"The Deserter's Tale"

[yasmina27]

Has anyone else read this? It took me over a week to read (usually I can polish off a book w/in 1-2 days at most) because I found it to be incredibly emotional. I cried just reading the introduction.

It's the story of a young man - one who bought the lies told to the country prior to the Iraq fiasco - dirt poor from Iowa (I think, I could be wrong about the state - I know it's one of the midwestern farming states). His open, frank revelations of his childhood and teenage years are enough to bring tears to anyone.

Then he talks about how he was deceived in numerous ways by the recruiter whom he visited because he was desperate to support his growing family.

After he discusses his training, he details his life in Iraq. The story of the little girl begging for food caused my heart to hurt and more tears.

He was, I believe, in Iraq for only 4 months (compared to the folks over there now for 12-15 mos.), and when he got home on leave, decided he wasn't going back because he was ashamed of the conduct of his country's army. He describes the flight with his family, first to Philadelphia, then to Canada, with his family, and his hopes that he will be granted asylum by the Canadian government.

[Monkeyman]

1. No But I will Now

[tularetom]

2. The title sounds like *'s autobiography

[yasmina27]

4. Yeah, but too bad

* didn't have a conscience and flee to Canada. Then we wouldn't be subjected to his misrule and illegal war today.

[Tom Joad]

3. I've been meaning to pick it up. Do check out some more stories of the real heroes of the Iraq war.

Those that resist.
http://tomjoad.org/WarHeroes.htm

[yasmina27]

5. Thank you

I've already bookmarked it.

[raccoon]

6. I'll get hold of it. Sounds worth reading. nt

[MedleyMisty]

7. Read it and started a thread about it too

But I don't think I ever got any replies. ;)

I thought it was a great book and it made me realize that there really are decent people out there.