My Life in War: Did We Ever Really Leave? Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)A book written by Joshua Apel from the journal he kept during his second deployment to Iraq.He's now a drill sergeant stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. I became interested in SSg Apel's story while my grandson attended training (OSUT) at Ft Benning.My Private just received orders to report to Ft Wainwright, Alaska - Stryker Country - home of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team. He will be deployed to Afghanistan in early 2011.That made Apel's story even more compelling.

Apel starts his narrative by saying "I'm not a professional writer." He wanted to keep the book true to his journal, leaving grammar and spelling errors for us to sometimes struggle through. His use of acronyms and "army speak" slowed me down for a short time.As I became familiar with his rhythm I was captured by where he was taking me.

His telling of the courageous young soldiers around him, Apel included, made me proud of Americans.His telling of the politics; corrupt Iraqi police, contractors and officials; incompetence of some soldiers, and sometimes-downright laziness of others; all of which put our soldiers in danger infuriated me.His telling of his downward spiral into depression and self-medicating to overcome anger, pain, anguish, uncertainty, and doubt was heart retching. His stark re-telling of his "first kill" was shocking.But, was immediately followed by a tender recount of his soul searching into the taking of another life.This young soldier allowed us into his very personal realm -- that took courage too.

SSg Apel took me on a journey where no parent of a soldier wants to go.But, if my grandson is going there if fact, I needed to go there in Josh's words.

Take the time, and put forth the effort required, to read this book.Discover what is really happening to our young soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Then. Let's stop the madness.In SSg Apel's words"...when is it going to be enough?"

Click Here to see more reviews about: My Life in War: Did We Ever Really Leave

Product Description:
During my time as a United States Army Soldier I have deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.During my second tour I kept this journal, and now over 3 years later I have decided to release this journal to the public because I believe there are not enough people out there who truly understand what it's like to be a modern soldier in combat.Every soldier has his story...this is mine.

Get 28% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about My Life in War: Did We Ever Really Leave now ?