Service / Marcus Luttrell / 364 pages

Some people know the name Marcus Luttrell, some people know about Operation Red Wings, but thanks to Hollywood last year, almost everyone knows the story of Lone Survivor even if one may not know the lone survivor’s name or operation.  Service is Luttrell’s second book, and this book was good.  It shows that no matter what a man may go through, he must continue the fight because nothing brings down a Navy SEAL or really, any soldier.  After his deployment in Afghanistan, he deploys to Iraq which is a very different war than what was being fought in Afghanistan.  Throughout this deployment, Luttrell reflects on what happened on that mountain in 2005, what it means to him to have a second chance at life, and the meaning of true brotherhood among his men (he even recalls his encounters with Chris Kyle while in Iraq).  After Luttrell is medically discharged in 2007, he describes life outside of the military and begins his speaking career while also starting the Lone Survivor Foundation -- but he is first and foremost a brother to many.  Even after his military career, he still finds himself in situations where he is still supporting his brothers-in-arms or the soldier (and at times, the soldier’s widow) next to him.

This book can get quite emotional at times, and it hit home for me a little bit because while Luttrell was fighting in Ramadi, Iraq, my soon-to-be husband was a little over an hour away fighting in Baghdad at the exact same time, so the stories and perspectives I have heard are very similar but not any less meaningful.  If I could sum up this book in one word, it would be camaraderie, and seeing this type of brotherhood firsthand, Service explains and demonstrates that more than any other book I have read.

The Yellow Birds / Kevin Powers 226 pages

For all those who have followed the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan for the past decade or at least knew there were two wars going on, read this book.  The story follows two soldiers, Bartle and Murphy, who become friends (or really, acquaintances) from basic training through their deployment.  Throughout the book, you learn the struggle soldiers experience when they are deployed (IEDs, mortar attacks, fire fights, girlfriends writing the “Dear John” letters) and what happens to them when they return home as well as what happens to their families.  It takes place between the years 2004-2005, a period where the military and government did very little in response to PTSD and mental health.  The Yellow Birds can be a heavy read and somewhat depressing at times (be sure you have a light, humorous read next in line) but it is also one of the most beautifully written books on the Iraq War.  I have read many books written by soldiers or about soldiers during the current conflicts, but this one really stood out to me because of the way it was written… the writing itself, the flow of the words, the vivid illustrations make you feel as if you are there and really immerses you into the mind of the main character.

Fobbit / David Abrams 369 pages

“Fobbit: A U.S Army employee stationed at a Forward Operating Base, esp. during Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2011).”

Everyone hears the stories of the conflicts fought during Operation Iraqi Freedom, such as Fallujah, Mosul, Sadr City, Basra and the heroic men behind those battles.  However, little is mentioned about what happens on the FOB (forward operating base) regarding those who sit at a desk for twelve hours a day determining what gets published in the press releases, the incredibly long emails from HQ about whether the enemy is an “insurgent” or “terrorist,” or the true definition of “death by PowerPoint.”  Fobbit starts off a little slow and can be slow in some spots (who wouldn’t want to cringe every time you start to read an email from the higher ranks?) but the wit and humor of the writer with the occasional vivid, nail biting scene (e.g. suicide bomber lodged underneath a tank) is worth the read.  Most might see this book as a satire on Fobbits, maybe even criticizing those who are not on the front lines, but I believe this book satirizes the war in general because whatever occurs during the war, the Fobbits are on it making sure the American people (or the public, for that matter) only see what they want them to see.  To understand what I mean, read the book…

New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2012

Publishers Weekly Top 10 Pick for Fall Literary Fiction

Barnes and Noble Best Books of 2012