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jennybun's review
emotional
reflective
sad
4.0
A powerful look into one veteran's mind.
Graphic: Mental illness and Gore
Moderate: War
destiny_jay's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
dsmagacz's review against another edition
4.0
I gave this book a high rating because I learned so much about war that I never even knew. The book was very disturbing to me. Firstly, it gave me a picture of what goes on in the life of a soldier. The gut wrenching fear mixed with some sort of loyalty to our country. I saw the fierce 'brotherhood' they developed to support each other because the stake of losing their lives was so high.
Was it worth the turmoil of one man and his family? In essence his life was lost in the war, even though be all accounts he survived.
Was it worth the turmoil of one man and his family? In essence his life was lost in the war, even though be all accounts he survived.
upthescene's review
5.0
I'm not sure why I didn't hear more about this gem when it first came out - I was definitely working in a bookstore at the time.
This is one of the two best fiction books I've read on the subject of the Iraq War (the other being The Yellow Birds). It's also up there with the most well thought-out and best edited short story collections.
Highly recommended.
This is one of the two best fiction books I've read on the subject of the Iraq War (the other being The Yellow Birds). It's also up there with the most well thought-out and best edited short story collections.
Highly recommended.
atschakfoert's review
3.0
I wouldn't say I "enjoyed" this book (really, books about combat aren't "fun" or "easy") but it was well written. I would recommend to anyone who doesn't know a vet (do those people even exist?) who want some insight into the struggles of those returning from active duty.
imbookingit's review
4.0
Very well written, and a good look at the challenges of going off to then returning from war. This was an intense, not particularly enjoyable read, as you might expect from the subject matter.
aidangowland's review against another edition
4.0
One of the most intimate portrayals of what it's like to go to war and come home again in the 21st century. Castner artfully tells his story in ways which swing from factual nitty-gritty detail (the pros and cons of riding in the helicopters of the various branches, the routine of gearing up) and sweeping prose that pulls the reader into his psyche and life, with every worry, desire and irritation made unselfconsciously clear.
An excellent memoir that will turn many readers' assumptions about TBIs, PTSD, military funerals, and much more, on their heads.
An excellent memoir that will turn many readers' assumptions about TBIs, PTSD, military funerals, and much more, on their heads.
mscalls's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely phenomenal! A must-read for anyone concerned about the impacts of warfare on our troops. The writing was beautiful and the story heartbreaking but ultimately hopeful. Loved it.
emdub's review against another edition
4.0
Recommended to me by a guy who knows the guy. So far very good. Honest and gritty.