Lyndsey Addario Book Report

"Hi, my love. How are you doing?" (Addario, 2). It's What I Do, A Photographers Life of Love and War a memoir by Lyndsey Addario is an intense recollection of  what it's like to be up close and personal recording some of the darkest, most horrific events in modern history. The aforementioned quote, from chapter one is from a call between Addario and her husband Paul. I find this to be compelling mostly because this is the first instance where Addario's work and personal lives leaves her in a state of conflict. While driving into an active war zone, she struggles with whether or not to tell her husband. For me, this stood out because I don't know if I could lie and pretend I was in a relatively safe environment. With that being said, I also don't know that, even with my ethics and values based on honesty, I could tell someone I loved that I might not survive the day. She goes into every situation not knowing if she'll come out the other side. Not only does she put herself in physical danger, but finds herself in situations that challenge her values and morality. She explains these sentiments on page 254 stating "And so, in a room full of some of the most vicious  fighters anainst the United States and everything I stood for, I stood in the corner and faced the wall as I drank my tea." Her photojournalism is nothing short of dedicated. There are multiple moments in her career where most people would tap out. She braved multiple crossfires, she also persevered through not one, but two kidnappings. Captured moments of the worst days of peoples lives and then moved on. Photojournalism is important, but it's not what I personally will choose to pursue in my life. I don't think there's anything wrong or crazy about what she's doing. Soldiers put themselves in the line of fire everyday; activists preach the dirty truth in an attempt to change reality, even politicians put themselves out in the public eye and work to change the world in a more professional setting. My only impressions of her career choice are that it's extremely brave, and unfathomably important. Not only is her photojournalism important, but she's incredibly good at it. Some of my favorite photos of hers are on pages 4 (top), 46, 67, 126, 174, 178, 189, 233, 274 (top), 280, and 336 (I know just a few)

KORENGAL VALLEY, AFGHANISTAN.American soldiers with the 173rd battle company, on a battalian-wide mission in the korengal valley, Afghanistan. 

Through night-vision goggles: JTAC Kevin Caroon, 28, 'sparkles' a target for the AC130 pilots above as he helps control close air support fire from above Yakachina village while on a mission with Battle company in the Korengal Valley. JTACs are Airforce-trained specialists in direct contact with the bomber pilots to call in airstrikes on certain targets while weighing and monitoring collateral damage potential. Captain Dan Kearney, the JTACs, and certain intelligence and communication specialists work as a team from afar but with a bird's eye view to help infantry troops on the ground. October 2007.  

(caption provided for picture at www.lyndseyaddario.com) pictured on pg.233

As for recommendations, I would to the right person. Most of my close friends generally don't enjoy memoirs, however compelling they may be. I would (and am going to) give this book to my grandma because it is exactly her cup of tea. Even though it seems like a doge, I would genuinely recommend the book to any and all I think would enjoy it.