Brian Castner takes a Long Walk to Iraq, around the U.S., and to Iraq again

 The Long Walk: A Story of War and the Life that Follows, is now in paperback.
  For more information on Brian Caster, his book, and his work, see his blog: Fever Blog

     Castner and his story have received so many positive reviews and from so many well-regarded sources.  This book could be added to numerous reading lists, including summer reading or class curriculum.  This book could fit into various English classes, including literature and film/psychology,  a course on war literature, outside/independent reading, as well as courses in psychology or sociology, U.S. History, or political science. 
     This non-fiction work is not just the experience of war, it is the experience of "modern" warfare, realities of military leadership, and life after war - a part of a soldier's life that could be more difficult to endure physically, emotionally, and psychologically than events during combat.

      Castner had many long walks in Iraq and the U.S.  In Iraq, he was a leader of a team with the responsibility to disable bombs, along with  many other responsibilities that come with leadership positions; he loved what he was required to do.  He had many long walks back to the U.S. for a new segment of training or an end of tour.  His longest walk, though, was upon his return home after his last deployment.  His honesty and reflections are raw emotion.  His willingness to be that vulnerable certainly is more than a form of therapy for himself; it's a sense of reality and human emotion that shares insight into the psyche of the contemporary soldier.  

     I have more bookmarks in this book than most books I read.  I think I could write a paper on it! As more soldiers and veterans return from the Middle East and elsewhere, hopefully their "long walk" in war and returning home can be a little easier by reading this book, and others of us can try to understand them a little better, too.