KHALED HOSSEINI, author of best selling novels The Kite Runner,  A Thousand Splendid Suns and And the Mountain Echoed writes: “Budd MacKenzie’s book is more than a chronicling of his extraordinary humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan since 2003 – which my foundation has been proud to support.  Budd’s book is a passionate cry against apathy and its insidious power.  It is a call to action.  In his own words, hope is not a strategy.  MacKenzie, an ordinary person moved to service by a deep sense of goodwill and moral urgency, bravely challenges ordinary Americans to join the struggle against poverty and human suffering.  He asks us to not forget that millions inside war-wracked Afghanistan, especially children and women, remain marginalized, brutalized, and in need of education, work, food, shelter.  He asks that we give something of ourselves to those who, as the fable goes, suffer the most and cry out the least.  Not only because it is needed, or the right thing to do.  But because, as Winston Churchill put it, you make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.  Budd MacKenzie has made himself quite a life.”

Book Title: OFF THE COUCH Into the War for HEARTS AND MINDS
Author: BUDD E. MACKENZIE
Name of Project: Goodreads Review Project

Book Review 1
This book is an excellent resource for individuals aspiring to bring hope into the lives of those who have experienced hardship. OFF THE COUCH Into the War for HEARTS AND MINDS.

Mackenzie takes readers on a captivating and eye-opening adventure through his experiences working with soldiers and civilians in conflict zones. From war-torn regions to humanitarian crises, he shares intimate stories and encounters that shed light on the psychological, physical, and social impact of warfare on individuals and communities in Afghanistan.

It is fascinating to read how he also merges snippets of his life experiences. I can say that each chapter is well-researched, as is evident from the list of references provided at the end. I also appreciate the photos. It made the book more believable and real. Overall, it is a book to be read slowly and thoroughly, taking time to absorb the information in each chapter, and thinking about how his over 10 years of experience can be reflected in our lives.

Book Review 2
A touching, and thought-provoking book filled with bold and remarkable experiences from the writer’s life himself as he aids the victims of wars in a 4th world country such as Afghanistan. This book has opened my eyes to so many truths about bad politics and leadership, and the result and aftermath of war. It was always fascinating to read how Budd always tried to find ways to uplift the economy, particularly in Kabul where he tried to help locals especially women by making loans to them. This remarkable endeavor represents just a fraction of the numerous humanitarian initiatives carried out by Budd in Afghanistan. There’s nothing that I have for the author other than high admiration and praise.
I was continually amazed by how he was able to weave such transformative and practical solutions to the problems encountered by the Afghans in their battle with the Taliban, such an incredibly sensitive topic, yet effectively imparting a heavily important message of humanity out into the world despite political turmoil. Highly recommended!

Book Review 3
Reading this book has given me a sense of fulfillment that no other book has ever given me. Off The Couch Into The War For Hearts And Minds kept me enthralled throughout the whole narrative. I was besotted by how the story of Budd back in 2003 was able to send me on a roller coaster of emotions, based on how it influenced the story. I even exclaimed aloud at one point because of the intensity of the events and the thrilling twists and turns of the plotline. The moment when Budd instinctively locked his car door in response to the intense road rage between Afghans had me on edge, fully engaged and anticipating what would unfold next.

Budd truly knows what his subject is, consequently, brimming me with awareness. Definitely, Budd had a message he wanted to tell his readers and he did it in such a beautiful and artistic way in this book. Not only is this publication a way to leisurely pass the time, but it is also actually a work of art that awakens readers to the truth. Highly recommended!

Book Review 4
An absolutely phenomenal book to read and spend time with. Budd writes with passion and intensity, keeping the book engaging and on-point. I finished reading this book in just two sittings, and to be honest, it’s hard to put down. The information one can get from this book is priceless. This book takes a meticulous research approach, providing a wealth of factual data about the situation in Afghanistan, particularly the living conditions endured by Afghans amidst the ravages of war. I was moved to tears when I discovered that children, at such a tender age, are tragically losing their limbs due to the presence of landmines. His passion to truly educate Afghans, men and women alike, is truly commendable.
I urge anyone to have themselves educated, and inspired by reading this book. It’s a great read with a lot of thought-provoking ideas and intense scenes.

Book Review 5
From the first page, I was captivated by this enthralling book, which leads you on an extraordinary journey through Budd’s life and the remarkable individuals who have supported him in his mission to uplift the impoverished, advocate for women’s rights, and educate children, women, and anyone seeking knowledge. Despite the serious themes explored, I greatly admire Budd’s ability to infuse humor, breaking the ice and adding a touch of levity to the narrative.

In the final chapters, Budd emphasizes the urgent need for the United States to take action in combating women’s abuse and ensuring equal welfare for all. I highly recommend this book and provide more than 5 stars if I could.

Book Review 6
The exciting, yet challenging journey of Budd E. Mackenzie had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The book recounts the firsthand experiences of its author, who has been actively involved in providing humanitarian aid to Afghanistan since 2003. With multiple visits to Afghanistan spanning over 10 years, the author offers profound insights into the people, customs, and culture of this nation. Additionally, the book sheds light on the extent of the United States’ involvement in Afghanistan, revealing a wealth of information previously unknown to me. Through the author’s accounts, we discover how even the smallest efforts can have a monumental impact on the lives of thousands in countries like Afghanistan.

Reading this book was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve ever had, and I can’t thank the author enough for bringing this masterpiece to life.

Book Review 7
Embarking on an extraordinary journey of humanitarianism amid the devastating effects of war, “Off The Couch Into The War For Hearts And Minds” evokes a potent blend of excitement and heartfelt emotions.

While immersing myself in the pages of this extraordinary book, I realized my limited knowledge of the culture and people of Afghanistan during the early 21st century. I was pleasantly surprised by how Budd, the writer, shed light on that era, providing valuable insights about the corruption, inequality, and conflicts that affect Afghan citizens. Budd’s unwavering passion and compassion to aid those in need have led him to accomplish numerous extraordinary feats throughout his time there. The inclusion of vibrant colored photos in the book was a delightful treat that I deeply appreciated. These captivating images provided me with a glimpse into the unique culture and way of life in Afghanistan.

Book Review 8
The book was so gripping that I couldn’t stop reading it. It covered a variety of challenging and contentious topics as he got off the couch and changed things from 2003 to 2015.

The theme of the book becomes an intriguing and thought-provoking platform for further discussion, especially the topic of foreign aid, “belt-way bandits”, micro-financing, and more. I hold great admiration for the children’s endeavor in creating videos to assist Afghans in learning English. Their dedicated efforts are truly commendable. It goes without saying that I would recommend this book to anyone.

Book Review 9
Off The Couch Into The War For Hearts And Minds by Budd E. Mackenzie is a sprawling masterpiece, skillfully blending a rich historical backdrop with a captivating factual plot-line. The book encompasses a grand scale of humanitarianism, immersing readers in a journey that is both thought-provoking and remarkably epic in its scope.

First and foremost, my heart goes to all the people who have helped the author make education accessible despite the ongoing conflicts there. I am also deeply inspired by the woman in the wheelchair who profoundly influenced my reading journey with her positive presence.

With utmost enthusiasm, I wholeheartedly recommend this exceptionally written memoir to all readers seeking a truly remarkable reading experience.

Book Review 10
Budd’s exceptional portrayal of the harsh realities endured by many in Afghanistan is commendable. Together with his dedicated team, he instills a renewed sense of hope in the power of individuals helping one another, even at the risk of personal danger, to improve the lives of all involved.

His remarkable efforts to facilitate education, especially for women, despite the customary restrictions, including the establishment of schools through unwavering perseverance, have had a tremendous impact. This assistance has not only benefited the women’s lives but also their families and the local economy while empowering them with the pride that comes from education.

This book is a captivating read that truly makes us appreciate the privileges we have in our own country, despite our own challenges.

Book Review 11
Within the pages of the book, Off The Couch Into The War For Hearts And Minds by Budd E. Mackenzie permeates reaching far beyond mere words and leaving an indelible impact on readers’ hearts and minds. Its profound essence extends well beyond the confines of its pages, imprinting an enduring impression on the hearts and minds of its readers. I deeply appreciate his unwavering dedication to advocating for education, gender equality, and socialism among the Afghan people, even amidst the devastating impact of war.

On the other hand, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud when he flew on a plane carrying 20 thousand dollars in cash.

Overall, this book is a well-crafted memoir that showcases the author’s talent for storytelling and outlook in life.

Book Review 12
I was hooked on this book from start to finish, eager to find out the outcome. A deep and captivating book that shows how to inspire hope in those who had little. After devouring all the 200 plus pages, it’s no surprise that this book deserves the spot to be the top book on the shelf.

This book encapsulates Budd Mackenzie’s journey from being a couch potato to becoming one of the most influential persons who provided immeasurable aid to the Afghan citizens in Afghanistan from 2003 to 2015. Budd endured many hardships over the course of more than ten years, and emerged stronger than ever. I admire his courage in promoting gender equality to all women in Afghanistan.

I had so much fun reading the book because of its plotline and profound insights within the pages of the book.

Book Review 13
This book explores the deep truths about the nature of power and authority. It also recounts real experiences of a near-miss with the Taliban and the author’s own challenges as he tried to adapt and understand the culture and lifestyle in Afghanistan to improve the conditions and uplift the suffering.

I was completely captivated by how the writer uses words to convey real emotions from his journey there, such as his stay in Mustafa Hotel as his worst hotel experience, but strangely the most rewarding. I also enjoyed reading the part where he had to eat with the Afghans by hand, and more. This book is truly a hidden gem that I discovered (luckily). To say the least, I kept falling in love with this book page after page. A must-read!

Book Review 14
Whether you are a humanitarian advocate or not, this book is for you. Budd E. Mackenzie is a great writer who writes with enthusiasm and humor. I enjoyed reading about his adventures as a volunteer to assist the needy, especially women and the book concludes with the author offering realistic and useful advice and information on how the US can increase its support for the oppressed, women, and children in Afghanistan. “Whatever the motivation, get off the couch and dedicate more of your life to helping others.” Inspiring words from Budd. He clearly has a passion for helping others, especially those suffering.

This book is a profoundly compelling read that leaves a lasting impression and is sure to captivate readers of all ages. 5 stars!