Another Book Club read, and I wouldn't have picked it up otherwise. But I'm glad I did; Phil Klay has something to say. The book practically screams at the reader to take it seriously. The twelve short stories stories are fictional, first person, from different perspectives. One that stuck out in particular was Bodies, or Mortuary Affairs. Another, a chaplain. Klay's style is succinct (see quotes below) with no fuss or frills. Just plain speak, lots of references to violence, sex with or without others, abuse, racism, and corruption. It's also ridiculous, sometimes funny, childish, and raw. One of the most troublesome scenes didn't even have to do with the war in Afghanistan; rather (caution: its gross)

it takes place at a strip club, where a private on home leave thinks it would be funny to heat up some quarters so a stripper can burn the s*** out of her vagina.

That's what war does to our men and women. Eats them, gasses them, and s**** them out. Phil Klay's is just one voice that will resonate, disturb, and cry out to us.

Recommended for mature readers, as there is a lot of graphic references, swear words, and sexual content. If you want to know what war is really like, read this book.

Quotes:

Getting back feels like your first breath after nearly drowning. Even if it hurts, it feels good. (Redeployment, page 8)

"How long have we been here?" "Two and a half months." "Right. And how much f***** up s*** have we seen? And she's been here for years." I supposed that was true. But you don't just shrug off your brother getting shot in front of you." (After Action Report, page 49)

There were times, after dealing with the remains, when I'd grab a piece of my flesh and pull it back so I could see it stretch, and I 'd think, This is me, this is all I am. (Bodies, page 67)