Spare Parts: A Marine Reservist's Journey From Campus to Combat in 38 Days

by Buzz Williams

A harrowing look inside the world of military reserves describes his unexpected odyssey from college to the Persian Gulf after only four weeks of combat training, describing the grueling physical and emotional challenges that he and his fellow reservists faced on the killing fields of Kuwait during the Gulf War.

Genres: Military Fiction, War, History, Nonfiction

313 pages, Hardcover

First published March 8, 2004

Reviews

[Max Kelleher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally at war! As Will departs from the LAV School to the actual fight he must overcome many obstacles, both internally and externally. Things are getting heated! Cant wait to read more and discover what will happen next!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone considering becoming a reservist in the military.

[Jann Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is interesting to read a book written by someone you know, especially when you know nothing about this part of that person's life.
Buzz told about his journey the way I would expect a Marine to tell about such events. It was moving, but it was realistic, unlike some of the depictions one sees on television. Looking back on working with Buzz in a school setting, it is easy to see how his training as a Marine helped him deal with his position as a Vice Principal of a high school.
Buzz made me feel as if I were there right along with him as he handled the rigors of boot camp and the reality of life in a combat zone. I often found myself amazed at the things the men had to do. You have to be able to depend on those around you, often for your life. That can be a frightening prospect.
It also struck me that the public school system is often like the Marine Corps: sometimes, the people in charge have no clue as to how to run things; you have to try to do your job even though others try to undermine you or refuse to carry their weight; and battle scars remain long after the war.
I admire Buzz for putting his experiences on paper and am proud to know such a fine man!

[Chris - ISB · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's it like to join the marine corp? This book definitely tells this. The main character, Buzz Williams (the author) decides to join and follows his brothers footstep. The beginning of the story makes you feel the hardship and rough life of the marine corps. The training and competition is clearly described and creates an image for the reader. However, some parts of the book could have been cut off because it basically repeats itself. This happened near the end so be warned, the book will get boring. If the author could have written some more detail about being in the Persian gulf war and not contradict himself about liking the marine corp but disliking the experience, then it would have got a 5/5. I prefer a clear theme that doesn't end up muddy in my head after I've finished a book.

[Temaire' · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, be warned. This book has the language that you would expect in a book about Marines. It could have been a lot worse, but there is quite a bit. That saying, I really enjoyed this book. It gave me a lot of insight in to what James went through when he was in boot camp and how the reservist Marines are treated by the active duty Marines. I kept saying to James 'was boot camp like this for you?' or 'did this happen to you?'. It was amazing to me because he never mentioned any of those things to me. One thing I do know is that I NEVER would have survived the 1st day of boot camp! I also have a great love and respect for all of the branches of our military. Ooh Rah and SEMPER FI!!!

[Wyatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

spare parts, the author of this book is Buzz Williams. the time frame that cover the book of his life is when he is traing and going to diffent camps. this memoir is about Buzz Williams. the reason my author chose to write a memeoir to tell us about what goes down in the army. One interesting event was when my author had to chose to save his teamment or go on with the traing. Another interesting thing that happened was when he back talked his sgt and get punished. the most interesting thing that happened was when he stayed and did what the sgt told him to do and he didn't yell or cry like the other did.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buzz seems like a decent guy who writes about his experiences as a marine reservist & LAV specialist who ultimately ends up in the Gulf. The boot camp exp. and some of the friendships, as well as clashes with fellow soldiers, provide entertaining reading. The ending seemed rushed and disjointed, however. He comes across as earnest, honest, and hard working, and generally provides some good insight into the military side of american culture. At times he still seems pretty naive, but perhaps he's open enough to keep growing.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author portrays a couple of often neglected aspects of the current war in Iraq: the experience of a reservist whose unit was mobilized and sent to war, and his struggle with the aftermath upon his return to the States in the form of the symptoms of PTSD he experienced. Buzz Williams is introspective, articulate, and insightful - a Teacher of the Year award recipient - who speaks eloquently for hundreds of thousands of others who share his experiences.

[Gunnyshore · Rating 5 out of 5]

for those Marine Reservist who have served and activated during the Gulf War- Buzz did a great job explaining what we went thru, not only physically but emotionally. As a "Spare Part " there is a big difference to active duty Marines...until you all are in the fleet heading over to war. thank you Buzz for putting in writing the thoughts that I have carried in my mind for years. Semper Fi, Gunny Shore, USMCR ( ret)

[Veronica Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insightful personal experience of a reservist's evolution from citizen to warrior. Disturbing on more than one level due to both the psychological adjustments and trauma, as well as the lack of organization and foresight of training in our modern military. In the end it was eye opening and left me appreciative of those committed to serve and those committed to teach.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fascinating look into Marine Corps training and the Gulf War. I was particularly interested in his insight into what makes a good leader. The book was more literate than others I have read on the topic, which made it easier to get through.

[Christa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it for a work book club that's actually related to what we do at work .... Not bad - definitely different than my normal stuff, but I'm glad I read it. One more affirmation that I could NEVER be in the military, so I sure am glad others out there do.

[Paulcbry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nuanced look at basic training and wartime duty. The author is exactly the type of dedicated person the Marines need but he decided not to re-up. He also (unfortunately) presents a scene of stereotyping of Asians that reflects poorly on servicemembers.

[Curtis Jauregui · Rating 2 out of 5]

Found this book at the dollar store while shopping with the kids and figured for a buck I couldn't lose. For a buck it was fairly entertaining although the title is a bit deceiving.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting take on war

[Gretchen]

Interesting, good for me to read. I probably heard about it from this broadcast of The Diane Rehm Show. http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/200...