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More copies of this ISBN:

Packing Inferno: The Unmaking of a Marine

by Tyler Boudreau

Packing Inferno: The Unmaking of a Marine Cover

ISBN13: 9781932595321
ISBN10: 1932595325
Condition: Standard
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Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

Tyler E. Boudreau is a twelve-year veteran of the Marine Corps infantry. He trained and committed himself physically and intellectually to the military life. Then his intense devotion began to disintegrate, bit by bit, during his final mission in Iraq. After returning home, he discovered a turmoil developing in his mind, estranging him from his loved ones and the bill of goods he eagerly purchased as a marine officer.

Packing Inferno is the spectacularly written story of the ordeal of a marine officer in battle and then coming home. It is the struggle with a society resistant to understand the true nature of war. It is the fight with combat stress and an exploration into the process of recovery. It is the search for conscience, family, and ultimately for one's essential self. Here are the reflections of a man built by the Marine Corps, disassembled by war, and left with no guidance to rebuild himself.

This is Tyler E. Boudreau's first book. He currently lives in western Massachusetts, where he works with other veterans on many projects related to war.

Review:

"Former marine officer Boudreau documents his struggles with the demons of war in this uneven memoir. Initially 'infatuated' with war, the author was deployed to Iraq in March 2004 as the assistant operations officer for an infantry battalion. His wartime experiences, however, left him increasingly disillusioned and ambivalent; unable to face another deployment, Boudreau resigned from the Marine Corps after 12 years of service. The author's rage stems from his frustration with the U.S. mission in Iraq, which he concludes is 'un-accomplishable,' noting, 'I see my fellow Marines getting blown away for nothing and with no chance whatsoever of success.' Boudreau dismisses the 'surge' strategy and greets 'stories of tactical success with skepticism.' The author's efforts to call attention to veterans' psychological wounds are commendable, but his brief against the U.S. mission in Iraq — a 'labyrinth of... unattainable goals' — is supported by occasionally suspect statistics (i.e., his exaggerated figures for army suicides). Boudreau writes convincingly about his inner struggles and draws on a seabag of colorful anecdotes to support his observations and conclusions in this provocative if flawed memoir." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

About the Author

Tyler Boudreau grew up in the Boston area and joined the Marine Corps infantry in 1989. Upon completion of his enlistment, he attended college, earned his commission, and returned to the Marines as an infantry officer in 1997. After his tour in Iraq and twelve years of active service, he resigned his commission in 2005.

Product Details

ISBN:
9781932595321
Subtitle:
The Unmaking of a Marine
Author:
Boudreau, Tyler
Author:
Boudreau, Tyler E.
Publisher:
Feral House
Subject:
Military
Subject:
Military - Iraq War (2003-)
Subject:
Psychopathology - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Subject:
Marines
Subject:
Mental health
Publication Date:
September 2008
Binding:
Paperback
Grade Level:
General/trade
Language:
English
Pages:
226
Dimensions:
8.40x5.40x.60 in. .60 lbs.

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