Just started "The Last True Story I'll Ever Tell" by John Crawford

[Richardo]

The experiences of a Florida National Guard soldier who, after being told he would be deployed for 3-6 months max, spent more than a year in Iraq, being passed around to replace regular Army units who were being sent home. His CO and their plight rings of a 21st century "Catch-22".

I'm already on page 66 and I got it at 11:00 last night - a fascinating, harrowing and fast read giving an "accidental soldier's" account of the war.

[agates]

1. I started it last night, too

Great book so far. The story he tells is both horrifying and heart-wrenching.

[flamingyouth]

2. That is next on my list

I've wanted to read it since seeing the author on The Daily Show a couple of weeks ago.

[stray cat]

3. Its really a good book - heartbreaking.

[bluedawg12]

4. Thanks for the heads up-will get it.

[AValdoux]

5. I just finished it this weekend...

...His book backs up everything the Reservist & Nat'l Guard have said about how they were poorly equipped and misused in the field. He talks about the lack of a clear plan also.

I also read Generation Kill by Evan Wright. It covers the first push into Iraq by the First Recon Marines. Wright was embedded as a writer for Rolling Stone. He tells similar stories about lack of equipment and poor planning. First Recon is one of the most elite squads in the Marines. They were basically used as bait and smoke screens.

Both of these books are important because they are not political. They do tell of a soldiers reality and they both tell of a waste of our military force to advance some careers. They also show the variety of people who went and their different reasons for signing up.

Near the end of the book, Wright tells about when the Marines he was with first laid eyes on Bagdhad. The Lt made the comment about what have we gotten ourselves into, we will never control this city. This was written in late 2003.


AValdoux

[swimmernsecretsea]

6. James Frey / "A Million Little Pieces"

has recommended this book on his website. He's currently the Oprah book club selection.