Book Review: Through Veterans' Eyes, by Larry Minear

Larry Minear’s Through Veterans’ Eyes takes an in-depth look at the experiences of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans in order to place their selected experiences within the context of the history of the region, and American foreign policy. Separated into sections (setting, experience and reentry) Minear uses veterans’ own words to explain his points. He allows firsthand accounts to dominate the book, only offering his own thoughts to put the stories within a larger framework of American policy overseas and at home. He, and the veterans whose accounts fill the pages, touch on topics such as the psychological ramifications of being in combat, and coming home to an already overextended veterans’ support network.

The style of Minear’s piece makes it a good fit for a variety of readers. The easily identifiable topics, acronyms and abbreviation pages, and frank explanations make it a good primer for those not as familiar with veteran issues. It can answer many questions that civilians may have about a variety of issues relating to the war. At the same time the testimonies collected can allow veterans a way to tap into a broader experience that may or may not resemble their own. Overall this book is a well pieced together narrative of personal experiences that many readers will find value in.

Review by Rachel Wiley, IVAW Summer Intern and student of Political Science and Labor Studies at Rutgers University

For more information, or to order Through Veterans' Eyes, visit http://larryminear.com. Published by by Potomac Books. © 2010 by Larry Minear.