A review by stevie_2e
I Have Iraq in My Shoe: Misadventures of a Soldier of Fashion by Gretchen Berg
4.0
I think I'm supposed to mention I won this book in a Goodreads give-aways. There, it has been mentioned, but I can say honestly that I would have gladly parted with the cover price.
Speaking of honesty, that is what touched me the most about this book. Some commented that the book wasn't particularly insightful or illuminating of the culture of Iraq. I feel a point was missed: right there in the title is a good clue that this book isn't about Iraq, it is about a woman whose life directed her to the Middle East. The book is insightful and illuminating about her. She exposes a great deal of vulnerability in how she conducted herself before and during her turn in Iraq. Gretchen allowed enough honesty for the reader to say "yes, I would do that" or "no way".
So why is insight in Gretchen an important thing? First, she is a solid writer with the ability to make one laugh right out loud. Second, she was brave enough to go where most of us would not dare, and even more daring? Being honest about the experience. Gretchen is relatable. Unless you're Suzy Orman, or those like her. If your life is THAT together, Gretchen's memoir might read more like a Stephen King novel.
There are a few poignant moments that I won't expand on out of respect for potential spoiler fodder. And I think some moments are more subtle than other, such as Gretchen and friends being in a position to question the validity of a crime committed against a co-worker. There's no need for 30 pages on the emotional turmoil it causes; you either get it or you don't and the reader is spared a lot of pointless thwacks over the head.
You won't learn much about Iraq, but you will learn about the author, and if you take the time, very likely a little more about yourself.
Speaking of honesty, that is what touched me the most about this book. Some commented that the book wasn't particularly insightful or illuminating of the culture of Iraq. I feel a point was missed: right there in the title is a good clue that this book isn't about Iraq, it is about a woman whose life directed her to the Middle East. The book is insightful and illuminating about her. She exposes a great deal of vulnerability in how she conducted herself before and during her turn in Iraq. Gretchen allowed enough honesty for the reader to say "yes, I would do that" or "no way".
So why is insight in Gretchen an important thing? First, she is a solid writer with the ability to make one laugh right out loud. Second, she was brave enough to go where most of us would not dare, and even more daring? Being honest about the experience. Gretchen is relatable. Unless you're Suzy Orman, or those like her. If your life is THAT together, Gretchen's memoir might read more like a Stephen King novel.
There are a few poignant moments that I won't expand on out of respect for potential spoiler fodder. And I think some moments are more subtle than other, such as Gretchen and friends being in a position to question the validity of a crime committed against a co-worker. There's no need for 30 pages on the emotional turmoil it causes; you either get it or you don't and the reader is spared a lot of pointless thwacks over the head.
You won't learn much about Iraq, but you will learn about the author, and if you take the time, very likely a little more about yourself.