As I child I would eavesdrop on the men in my family talk about their war experiences which would never be brought up in front of the women or children. I didn’t understand but I knew it was scary and horrible and to never ask questions from my father (Korea), grandfather (WWI), and uncles (WWII). Over my working career I hired many veterans, some simple grunts, others Special Forces, Rangers, SEALS, etc. Most were great, dependable, hard working guys, all of whom were hiding damage. Anthony Swofford’s memoir Jarhead is a brutal tale of his life and career as a Marine through the First Gulf War. Thankfully he used his writing talent to transition into successful civilian life, not without internal wounds that never heal. Not all those who serve are that lucky. Jarhead is an excellent read but not for the faint-hearted. ( )

Read by the author, which, in this case, is a very good thing. ( )

This book really captured me when I first read it in 2003. Swofford's voice was new and seemed painfully honest. I've often thought about re-reading it.

I read this back in 2005 on the recommendation of a coworker of mine at the previous job, a former marine himself, who described it as "that is the way it is." It is interesting and moving at times. It is a very fast read with dark humor as well as depressing moments. Probably more young people should read it to balance some of the more "rah rah" accounts of the military out there. ( )

Memoirs of this sort only encourage incredulity. My memory of reading this has obviusly bem deformed by subsequent history. Swofford aims for Dave Eggers territory, especially the settling of accounts with Dads Behaving Badly but I found whole enterprise indifferent. ( )