War Dogs: The True Story of How Three Stoners From Miami Beach Became the Most Unlikely Gunrunners in History

I have no particular interest in arms trading, but I love a good read, and this jaw dropping true story kept me up reading until 3am! It is an incredibly well researched piece of journalism, but it reads like page-turning fiction – except this story is way too crazy to have been made up. Guy Lawson is at the top of his game here, letting us in on how two stoner teenagers (working at a kitchen table with two cellphones) were awarded millions of dollars of US government military contracts and how they deal with everyone from sleazy but world renowned international arms dealers to average Joe’s taking advantage of the loosely regulated world of internet gun trade. I will never again be able to hear about troops being deployed anywhere for any reason without wondering where their weapons came from, and who procured them.

While I would rate four or four and a half stars usually people won’t even consider a book unless its five stars so I give five.

I am a huge fan of history as told through the eyes of participants, the Travels of Marco Polo are my favorite collections of historical writings of all time, however just as Marco Polo is historically dubious so too is the story of Diveroli and Packouz as they themselves told it. Efraim Diveroli released a book that although I didn’t read it was panned for the ego that was inserted into it. To get an impartial while sympathetic view of two 20 year old gun-runners who may have been a shaping force in the Afghan War as we know it, as well as learn about how Bush Administration handled the war effort, and the politics and intrigue that surrounded them read this book by journalist Guy Lawson, who also wrote Octopus a book about wall Street and The Brotherhood a story about cops that worked for the Mafia. This book is a fascinating look at modern history.

Also for those who want to retain the information they read and believe in the “testing effect” check out the War Dogs study guide

As an International Relations major that has lived in Miami Beach, this book was a real treat. The story is great whether youre into politics/war or not. A great read.

I read Efraim Diveroli’s first hand account of this bizarre tale prior to reading Guy Lawson’s version. After reading Diveroli’s egocentric and headstrong perspective, Lawson’s balanced and deliberate approach feels watered down and bland at times. Nonetheless, it’s Lawson’s version that most deserves to be read. Lawson does a good job of being fair in his treatment of the two embittered one-time partners, where Diveroli used nearly every mention of Packouz to disavow any shred of competency Packouz may have shown during their partnership. Lawson’s journalistic approach lacks the brash page-turning heat of Diveroli’s storytelling, but it shines with the closest semblance of truth most of us are ever likely to know about this incredible, nearly unbelievable, business adventure. Both books are well worth reading, but if you can only choose one, choose Lawson’s.

Starts with a bang but so hard to finish reading. Bogged down in tedious details and the story never deviates. Just more of the same page after page. I never skim through pages and skip to the end of books but I’m mighty tempted here.

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