What It Is Like To Go To War

Author: Karl Marlantes

I read through this book on a Sunday afternoon and ended up powering through the whole thing as it was well written and engaging. I appreciated the honesty of the author as he discussed topics that we shy away from like killing others, war atrocities, and more.

He presented a lot of rational thought on how we should be better preparing the 18-22 year olds who have typically fought our wars, for the emotional, mental, and spiritual toll that it takes on them. As well as how we should take care of them when they come home. He brings his thoughts up from his perspective of fighting in the Vietnam war and the mistakes he made and lessons he learned.

It’s obvious he has spent a lot of time wrestling through the thoughts he expresses in the book. The subject is uncomfortable and much more complicated than most of us make it. I think many parts of the book force the reader to consider the flawed nature in all of us as humans, instead of pointing fingers. His tone throughout the entire book always maintains a high level of empathy for all human life.