PLEASE NOTE: This is a summary of the book and NOT the original book. American Sniper by Chris Kyle - A 20-minute Summary Inside this Instaread Summary:  Overview of the entire book  Introduction to the important people in the book  Summary and analysis of all the chapters in the book  Key Takeaways of the book  A Reader's Perspective Preview of this summary: Chapter 1 Kyle grew up in central Texas. He loved to hunt and ride horses and would have been a cowboy if he had not become a member of the Navy Sea, Air, Land Teams (SEAL). He had a lot of fun hunting with his mom, dad, and brother as a child. His dad and brother were his best friends growing up. Kyle learned true patience by learning to break a horse. He got involved in rodeo competitions to quench his thirst for being a cowboy. In 1992, he graduated and went to Tarleton State University with aspirations to join the military afterward. An accident in his freshman year ended his rodeo career when he had to have pins put in his wrist. He became a ranch hand for a man named David Landrum while he was still a student. Landrum’s strict expectations made Kyle want to prove himself. Kyle believes this prepared him to become a Navy SEAL. Kyle decided to quit school and join the military. He learned about the SEALs and wanted to become one. He investigated the opportunity further and learned that there was no guarantee he would become a SEAL if he joined the Navy. He would need to earn the privilege. Kyle went through the application process, but the Navy disqualified him because of the pins in his wrist. He felt his military career had ended before it began. He went back to work for Landrum and hoped to become a rancher. Shortly afterward, a recruiter called and asked if he was still interested in becoming a SEAL. About the Author With Instaread Summaries, you can get the summary of a book in 30 minutes or less. We read every chapter, summarize and analyze it for your convenience.