This book was the reason I got the first book (From Baghdad with Love). I picked up this book because I realized that the dog on the cover made it safely to the US. I was afraid in the first book that the dog may not have made it, so I left it on the shelf.
Now, of course, I am kicking myself for not reading it when it first came out. Lava is a precious dog and Jay and all the others who helped are amazing for all of their hard work getting him here. Great great book.
I loved that he not only shared with us how Lava is doing, but also went on to share the emotions and everything else that he and other soldiers go through.
I really wish I could meet that precious pup! Thanks Jay from continuing to be there for Lava for the good and the bad. Also for helping him with his PTSD and not just giving up on him. It really shows how much you care. It not only helps him but, helps you as well. :o)

All the questions Jay has in his book can be answered when he listens to San Diego AM radio station 1170 midnight to 2 a.m. Listening will give him further explanation and a way to listen at more appealing hours.
A book about THIS journey, if taken, would be smart.

All the questions Jay has in his book can be answered when he listens to San Diego AM radio station 1170 midnight to 2 a.m. Listening will give him further explanation and a way to listen at more appealing hours.
A book about THIS journey, if taken, would be smart.

Jay Kopelman's 2nd book about his relationship with Lava is a wonderful story of the strong bond that can exist between man and dog. It should be a "must read" for anyone who does not agree that the United States is providing a necessary service in Iraq and also for someone who understands why we are there. As a dog owner I know that these animals do not judge, but love you just the way you are. If dogs like Lava can help our soldiers with stress or rehabilitation while stationed in Iraq or after their return, I agree with the author that the benefits would be enormous. If you like dogs...read this book. If you have a connection with any military branch...read this book. It is a real eye-opener about the personal effects serving in a military war zone can have on our favorite sons and daughters.

Just finished 'FROM BAGHDAD TO AMERICA: Life Lessons from a Dog Named Lava' and found Kopelman's second book to be just as inspiring as his first. This book is GRITTY and HONEST and FORTHCOMING about issues many Americans don't want to face up to - what happens to our soldiers, men and women alike, when they come home from a war. As a daughter of a WWII veteran, I gained insight into my father's "story" and how what he experienced in Europe colored every single thing that came afterwards. What I find frightening is that our YOUNG military personnel go into such a situation without the life experience that Kopelman had under his belt -- with age comes wisdom and hope; the youth that are going overseas might not have enough HOPE built up in reserve - they can't know what Kopelman knows: life IS worth living, even after living through such horrors as war and terrorism. What can America, particularly all branches of the military, do for these soldiers? READ this book. It's not just about Lava, though "life after war" from a dog's perspective - PTSD included - is an engaging twist. Thank you, Jay, for all that you do for your community - and THANK YOU, Jay, for writing another solid account of what it's been like for you - as a Marine, as a man, as "pack leader" to Lava, and now, as a husband and father.

With so much written and said about this war by reporters, pundits and politicians, it is important to hear from the soldiers themselves about the experience and its aftermath, and even better in a way that is accessible and enjoyable. Kopelman is quickly becoming an engaging voice for Iraqi vets.

Jay Kopelman's latest is, on the surface, a book about how a man and a dog re-adjusted to life in America after escaping the trauma of war in Iraq. It's also among the best personal memoirs I've read from the war, as well as a moving story of the deep bonds between humans and canines. Like his owner, Lava the dog is excited to be home and thrilled by the simple joys of being alive, but also scarred by experiencing things no creature should ever have to witness. Kopelman digs into the ramifications of post-traumatic stress disorder for thousands of veterans, and uses his own experiences - as well as Lava's - to illustrate how subtle yet pervasive it can be. Yet despite the heaviness of the subject and the sharpness of his often-brutal honesty, the book is engaging and uplifting.

Lava's presence throughout, as well as personal accounts of other veterans aided by dogs in their combat experiences, serves to help weave the story together. I felt like I was having a conversation at a bar, and I wanted to keep buying the writer drinks so I could hear more. Kopelman pulls this off smoothly and humorously, with his unpretentious yet in-your-face Marine personality intact. This is terrific writing, and I look forward to more of it in the future.

As a dog lover and reader of Jay Kopelman's last book I looked forward to another heartwarming story. This book is much more sobering. It was very interesting to see the dilemma of the Iraq war veteran; the necessity of convincing themselves that they are invulnerable with the new necessity as they return home, to admit they are not and may need help.

This is a must read for all returning servicemen and women and for those of us who should be there to support them.

I have just finished reading Lieutenant Colonel Jay Kopelman's book,"From Baghdad to America" for the second time since I received it from the publisher on June 16th. It really requires a re-read, or more, to get the many messages.

Lieutenant General Frank Libutti said, "By turns poignant, compelling, humorous, and scathing, 'From Baghdad to America' is a must-read for all veterans and anyone who knows or cares about one."

I agree, wholeheartedly, with this but I add, it should be read by everyone because it teaches a lot about living, loving, what it is like to be in a war zone and would help anyone to understand, even those to whom Jay refers as the "entitlement" community. I am a WWII vet and the book even helped to explain some of my behavior in the early years of my marriage and as my son and daughter were growing up. Before reading "From Baghdad to America" I encourage everyone to read Jay's first book, "From Baghdad, With Love" because that helps to understand the many messages in his second book.

I truly hope that all veterans, or active military personnel, no matter from which branch, as well as any civilian involed in war, will read this book and realize it is okay to admit problems and to seek help. As Jay says, "there is help out there."

A P.S. to this note: My letter, written to Jay Kopelman, after I read his first book, is included in "From Baghdad to America."

I found myself crying and laughing when I read this book. It's so timely for anyone who has a loved one who's either in Iraq or returned from a tour there. It's also great to hear how Lava and Jay are coping with life back in the States. Jay is a brave man to reveal his innermost fears and feelings. Bravo!!

Unlike most of the reviewers, I was really disappointed that From Baghdad to America wasn't more of a linear narrative, like the first book.

I thought it was really disjointed. What I liked best were the anecdotes here and there about Lava and Jay after their return. I enjoyed reading about his relationship with his wife and stepson. True, the book does offer a lot of insight into PTSD -- for example, what would make a man lash out at his stepson, and what goes through his mind after he does.

But those scenes didn't seem to be in any particular order, and they were interspersed with a lot of rambling about "over there" versus "over here" and laundry lists of terrible things that soldiers have seen and experienced. I think it would be a more moving story without the sweeping generalizations. More specifics, like the soldier with a serious leg injury who inspired Kopelman with his enthusiasm about getting his prosthesis. I was the most touched by a letter from another soldier who befriended a dog and found out later the pup had been executed.

I find it ridiculous that he spends the whole book talking about how he doesn't have PTSD. Not that he didn't think he did, but now realizes he does...but that he doesn't have it, and his visits to therapists are purely for research. Even after all the introspection, his final analysis is that he'll give therapy a try and maybe just possibly, could even benefit from it.

"From Baghdad to America" is an intense view of life from a man who's lived many; blending conflict with hope, and the realization in the blink of an eye that everything can change. The book is an incredibly heartwarming story of the importance of family, friends, and an amazing dog named Lava. Jay blends with both humor and sadness the painful tragedy of war through his recovery thanks to an unlikely canine friend. Not having either Jay's experience or a dog, I was amazed at the powerful role an animal plays in recovery. For me it was realizing that 'Help' is not a four-letter word. Jay is able to explore the complexity of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) through his relationship Lava. I spent 10 years active duty in the Air Force and could feel Jay's experiences unfolding and understood the pride and depth military services delivers. This was a view of the real world... not a sound bit from CNN

The book goes well beyond the sequel to "From Baghdad, With Love" giving the reader insights into the unseen emotional trauma of war. This is a real wakeup call to the self absorbed state most of us live. Jay shows you the world though eyes that have `been there' how people forget to look outside themselves to realize giving is where you really receive the greatest joy. An incredibly touching view the bond between a man and his dog with experience most will never know from a half a world away. "...live your life with all the gusto and pleasure of a dog!"

Jay's first book was amazing, and it was only through picking up a book because an adorable dog graced the cover that I started to become more aware of what was going on in Iraq. In this book, Jay makes it clear how every soldier who serves will come home a little bit different than how he or she left. The magnitude of this is incredible. I hope every American reads this book. In the same way that Jay comes to look at his own actions by trying to help Lava sort of his new life, I now see the war differently by reading about how Lava dealt with his inner demons. A great read that also happens to be extremely topical and important!

Lieutenant Colonel Jay Kopelman has a gift for getting straight to the point with hard-core wit and the heartbreaking truth. Kopelman doesn't mess around in his exploration of PTSD and how it impacts both he and his dog, Lava, not to mention his new family, as they adjust to the absurdity that lies between the home front and the front lines. If you have a loved one at war, this book will provide valuable insight into how he or she may perceive life after a time at war. If you are home from the front lines, you will find comfort and direction in this book. It was written for you.

A great sequel to "From Baghdad with love", Lava and Jay are enjoying life. Certainly in a happier place. Thank you for the update and the insight to a life foreign to us. Thank you for your service.

I just finished reading from Baghdad to America. As I read through this book I could feel the anguish and pain felt by both Mr. Kopelman and his dog Lava as they try to assimilate back in civilian society. Jay Kopelman tells his story in a compelling and brutally honest way, his vivid imagery and descriptions as life as a combat marine in Iraq, chilling. I think this book is a must for anyone who has ever loved a soldier and a absolute must for all families who have love ones returning from the horrors of war.

Warriors are not known for sharing their feelings or medical concerns. This is especially true when those concerns involve mental health. Having served in the Marine Corps for 17 years, I know the hesistation one feels about putting anything in their health record; there is a palpable fear that it will come back to haunt you with a promotion board or at re-enlistment. The fear increases exponentially if the medical issue can't be "seen," because, without visual evidence of illness, your fellow Marines may just think that you are just "sick, lame, or lazy" and a "sick-bay commando." So, it is refreshing and positive that LtCol Kopelman chose to share his story. That the story is funny, candid, and heart-felt is that much better.
I recommend this book, without reservation. I urge all service members to read it, especially leaders, as well as those who love our Marines, soldiers, sailors, and airmen. Our young men and women who serve need to know that someone else may have the same post-combat thoughts and difficulties. Their leaders need to provide whatever funding and resources are necessary to ensure complete PTSD evaluation and treatment, as well as caring and compassionate leadership for those who suffer from PTSD. And, those who love a serviceman or woman need this book to understand why their loved one may not be the same person as before a deployment, need to know how to get help, and need to hope for and work for a positive outcome.
LtCol Kopelman and his family seem to be on that road to a positive outcome. Kudos to Kopelman - and Lava - for a terrific book and some wonderful life lessons!

From Baghdad to America was an excellent read and a wonderful follow-on to From Baghdad With Love. Despite its sometimes somber messages, this newest offering from Jay Kopelman is much more hopeful perspective on the war, on America and about trying to live our lives in these troubling times in a way that is good and decent and meaningful. Kopelman has done a remarkable job in his new book of weaving together stories about the terrible nature of war, about the comfort and wonder of canine companionship, about the clash of cultures in America between the few who have served in the military in Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere and the overwhelming majority of those who have no idea what that means, about the journey of self-discovery, about the redemptive power of love, and about the triumph of courage and hope over anger and despair. While doing all that, he provided important and (mostly) non-hyperbolic information on the challenges of our men and women in uniform who must adjust to life "over here" after being "over there." I hope Jay Kopelman will continue to keep us informed in his humorous, warm, self-deprecating - and, above all, authentic - voice about the war, about its effects at home and about a good man's struggle to make sense of it all.

This book is for anyone who has had a loved one go off to war and wants some insight into what is going on in their loved one's head when they have returned and are struggling to adjust back to what most think is a "normal" life. The author had a constant companion (Lava the dog) who was with him in Iraq and had his own adjustments to make to get a normal life and the author used Lava as a mirror into his own Post Traumatic Stress. This book is definitely on my recommend list.

This candid and revealing account by Colonel Kopelman of his struggles with life after the Marine Corps shows how a warrior's courage is required off the battlefield every bit as much as on it. We all know that many veterans of war struggle to find inner peace after coming home, Colonel Kopelman helps us understand why. Moreover, Colonel Kopelman's lessons transcend the realm of military related challenges and can be applied by all of us in confronting our own personal demons.

I would recommend From Baghdad to America to anyone who knows a returning hero or who is struggling to find the courage to live a fuller life.

I read Jay Kopelman's first book, "From Baghdad with Love" and loved it. Thinking this would be a continuation of the adventures of Lava, I imagined Lava visiting Disney World, learning to surf, becoming a movie star...something that would continue the heartwarming story so interestingly told by Mr. Kopelman. I found that Mr. Kopelman's writing style in "From Baghdad, with Love" was not only articulate but from the heart.
"From Baghdad To America, Life Lessons from a Dog Named Lava" was EVERYTHING I thought it WOULDN'T be.
I am a military nurse that has never seen combat but married to a Marine that has. I've worked with military families for over 18 years. So in my community I've seen my share of PTSD "damaged" families in the form of depression, criminal acts, domestic violence, child abuse, addiction and suicide.
Kopelman's experiences are not uncommon, his gift for writing is.
Mr. Kopelman expresses on paper what the mind doesn't often communicate. Unless you are a Marine, soldier or sailor that has been where Jay is mentally and emotionally you may find some of his language somewhat offensive but I will guarantee you will NOT find a more honest and straightforward account. Candid and uncut emotion at it's best!
The ONLY similarities between this and his last book is the heroic journey Mr. Kopelman takes to save a life. Only this time it is his own life he saves.

This book is a must read for those of us who wonder what it's been like "over there" in Iraq.
I also wanted to know how Lava was doing, but I also wanted to know how the writer was doing.
Now I know.
He got a puppy out of there and was able to integrate this dog into his life and into his writing, in a way that was simple and beautiful.
I found myself in tears as I read this.
God bless this man, his family and Lava!
Thank you for your service to this country.

This book is a vivid, harsh, and no-holds-barred account of what it means to openly seek catharsis after seeing through a heavy veil of war.

I expected this to pick up on Lava's journey where From Baghdad, With Love: A Marine, the War, and a Dog Named Lava left off, so I was right, and wrong. This book isn't an extension of Lava's journey from Iraq, but rather the map of a journey undertaken by many yet recorded by few.

Every returning combat vet from Iraq should be presented with the information in this book, whether they see it in the story of a dog, a man, or themselves. This goes beyond a step-by-step lesson program and into the heart and mind of one good man. Through his example you will see how terrifying, difficult, and important it is to come back from a war and go on with life.

If you're looking for a book that explains in detail and at large what a returning vet has seen, feels, and goes through as they re-join the productive ranks of civilian society, I highly recommend picking up a copy of From Baghdad to America.