This book is one of those that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Deeply emotional. Heroes vs evil. The author infuses his psychological insights into a story of an insane situation.

The horrors of the true story memoir creeps and builds. Intertwined by the deeds of the people coming together to help, adds hope to dispel the sense of a world with no compassion.

The emotional connection to the group of Marines known as Lava (named for where they trained in Hawaii) is immediate in the first few pages.

A career Marine fighting in Iraq (and sometimes near the border of Syria) desperately searches for a way to bring home to the States - a rescued puppy. (Thou shalt not have pets nor befriend animals, Article G something). Marines, news reporters, State side animal rescue groups, supportive Iraqis; fighting against the military machine ordered to shoot dogs. All this, while under the guns of insurgents, rocket propelled grenades, car bombs, cows strapped with suicide equipment.


To add more heart pressing depression to the harsh truths revealed, reading the parts about puppies being buried alive in sewers, fresh in my mind was the 'youtube' story. (Of the puppy thrown off the cliff by Marines making home videos. How could you?)

The author describes the military rationale behind some of the numbing military rules and realities.

Do I feel a little wiser after reading this?

What's the difference between foreign militants or American Marines shooting puppies?

I read this book in one sitting, not skipping to the last page (no cheating). I couldn't put it down.


Apple pie, Marilyn Monroe, dogs and waggily tailed puppies.


Tears for 21 Lava. Angels with wings, for sure.

I had heard about Lava the dog and the many pitfalls it took to overcome to get him home and so I couldn't wait to finally read the book. Unfortunately, this book does not live up to it's potential. It could have been a real gem had the author perhaps had a lot more help from a more experienced writer.

I'm surprised this book had two authors and quite possibly an editor and yet, it's so choppy and poorly written and dare I say, juvenile at times and I'm not talking about the profanity sprinkled throughout the book either. I'm not tremendously offended by profanity. In this case, I didn't feel it added or detracted from the book for me. The problem here is vocabulary. For example, there are several passages where the author used one word or one phrase over and over and over. In one passage it's the word "weird" when he's trying to explain to the reader how being in Iraq was and in another passage it's the phrase "at least" that begins every sentence for at least a paragraph. Maybe someone can gift him a thesaurus.

Frankly, until I read the interview between Amazon and the author, I would have just given the book 1 star because if the subject matter of the book wasn't so attractive, I doubt it would ever have gotten published. In the interview above at least, he does seem to have a more diverse vocabulary than was apparent in the book.

Another thing I found extremely difficult to get past was a passage where the author describes those who join the Army as basically losers, the guys who couldn't get the girl, who didn't play sports and who just weren't "good" enough was the impression I got. So unnecessary to the story and in my opinion, absolutely NOT true.

One last thing that gave me pause was the way he described himself getting into the faces of Iraqi's and hollering at them, including profanity which he insisted the interpreter include when relaying it back. Maybe they needed it, I don't know, I wasn't there but all I could think of while reading that was that's the sort of behavior that quite possibly could cost lives down the line. It's sort of like you can criticize your own children but woe unto those who are NOT a part of your family criticizing them. It just doesn't fly and even the author comes to realize this later in the book.

I don't know if I can honestly say this book is worth reading. I gave it two stars because I love dogs and found the subject matter appealing. The rest of the book just wasn't up to par to me and if you are looking to read down-to-earth, I-Was-There accounts of the goings on in Iraq or poignant, heartwarming stories about dogs then there are much better books out there on those subjects.

This is not a book I would have ever picked up on my own. Although I love and care about dogs, and all animals, with a passion, I generally don't have any interest in reading true-life "My Dog and Me" stories. However, my mother highly recommended it and now I'm glad I read it, because it made the war more real to me that just about anything else has.

The heart of the story is, of course, the dog Lava, but this book is much more than a story about a dog. The tagline is "A Marine, the War, and a Dog..." for a reason. Lava is the vehicle for Kopelman's journey, and it makes for a powerful story of war and healing. Nowhere is this more evident than the chapter where Kopelman sits at home, in the agonizing hours he waits for news of Lava's escape and at the same time details the deaths and atrocities occurring in Iraq at the same time as all this effort is being exerted for a puppy.

Honestly, I didn't love the writing, but it was effective. Kopelman is obviously a smart and capable guy, and the book reads as though he is sitting in the room with you, relating this crazy story over dinner and a beer. He is honest and emotional about all sides of the war, Marines, and himself, for good and bad. I liked him and was rooting for him as much as the dog. The questions raised by the war for all of us are the questions Kopelman is faced with in person, in the form of a scruffy puppy he finds in his boot. He addresses these questions, if not eloquently, than at least thoroughly and with feeling. He makes his choice, as we all must, and he has to live with it, as do we all. Though it may have been a bit heavy-handed at times, this book brought together many issues, and many facets of each, into one emotional package, and it made me think as well as feel.

The story of the Colonel rescuing Lava was a good story, but this book took me almost nine months to read. In my opinion it wasn't written very well. The book lacked the ability to grab me by the collars and slam my face into the book until I finished reading it. I was hoping for this book to do that. But nevertheless, I am happy to have read it.

This book is about our refusal to give up our humanity in the face of war. Take the toughest, baddest trooper, insert dogs and children into the horrors of war, and watch stone-cold combatants turn into wet clay before your eyes. Quick and enjoyable read. The LTC captures the emotion and internal conflict everyone who's served in a combat zone can relate to.

It has been a while since I read this but I would probably read it again (and I don't read books twice). I'd love it if they made a movie out of it. I learned a lot about how things are in Iraq and experienced a heart warming story in the process. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a dog lover or has someone they love overseas.

I received my copy of this book on a Monday and finished it on a Friday - It was so good that I couldn't put it down and I actually broke down in tears at the end. What an absolutely fabulous read!

It has truly been a long time since a book affected me in such a way that I was experiencing a rainbow of emotions: laughing, gasping, anxiety, pausing to reflect, and becoming so emotional that the people on the subway train (where I usually have time to read) were staring at me like I was a crazy person.

I am so happy that I learned of this book and I applaud the actions of the men and women who helped bring Lava to America and to tell his story.

Jay/Lava: Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience in learning your story. You both are very lucky to have each other.

This is just one of those books that you can breeze through but really hits you in the heart. You can't help but root for this pup and, at the same time, feel thankful for the soldiers that fight for our freedom. Too touching not to read.

This is a very touching story about an adorable, playful puppy who was rescued from Iraq by a Marine. Unfortunately, it is very poorly written, even tho the Marine who wrote the book had help from another writer. Particularly at the beginning, it is very choppy, uses past and present tense interchangeably, and tries unsuccessfully to use conversational language ("like, what I meant to say was..."). If you can get beyond the poor writing, then you'll most likely enjoy the book. Reading about the difficulties of trying to save Lava was interesting and touching. One other note to parents - despite the cute, adorable, sleeping puppy on the cover of the book, this is not a book I'd recommend for children. The language is harsh with lots of 4-letter words, and the author tells what happens to most stray dogs in Iraq and it's not something I'd want my young children to read about.

I thought that my oldest grandson would like this book because he loves dogs. I haven't read the book, but kind of skimmed through it. It sounds very interesting.

I just finished this book in one sitting. It is a wonderful story about how goodness and kindness can be found amid death and misery. Not only it this a "love" story of sorts, it also brings home to the reader the brutal nature of the war in Iraq, and the toll it takes on one's humanity. I commend the author on his compassion, and the dedication of all those who helped bring this dog to America. As to why he devoted so much energy to saving an animal when there is so much human suffering going on there, I think the lieutenant's reason was elloquent - "At least I was able to save something!" Hats off to you, Sir, and all you and all of our military personnel have done and continue to do to keep us safe.

I love animals, thats why I bought this book, and it was everything I wanted and more. The text was short and to the point. What surprised me was how the author made me see the circumstances of the war they were in.
Made me want to shout " stop this war " Sorry.

All i can say is that i LOVE this book!It is so heartwarming to read how a "tough" marine can be so gentle when it comes to taking care of a dog.You can feel the love this man had for this puppy.I couldnt put it down.Wonderful book!

I love dogs, and I think any one who loves dogs would appreciate reading this book. While the story does lend itself to an unusual circumstance - a stray puppy in war time - the story does not dwell on the politics of war, which is a relief. There are no rights or wrongs about cultures or politics. Just one Marine's story of a love for a little puppy he desperately didn't want to leave behind.

There were parts of this book that were personally difficult for me to read. The author describes the ways in which dogs (and other animals) have been used in warfare, both past and present, and I find that difficult. But the author explains things in a matter of fact way and it is a part of the military life.

While there are probably better written books available, what I enjoyed about this one was that it isn't overly commercialized. The story has the feeling of a simple conversation with Jay Kopelman (the Marine who worked to get Lava Stateside). He speaks of his feelings, of the people who helped him, of his fears, of his anxieties, and of his joys in a way that is conversational and easy to read. One doesn't need a world atlas to keep up with him or know military jargon to understand what he's talking about.

The story of this Marine and the puppy who wiggled into his heart is one that is endearing and touching. It reinforces the hope of the human spirit.

I received this book as a Christmas present and was unable to put it down. It is a must read for any dog lover the story had you on the edge of your seat. A great Book.

I hesitated to buy this book as I thought it may hold too much of a politcal stance on the war for me to read - but as an avid animal lover and animal activist I had to give it a try. I found that while it is based around war activities going on in Baghdad it was really about the love of animals in extreme situations that can bring even the most diverse and disciplined people together. And I even learned more about the war without feeling that it was overbearing in the story.

When I purchased this book, I had not read a book in years, I could not put the book down, it was definitely an eye opener. Dogs in this country live in heaven, in comparison. I know Jay and Lava, a great guy, who loves this dog, the one who was the light in a hellish place.

I was expecting a stray dog in a war zone story and at first I was really disappointed when I realized that this book was not Lava's story. Marines are supposed to be the toughest of the tough, this is a very heartwarming story about what such a simple thing as a puppy to care for can do to people. It's not just about sharing food and disobeying direct orders, I saw humanity at its greatest in the unlikeliest of places.

Sure it's an adorable dog, and it's a terrific story...but it is very poorly written.
Many reviews seem to compare it to John Grogan's "Marley and Me," yet it can be compared in topic only. I had a hard time putting "Marley and Me" down, and had to force myself to keep pushing on in "From Baghdad, With Love." FBWL is often short, choppy, and disconnected. Many sections of the book seem as if it was written by a different author.
I was also disturbed by the language that the author felt necessary. Considering the number of children that will be reading this book, I was surprised to see so many F-bombs.
Don't interpret this review as anti-war or anti-military, as I am a proud Army veteran...I was just underwelmed by the quality of the writing.

Incredibly sweet and comforting to know how animals and humans keep one another so serene, especially when one thinks the world is coming apart at the seams.
Lava is a cutie pie and the Marine's experiences make one very reflective. You will just want to love and kiss your dog even more after reading this.

As a former animal shelter worker, I thought I'd read it all, but this book had me weeping tears of sorrow and joy. I assumed this book would be a feel-good, happy-ending story. It is that, but is so much more: Kopelman's descriptions of daily life in the Iraq war made my heart clench with pain for him, and for all of the men and women we've sent there. The small puppy who slowly broke open his heart is a creature you will never forget. In the end, Kopelman shows that suffering is suffering, whether being endured by someone with two legs or four, and that the healing power of friendship is not limited to that of human beings.

This true story of connections between a military man and his dog warms the heart of animal lovers across the world. This light, emotional, and page turning read brings to light situations in iraq, living conditions, and the need of troops to find something to love and something worth fighting for.
A must read for not only animal lovers, but military community members, spouses and families. A book to own and treasure.

This book is fantastic. If you love dogs, and even if you don't, you will love this story. Dog owners will be able to visualize the antics of Lava as he walks the fine line between the loving, thank-you-for-saving-me dog and the out of control puppy. If you're like me, you'll be looking to pick this up by the gross to give out as gifts to friends.

I thought this book was great. The way this marine and other fellow marines were able to bond with this puppy during the war was heart felt. Not only did the book describe the struggles to bring this dog back to the US despite military regulations, the book also described some struggles of marines being in the war itself. What an amazing book. I highly recommend it.

The love shown to Lava is uplifting. Jay Kopelman and the Marines are to be commended for their kind hearts. I am so happy that Lava did not become a fatality of the war. If you are a dog lover. You must read this book.

I expected this book to be just a nice story, but it is full of hard facts and details of the circumstances in Iraq. It was much more informative than I expected, and gives the reader a feeling for what our guys and gals are going through, and how they must turn their emotions off and on at the drop of a hat. The author also does a good job of not getting up on any soapboxes, for either side politically. Highly recommend it!

It is an awesome book about a US Marine who finds a puppy in Baghdad and gets it back to the states. Lots of military jargen and details of firefights... almost makes me miss the Marine Corps---almost

very good book. well written he did an excellent job of telling about the war, the people, etc. highly recommend the book.

This book helps the reader to get a sense of the life of a marine serving in Iraq. The bond that he develops with a rescued puppy helps him to forge through the day-to-day horrors of war and provides him with a focus to bring some good out of all the turmoil. The author writes with irony about many of the circumstances of dealing with legal red tape and government bureaucracy. This book is well worth reading.

Insite on this war and the daily effects on all fronts was the most valuable thing I gained from this Marine's writing. Awesome read.

I would recommend this book to anyone!!!
ANY an animal lover would adore it! Its heartwarming, touching, funny, sad and it makes you want to help out the people who finally got Lava back to the states. Everyone did a terrific job.

I read this on a flight out West, I didnt want to put the book down. I couldnt wait to see HOW they got Lave back to the states. And to read about the horrors and sadness in Iraq, made me cry.

From the moment Jay saw Lava, he was destined to have that dog! To read about this strong, brave soldier doing everything he can to save this dog, was truly amazing! ALL the work he did, to get Lava home and to be free away from war, made me cry!

I passed the book onto another animal lover, I know she will love it as much as I did.
Dont hesitate..buy it - NOW!!

Highly recommended. Read it in one sitting. Sad, tender, funny, and ultimately a happy and heartwarming ending. The pictures of Lava (the dog) are so telling.

I am an avid reader, but when I picked this book up, I could not put it down till I was through. It was both sad and hard to hear how Iraquis treat the animals. Our own rules about keeping them was also very wrong, in my opionion. Killing them just because they exist, is so cruel. But the whole story was very uplifting when Lava finally made it home.
Excellent book.

One book that I would recommend to anyone, from my wife and mother to the Marines I served with back in my old Bulk Fuel company (although most of them hated my taste in reading material), is Kopelman's FROM BAGHDAD, WITH LOVE. After reading the first couple of pages, I fell for this uplifting and inspirational story, finishing it in less than two days.

At its core, FROM BAGHDAD, WITH LOVE is the ancient tale about a boy and his dog. The boy in this story, however, happens to be a Marine Lt. Colonel, and his dog, Lava, is a five-week-old stray who was found in the midst of the Iraq War.

Kopelman touches the heart with stories of Lava's playful and endearing shenanigans, as well as his efforts to skirt military regulations and to overcome bureaucratic confusion in order to get this puppy to the United States - all of which is going on while he and his men are fighting insurgents, avoiding suicide bombers and IEDs, and desperately trying to turn scared and ill-trained native troops into professional soldiers. This isn't a "OOH RAH!" guts and glory story here. Kopelman and his men are tired and, although they want to finish cleaning up the mess that Mr. Bush and company started, they want to come home. The Lt. Colonel's hopes for future of Lava the puppy reflect his hopes for the survival of himself and his men as emotionally functioning human beings.

This story is a happy one, with the message that love and the human will for good can show through in our worst situations.

Read this book in a day. I just couldn't put it down. It is a great story about a wonderful act of humanity during a horrible war. This book will be enjoyed by animal lovers and non-animal lovers alike!

A book about humanity in war time.

A realistic look at the awesome men we have serving our country,
and how a puppy can remind them of the values they treasure most.

The resources that bring about the rescue of the puppy, LAVA,
show the BEST that people have to offer.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Once I picked it up I found it hard to put back down. It was an easy read, the chapters bounce around a bit but are easy to follow.

Going in, I was a little unsure that I would like parts of the story, having zero tolerance for animal cruelty, but the sensitive parts are told well and are really important for reader to understand the bigger picture. Having only heard about Iraq on the news it was a real eye opener to see just how bad the conditions are and what the brave service men and women, and journalists, from many countries have to endure.

The only reason I am giving this book 4 stars and not 5 is the writing is a little basic, and the book seems to end fairly abruptly. I would have liked to read a little more about life after Iraq. But I guess thats another story...

I recommend this book to anyone who loves dogs (or any war buffs out there).

The absolute best book in many years of reading. The treatment of dogs by Iraqui's was hard to read. They lead such a sad life in those countries. Lava was a very , very lucky dog to make it out, as so many others couldn't. Can't fathom the red tape that would keep an animal from a better life with someone who has come to love it. The saddest part to read was the dog going on the plane and being yanked back & shot. She was so close. There were of course many other parts, but that stays with me for some reason.

I couldn't put it down. A must read for all animal lovers. A must read for all HUMAN BEINGS!!!!

This book is amazing! Amazon ended up sending me a signed copy somehow (thank you!), and that's great for me because this quickly became one of my favorite books! I'm a huge dog lover and love studying history and government and this book combined the two! It's actually a terrific account of the war and provides a lot of insight into what life is like for an American soldier in Iraq. It opened my eyes to a lot of little things that I never would have thought would be a big issue over there, but I feel like now I can relate a lot more to the family and friends who have spent many long months in the war. Thank you Jay Kopelman, hearing your story was magnificent and it's the first book I have read for fun since I started college 4 years ago :)

I couldn't resist this book just from the cover. I expected a cutesy book about this little dog. I got that, plus much more. Jay gives a very vivid description of what life is like for all of the men and women fighting the war on terror.

Let me say he does not dwell on any of the horrors of war, so if you are looking for a good "dog" book, this is it. He writes clearly and concisely and doesn't go into minuscule detail, just writes in a fashion that conveys everything in an easy-to-read manner.

Two thumbs up! I loved it! Anyone who liked Marley & Me will surely enjoy this book also!

Wonderful story, but the book wasn't especially well written and contained several errors. Also, too much "filler" material. I bought the book because I read the Reader's Digest story...which was a more appropriate length. I was disappointed.

Jay Kopelman's "From Baghdad, With Love," focused on Jay's journey to bring a stray puppy from Baghdad to the United States. In 2005, Jay was a Lieutenant Colonel stationed in Iraq and he came across this mangy puppy who the Marines named "Lava." It was a clear violation of the rules as military personnel were not allowed to keep any pets as their main mission was to focus on the war. As Jay's love for Lava grew, he was determined to give a better life to this puppy. Eighty percent of the book focused on Jay's effort to seek help from various individuals and organizations to bring Lava over to the United States.

This was a heartwarming story of the devoted love from a Marine, determined to rescue this dog, despite breaking the rules repeatedly. He may drew some criticisms from the military or the public, but it undeniable that he cared truly for Lava. The book was not exactly a very well-written book and I also wished that the author threw in some personal stories in there. But I guess his main purpose in this book was to talk about Lava's adventurous journey to the United States. Despite that, this was definitely worth reading and I also think that the author touched upon a difficult subject in terms of the living conditions of stray animals during the war as he mentioned how some dogs were eating dead bodies for sustenance.

This book is great. I read it in two days. I could not put it down. It's a story about a marine trying to sneak his beloved dog Lava out of Iraq. It will have you laughing one minute and in tears the next. A big emotion jerker. Deserves more than 5 stars!! Don't hesitate its a great book.

This book catches the attention of the reader. As a dog owner I can relate to the point of view of Mr. Kopelman. Not only does he talk of the war, but also about the human/animal bond. I recommend this book to anyone who loves dogs and/or knows what it is like to be touched emotionally by man's best friend.

This book is a great read, and although the authors don't slip into bathos, it's hard not to get sentimental reading about a tough Marine who lets down his emotional guard long enough to save a lonely little pup from the mean streets of Iraq. The love that Mr.Kopelman felt for this dog is palpable and touching. I found this a stark contrast to another recent dog book that I read called, "Orson, a good dog" by Jon Katz. In that book, the author shows no love or understanding for his dog. While Katz' book is depressing, this book is uplifting. Anyone who recognizes dogs as the wonderful companions that they are will enjoy this book. God Bless Mr.Kopelman for having the humanity to save an innocent creature from an uncertain fate.

There are two intertwined stories in this book.

The first story is the one you expect -- the one you likely have heard about in the news -- of the trials and tribulations of marine Jay Kopelman finding a little puppy Lava in the midst of Iraq and eventually getting him out of the country and back to the United States.

This story in itself is moving and led me to tear at certain points. You can feel the anguish as Kopelman continues in a cause that he often believes will end in failure. If you're a dog lover, or merely want to know more about a story you may have seen in the press, the book is worth reading for this part alone.

However, what made this book excellent was the interspersing of this story with Kopelman's war experiences. Kopelman's experiences were neither preachy one way or the other, and I found then to come off very honestly, and evident or the turmoil that those who are serving must face. If they appear disjointed at times, I take that to mean that life is disjointed.

Best of wishes to Jay and Lava -- may they both live long and happy lives.

I didn't want this book to end. It is so well written with great compassion and humor. Jay gives some insight into what our men and women face daily in Iraq with courage and determination. Lava brought moments of sanity to the insanity that surrounded him and all who came to know this funny, loveable, helpless puppy. What Jay's friendship with Lava did was, among other things, was bring Jay to look at his own fears as he finished the last part of his tour of duty. I know others may disagree with me in this and I can understand why, but I feel this was one of Lava's gifts to Jay even though it is understandable that military training would have it otherwise in order for a soldier to be in combative situations where they must save their own lives and those of their comrades. Lava gave Jay and all who knew him something else to focus on rather than the fighting and dying they saw all around them as well as not knowing if they would survive themselves. For everyone involved from beginning to end, getting Lava safely to the States was a true act of love, one they chose in spite of the danger. Jay made every attempt not to put the people he relied on to get Lava to the States in immediate danger. He prayed and used every channel available to him.
I wonder about 'Sam' to whom Jay dedicated his book. Has Jay heard from him or does he know where he is at this time? If 'Sam' is still alive, is it possible to get he and his family out of Baghdad and how might this be done with the support of others here in the States IF this is what 'Sam' would want. I am sure many people who have read about 'Sam' in Jay's book would be willing to help in this endeavor if they were made aware. Thank you Jay for the courage and integrity it took to both serve your country so well and to write your book.
Congratulations Jay on your marriage and the birth of your son. Best wishes to you and your family and many, many blessings in the future.

The story is written an an easy to read straight forward style. The contents of the story however, are extrodinary. It tells of the Marines finding and attempting to save a stray pup they adopted while fighting in a terrorist hot spot in Iraq. Some of the language is typical GI talk which may seem a little rough to the more sensitive, but it makes up for this with the honesty of telling what everyone was going through then. Toward the end of the book, there is a very eloquent passage regarding people questioning why he put so much effort into saving a dog when there were people to save. His reply was that they wanted to at least try to save something.

I found out about this book from a review in People and I asked my mother to get it for me for Christmas. As an animal lover, I wanted to see what happened in the story. I was not disappointed. It's a story about one man's struggle to rescue one little puppy from the hell of war. If he hadn't been saved, he would have ended up being killed, or dying from lack of food and water. I am not a fan of stories about war, however, this one wasn't overly pushy, and was very straight forward and showed just how awful the conditions were and how important it was for him to save this dog, to show that humanity wasn't burned from a long-time war veteran. I highly recommend this book to any animal lover who wants to know how far a person will go to bring home the pet that they love.