hallums was a 56 year old retired Navel Commander who was working for a food supply contractor in Iraq. On November 1, 2004, Roy was abducted and held hostage for 311 days. During his first few months, Roy was beaten and mentally tortured while he was moved from place to place. Then, he came to his last prison, a 4 foot high basement that he was kept in, blindfolded and bound, until he was finally rescued.
My comments:
I was eager to read Roy's story, as I remember when Roy was abducted, and the video that was sent to the media, as well as the interviews with his family. Roy's book held me in it's grips from beginning to end. I am amazed at his resilience and bravery not only to go back over his time in captivity, but to how he told his story so eloquently. I cannot imagine one surviving what Roy had, let alone staying sane and in control all throughout the ordeal.
I cannot speak highly enough about this book, nor highly enough of how Roy is helping others to get a grasp of what happens to someone who is abducted in Iraq. This book was an excellent read and very well written and should be put on everyone's to-read list for this year!
This book was supplied through Thomas Nelson's Book Sneeze program in exchange for a review.
June 20, 2011
Buried Alive is the true account of Roy Hallums, an American businessman, who was kidnapped and held for nearly a year in Iraq. With quiet strength, he endured filth, darkness, near starvation, extreme heat and terrible beatings while spending many of his days tied up in a room beneath a house. That's where the buried alive part comes in. Roy Hallums was rescued by the US military after 311 days.
He believed that there were four things that made it possible for him to survive: he was used to living without luxuries such as indoor plumbing and electricity (because of his childhood), a positive attitude, strong moral values and the fact that the word can't was not part of his vocabulary, thanks to his parents.
This was an exciting story and I didn't want to put the book down. Because of the subject, I was surprised that there were funny stories in the book - a bit of dry wit. There are two ways I'd make improvements to the book. I'd take out the few curse words and I'd change the picture on the cover.
He believed that there were four things that made it possible for him to survive: he was used to living without luxuries such as indoor plumbing and electricity (because of his childhood), a positive attitude, strong moral values and the fact that the word can't was not part of his vocabulary, thanks to his parents.
This was an exciting story and I didn't want to put the book down. Because of the subject, I was surprised that there were funny stories in the book - a bit of dry wit. There are two ways I'd make improvements to the book. I'd take out the few curse words and I'd change the picture on the cover.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2013
3.5 stars for an awesome book. The only reason it didn't score higher is because the hostage who was captured was very obviously not a writer, and it showed. The book is written plainly and factually, even though the story itself is brilliant and dramatic. I especially enjoyed the historic background sprinkled throughout. That's where the author's abilities truly shined. It was a good book, and inspiring, dramatic, and interesting story, but the story was told very blandly. As much as it seems as though I am disparaging the writer, I truly admired him. His recovery and behavior was amazing and an absolute miracle. I look up to the writer as a role model and hero. But, just so you know, the writer is a republican and the book has a slight conservative bias.
November 1, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. At first I was concerned that the bare-bones way the story was told would not be enough to keep my attention, but as I got into the story I realized that the real-life enough were plenty enough story on their own — no embellishments needed. Reading a good story about the hope and success of someone faced with incredible odds in such a “this is just life” manner really reminds me how people really can do what might seem impossible. It’s really a great story about keeping hope alive.
(Full review at http://ajoyfulltime.wordpress.com/201... )
(Full review at http://ajoyfulltime.wordpress.com/201... )
May 27, 2011
I just finished this harrowing account of a kidnapping in Iraq and it is one of the best non-fiction stories I have read in a while. It not only grabbed my attention but tugged at my heart as well. While the material is difficult as one would imagine, the author does a beautiful job of interspersing humor through out the story. I am very glad I read this book!
October 22, 2012
This is a pretty good book. Unbelievable that this man actually lived to tell his tale. So thankful that he did! We really have no idea how lucky we have it in the United States. We take so much for granted. I learned a lot about blessing. I also learned a lot about Iraq. I imagine they are still kidnapping people over there. Crazy and sad. Definitely a worthwhile read!
February 2, 2013
Great book! Hard to put it down!
May 23, 2013
heart wrenching
November 22, 2010
Interesting perspective on the kidnapping period in Iraq after the war.
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