I've been a writer long enough to remember carbon paper and, later, the thrill of a Selectric and my first computer. Writers are also facing changes, and in the last few years, I've added the hat of reviewer. Recently, I faced a quandary that made me question whether or not there were boundaries I would cross as a reviewer.
These days I have my choice of books to review on war, written by soldiers. War books are the latest rediscovered genre. One commonality is the tougher the title, the more likely it is to show up on the sidebar of a Mil Blog. If there's a photo of dirt streaked soldier holding a gun, if the cover is red, these things assure that the book receives top sidebar status.
Fortunately, many soldiers are also more than capable writers. Their writing is fluid; they know and understand how to construct paragraphs that move the reader; and they have a compelling style. But there are others who have a more difficult time. While their experience may be interesting, the overall book fails to hold together. It's not their fault altogether; I place the blame on either an editor who wasn't tough enough, an agent who wanted to ride the crest of the latest trend, and a publisher who just didn't care.
I've just finished two: Last Journey: A Father And Son In War Time by Darrell Griffin and Darrell Griffith Jr. and also Love My Rifle More Than You: Young And Female In The U.S. Army by Michael Staub and Kayla Williams. Darrell Griffin Jr. was a Staff Sgt. in the US Army, an autodidact with an encylopaedic knowledge of philosophy, who wrote articulately of his experiences in emails. Sadly, he was killed in Iraq. His father, Griffin Sr., was charged with the difficult task of putting his son's works together in a book. He recognizes his son's brilliance, and also staggers under the grief of losing him.
Kayla Williams is a former Army soldier, who covers a lot of terrain in her book. She writes of her dysfunctional childhood, sex in the army, female soldiers who have sex with their platoons, a female soldier who commits suicide, an inept and wrongly rewarded female superior, and also a lack of vegan foods. At various points, I was reading them from an editor's point of view rather than as a reader.
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Article comments
1 - Ruvy
Kanani,
I humbly suggest to you the book "Red Cavalry" by Isaac Babel. It was written by a soldier. Babel served in the Red Army in the 1919-20 Russo-Polish war; it is also written by a master of short story writing.
Enjoy!
2 - Kanani
Ruvy,
Today, more than ever, it's easier to get something into print. We are literally inundated with a variety of books, all written with the best of intention and sincerity to tell their story.
Back in Babel's day books were considered precious and important. Many of those who were published were already very good writers ...that or they had wonderful editors who really did the job (an enjoyable read about how editors have changed is to read Michael Korda's book "Another Life").
The short story form is a difficult one. One to be greatly admired when done just right. Thank you for your comment, I will definitely get that book.
3 - Rich
Your post was REALLY insightful. I, too, am a Soldier who wrote a book. Strangers have told me it read very well, is funny, and absorbing. But now I wonder how well the characters and plot develop.
My story is not about war, though. It's about how Soldiers are trained. It's called, "Nine Weeks: a teacher's education in Army Basic Training."
I would love to know what you think. I could even send you a copy.
And thanks for the insight. I’ll definitely be coming back.