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book review

The Heart of a Soldier, by Capt. Kate Blaise is NOT a vacation read.

What I liked about the book:
  • she's open and honest about her beliefs
  • she's transparent with both the good and the bad about military life
  • her only agenda is processing her grief and remembering her husband
  • it shows the true sacrifices of our servicemen
  • it illustrates how no job is too small, even though we don't often think that way
  • I can relate to the small-town mentality/upbringing
Overall, it's a book worth reading to remember that our freedom is not free. We say that a lot, but it's another thing to be reminded of the cost. That book does that. I sobbed through the last two chapters, and really felt bad for her as she had to deal with the media and people's political agendas at a time when her only priority should have been grieving and her family. I was reminded of how stupid we can become when we allow policies and procedures to trump the very people they were designed to protect. I cannot imagine being so close to living a "normal" life to only have it disrupted in such a crazy way. If you like romances but also want something patriotic to read around Memorial Day (for her deceased husband) or Veteran's Day (for her), then I strongly recommend this book. If you're looking for light reading or something to make you feel warm and fuzzy...run the opposite direction.
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