Leaders & Notable People
![Tim Kennedy - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_a_tim_kennedy.jpg)
Scars and Stripes: An Unapologetically American Story of Fighting the Taliban, UFC Warriors, and Myself
From decorated Green Beret sniper, UFC headliner, and all around badass, Tim Kennedy, a rollicking, inspirational memoir offering lessons in how to embrace failure and weather storms, in order to unlock the strongest version of yourself.
Tim Kennedy has a problem; he only feels alive right before he's about to die. Kennedy, a Green Beret, decorated Army sniper, and UFC headliner, has tackled a bull with his bare hands, jumped out of airplanes, dove to the depths of the ocean, and traveled the world hunting poachers, human traffickers, and the Taliban.
But he's also the same man who got kicked out of the police department, fire department, and as an EMT, before getting two women pregnant four days apart, and finally, been beaten up by his Special Forces colleagues for, quite simply, "being a selfish asshole."
In Scars and Stripes, Kennedy describes how these failures shaped him into the successful businessman and devoted husband and father he is today. Through unbelievably vivid, wild anecdotes Kennedy reveals all the dumb, violent, embarrassing, and undeniably heroic things he's done in his life, including multiple combat missions in Afghanistan, building a school in Texas for elementary kids, and creating two-multimillion-dollar businesses. You will learn that failure isn't the end-rather it's the first step towards unearthing the best version of yourself and finding success, no matter how overwhelming the setbacks may feel.
Tim Kennedy has a problem; he only feels alive right before he's about to die. Kennedy, a Green Beret, decorated Army sniper, and UFC headliner, has tackled a bull with his bare hands, jumped out of airplanes, dove to the depths of the ocean, and traveled the world hunting poachers, human traffickers, and the Taliban.
But he's also the same man who got kicked out of the police department, fire department, and as an EMT, before getting two women pregnant four days apart, and finally, been beaten up by his Special Forces colleagues for, quite simply, "being a selfish asshole."
In Scars and Stripes, Kennedy describes how these failures shaped him into the successful businessman and devoted husband and father he is today. Through unbelievably vivid, wild anecdotes Kennedy reveals all the dumb, violent, embarrassing, and undeniably heroic things he's done in his life, including multiple combat missions in Afghanistan, building a school in Texas for elementary kids, and creating two-multimillion-dollar businesses. You will learn that failure isn't the end-rather it's the first step towards unearthing the best version of yourself and finding success, no matter how overwhelming the setbacks may feel.
Editorial Reviews
"Most of us have a few great stories to tell about a time that our lives were extraordinary. My friend Tim Kennedy has a book's worth-and even more than that. Motivated by his audacity, resolve, and gutsiness, I have no doubt you'll begin living your life a little bit more like Tim after reading this."-Joe Rogan, comedian and host of The Joe Rogan Experience
"I've known Tim for twenty-five years. After reading this book, I've never been prouder of him, or happier to know that I have punched him many, many times in the face as hard as I can."-Chuck Liddell, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
"A gritty account from a leading voice of our Post 9/11 Generation-Tim Kennedy's book is an authentic gut punch of a life lived with grit, resiliency, and a never-quit attitude in the face of heartbreaking failures and incredible success that every American can learn from."-Honorable Patrick J. Murphy, America's first Iraq veteran in Congress and 32nd Army Undersecretary
"I've known Tim for twenty-five years. After reading this book, I've never been prouder of him, or happier to know that I have punched him many, many times in the face as hard as I can."-Chuck Liddell, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
"A gritty account from a leading voice of our Post 9/11 Generation-Tim Kennedy's book is an authentic gut punch of a life lived with grit, resiliency, and a never-quit attitude in the face of heartbreaking failures and incredible success that every American can learn from."-Honorable Patrick J. Murphy, America's first Iraq veteran in Congress and 32nd Army Undersecretary
Readers Top Reviews
MattChristian Vaz
-if you hate reading amazing true stories of a one-of-a-kind human being. You will not put this book down once you've started it so be prepared to get one for you significant other before they leave you for lack of attention.
CCMattChristian V
This book has 15 main chapters, and a total of about 388 pages. At the end of the book there is a Photos section with 28 different pictures, mostly of Kennedy and his family and friends. In the Introduction, Kennedy mentions a few details about his remarkable life, gives some valuable advice, and covers some of his motivations for writing this. This isn't exactly a typical memoir, as Kennedy points out with his third reason for writing the book: “To let you know there is always a path forward.” Kennedy covers the many ups and downs of his life, and is very candid in describing some of his biggest mistakes. Kennedy jumps around quite a bit in telling these stories, so it is not a straightforward chronological memoir. There are many short, blunt sentences; and lots of profanity, so be prepared, this memoir is not exactly for the faint of heart. Kennedy covers incredible experiences in the military, as a police officer, and as an MMA fighter; as well as the more typical experiences of being a father, son, and husband. Overall I mostly liked this book. The writing style is about what you would expect from such an “extreme” person; and although you might not agree with all of Kennedy's decisions in life, it is at least an entertaining story. It is hard to not respect someone that has done so much to serve, and has shown willingness to put his life on the line to help other people.
CrimeFictionCriti
I don't read a lot of memoirs, but picked up this book after listening to Jack Carr interview Tim Kennedy on his podcast. I'm glad I did because it's an awesome read and an amazing story. I have to admit MMA is not my thing, so I knew nothing about Kennedy before reading his book. Still, I found those parts interesting because knowing how central fighting was as part of his life, I feel I know him much better now than I would have not knowing it. But, yes, I liked the war recollections the best and feel this is the best war memoir I've read since Philip Caputo's "A Rumor of War" which is one of my favorite books of all time. This one certainly compares favorably to it. It's very powerful. In the book, Kennedy says he isn't trying to sound like a hero because he isn't one. I disagree. In my opinion, Tim Kennedy is exactly how a hero is supposed to be. He certainly commands my respect.
Sean BriscombeCri
Right from the jump, you are sucked into the story! From then on, it’s really difficult to put down… Story, after story, of courage, heroism, and bravery…as well as fear, failure, pain, shame and guilt. A brutally honest account of life‘s wins, and losses. A true heroes journey. Each story more incredible, and amazing than the one before. Each chapter leaving you with a lesson, a Takeaway, that is relevant to all of us today! This is a beautifully written account of some of Tim’s highest moments, and lowest tragedies. Great job Nick, and Tim! Probably you might want to buy two, and give one to someone you love… They will thank you for it.
Nicholas KennedyS
It's rare to find someone with an ego who talks so openly about their failures in life. In fact, this book is counterintuitive to what culture believes our heroes are. I was blown away by this book. I have read several others like it, but this one stands tall as to the effect it will have on our young men in this nation. This should be required reading for any male 14 to 18 years of age. It's good to see the warrior poet has not perished.
