Ryan Smithson

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 show more 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. show less

Ghosts of War: The True Story of a 19-Year-Old GI, by Ryan Smithson

Not often does a book leave me speechless, but the difficult subject and beautiful writing in "Ghosts of War" did. Ryan Smithson was 19 when he was deployed to Iraq as a member of the Army Reserves. He tells the story of his platoon and so many like it overseas, the ones who are working to rebuild the country and make it safe for other troops and citizens, the ones who interact with villagers and the poorer people of Iraq. show more Not the ones who are busting down doors, searching for weapons caches or other types of activities that make the news. Smithson and his fellow soldiers are the unsung heroes of the war.

Smithson writes a moving memoir, that starts with his reaction to September 11, 2001, and his decision to join the Army Reserves, to his year long deployment overseas. The book ends with his return home and the difficulty in adjusting to life again, after living in a combat zone, and how he used writing as therapy for PTSD. The bulk of the book is about his year in Iraq, a year in which he saw the human side of war. Many of the most moving parts of the book are when he describes encounters with Iraqi children, who were almost pathetically grateful for something as simple as clean water. "Ghosts of War" is also a power emotional and mental journey for both the author and the reader, as Smithson ponders what freedom really means, what is faith - questions that are answered during training, missions, and reflection.

I just can't say enough about this book. I've always been against the war, but it was a general feeling. Reading "Ghosts of War" made me think about the individual soldiers, people who joined the armed forces because they want to do something, they want to protect American freedom. A particularly enlightening part for me came near the end, when Smithson went to a high school with another recruiter. On the way to the high school, the other recruiter told Smithson that the kids they were about to see wouldn't really care to hear them, wouldn't listen - they'd think he was just one more brainwashed grunt. I know I felt that way when I listened to recruiters in high school; but as I said, now my opinion is very different. I will now appreciate and thank the soldiers I see. Thank you for opening my eyes.

"Ghosts of War" is an excellent book for adults or young adults, especially teenagers who are considering joining the armed forces. Smithson's memoir gives an accurate picture of army life, from basic training to deployment and back, that may answer questions they didn't know they had. It's also a great book to open discussion between parents and their children, about the war, about the army. I had my own father look at it, as he had been in the Reserves during Vietnam, and the book prompted many questions for me to ask him.

The writing is moving and will suck you in; I didn't want to put it down once I started. Some of the experiences related left me tearing up, and some had me cracking up with laughter. Overall, a wonderful book.

5/5. show less

Even for those who know little about the military, U.S. Army reservist Ryan Smithson’s account of his deployment in Iraq makes for a compelling read. Smithson was in his junior year of high school when the September 11 terrorist attacks took place. Feeling helpless but wanting to give back nonetheless, 18-year-old Smithson joins the Army reserves, not knowing if he would ever have to serve in a combat zone. When Smithson is soon deployed after enlisting, readers are given an show more up-close-and-personal look at one soldier’s grueling months in Iraq. The language is crude and gritty, and it is clear that Smithson is not a fan of censoring how he feels. Thankfully, the rawness of Smithson’s words and his candid thoughts on stereotypes, war, and sacrifice only make this story more convincing. Insightful for anyone, Ghosts of War may be an especially valuable read for students interested in enlisting in the military. While Smithson explains the military jargon as he goes, the acronyms can still get overwhelming to the civilian reader; however, a glossary of military terms is included. Photos also included. For ages 14-18. Recommended. show less

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 show more 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. show less