I was a Goodreads First Reads winner of this book and I was fortunate to have this book land in my possession.

First, I appreciate that the author is writing about something he knows first hand about. (I get upset when people write or talk about something they have never experienced.) I felt Marlantes' experience was explained appropriately and held my attention without being over the top in bloody details.

Second, I want to thank all veterans who have served our country in the past and pre-thank all of those who are currently serving.

Third, I think this book should be a required read for every American. Whether war is justified or not, moral or not, I think you can divide Americans into two groups. Those who serve in some type of military capacity, and those who do not. Those who know what it truely is like and those that do not (and, often have no interest in those that do.)

I applaud Karl Marlantes in his efforts to bring awareness to everyone about what can and should be done better. I think it was Oprah or Dr. Phil who always says "when you know better, you do better"....

Sending better prepared "warriors" to war and transitioning the returning warriors into society sounds logical and pretty simple. So I guess it comes down to making his ideas a priority and a reality.

As much as I don't want to believe it, war is here to stay. I have friends and relatives who are "mentally" broken from their time served and it is heart breaking to know that the correct help was not available when it should have been.

Karl Marlantes has left me with many ideas and thoughts. I know that I will be having many future conversations regarding the material he covered.

A four star rating for sure!