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The Love of my Life <3

The Love of my Life <3

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

War

I had to read this book for my American Ways of War class. It was a phenomenal book, that really allowed the reader to understand the view points of the men in the 2nd Platoon of the U.S. Army. Mr. Junger lived with them in the Korengal Valley - Afghanistan's deadliest location. The book does not deal with the 'politics' of war - simply the human nature of it; the fear, the love, and the psychology of war.

The thing that shocked me most, the lack of thought as to why they were fighting this war. They only cared for their brothers. If you spend all your days with a select few men, it is certainly understandable why you would only care for their safety. But wouldn't you be a bit curious as to why they are dying in the war?

I became really attached to the men in the platoon, and felt as if they were my friends too. I became emotional when Restrepo, the medic, was killed in action, and felt that I had just lost him as well.

The book really helped me understand how the men work - and I was allowed to see a glimpse into the much hidden world of a location acting outside the scrutinizing eye of the Top Brass. It gave me hope when the certain elder tribesmen of Afghanistan and certain men of the American military were working together to solve the many issues facing both factions.

My favorite part in the book was when both the American military and the Taliban fighters acknowledge each-other's fighting ability.

Eventually the base was destroyed and the American military pulled out of the location allowing it to fall back into Afghanistan's control.

I strongly recommend that everyone reads this book. It is a fascinating glimpse into a world that is kept from public eye. There are no politics in this book - it is simply a book about WAR and the effects it has on the people with in it.

War by Sebastian Junger (c) 2010

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