In the Nonfiction book "Ghosts of War", Ryan Smithson writes about training in boot camp and his experiences fighting for the U.S. In Iraq. My personal reaction while just starting this book was that 9/11 was a terrible event, a event that led Ryan to join the Army right after he finishes High School. I liked how this book isn't only organized into chapters but into three phases, Red Phase, White Phase, and Blue phase. Each one of these phases lasts 30 days long.

One theme for this book is to follow your heart. While Ryan was in High School, 9/11 occurred and changed Ryan's life. This changed his life because it inspired him to join the army. If 9/11 never occurred, Ryan would have never even thought about joining the army.

Another Theme for this book is to never give up. While Ryan was in Boot Camp training for Iraq, he had many struggles. These struggles included missing his family and girl friend. Ryan also has to wake up early mornings without much sleep.

One last theme this book has is to never say never. When Ryan was fighting in Iraq, many things happened that would cause most people to just want to give up. Ryan didn't just face the 130 degree weather in Iraq but he faced the constant threat of Iraqi attacks.

My overall feelings over this book is that I couldn't believe that this was a nonfiction book. I also felt that this book teaches the reader to never give up and to follow your heart. I would recommend this book to all readers who are interested in the war in Iraq and for people who like to read Nonfiction books.

I definitely enjoyed the book, mostly it was interesting to read about a deployment overseas from another perspective. Some aspects brought back memories of my time going through boot camp (what seems like) eons ago. It's definitely another book I will add to my bookshelf. ( )

In the wake of 9/11, at age 19, the author spent a year in Iraq in the Army as a heavy construction equipment operator. He both hates and loves his time in Iraq in ways he sometimes is at a loss to explain. He's conflicted about what he sees: the differences between American and Iraqi culture; that war is ugly and beautiful; whether his military stint makes any difference at all. It's a bittersweet experience understood and shared only by a select few. The author also addresses his struggle with PTSD and culture shock after his tour and how writing became his therapy. There aren't any truly graphic or violent scenes but teen readers living comfortable lives will find thought-provoking new viewpoints about the wider world to ponder. ( )

This book is written about the experiences of a 19-year-old who joined the army to serve in Iraq. What makes this book even more compelling is that he is from the Albany area – living in Troy and West Sand Lake, as well as having trained with his unit in Kingston. His experiences are not the typical ones – death defying heroic adventures – but tell of a different kind of mission, the one helping to build up and change this country for the better. Great story! ( )

Truly an eye-popping book for a voracious military/war buff - probably the most over-dramatic description of being in the military I've ever read, full of teenage angst over every element, sort of a "Dawson's Creek" set in Iraq. The plot : a Heavy Equipment Operator (who went outside the wire and saw a tiny bit of action, like, twice? ) seems to be having grand delusions of being a infantryman in WWII, maybe the 101st Airborne or maybe in the marines landing on Peliliau. The only thing missing was a tragic love affair with a French cafe singer or a Polynesian native.

OK, the author is quite young so I'll give him a break - I hope he has a good laugh when he's 50 and looks back on this "war" diary. And in the mean time I hope he writes some great novels - he certainly has the flair and vocabulary and poetic bent to make some masterful stories. ( )