A wounded vet's journey of recovery in two worlds
599573
A captivating and vivid story of two worlds, "Along the Watchtower", shows the power of love and support in a journey of recovery - an enjoyable story for all readers.
Lt. Freddie Williams must recover both body and spirit after a set of IED explosions in Iraq take the lives of his friends, seriously injure him physically, and temporarily shatter him emotionally. For the long road back in the physical world his guide is his effervescent and supportive physical therapist, Becky, who is not without an emotional loss of her own. The recovery of his psyche mostly happens in a separate fantasy world, the realm of quests and trials, with its magic and demons - very fitting for a veteran who spent his spare time between missions as an avid World of Warcraft gamer. The wounded vet's emotional recovery is guided by a number of characters while Freddie sleeps, with the most prominent one being an attractive and humble gardener, Rebecca, tending the royal gardens in the fantasy world of Stormwind. In this fantasy world, Frederick, Prince of Stormwind, has recently lost his father, the king, and he must overcome a series of trials to save his kingdom.
The book alternates smoothly between the physical world and the fantasy one with a number of supporting characters contributing to Freddie's recovery. The IED explosion in Iraq severely damaged one of his legs and through grueling physical therapy, he slowly regains the ability to walk. A more difficult recovery is getting through the guilt and the more challenging emotional scars of losing both his Iraq war comrades-in-arms and remembering the painful loss of most of his family in the years leading up to his enlistment.
Drawing you into both the fantasy and physical worlds, Mr. Litwack ensures that his readers are rooting for Freddie's success in overcoming his obstacles, guilt, and daemons while making his difficult recovery.  With compelling storytelling, coupled with a writing style that vividly paints a clear picture of both worlds, I was captivated by Freddie's character even though I am neither a veteran nor a gamer.  This is a story of support, love, and rehabilitation -  a very imaginative story that crosses multiple genres. I enjoyed the book very much and would highly recommend it.
4170740
The simplest description of Kurt Hill's book is that it is the story of a man, called on to be an instument of healing for another person, who finds that in helping heal another, he himself is healed from deep-seated wounds.  Hill writes with unflinching openness and courage of his longstanding pain stemming from a savage attack inflicted on him by someone who should have nurtured him, and from a catastrophe unwittingly caused by his attempt to help a dear friend.  Readers will see how his decades-long dedication to helping others has stemmed in part from the profound effects of these traumas, but his story is about much more than his own journey. Hill describes the power of the universe and of God in bringing restoration and reveals the ability of the human spirit to triumph over destructive events. Ultimately, this is a book about hope and how hope, rather than despair, can prevail and true holistic healing can be achieved.
2566106
Col. (Ret) Rothmann takes us on a candid, reflective journey back in American history from his entry in the West Point Class of 1967, on July 1, 1963, through his 30+ year Army career - from the trials of Plebe Year at the Academy, through the persecution of the American military during the Vietnam War in which he and his classmates fought and sacrificed, and through Desert Storm of the First Persian Gulf War in which he and classmates played a vital role and in which the American military was finally exonerated. A wonderful read.
3799475
What a story! As a war veteran I read this book as if I were back in the scene suffering the events all over again. Thanks to the author's writing, she paves the way for recovery for a Navy Seal where at last, he finds healing, comfort and love. It's a complex tale where give and take is the job but both the hero and heroine are eager to aid each other in recovery. Thank you, Dani Jace, for your touching story. You reached this old soldiers heart.
1752298
This is a thoughtful and helpful book. In this amazing book, "War and the Soul: Healing Our Nation's Veterans from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder," psychologist Tick discusses how modern war affects the psyches of the human beings -- no matter how strong and resilient-- who fight them and how healing happen.

He recognizes the fact that wars are soul-wounding and that the healing is more than pills or pushing the memories away. He prescribes mythic storytelling, Native American ceremony and the involvement of the communityt to repair the wounds so that the veteran can once again feel "home" after immersed in the horror of war.

He has much to say how older veterans have a role in healing younger veterans and how the community and clergy can respond in healing ways. In Racine, Wis., I am very proud to sponsor his informational programs and healing retreats at Lake House Health & Learning Center.

Thank you, Ed, for your brilliant and sincere work.
2799374
My father fought in Vietnam so stories about that period have a special pull for me.  I think that many soldiers face a variety of difficulties when returning from war and this is evident even with the present day's conflicts.  Author Michael McCormick tells an incredibly powerful tale of his personal experiences both on the battlefield in Vietnam and then returning home.  Vets were not treated with the respect they deserved back then and this story definitely depicts that.  I found this to be an incredibly well-written and gripping story of one man's journey that is sure to be relatable on many levels by so many others who have served or are close to those who have.
205168
This is a profoundly honest and well-written account of two peoples' journey through the battlefield of severe, complex trauma in a therapeutic relationship.  Many clinical accounts of treating PTSD are prescriptive and simplistic by comparison.  This account is very intimate and describes the excruciating, murky vulnerability of sharing trauma memories with someone else and how it takes courage, patience and creativity to get through.  The book illustrates the centrality of relationship and how, despite the warping of perception that happens through the lens of trauma, the relationship is the "road" to recovery.  I would highly recommend this book to anyone treating or experiencing profound PTSD.  It will give you hope.
3065124
I found this book to be very credible regarding the realities of military service/combat, and the frequent result of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.  Thankfully the author compassionately provides enlightenment regarding PTSD and the treatment thereof.  This book will grip and inspire the reader to believe in recovery.
282015
Poignant and authentic journey from despair to recovery. An inspirational read
1373898
Wonderful Insight Into The Life Of A Returning Veteran and their trials and tribulations trying to adjust to civilian life.
2916211
This book is not a quick read and will not leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy.  The author is able to relate many of his experiences over 5 years in captivity in such a way that you can relate to them and the psycological and physical effects these experiences had on him.  He explains his triumphs and mistakes and the basis for both.  It is no surprise that he was recalled to active duty to stand up the SERE school at Fort Bragg.  He shows that people can triumph under nearly any circumstance and thoughtful reflection on the circumstances about which he writes can provide guidance on how to do so.  If you think your life is tough, reading this book will probably give you a new perspective.
2842830
This is an amazing book and an amazing story.  I won't try and summarize it, as that has been done here in several of the reviews far better than I could hope to do.  Reading this book was a series of ups and downs for me.  Reading about Captain Montalvan's struggles with PTSD and how Tuesday has helped him to cope with the physical, emotional and social problems associated with PTSD and his physical wounds was difficult.  As an Iraq vet wit PTSD, I saw in his struggles the same things that I faced:  Isolation, depression, social fears and the like.  I recognized the same problems he has had with his family, the problems that we all face with not wanting to be disabled, with wanting to fix this, to heal and not have this problem anymore.

Reading this brought back a flood of memories for me, both good and bad.  Memories of soldiers that I lost and friends that were wounded.  Memories of how my PTSD has affected my relationships with friends and family after my return home, how it has shaped my relationship with my wife and how it has at times threatened that relationship.  It was also very positive for me.  Captain Montalvan has been able to put into words many of the emotions and feelings that I cannot.  Now I have the words for it.  I can better explain how it isn't a flashback like in the movies, but rather similar feelings, how a situation feels like Iraq, not directly but emotionally, how it is hard (if not impossible) to trust strangers, how sounds and smells can bring back these floods of feelings.

As I read about his and Tuesday's life together, I smiled, I laughed, and I cried tears of joy. There is nothing better in life than the unconditional love that can be found in the eyes of a Golden Retriever.  After finishing this book, I curled up on the living room floor with my 10 month old Golden pup, and just thanked him for being there.

I recommend this book for any veteran dealing with PTSD, for their families and their loved ones.
1240554
This is a courageous memoir of emotional and spiritual healing from self-hatred and self-abuse to self-affirmation.  Samadhi explores painful themes dominating her early life - emotional abuse, incest, religious oppression, and homophobia - and through her story we watch her grow from navet and victimization to strength and self-awareness.  An intrepid explorer of both inner and outer worlds, Samadhi searches through other countries and cultures for the deeper reality of the people she meets and for meaningful connection with them, at the same time as she celebrates the precious quality of the short time they share together.  Her empathy embraces a broad mix of races, cultures, classes and religions.  Of particular interest are her reflections on the Middle East, where she spent several years.  She shares her first hand experience with religious dogma and extremism, and she takes a hard look at gender relations.  She confronts oppressive authorities throughout her life and her travels, but she comes to realize that her biggest challenge is to confront her own self-oppression.  Her book is both a testament to and a celebration of her success in finding her own voice.  With its intimate style, it offers a map of the heart for others on their own inner journey.
3401083
Through his characters, Brad and Wes, the author returns to Vietnam almost five decades following his tour as an infantry soldier during the war.  For all those many years he had harbored tragic and painful memories that had seriously impacted his personal life.  He hoped the return trip
would help him find some solace and comfort in dealing with his, still raw, emotions.  The book is a rather detailed description of his week long visit and how it affected him emotionally as the trip drew to a conclusion.
1032395
Dr. Battle writes with open honesty about her experiences growing up a victim of abuse, neglect, and isolation, yet her story is one of hope and healing. There are no promises for an easy journey, but proof and guidance that a way forward to a happier, healthier future does exist. Her voice is authentic and engaging, speaking from her heart and a passion to help others. Advice is interspersed throughout the story, taking readers step by step through the realizations that led Dr. Battle to a better outcome than what might have been predicted for her. If you are in the midst of a situation similar to what Dr. Battle describes, it will help you find courage. If you know someone who is in a similar situation, you will gain greater insight and understanding.
490307
It is quite obvious that Stone Pony came out in a rush, as if a mental wall had fallen in the authors mind and he was impelled to tell his story quickly, so that others could immediately benefit from it. It could use a lot of editing to make it more accurate and smoother, but it is his story as he remembers it, so although there are some factual and technical errors, they must be forgiven as not germane to his central story of how he came to terms with the crushing mental burdens he carried home from Vietnam. Like many Vietnam vets, Campos turned to the bottle and drugs to dampen his frustration at how he was viewed and the shabby treatment he received from his fellow Americans upon his return. The bulk of his story involves relating his Vietnam experiences  I was in his company for some of them  and he gives us the meat of his story at the end of the book, where he recounts how he managed to recover his life, quit drugs and alcohol and regain his emotional basis. These things he did through his acceptance of Christ and with the help of his war comrades and the Veterans Administration. In my own, very late-in-life emotional breakdown from the long-suppressed effects of the war, I also found the help I needed in church and in the Veterans Administration, so Stephens salvation rings very true to me. I hope this book helps others to climb back from the pit of PTSD.
1344853
Reading about Tuesday a service dog for a veteran helped me understand the struggles of soldiers with PTSD.  A book worth reading