American Sniper

What do Taya’s entries add to the book, and how would American Sniper be different without a direct representation of her perspective?

In what ways was Chris changed by his experiences of war? Are there any aspects of his personality that appear to have been unaffected by his time in combat?

As he explains at the end of American Sniper, Chris decides to prioritize his family over his career as a SEAL. Was this the best decision or would a different life choice have been more sensible?

In terms of writing style, American Sniper often employs short, blunt paragraphs. How does this (and other major stylistic choices) effectively fit Chris Kyle’s personality?

What are the most intense and memorable images from Chris’s time in Iraq? Why exactly do these images stand out as especially vivid?

Why is humor so important to Chris Kyle and the other enlisted men? Without humor, how exactly might their lives be different, or worse?

Few named individuals beyond Chris, Taya, and a few of Chris’s fallen comrades are discussed at length. Are there any individuals mentioned in American Sniper who would benefit from a more extensive depiction?

After reading the book, re-visit the early descriptions of Chris’s life. Did any other paths in life seem possible for him, or was becoming a sniper the best fit for his background and personality?