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Out Standing in the Field
Some books are catalysts. Shake Hands with the Devil was one. For 2017, that book is Out Standing in the Field. In her memoir, Sandra Perron describes her experience of the Canadian Military – one of the most important institutions of our nation.
In 2016, the Auditor General’s Report noted that the military had no strategy to recruit women, even though they are required to meet a target that 25% of the uniformed personnel be women. According to Statistics Canada, 1,000 members of our military say they have been sexually assaulted in the past year.
In her revealing and moving memoir, Sandra Perron, Canada’s first female infantry officer and a member of the Royal 22e Régiment — the legendary “Van Doos” — describes her fight against a system of institutional sexism. Though repeatedly identified as top of her class throughout her training, she was subject to harassment by her male colleagues.
Her military experience, however, wasn’t all negative. Through two deployments to Bosnia and Croatia, Perron forged lasting friendships with men and women, serving her country with courage and compassion, and her determination helped pave the way for women’s inclusion in the Armed Forces.
Out Standing in the Field is the story of a soldier who refused to let her comrades or her country down, even while serving a military institution that failed her repeatedly. Beautifully written, Perron’s memoir is a testament to her fortitude and patriotism, and serves as proof that the spirit of a true hero cannot be bent or broken.
In 2016, the Auditor General’s Report noted that the military had no strategy to recruit women, even though they are required to meet a target that 25% of the uniformed personnel be women. According to Statistics Canada, 1,000 members of our military say they have been sexually assaulted in the past year.
In her revealing and moving memoir, Sandra Perron, Canada’s first female infantry officer and a member of the Royal 22e Régiment — the legendary “Van Doos” — describes her fight against a system of institutional sexism. Though repeatedly identified as top of her class throughout her training, she was subject to harassment by her male colleagues.
Her military experience, however, wasn’t all negative. Through two deployments to Bosnia and Croatia, Perron forged lasting friendships with men and women, serving her country with courage and compassion, and her determination helped pave the way for women’s inclusion in the Armed Forces.
Out Standing in the Field is the story of a soldier who refused to let her comrades or her country down, even while serving a military institution that failed her repeatedly. Beautifully written, Perron’s memoir is a testament to her fortitude and patriotism, and serves as proof that the spirit of a true hero cannot be bent or broken.
318 pages, Paperback
First published April 6, 2017
33 people are currently reading
506 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 19, 2017
If I could give this book 10 stars - I would! Read it at work, finished it at work, teared up thinking about it on the way home. Everyone is asking to read it but am only letting a select few. The rest can buy their own copy!
It was like reading in part, about my own career (but not as hardcore). Kudos for Sandra Perron for speaking up for those of us without a big enough voice.
It was like reading in part, about my own career (but not as hardcore). Kudos for Sandra Perron for speaking up for those of us without a big enough voice.
June 28, 2019
5/5
One of the best nonfiction that I have read. This completes the 2019 Nonfiction Challenge for number 16. Read a biography of an inspiring woman.
Sandra Perron is Canada’s first female infantry officer! And she had a tough road to crawl to get there. She not only had to contend with the harsh training conditions (and I mean harsh!), but also with the entire army. And army that was not prepared physically not mentally for a woman. An army that although proclaimed to be inclusive, had actually made no room for a woman. Perron had to deal with her family, friends, peers, mentors, and even herself in order to be considered as an equal on the field.
We often see movies about war where the focus is on the bond between soldiers, the psychological effects of war, and the strategy. But it’s always with men. If there was a woman, she was always someone who played a side role, or a spy role, or a medical role (that to not a surgeon, but nurse). How many war movies have you seen with a female leader?
Review Continued Here
“There wasn't enough camouflage in the world to hide me in a battalion full of men.”
One of the best nonfiction that I have read. This completes the 2019 Nonfiction Challenge for number 16. Read a biography of an inspiring woman.
Sandra Perron is Canada’s first female infantry officer! And she had a tough road to crawl to get there. She not only had to contend with the harsh training conditions (and I mean harsh!), but also with the entire army. And army that was not prepared physically not mentally for a woman. An army that although proclaimed to be inclusive, had actually made no room for a woman. Perron had to deal with her family, friends, peers, mentors, and even herself in order to be considered as an equal on the field.
“If it was true that God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers, then He must have thought I was Hercules.”
We often see movies about war where the focus is on the bond between soldiers, the psychological effects of war, and the strategy. But it’s always with men. If there was a woman, she was always someone who played a side role, or a spy role, or a medical role (that to not a surgeon, but nurse). How many war movies have you seen with a female leader?
Review Continued Here
May 26, 2017
Phenomenal read! Captain Perron's memories of her time and tribulation in the Canadian infantry as its first female commissioned officers is an inspiration to any soldier. Her writing style made for a very light and enjoyable read all while portraying the heart-felt story of her life in uniform. Highly recommend to any member of the CAF or those concerned for the advancement of women in the military.
October 12, 2019
Captain Perron tells a tough story, but is equally tough on herself (maybe too hard). I have huge respect for her commitment and dedication as a soldier. The book also highlights the failure of DND to manage this huge cultural change, and shows how her harassers were not only tolerated but went on to have very successful careers in senior command positions. The military still hasn't fully implemented the proposed reforms four years after the report by former Supreme Court Justice Marie Deschamps. The question clearly remains over the willingness of the military to do so.
January 29, 2018
I have been profoundly affected by this book. If I have ever stated that memoir authors tend to start deep and go shallow after the first paragraph—I have—that was not my experience with this author. She went the distance. She has honoured Canada and the Canadian Forces with her brutal honesty.
March 15, 2018
This book is very well written. Officer Perron is the first women to successfully join the Canadian Infantry as an officer. She suffers high levels of harassment during her entire tenure in the infantry. This is a topic that is extremely sensitive no doubt, but I can honestly say that until I read this book I never knew how pervasive the problem is. Perron does an excellent job of avoiding putting the blame on anyone group, but at the same time she gets across the point that something has to change and it just isn't changing yet. It is very telling that in the closing pages of the book she recalls how one high ranking officer tries to tell her she is misinformed about the multiple of changes that have taken place. This is a bit of joke since officer Perron actually lives in the midst of it all and has seen evidence of declining participation of women in the infantry. Everyone, both men and women, should read this book so we won't be able to tell each other that actual changes are occurring but we just aren't informed.
July 7, 2018
I can't say that I liked or respected this woman throughout her story, but I am awed by her. What she calls "pig headedness" seems like stupidity to me. But then I do not have her drive, her courage or her strength of body or character. A mesmerizing and infuriating story. I look forward to the movie! Anybody called Sandra Bullock yet?
June 4, 2017
This should be a must read for everyone. Sandra is such a brave individual for telling her story. I couldn't put this book down. Thank you Sandra for your service and sharing your story with the world!
May 24, 2023
Wow I could not wait to finish this book. Maybe soldiers should actually have to go to a reputable university because the author writes at a 5th grade level. I can’t believe she complained about going to UWinnipeg, she clearly didn’t learn how to write well. Also the way she jumped from topic to topic made it really hard to follow. She’d go so in depth about some military topic that added no valuable context to the story, and then the actual important stuff was glossed over.
This book made me hate men and the military even more than I already do. It also is a perfect example that bad things can happen to bad people. I don’t think she’s a good person. I think she’s uneducated and, maybe I’m biased, but she, along with the other members of NATO, have no business in Balkan affairs. The Bosnian War and breakup of Yugoslavia was horrendous. The populations will likely never recover, and the trauma my people have had to endure is so severe, that even those of us who were born and raised thousands of kilometres away, years after the war, are still living through its consequences. So imagine the hell that Serbians, Croatians, and Bosnians go through every day after barely surviving such atrocities. She’ll talk for paragraphs and paragraphs about how her poor poor soldiers, who CHOSE to participate in a war they had no business being a part of, were soooooo sad. “Wahhhh they miss sleeping with their wives, they miss their crusty children, blah blah blah they’re sooooo tormented.” While also complaining about refugees who are flooding their camps. Ew gross, the thousands of displaced slavs who you’re PAID and TRAINED and REQUIRED to protect are annoying? Fuck you. Go to hell. She also went into detail about how sad it was to see a dog that was dying. How she couldn’t shoot it and would rather shoot members of the Serbian or Croatian armies instead, HUMAN BEINGS, who, unlike her, had no choice but to participate in a war. Young boys, who instead of spending their childhoods and early adulthood in a beautiful, thriving country were forced to genocide their own people. How could you have more sympathy for a DOG than a human? Are Yugoslav lives that irrelevant to you, that you would rather kill even more of us than one dog? As if I needed further confirmation that those in the army are sociopaths.
Also this is framed as a feminist read… the way she continuously defended an institution that consistently harmed her was so discouraging, that I had to put the book down multiple times. There’s almost no lesson to be learned here aside from pushing through. I don’t want to push through, I want men to pay for what they’ve been doing to women. You learn about the horrible sexual harassment and assault that she keeps enduring, and clearly she hasn’t worked through it, or the military is paying her a hefty sum, because she really downplays the severity of it. It’s not “feminine” and “weak” to be upset and traumatized by the things she went through, feeling emotions and dealing with them and getting help are very normal and healthy things. The entire system needs to be taken down; it’s framed really poorly, and it doesn’t seem as if she (or anyone, for that matter) has made any progress to protect women who choose to go through with this abuse. The final chapter was almost good.
I really hope some more women with better writing skills and a better understanding of how amazing women are decide to write memoirs.
This book made me hate men and the military even more than I already do. It also is a perfect example that bad things can happen to bad people. I don’t think she’s a good person. I think she’s uneducated and, maybe I’m biased, but she, along with the other members of NATO, have no business in Balkan affairs. The Bosnian War and breakup of Yugoslavia was horrendous. The populations will likely never recover, and the trauma my people have had to endure is so severe, that even those of us who were born and raised thousands of kilometres away, years after the war, are still living through its consequences. So imagine the hell that Serbians, Croatians, and Bosnians go through every day after barely surviving such atrocities. She’ll talk for paragraphs and paragraphs about how her poor poor soldiers, who CHOSE to participate in a war they had no business being a part of, were soooooo sad. “Wahhhh they miss sleeping with their wives, they miss their crusty children, blah blah blah they’re sooooo tormented.” While also complaining about refugees who are flooding their camps. Ew gross, the thousands of displaced slavs who you’re PAID and TRAINED and REQUIRED to protect are annoying? Fuck you. Go to hell. She also went into detail about how sad it was to see a dog that was dying. How she couldn’t shoot it and would rather shoot members of the Serbian or Croatian armies instead, HUMAN BEINGS, who, unlike her, had no choice but to participate in a war. Young boys, who instead of spending their childhoods and early adulthood in a beautiful, thriving country were forced to genocide their own people. How could you have more sympathy for a DOG than a human? Are Yugoslav lives that irrelevant to you, that you would rather kill even more of us than one dog? As if I needed further confirmation that those in the army are sociopaths.
Also this is framed as a feminist read… the way she continuously defended an institution that consistently harmed her was so discouraging, that I had to put the book down multiple times. There’s almost no lesson to be learned here aside from pushing through. I don’t want to push through, I want men to pay for what they’ve been doing to women. You learn about the horrible sexual harassment and assault that she keeps enduring, and clearly she hasn’t worked through it, or the military is paying her a hefty sum, because she really downplays the severity of it. It’s not “feminine” and “weak” to be upset and traumatized by the things she went through, feeling emotions and dealing with them and getting help are very normal and healthy things. The entire system needs to be taken down; it’s framed really poorly, and it doesn’t seem as if she (or anyone, for that matter) has made any progress to protect women who choose to go through with this abuse. The final chapter was almost good.
I really hope some more women with better writing skills and a better understanding of how amazing women are decide to write memoirs.
April 8, 2018
I was totally engaged with this book from start to finish. I know nothing about military life but recognize the struggle for gender equality as an ongoing, seemingly never-ending issue - (meanwhile, checking my calendar to see if we are, indeed, in 2018). I can't imagine wanting to do what she did in the Canadian Armed Forces, but according to Perron, the combat portion of her career was the least of her worries. I was fascinated by her thoughts on "trying to fit in" and trying to "be a man". Somewhere in the book, it is pointed out to her that she doesn't have to try and "be a man", she should be herself. I wish she would have expounded on this a little more as to how, if you are trying to get a toe hold into a predominantly male bastion such as the Canadian Armed Forces, this is accomplished. Interesting to read others' reviews of this book and would love to discuss!
October 4, 2020
This was difficult for me to read at times. It has made me equally angry and sad. Angry at those assholes who have thrived for being cruel and rewarded with position and accolades; who couldn’t stand the fact, and were threatened by a strong woman. They are disgraceful and a shameful reflection of this country. Perron has such class for not naming and shaming. I am not sure that I could be as forgiving or mature.
For someone who had known from an early stage what she wanted to do in her life, I am so sad that hate and institutionalized misogyny prevented her from reaching too high. I feel sad for that hopeful fourteen-year-old who was full of dreams and conviction. The CF lost out on an outstanding soldier.
This book is a terrific and well-written book. I absolutely recommend this book.
Thank you Captain Perron.
For someone who had known from an early stage what she wanted to do in her life, I am so sad that hate and institutionalized misogyny prevented her from reaching too high. I feel sad for that hopeful fourteen-year-old who was full of dreams and conviction. The CF lost out on an outstanding soldier.
This book is a terrific and well-written book. I absolutely recommend this book.
Thank you Captain Perron.
June 30, 2018
Having served in the regular Canadian Army as a junior officer 1962-1965, I can fully appreciate Capt. Perron’s disturbing story. It leaves me speechless. Canada lost a stirling, talented and highly motivated officer who could have done great things but for the prevailing abysmal, invincible human stupidity of the time related to her gender.
April 24, 2018
Its rare for me to read a biography but this one caught my attention as it is the story of Canada's first female infantry officer. Its a fascinating and frustrating look at the price female trailblazers paid to open up traditionally male jobs. The hardest part is to read her story and wonder if things are much better today.
July 11, 2020
Outstanding!
November 20, 2024
This book has transformed my opinion on memoirs.
Usually, I’m quick to choose a fantasy saga over someone’s life story, assuming the latter is boring. But this book taught me that there’s much you can learn from someone’s reflections on their life. As a bonus, the way Perron told her story was engaging and made it a page turner.
As an army cadet myself, Sandra Perron was a guest speaker as a part of one of my leadership courses. I was intrigued by the bits of her story she shared with us, and highly respected her endeavours in the CAF. So a few days later, I downloaded her book from the library app, and was enthralled quickly. Perhaps it was just because of my own interest in military related things, but I still think anyone could find it intriguing.
Her struggles were so unfortunate, however she proved time and time again to be a resilient, capable leader and soldier. Her ability to get through her phases of infantry training, tours overseas, and the daily prejudices were awe-inspiring. The advice she gave us about leadership clearly related to her career and success, which was cool to see.
It was hard to see her end her military career, as she really was made for it. I hope she’s since been, and continues on, living a happy life!
Usually, I’m quick to choose a fantasy saga over someone’s life story, assuming the latter is boring. But this book taught me that there’s much you can learn from someone’s reflections on their life. As a bonus, the way Perron told her story was engaging and made it a page turner.
As an army cadet myself, Sandra Perron was a guest speaker as a part of one of my leadership courses. I was intrigued by the bits of her story she shared with us, and highly respected her endeavours in the CAF. So a few days later, I downloaded her book from the library app, and was enthralled quickly. Perhaps it was just because of my own interest in military related things, but I still think anyone could find it intriguing.
Her struggles were so unfortunate, however she proved time and time again to be a resilient, capable leader and soldier. Her ability to get through her phases of infantry training, tours overseas, and the daily prejudices were awe-inspiring. The advice she gave us about leadership clearly related to her career and success, which was cool to see.
It was hard to see her end her military career, as she really was made for it. I hope she’s since been, and continues on, living a happy life!
January 19, 2018
A brilliantly-written memoir about her successes but also the abuses she suffered during her time as an unwelcome trailblazer in the Canadian Forces (Army). Ms. Perron had a dream and pursued it with guts, grit, and determination only to be faced with discrimination, misogyny, and hate day in day out, year after year. Despite the odds, she persevered and had many successes and accomplishments but her dreams and careers were crushed by a truly disgraceful system of male privilege and ego. Canada and our military should be ashamed and disgusted at the way they treated this hard-working and supremely-dedicated and talented soldier who just wanted to do her job like everyone else and to be given every opportunity available. Far too many doors (and minds) were closed to her advancement. We are all the poorer for that wilful blindness. We have a long way to go yet before we are truly a "just society" in the country. Thank you, Sandra Perron, for your service, your sacrifices, and your endurance.
I read this as part of the CBC's Canada Reads 2018.
http://www.cbc.ca/books/canadareads/t...
I read this as part of the CBC's Canada Reads 2018.
http://www.cbc.ca/books/canadareads/t...
January 30, 2018
I read this book as it was in the long list for Canada Reads 2018, and I absolutely loved it. Sandra described the difficulty she had in her training, and also showed how the harassment and abuse she suffered as the first woman in infantry training was brushed off not only by her superiors, but also by herself. On the other hand, she also showed great strength and persistence through all obstacles, and I couldn't help but feeling like I needed to cheer her on as she showed what women can do, time and time again.
As a military memoir, it doesn't "feel" like the others I've read, possibly because the men in those memoirs don't have to think so much about being accepted by their team, and also possibly because obstacles were put in front of Sandra at every turn to prevent her from working in the field. I think if you aren't sure about them, you'd probably still like this one.
This is an extremely important book to highlight the problem women face in the military (the last bastion of masculinity, as Perron puts it), but also, to a lesser extent, in many other fields and aspects of their lives.
As a military memoir, it doesn't "feel" like the others I've read, possibly because the men in those memoirs don't have to think so much about being accepted by their team, and also possibly because obstacles were put in front of Sandra at every turn to prevent her from working in the field. I think if you aren't sure about them, you'd probably still like this one.
This is an extremely important book to highlight the problem women face in the military (the last bastion of masculinity, as Perron puts it), but also, to a lesser extent, in many other fields and aspects of their lives.
March 14, 2018
I have never read many memoirs that I have enjoyed. I find that one has to have a vested interest in the person they are reading about. And while I could admire Sandra Peron's heroism and all that she had to go through to become Canada's First Female Infantry Officer...I really couldn't get into it...I just kind of skimmed over top of everything, because to be brutally honest...it bored me. So in the end, it's just my opinion...and I certainly would not want anyone to feel a distraction from reading this...this is just me...I have given time to reading lots of memoirs over the years and I can only name 4 that I ever liked and that is because I was so enthralled with the person themselves that the memoir was about....Gracie by George Burns.... I Think I'm Outta Here: A Memoir of All My Families by Carroll O'Connor...I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai....On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Steven King (and this one is kind of a cheat to say it's an actual memoir of the person, but I still liked it). So, as I say, that's just me and my little opinion...Sandra Perron still deserves to have her story told and read.
July 24, 2021
I hold the utmost respect to Sandra. I accidentally came across one of her interviews on YouTube and couldn’t resist to read the book. My awesome boyfriend who is a CAF member himself bought it for me as a present. I fell in love with her from the first chapter.
Her character, her humour, how she envisioned herself. Her furious love and dedication to the military. She is a true leader from the heart. Tireless dedicated leader.
Living in a military town myself, I see my female neighbours serving in the military. I see all the sacrifices they make on a daily basis and yet all the hostility towards them from army members, and civilians (particularly females). At the same time the best and deepest friendships blossoms.
The book is very engaging, heart warming and heart breaking, all at the same time. I have to say I cried at the end of her career in the Reg force.
Nice surprise after finishing the book when my boyfriend contacted Sandra and tell her how much I enjoyed the book. To my surprise, She responded to him immediately with a sweet message.
A wonderful book authored by a great strong woman. A role model in every way.
Her character, her humour, how she envisioned herself. Her furious love and dedication to the military. She is a true leader from the heart. Tireless dedicated leader.
Living in a military town myself, I see my female neighbours serving in the military. I see all the sacrifices they make on a daily basis and yet all the hostility towards them from army members, and civilians (particularly females). At the same time the best and deepest friendships blossoms.
The book is very engaging, heart warming and heart breaking, all at the same time. I have to say I cried at the end of her career in the Reg force.
Nice surprise after finishing the book when my boyfriend contacted Sandra and tell her how much I enjoyed the book. To my surprise, She responded to him immediately with a sweet message.
A wonderful book authored by a great strong woman. A role model in every way.
August 23, 2017
I found this book moving on so many different levels. I was struck by this woman's perseverance, mental fortitude, and physical strength all through extremely trying times. The accounts of what she experienced were told so vividly that I noted myself cheering aloud, felt the adrenaline coursing through my chest, or crying huge tears, sometimes all in the same chapter. The CF would have been lucky to have even a handful of other officers with one tenth of her devotion to her job and her country. Yet, despite the hardships and discrimination, she remained devoted to the CF and, most impressively, not bitter or angry. This isn't just a story about how to become an officer in a male dominated world. It's a story of how to believe in your dreams, endure trying times, and despite all, to strive to live with compassion and internal peace.
January 14, 2018
Wow this is a very powerful read!! The title has so many different meanings.
While reading her story, I recognized all the places she was stationed as my brother was stationed in those places as well. They were in different units, but I wonder if their paths did cross as they were in the same time. It is truly a shame that the "old boys club" reigned.
Ms. Perron is a true, genuine heroine who just wanted to be the best, not to prove a point, but to serve her country and serve it well.
I hope that lessons were and are being learned, but sadly, it is not just the military. I graduated 30 years ago and started my Paramedic career, in a time when women were just emerging. When I think back on those times, the men were no better and we just wanted to be the best we could be doing a job we loved!
Thanks for writing your story !
While reading her story, I recognized all the places she was stationed as my brother was stationed in those places as well. They were in different units, but I wonder if their paths did cross as they were in the same time. It is truly a shame that the "old boys club" reigned.
Ms. Perron is a true, genuine heroine who just wanted to be the best, not to prove a point, but to serve her country and serve it well.
I hope that lessons were and are being learned, but sadly, it is not just the military. I graduated 30 years ago and started my Paramedic career, in a time when women were just emerging. When I think back on those times, the men were no better and we just wanted to be the best we could be doing a job we loved!
Thanks for writing your story !
August 10, 2018
Must read for all in uniform. We’ve come a long way, but it’s still very scary to realize that the men who treated a fellow officer, another human being for that matter, so horrifically are likely still in uniform.
I served as a combat arms officer in that early group, during the same time period as Sandra Perron (Artillery Officer, 1991-2005). Many of us, like me, had positive experiences but I’m sure every one of us can relate to at least some of this book.
And beyond the issue of gender integration in the combat arms, there are very significant lessons on leadership that are vital for all young officers to take in. Following Sandra’s growth as an officer and learning of the great mentoring and support she received from the senior NCMs in her career should enlighten any new OCdt or 2Lt as they prepare for their career!
I served as a combat arms officer in that early group, during the same time period as Sandra Perron (Artillery Officer, 1991-2005). Many of us, like me, had positive experiences but I’m sure every one of us can relate to at least some of this book.
And beyond the issue of gender integration in the combat arms, there are very significant lessons on leadership that are vital for all young officers to take in. Following Sandra’s growth as an officer and learning of the great mentoring and support she received from the senior NCMs in her career should enlighten any new OCdt or 2Lt as they prepare for their career!
November 25, 2025
Out Standing in the Field by Sandra Perron is an honest, and sometimes tough read about what it was really like to be the first female infantry officer in the Canadian Armed Forces. Perron doesn’t hold back—she shares the good, the bad, and the downright infuriating moments with a really natural, readable voice.
What I liked most is how grounded the book feels. Perron isn’t trying to make herself a hero; she’s just telling her story as it happened, and that makes the hard moments hit even harder. It’s equal parts inspiring and eye-opening, and it definitely gives you a new appreciation for the obstacles women face in male-dominated spaces.
Overall, if you’re into real-life stories about resilience, leadership, or military life, this one’s worth picking up.
What I liked most is how grounded the book feels. Perron isn’t trying to make herself a hero; she’s just telling her story as it happened, and that makes the hard moments hit even harder. It’s equal parts inspiring and eye-opening, and it definitely gives you a new appreciation for the obstacles women face in male-dominated spaces.
Overall, if you’re into real-life stories about resilience, leadership, or military life, this one’s worth picking up.
May 28, 2017
I have just read this book and I couldn't put it down. It details a complicated relationship between a military career Capt Sandra Perron loved and the many obstacles she overcame. Her strong leadership shines through some of the very real examples of abuse she experienced. Nevertheless she remains dedicated to changing the institution even if it's from the outside in. My son who will be joining the military will be reading this book. My hope is that many more people will. I found it inspiring.
October 10, 2022
I don't enjoy reading about personal tragedy especially since this book hits a little too close to home. But I nodded along and uh huh, and yup the who way through LOL! Her writing made the story pop from those pages! Excellent story telling!!! Thank you! She was the first in non traditional roles but its unfortunate that the world is not nice. I enjoyed my career and would be proud to meet this woman who toughed it out for as long as she did and then continued and excelled in her civilian career.
October 18, 2017
I have never read a book before that impacted me so emotional that I could not read it before bed. I have read books I could not read before bed because they were too intellectual stimulating but never too emotionally stimulating.
I meet the author I am really glad I did before I read the book because it gave me a chance to have a conversation about shared experiences rather than just her book. It the most meaningful book to me I have read in a really long time.
Thank Sandra
I meet the author I am really glad I did before I read the book because it gave me a chance to have a conversation about shared experiences rather than just her book. It the most meaningful book to me I have read in a really long time.
Thank Sandra
February 5, 2018
This is not the type of book I would usually read - I am primarily a fiction reader with the odd of-interest non-fiction title popping up on my nightstand. I chose it because I was working my way through the Canada Reads long list and what a surprise it was. Well written, interesting and, given the current proliferation of #MeToo stories, timely. Hopefully, Captain Perron's book will serve as another nail in the coffin of the misogynistic culture of the Canadian military.
February 26, 2024
This is a well written and engaging account of the systemic discrimination and abuse experienced by a woman who was discouraged and eventually prevented from career advancement in the Canadian Armed Forces despite by all accounts being exceptionally qualified to do so. One wonders if the book is required reading at the Royal Military College, an institution that produced so many of the officers who seemed to make it a personal mission to drumbeat the author out of the armed forces.
April 7, 2024
Thank you for writing this book and for helping to pave the way for women in the combat arms and the military for that matter. I really appreciate your candour in your writing, and I could feel similar feelings of situations that have felt so unfair, just because I’m a woman in the army. I hope other women read this and feel that validation and I hope more men are “pepperoni lovers” type of men ;)
July 1, 2025
This was a hard read. The military is a system built by men for men and the amount of misogyny, hostility, cruelty, sabotage, bullying, and isolation Perron faced was predictable yet so painful to read. Of course there were a few good men, but the system itself was brutal and kept her from being able to do her job. Being the first has a very high cost. High regard for Perron. Not so much for the military.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews