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B.A.

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None of Us Were Like This Before: American Soldiers and Torture

by Joshua E.S. Phillips

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Reading for the 3rd time

read in November 2010

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B.A. said: " This is a tremendous book. I wasn't sure if it would work when I first picked it up. Reading torture isn't really something that I'm eager to do. I also thought I had a solid understanding of the issue. I was skeptical when I started reading the book This is a tremendous book. I wasn't sure if it would work when I first picked it up. Reading torture isn't really something that I'm eager to do. I also thought I had a solid understanding of the issue. I was skeptical when I started reading the book, and was frankly unsure that it would hold my interest. The structure isn't a standard formula for non-fiction narratives. I have to say, I was blown away by it.

I learned that I hadn't really understood how torture & abuse emerged in the American context. One of the things that I love about the book is that it's not at all aimed at condemning soldiers or the military, although the author could've easily veered in that direction. It's not heavy handed at all. Instead, the author carefully deconstructs all of the complex factors that led young men to engage in abusive acts (Phillips is careful not to overuse the word "torture" as well, which I really appreciate - in a way it becomes to easy to throw it around). Nor does he apportion blame. If you carefully read this book, you'll understand where the blame should lie. I've found a lot of books on this topic to be dogmatic and preachy - a kind of psuedo-pholosphical exercise masquerading as journalism. Thankfully, this book does NOT belong to that canon. So, it's especially welcome and refreshing to read something like this; it's very fair, thoughtful, and dispassionately written. More than than that, I found myself getting sucked into the narratives. The main overarching narrative is gripping and powerful, but the other small strands, or mini-narratives are equally strong, and illuminating. The range that the book covers is especially impressive. I was especially drawn to some of the "discoveries" the book made in the latter chapters (although some of what the book uncovers in the early chapters was also quite surprising - shocking, at times).

When I was done, I felt like I had just finished a perfectly prepared and proportional meal. It was satisfying, fulfilling, but not too filling. It also helped me reconsider many ideas I held onto about torture and abuse during the global war on terror. I honestly didn't expect to finish reading the book cover to cover. I strongly suggest that others consider peering inside of the cover. You might be equally surprised, and delighted by what you find. It's not always an easy read, but it's definitely quite worthwhile. Even if you're squeamish about reading weighty topics, or engaging in work about violence, you really won't regret reading this. ...more "

Dec 01, 2010 06:27PM · see review