American Wife

American Wife by Taya Kyle

A deeply emotional and personal memoir, Taya Kyle shares the story of her life with and without her husband Chris Kyle, author of American Sniper. She writes in great detail about the significant impact that Chris had in her life as she lived as a military wife, and the devastation she felt after his death. Suddenly a single parent of two and a widow, she had to work hard to try to pick up the pieces, which often felt impossible, and move forward to work toward helping others the same way her husband had when he lived.

Hearing her story, it is remarkable the amount of faith she had to get through her trials. Even before her husband's death, there were many aspects of her life that were not easy. It was eye opening to read about all the realities of being an army wife and dealing with your spouse being away in a dangerous country doing dangerous tasks. But she also explains that there were many wonderful things about her life, and portrays Chris in a light that we haven't really seen before. 

The most striking aspect of this book is the honestly with which it was written. The unbearable grief of losing her husband led her to lose herself in many ways. She is truthful through it all, even telling about how she started smoking to deal with the stress and couldn't find a way to stop. 

The audiobook is narrated by Tara Kyle herself and while listening it is apparent what a remarkable woman she is. She continued to face many challenges after his death, including a lawsuit to make sure his name remained untarnished, but she ultimately did not give up hope. And she continued Chris's legacy of helping veterans through a foundation that she started. While her story is heartbreaking and hard to hear, it is one that deserves to be told.