Title of Book: Jarhead
Author: Anthony Swofford
Pages Read: Whole Book
Rating of Book: 10
Synopsis:
Jarhead is a book about the war in Iraq back in the early nineties in operations such as Desert Storm and Desert Shield. It is a memoir of what it was like on the frontlines of these operations but Anthony Swofford and his platoon of STA scout snipers/recon did not see any action. Anthony Swofford discusses how most marines actually feel about the wars, what kind of psychological effect it has on them, and how hard it is for some to blend back into society. This is all shown as the author talks about him and his platoon mates during the war and how he describes the various experiences after the war. This book is an amazing book it makes you think about what USMC’s might actually go through and whether or not any war is good or just. This is a very good book but you cannot be easily offended because there are tons of profanities.
Feelings:
This book made me think about Marine Corps, and despite the commercials, how glorious it actually is. It also makes you think what is the point of sending these marines to the brutal training camps if half of them never put their training into practice. Now they have to go home and blend into society like nothing happened. The book really gets you in the head of a Marine at the front lines that never actually saw action. Back on the topic of training camp Anthony Swofford talks about the training camp and how he was abused in everyway. His drill Sergeant was always spitting insults and atrocities at the marines. Swofford also shares an experience where the Sergeant smashed his head through a chalkboard and into the cement behind the board. This book tells you straight out: Boot camp is a horrible place to be, no one actually likes the “Jarheads”, and being out there and not seeing any action can be worse than actually fighting. My uncle is a veteran and I have managed to squeeze drops of info from him on war and he says that sometimes when you return home people do not treat like a hero who fought for their country, but like you did something wrong and this is touched on in Jarhead as well. The point of war is to fight for your country but Swofford’s whole platoon just sat back an watched everyone “get there share” and when at one point the tension reached its peak, Anthony Swofford pulled a gun on his fellow marine and threatened him, berated, him and almost went to the point of killing him. This really shows how hard can be on someone that actually does not see action. (This book is more meaningful I just can’t put it into words well)
Great review Sean. I have not read this book, but it has been on my "to-do" list for quite some time. I am grateful for our military and have heard over and over again that we 'civilians' should approach service men and women and simply say to them "Thanks for serving." I've never done this to a stranger myself, but I wonder what kind of impact this simple gesture would have. After reading your review, maybe I will next time.
ReplyDeleteThis book, from the post seems to give out a lot of imformation. It cool how your uncle has given you some quality information on war. Is this topic something you are interested in?
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Sean. I bet I would have nightmares about the war once I came home. From your writing I get the feeling that this book is great for anyone who wants to learn more about what people are really doing at war. I know I am often confused about why we are sending people over seas to do so reading this book would definatly help me. Well done.
ReplyDeleteSean, thank you for sharing. My uncle recently came back from Kuwait and again did not see direct action but was seperated from his family for many months. I also wonder if there were soldiers that he had met and know who did go into action and perhaps lost their lives or were injured. I hope this book brings to light the dark side of war and makes people appreciate the sacrifices soldiers make for our country.
ReplyDeleteThe character in this book is significant, because it gives us insight to the many different individuals fighting in war. You did a superb job defining the term "Jarhead" and i like how you related it to you're life, mentioning your uncle.
ReplyDeleteGreat job.
-Noah-
this seems like a very intricate book. i am really interested on the real aspects of soilders and how everything really workd behind the wheel of a marines brain. great job....told u i would comment tonight
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