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The Last True Story I'll Ever Tell: An Accidental Soldier's Account of the War in Iraq
The Last True Story I'll Ever Tell An Accidental Soldier's Account of the War in Iraq
Author: John Crawford
John Crawford joined the Florida National Guard to pay for his college tuition, willingly exchanging one weekend a month and two weeks a year for a free education.  But in autumn 2002, one semester short of graduating and newly married-in fact, on his honeymoon-he was called to active duty and sent to the ...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9781594482014
ISBN-10: 1594482012
Publication Date: 4/4/2006
Pages: 220
Edition: Reprint
Rating:
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 46

3.8 stars, based on 46 ratings
Publisher: Riverhead Trade
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

BookWitch avatar reviewed The Last True Story I'll Ever Tell: An Accidental Soldier's Account of the War in Iraq on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
This book was so well written. His descriptions are so clear, I felt as if I was watching the scene take place instead of just reading about past events. I was able to feel his emotions through the pages. My heart hurt for him, but maybe I've come away with just a bit more understanding of his life.

This book is in no way a slam of the military or the Iraq war, regardless of what others might have said. John Crawford knew what his duty was, he performed his duty well, and hats off to him and the others who risk their lives.
Chicaroo avatar reviewed The Last True Story I'll Ever Tell: An Accidental Soldier's Account of the War in Iraq on + 17 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
From the moment I read my first review of the book, I was very eager to read this story. My Grandson served two tours of duty in Iraq with the marines and I asked him to keep a journal or send letters home about his daily doings. But he shares a dislike of writing along with the rest of his generation. He did send brief emails, but they werent very newsy either. Thus I was very eager to hear what someone else of his age had to say about being in Iraq during this time. The book did not disappoint. John Crawford writes in a very narrative manner as if hes just having a conversation with someone. It begins with a brief description of his life up to that point. He joined the Florida National Guard in order to pay for college. He had two credits left before earning his degree. He had just married when he was called up.while on his honeymoon. I got so into the story of John's trials and tribulations that I found myself thinking back to it long after the I finished reading.
reviewed The Last True Story I'll Ever Tell: An Accidental Soldier's Account of the War in Iraq on + 18 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Some will not like this book because of the negative portrayal of some of the men and leaders that John Crawford served with. The truth is the uniform represents an ideal, but it is men with all their baggage that fills them. Crawford serves in the Florida National Guard during his tour (which became an extended tour) and he has some strong views about everything from the war, to the men, to the equipment, to the Florida National Guard. I know this is not every service person's experience, but I wonder how many come back feeling the same way Crawford does. It is worth reading to get a dose of the reality of the Iraq war.
reviewed The Last True Story I'll Ever Tell: An Accidental Soldier's Account of the War in Iraq on + 404 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
"John Crawford is a young man from Florida who joined the National Guard to help pay for his college, and then found himself suddenly...thrust into the middle of the invasion of Iraq as a member of the Army National Guard. Crawford always understood that he might have to serve his country during a time of war, but the conflict in Iraq is not at all what he expected.

Crawford writes about his military experiences and doesn't pull any punches. His writing is raw and visceral, full of emotion and pathos. He is openly critical of both the military establishment and the botched military plans of the Iraq conflict.

Another admirable note is that Crawford decided that while writing this book he wanted to remove politics from his story telling, or avoid what he calls "Monday morning quarterbacking" regarding the politics involved." amazon
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reviewed The Last True Story I'll Ever Tell: An Accidental Soldier's Account of the War in Iraq on + 163 more book reviews
Very powerful and reveiling dg
Erinyes avatar reviewed The Last True Story I'll Ever Tell: An Accidental Soldier's Account of the War in Iraq on + 279 more book reviews
John Crawford has broken my heart. I wondered why it was called the last true story I'll ever tell. Now I know. How perfectly horrible. What are we doing to those young men and women over there?
Yoni avatar reviewed The Last True Story I'll Ever Tell: An Accidental Soldier's Account of the War in Iraq on + 327 more book reviews
I have read many war books but never any about the war in Iraq. This is a first-hand account. It helped me to understand what these soldiers went through. This book was riveting and well written. It pulled me in right away and didn't let go. As I read the final page I just stared at the words, almost understanding the emptiness that John Crawford felt.


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