Book Review: War Story

War Story is an excellent memoir about the lasting challenges many veterans face. I enjoy reading memoir, and this one is exceptional. It has been on my mind for several days and is shaping my prayer life.

War Story: Book Review

I don’t remember exactly how I found War Story. Maybe it was in the “suggested reads” bar on Amazon. I do remember clicking on the description and scrolling down to find the publisher. Since it is published by Tyndale Momentum, that sold me. The last book I read from Tyndale Momentum permanently changed my perspective and deeply moved me. War Story has done the same.

This story about an Army Ranger resonated with me. Though I have no personal experience with military life, other than knowing cousins, uncles and grandpas who served, I find their stories interesting. Movies like American Sniper and Indivisible have gripped me with their descriptions of heroism contrasted with crushing personal struggles. Since I have suffered from depression myself, I am empathetic with the mental and emotional trials soldiers often face.

Author Steven Elliott grew up in the Midwest like I did. He enlisted in the Army in 2003 and completed rigorous training, which he details in the book. He was deployed to Afghanistan in the spring of 2004.

Tragedy That Followed Him Home

Shortly after his deployment, he was involved in a friendly fire accident with a fellow Army Ranger, Pat Tillman, a former NFL star. The Army first covered up the story, then released it after Pat’s nationally-televised funeral. Since Steven was still in Afghanistan and had limited access to the news, he didn’t realize the nation was in uproar about this tragedy.

Steven describes how it felt to come back to the U.S. with confusion, guilt, depression and anger. He had grown up in the church and attended a Christian university, but his faith took a big hit after the accident. His marriage suffered and he became addicted to alcohol as the Army continued to investigate the case. Steven honestly describes his struggles with self-worth, doubt and fear. At the end of the story, he describes how God eventually redeemed him from all these problems. His story offers great hope and wise perspectives.

Without specialized therapy and help from other Christians, Steven would likely still be struggling. He says that many veterans who are struggling are not living on the streets. They are trying to raise families, working at regular jobs, and attending church. Their struggles with PTSD are significant and sadly private. He is now an advocate for veterans with unseen wounds of war.

Helping Our Veterans

War Story is smart and well-written. It is also sensitive to readers, explaining that the strong language (though mostly indicated only with the first letter of a curse word) is a realistic depiction of the world of war. The book is spiritual but not preachy. Both men and women will connect with the story because it is so authentically told.

One of the best parts about this book is that Steven is donating 100 percent of his author proceeds to serving the mental health needs of the military community. By making a purchase, you automatically give to veterans in need.

You can’t go wrong by purchasing this book. It’s a powerful, engaging read with an excellent purpose. You will learn more about an entire group of brave Americans who need our help and prayers. If you enjoy memoir, War Story is my top recommendation for the genre in 2019.

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