I rate this book 4 stars because even though it really was a good book, there were some parts that just carried on and on that wasn't relevant to what was happening in the chapter. Besides that, I really enjoyed this book. It gives you a whole different side to war that you never hear about. It was interesting to read about because it is a new kind of story, and a good one too!

I finished this book in two days. I couldn't put it down, and literally read myself to sleep the first night I began reading it. First of all, it is a very engaging book - I really like Dr. Jadick's style of recounting his experience. That aside, my review of this book comes from a clinician's point of view. This book really helped me put into perspective the day to day, minute to minute, second to second experience of a combat soldier/marine in Iraq. This book's importance to me as a clinician is that it really helps me "walk in the boots" of a soldier in order to gain one millionth of one percent of insight about how they experience combat. As a V.A. Social Worker, I truly know what I don't know - that is to say, I will never "know" the true feeling of serving in combat, but my patients do their best to educate me and give me a "flavor" of what their experience is like. What I appreciate about this book is that you really do get a "flavor" of the combat experience through Dr. Jadick's narrative. While I know that this is his "story" and an actual recounting of his brief tour in Iraq during one of the most intense campaigns (in Fallujah) - the therapist in me kept wondering about the true impact of his experience - in terms of how severe his PTSD must be. He did make some very brief references to this, but in the end, he did not make much of it - but I think that if he did, it would probably have affected the book's marketability. Having said that, all in all, the book is great for clinicians - and great for medical personnel - and honestly, probably required reading for all Americans - because I think we all need to know about and APPRECIATE what these fine young Americans are sacrificing while we sit here and pontificate about the war in general.

I don't use the hero word lightly for good reason. There are way too many political pigs doing that nowadays. Dr. Jadick is a strong writer that guides the reader through the hardships that military personnel experienced first hand (this includes him as well)in the leadup to and actual battle for Fallujah. Instead of coming across as a we kill these blankity blanks yeah yeah stuff what you instead see is that even under the most ardous of conditions men and women will fight not only to kill one another but rather to help save one another. I am still floored by the injuries and brutal deaths that he described. Please keep those men and women that fight in your hearts and minds (after reading this book Im sure no one will have to remind you to do so).

I heard the book on CD, I did not like the narrator at all. I have read many books on the battle of Fallujah and for some reason this story didn't quite capture it for me. I didn't care for the way the book hopped around and it just lacked in certain parts.

I do respect the man for what he did to care for our Marines, and for his vision. I only wish the military would follow his ideas and suggestions. They are excellent.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in military medicine. The author gives an accurate description of what being a doctor on the modern battlefield is like. I find it an inspiration to continue my medical education and eventually serve in the US Navy.

I should bring this to work with me and read it if I ever think I had a bad day at work again. He shows why Marines love corpsmen so much-their dedication and professionalism is inpiring, and his willingness to go into battle is amazing. He loses a star for when he shows us how he became a doc, as it wanders a bit. Overall interesing, though I can't comment on the accuracy.

This book, while factual, is an endless rant about how Navy medicine is all screwed up, nothing (malaria in 100 Marines) is ever HIS fault,and HE was the ONLY guy who could do the job right. Intentionally leaving his post to go "to the front" was incredibly stupid, and didn't save any lives, by his own admission. I found the book agonizing to read, waiting for his next diatribe or juvenile stunt to be related.

Dr. Jadick was a battalion surgeon with the 1/8 Marines at Fallujah. "Through the gates of hell for a wounded Marine" is exactly where Jadick will take you with this memoir. Jadick is an interesting guy who shows you why you need the spit to get the polish.

The storyline slows at the Haditha Dam. With a few pranks, a brisk run across the Dam and a trip to the head the story regains movement and flow.

Jadick worked his corpsmen hard for the benefit of his Marines in the battle of Fallujah. The 1/8 Marines liken Fallujah to "the battle the Iwo Jima" in this fight to the death struggle with jihadists.

His decision to bring his aid station closer to and himself into the battle saved Marine lives. The "golden window" for battle trauma care may be only 5-10 minutes. After severe blood loss the lethal triad of hypothermia, coagulopathy and acidosis set in.

The clear headed detachment of emotion, while treating the most horrendous types of sharp and blunt trauma on buddy marines, takes its toll. PTSD is the result. Jadick speaks candidly about this as well.

He makes some interesting observations about the unique combination of medical trauma skills and leadership qualities which are needed for future battlefield trauma doctors.

Thank you, "Doc" Jadick, for your service and of your corpsmen (and woman). Your Marines were well cared for. I hope your recommendations are given full consideration by the Marine Corps and Navy.

The pool where I train has a picture at the entrance. The inscription reads, "Not all who wander are lost". The scene is serene with a road leading to a small building near a body of water. From now on it will remind me of Cdr. Richard Jadick and his wandering eye watching over his corpsmen caring for the wounded.

Jadick was the recipient of the Bronze Star for his uncommon valor in Fallujah. I gave him 4 stars for his book. The former, I should note, says it all.

Having read the compelling Newsweek article that became the catalyst for the book, I was expecting much more than what was finally produced. As another reviewer mentioned, too much of the book was spent on CDR Jadick's personal history and trite stories about everyday life downrange. (Though the latrine story was pretty doggone funny...)
Perhaps it's difficult to produce a tome about one aspect of one battle - but others have managed. Those who have, however, are usually historians and not docs.
A bad book review should be understood for what it is. A book review. This is not a criticism of the author's valor or medical skill, which is worthy of every accolade that's been bestowed.

Does not deserve to share a shelf with medical accomplishments such as Atul Gawande's Better or Complications. The book is filled with trite sentences and tainted with the robotic marine mentality. Slow and reads like you yourself are in hell.

Feel the heat, taste the dust, squint in the sun while horror is delivered to you on the hour.