Steven Burkholder

Neither a comedy nor a war story

Revisado: 03-17-07

While a story of one doctor's time in war it is neither a comedy nor a war story. The author uses his own time in Iraq to draw attention to battlefield medical technology describing at the same time why the number battlefield fatalities has declined and a growing need for medical doctors who are willing to practice their trade just behind the front lines of the conflict. At times I listened with rapt interest as the author described his views on battlefield medicine and how he put them into practice. Another time, I laughed out loud with him as he described his 'diplomatic impasse' (we have all been there before). I smiled with him as he explained in detail how minor comforts would mean so much to men there. Often as he described the courage, valor and dedication of the men he worked to save yet could not, I found tears stinging my eyes in the cold winter wind over two years after their passing. While the author describes the carnage and brutality of his situation in this war, he neither glorifies nor dwells upon the violence its own right. While explaining the motivation of himself and others he cleverly avoids the polarizing political issues or the war. In my opinion it is a well-told story easily understandable to everyone and well worth listening to. As you can tell, I thoroughly enjoyed the book from beginning to end.

A note to the author: When at a stadium, standing at attention, silently singing the star spangled banner as the music plays, I close my eyes to keep the water off my cheeks.

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