The Strangest of Places: Building Castles Made of Sand in Afghanistan

by Gerald (Jerry) N. Carozza Jr.

"The Strangest of Places" offers an unvarnished look at the U.S. Military's folly and failed effort to build Afghan institutions in the U.S. image. It dives into the complexities and ineptitudes that have transpired during the war in Afghanistan, and the misleading messaging to the American People. The book explores the fundamental problems with understanding the complex Afghan culture and the danger of ignoring the lessons of history, including Winston Churchill's writings on the topic over a hundred years ago.

Author Gerald (Jerry) Carozza wrote this book between 2011 and 2012, shortly after completing his one-year tour as the Senior Legal Advisor to the Afghan Ministry of Defense and Army. Shortly after, he testified before Congress about the scandalous events he witnessed. Consistent with his message to Congress, it calls out the dire consequences to our Nation if the approach to Afghanistan were allowed to continue and the damage to the military's reputation that took years to rebuild since the Vietnam war.

Jerry also gives insight into the culture of U.S. military and civilian personnel who served their nation that was fighting two wars at the same time for almost two decades.

192 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2022

Reviews

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed and loved reading Carozza's book! Reasons are several:

1. It was personal and from the heart.
2. It gave me more insight on what my brother may have experienced as a Consulate in Afghanistan.
3. The history he explained was excellent and truly appropriate to fully understand the USA and Afghanistan’s predicament as well as the predecessors.
5. I liked learning more about the interactions on how the US military works and the lives of the enlisted for preparation and day to day life.
6. Glad he did not make it political concerning our country’s bipartisan views of Democrats vs Republicans and vice versa.

[Kenneth A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished Carozza's Book and the first word that comes to mind is Incredible ! This Book is so riveting, informative and insightful of what went on during his Tour of Duty. Being in business for so long I have been around some Toxic Leaders but now I recognize who they were. It's because of people like Carozza that we as Americans enjoy the freedoms we do and I am truly thank Him and His Brothers and Sisters for their dedicated service. I'm looking forward to his next book !

[Franky Arriola · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far one of the best accounts of modern military life that I've come across. I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to know more about America's 20 year war and the incredible men and women that served there. The author shares some candid insights from his time stateside to his journey out in the vast and strange Afghan landscape.

[Manny Moreira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, first hand exposé of the behind the scenes. Honest, intelligent and emotional personal account of the collateral toll serving in a war zone can take on a soldier and his family. Excellent read.

[Lori Shore · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent book! As part of the naive 99% I think everyone should read this candid account of the U.S. involvement in Afghanistan. Thank you for your integrity and service.

[Chris Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tend not to read non-fiction work, but I was pleasantly surprised by this account of real-life actions in Afghanistan. This was very easy to read, once I started I couldn’t put it down. The author takes a tense and complicated subject and makes it simple for the reader to consume. You don't need to be ex-military to understand this book, I highly recommend this book to all.

Its sad that things like this occur, but I am glad that Author had the courage to let the public know. I hope to read additional titles from this author in the future.