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Wounded
Marcus and his sister are counting down the days until their father comes home from Afghanistan. When the big day arrives, the family is overcome by happiness and relief that he is safe, but as the days pass Marcus begins to feel that there is something different about his father. Barely sleeping, obsessed with news from Afghanistan, and overly aggressive, his dad refuses to seek counselling. Marcus knows post-traumatic stress disorder affects many soldiers, and he needs to get his dad some help before it is too late.
237 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2009
21 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Eric Walters
157 books909 followersEric was born in Toronto in 1957, which makes him "real old". But, as Eric says, "Just because I have to grow old doesn't mean that I have to grow up!" In his many roles as parent, teacher, social worker, youth sports coach and writer he is in constant contact with children and young adults. He draws from these experiences and feels that this helps him to capture the realistic interaction between young people—the conflicts, tensions, stresses and interests that make up their lives.
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 3, 2013
This book needed to be written.
Personally I remember parents trying to convince their children that being a soldier is not a good job. They don't want to see their child hurt, or coming back dead. However there's so little emphasis on the fact that no soldier ever returns un-wounded.
Wounded focuses on the fact that soldiers will suffer from PTSD. They do what they need to do, and they choose the hard life. Most people think that when a soldier comes home their safe. However they're not safe from the demons in their head even if they've never been scratched.
Wounded shows us the PTSD of so many soldiers. People need to be told that soldiers can be hurt in the mind. Citizens need to know that.
Yes the average citizen know what they remember from History class. They know what November 11th means, and they stand their two minutes of silence.
This gives us a face to the soldier. They're no longer a statistic. They are people.
So are there families. They spend every day hoping that their soldier will come home safe. The families are never mentioned. Wounded tells us of a military family and the things that they go through. It affects them too.
A book was needed to tell people this. It was needed so badly.
Wounded made me (almost) cry, and laugh, and cheer. This is just one of many wonderful Eric Walter's books. It really doesn't matter that after reading so many I caught on the foreshadowing technique. It doesn't matter that I recognize info dumps since I already know that information. The first time I just suck up the information.
These book was needed.
Personally I remember parents trying to convince their children that being a soldier is not a good job. They don't want to see their child hurt, or coming back dead. However there's so little emphasis on the fact that no soldier ever returns un-wounded.
Wounded focuses on the fact that soldiers will suffer from PTSD. They do what they need to do, and they choose the hard life. Most people think that when a soldier comes home their safe. However they're not safe from the demons in their head even if they've never been scratched.
Wounded shows us the PTSD of so many soldiers. People need to be told that soldiers can be hurt in the mind. Citizens need to know that.
Yes the average citizen know what they remember from History class. They know what November 11th means, and they stand their two minutes of silence.
This gives us a face to the soldier. They're no longer a statistic. They are people.
So are there families. They spend every day hoping that their soldier will come home safe. The families are never mentioned. Wounded tells us of a military family and the things that they go through. It affects them too.
A book was needed to tell people this. It was needed so badly.
Wounded made me (almost) cry, and laugh, and cheer. This is just one of many wonderful Eric Walter's books. It really doesn't matter that after reading so many I caught on the foreshadowing technique. It doesn't matter that I recognize info dumps since I already know that information. The first time I just suck up the information.
These book was needed.
June 12, 2011
Wounded was one of the books that I thought would have things that would be too boring to read-but I was wrong. Wounded brings into a life of a boy who has a parent in the was of Afghanistan. It really tells you the story how just normal people who's parents aren't in the military just don't get it. How hard it can be if a death has been reported, injuries, and just how their doing. So the main character Marcus's dad is in the war of Afghanistan- Special Forces, about one of the most dangerous places to be. And just one day, everything changes for Marcus's family. There's been a death, but who is it? Marcus's dad or someone else's?
November 26, 2019
a very good book a little bit of violists here and there. Marcus has one sister but there waiting until his dad gets back from Afghanistan. Like how Eric Walters did not tell you he let you figure it out.
Read
January 18, 2011i think i like it
March 8, 2011
This book is skinny but powerfull
August 20, 2009
good so far.
October 27, 2017
You know this book was on my shelf for quite a while and I am really glad I buckled down and read it.
I'm going to call the book out though. It actually looks like it was written for film. When they start the book Eric Walters really tries to build up the intensity. Honestly the reason of the story doesn't start until the half-way part.
I'm not saying the beginning is bad. Just the opposite. There is actually more heart in the first half. You see in the first three chapters you are literally know everything about the atmosphere, how they live,and even how strong the chemistry is between Marcus and really everyone else in the story. This start up is just amazing and it lays the set out perfectly.
The relationship between Courtney and Marcus is perfectly cute. You have this touching way that they are trying to help each other. When ever these two were put together it gives the story a nice slow pace for them to talk.
Something I really want to shout out to him for is the amazing open-mindedness he creates in his books. The same way Camp 30 created a fine line between German's and Nazi's this book creates a fine line between the Residents and Terrorists the Canadian Soldiers fight against. I don't read many war books but the information offered is interesting.
Since this book is based on a a mentally wounded soldier you know there are going to be some stories from the war line and the imagery is not good. I would have eased up on the details (Even though they are to a degree toned down) (BUT this is a war book and as is how do you criticize that in a book like this.It's gore but its war based book.(Can't eat your cake and keep it too concept.))
For the next ten chapters you know the story is really about to start soon and it's going to hit hard.
I was actually dreading reading this because of how deep down the rabbit hole is was going to go.
Did it have that hard impact I expected. No not at all. I actually went in a direction I didn't expect, which actually made this book more realistic.
I do wish his sister was in the story more through the last half. But she seems to just disappear for the most part.
Without handing anything out the end fits perfectly with what the book offers us through out the story. Through the last half of the book all the certain quirks and sparks of anger shows everyone in the book needs therapy without is hammering it into the reader.
I'm going to call the book out though. It actually looks like it was written for film. When they start the book Eric Walters really tries to build up the intensity. Honestly the reason of the story doesn't start until the half-way part.
I'm not saying the beginning is bad. Just the opposite. There is actually more heart in the first half. You see in the first three chapters you are literally know everything about the atmosphere, how they live,and even how strong the chemistry is between Marcus and really everyone else in the story. This start up is just amazing and it lays the set out perfectly.
The relationship between Courtney and Marcus is perfectly cute. You have this touching way that they are trying to help each other. When ever these two were put together it gives the story a nice slow pace for them to talk.
Something I really want to shout out to him for is the amazing open-mindedness he creates in his books. The same way Camp 30 created a fine line between German's and Nazi's this book creates a fine line between the Residents and Terrorists the Canadian Soldiers fight against. I don't read many war books but the information offered is interesting.
Since this book is based on a a mentally wounded soldier you know there are going to be some stories from the war line and the imagery is not good. I would have eased up on the details (Even though they are to a degree toned down) (BUT this is a war book and as is how do you criticize that in a book like this.It's gore but its war based book.(Can't eat your cake and keep it too concept.))
For the next ten chapters you know the story is really about to start soon and it's going to hit hard.
I was actually dreading reading this because of how deep down the rabbit hole is was going to go.
Did it have that hard impact I expected. No not at all. I actually went in a direction I didn't expect, which actually made this book more realistic.
I do wish his sister was in the story more through the last half. But she seems to just disappear for the most part.
Without handing anything out the end fits perfectly with what the book offers us through out the story. Through the last half of the book all the certain quirks and sparks of anger shows everyone in the book needs therapy without is hammering it into the reader.
October 3, 2017
Wounded was about a unique family that lived on a military base because the father participated in the Afghanistan War. He was gone for nine months and when he returns his family notices a slight change in his attitude. His change in attitude progresses during the more time he spent at home. Marcus the son and main character has the most insight on how his father deals with the traumatic events. Only when Marcus is told by his friend Courtney that his father has PTSD, Marcus does something about it. Marcus's father begins to get violent, hitting Marcus and his mother. Marcus speaks up and his father finally agrees to talk to someone.
Wounded covers the historical events of the Afghanistan War. This book provided information on how it would feel as if you had a loved one participating in the Afghanistan War. Most history textbooks would not provide the emotion and thoughts of someone who had to go through a traumatic event.
The truth about the life of a solider after they come back from a traumatic event is very unfortunate, although they get to see their loved ones, they may not act the same as they once did. In Wounded Marcus knew that there was something different about his father. It wasn't until his father got violent that he knew that his father needs help. It is true that some solider's commit suicide because their not happy. It's also true that some solider's get violent with their loved ones to deal with the stress. All of that could be avoided if they talk to someone, reach out and get help. Even if they just talk to a family member. Solider's shouldn't be afraid to speak up if somethings wrong, or if they aren't feeling the same as they did.
I really liked this book a lot it was very interesting to read. I learned several things about how it feels to live with someone who has experienced a traumatic event. I can relate to how Marcus feels when he doesn't see his father very often and sometimes months on end. It's upsetting that families lose loved ones to wars. I disliked the fact that Marcus's father was very unwilling to get some help or even talk to his wife about his experience during the war. Overall this was a great book and I would defiantly recommend it.+
Wounded covers the historical events of the Afghanistan War. This book provided information on how it would feel as if you had a loved one participating in the Afghanistan War. Most history textbooks would not provide the emotion and thoughts of someone who had to go through a traumatic event.
The truth about the life of a solider after they come back from a traumatic event is very unfortunate, although they get to see their loved ones, they may not act the same as they once did. In Wounded Marcus knew that there was something different about his father. It wasn't until his father got violent that he knew that his father needs help. It is true that some solider's commit suicide because their not happy. It's also true that some solider's get violent with their loved ones to deal with the stress. All of that could be avoided if they talk to someone, reach out and get help. Even if they just talk to a family member. Solider's shouldn't be afraid to speak up if somethings wrong, or if they aren't feeling the same as they did.
I really liked this book a lot it was very interesting to read. I learned several things about how it feels to live with someone who has experienced a traumatic event. I can relate to how Marcus feels when he doesn't see his father very often and sometimes months on end. It's upsetting that families lose loved ones to wars. I disliked the fact that Marcus's father was very unwilling to get some help or even talk to his wife about his experience during the war. Overall this was a great book and I would defiantly recommend it.+
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2017
I found the book Wounded an amazing book. I think I liked this book the most because it touches on how someones mental health is just as important as their physical well being, which I think is super important. To start off with wounded is about a family of 4 but turns into a family of three for the majority of the time while the dad is over seas in Afghanistan when his platoon gets sent over there to fight in the Army. The family of 3 including a mom, young sister named Megan and a 15 year old son name Marcus go for weeks at a time with no communication from their father at all. The only thing they can do to see whats happening and if indeed he will come home safe, or at all is the stuff they can watch on the TV. When at one point had a news broadcast about an explosion that happened where their dad was. This book is all about love and hardship. The family waits anxiously finally to see their dad come home to what appears to be safe and sound. When eventually Marcus is the one to realize that he is not okay, at least not emotionally. He had what appears to be PTSD, he was constantly aggressive, barley sleeping, obsessed with everything that had to do with Afghanistan. He knew that his dad needed help, but he would not admit it, or help him self. This book is also about how the war has an effect on everyone. Courtney who appears to be Marcus's girl friend also had a dad who was in the Army and was a close friend to Marcus's dad. Courtney's father died over seas causing a lot of heart break for that family, Marcus's dad, Marcus him self, and the rest of his family. Marcus was only a 15 year old boy but he was considered the man of the house when his father was gone. He would constantly help his mom with his younger sister Megan instead of hanging out with Courtney, and also having to step up and help his father when he is struggling, especially when it came to his drinking problem.
December 9, 2020
This book really explains the story in a way that is really easy to understand, and it goes over every part and doesn’t talk about things that are not important in the book. Every part of the story is written like it has to be there and without it, the story just doesn’t make sense, the book is also pretty short so and doesn’t take too long to read. The author goes over and explains exactly how the characters feel and how they react to different situations and scenarios in the book, He makes you feel connected to the characters in such a way that it makes want to care about everyone in the book.
Marcus is the main character of the book and he is really kind and likes to keep his troubles to himself, when his father is away in the war, he leaves Marcus with a message telling him to take care of the family and he is the head of the family from now, He really took on this role and did what was wanted from his father, his mom was very proud. Marcus really cut his other fun activities off and decided to focus on his family like he promised his dad, it gets hard for him, but he doesn’t show it because he knows that deep down his mom is just crying and wants his dad to come home as soon as possible.
They check their mail, their emails and phone calls every single day to see if their dad left a message or called, they go through a hard time trying to focus and just hoping that their dad is alright. By reading the book you can see how the author is connected to this book’s characters a lot, and it’s he’s been through the same, he also spreads a good message to the world, and even though the book shows that they go through a lot in the start, it also shows that in the end all that was for sure worth it, I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to really understand a book and to any beginners who are getting into reading it really an understandable book.
Marcus is the main character of the book and he is really kind and likes to keep his troubles to himself, when his father is away in the war, he leaves Marcus with a message telling him to take care of the family and he is the head of the family from now, He really took on this role and did what was wanted from his father, his mom was very proud. Marcus really cut his other fun activities off and decided to focus on his family like he promised his dad, it gets hard for him, but he doesn’t show it because he knows that deep down his mom is just crying and wants his dad to come home as soon as possible.
They check their mail, their emails and phone calls every single day to see if their dad left a message or called, they go through a hard time trying to focus and just hoping that their dad is alright. By reading the book you can see how the author is connected to this book’s characters a lot, and it’s he’s been through the same, he also spreads a good message to the world, and even though the book shows that they go through a lot in the start, it also shows that in the end all that was for sure worth it, I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to really understand a book and to any beginners who are getting into reading it really an understandable book.
August 5, 2018
Marcus and his small family are ecstatic when his father final returns from the fields of Afghanistan, and he hopes life will return to normal soon - but as the days go by, he begins to realize that there is something vastly different about his father...something vastly broken...Walters is sure to have readers charmed with this emotionally charged story about family, trust, and the power of openness. How can Marcus hope to help a man that has seemingly changed for good after so long in battle?
November 12, 2018
Such an emotional read which deals with many of the social problems that are faced by our brave soldiers.
This book wasn't easy to read but really is one of the most read books.
Eric Walters has done it again with one of his books about after war.
This book wasn't easy to read but really is one of the most read books.
Eric Walters has done it again with one of his books about after war.
June 8, 2024
This book broke my heart and put it back together again.
As someone who grew up with both parents in the military, it hit really close to home. Eric Walters did an amazing job capturing what it's like to be a kid with a parent on a deployment.
I highly recommend this read.
As someone who grew up with both parents in the military, it hit really close to home. Eric Walters did an amazing job capturing what it's like to be a kid with a parent on a deployment.
I highly recommend this read.
January 4, 2026
It was a good read. It give u some insight on what some families go through when they have some one serving and some of the hardships when then are back. Also that help is there when u need it and that u can’t always do it all alone.
May 31, 2013
Story Description:
Penguin Group Canada|April 20, 2010|Mass Market Paperbound|ISBN: 978-0-14-317178-2
Marcus and his sister are counting down the days until their father comes home from Afghanistan. When the big day arrives, the family is overcome by happiness and relief that he is safe, but as the days pass Marcus begins to feel that there is something different about his father. Barely sleeping, obsessed with news from Afghanistan, and overly aggressive, his dad refuses to seek counselling. Marcus knows post-traumatic stress disorder affects many soldiers, and he needs to get his dad some help before it is too late.
My Review:
Fifteen-year-old, Marcus’s father is stationed in Afghanistan serving as part of the Special Forces team. His mother, Carol and younger sister, Megan live on the base which Marcus prefers. He feels more comfortable living there and feels “how could anybody who didn’t have a parent serving overseas know what it felt like for us?” Marcus feels he is more with his kind than he would be living outside the base.
Megan has a lot of trouble sleeping due to worry about her Dad and begins having night terrors. That is somewhat rectified by sleeping with her Mom in her bed, and she has a pillow with a picture of her Dad’s face on it. Each night before she goes to bed she would spritz the pillow with her Dad’s after shave lotion which calmed her down a great deal.
To keep herself busy and as free from worry as possible, Carol works at Wal-Mart a few hours a week. When she is home she cleans every surface in the house. Marcus often jokes that they have the cleanest home on the base.
Waiting for this tour of duty to be over is very difficult on the family. They have made a calendar that hangs on the kitchen wall which counts down the days until his return. Each day, Megan crosses off one day and announces to Carol and Marcus how many days are left.
Each day the family waits for an e-mail or phone call from Afghanistan and they are worried sick because it has been 3 weeks since they’d last heard anything. This is unusual and the longest their father has ever gone without communicating with them. Then one day on the news they heard that a Canadian soldier has been killed by an IED and several others were wounded. The family is heart-stricken thinking it could be their father and that is why they haven’t heard from him in such a long time. Fortunately for them, it wasn’t him, but it was Marcus’s girlfriends father instead and Marcus had to deal with that whole situation for the girls’ sake.
When Dad finally returns home he is a changed man and is clearly suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder but fails to see that in himself. It is a very difficult period of time for the rest of the family as they try to convince him that he needs counselling.
Wounded was written for a Grade 8 class and was penned with honesty and tempered with consideration for the audience for which it was written. I thoroughly enjoyed it and read it in a couple of hours at a short 224 pages. Eric Walters is a patient and kind writer who always keeps in mind the audience his book is geared for.
Wounded reminds us all to be very thankful to the brave men and women who risk their lives every day for our country. Next time you see a soldier, remember to shake their hand and say thank you.
Penguin Group Canada|April 20, 2010|Mass Market Paperbound|ISBN: 978-0-14-317178-2
Marcus and his sister are counting down the days until their father comes home from Afghanistan. When the big day arrives, the family is overcome by happiness and relief that he is safe, but as the days pass Marcus begins to feel that there is something different about his father. Barely sleeping, obsessed with news from Afghanistan, and overly aggressive, his dad refuses to seek counselling. Marcus knows post-traumatic stress disorder affects many soldiers, and he needs to get his dad some help before it is too late.
My Review:
Fifteen-year-old, Marcus’s father is stationed in Afghanistan serving as part of the Special Forces team. His mother, Carol and younger sister, Megan live on the base which Marcus prefers. He feels more comfortable living there and feels “how could anybody who didn’t have a parent serving overseas know what it felt like for us?” Marcus feels he is more with his kind than he would be living outside the base.
Megan has a lot of trouble sleeping due to worry about her Dad and begins having night terrors. That is somewhat rectified by sleeping with her Mom in her bed, and she has a pillow with a picture of her Dad’s face on it. Each night before she goes to bed she would spritz the pillow with her Dad’s after shave lotion which calmed her down a great deal.
To keep herself busy and as free from worry as possible, Carol works at Wal-Mart a few hours a week. When she is home she cleans every surface in the house. Marcus often jokes that they have the cleanest home on the base.
Waiting for this tour of duty to be over is very difficult on the family. They have made a calendar that hangs on the kitchen wall which counts down the days until his return. Each day, Megan crosses off one day and announces to Carol and Marcus how many days are left.
Each day the family waits for an e-mail or phone call from Afghanistan and they are worried sick because it has been 3 weeks since they’d last heard anything. This is unusual and the longest their father has ever gone without communicating with them. Then one day on the news they heard that a Canadian soldier has been killed by an IED and several others were wounded. The family is heart-stricken thinking it could be their father and that is why they haven’t heard from him in such a long time. Fortunately for them, it wasn’t him, but it was Marcus’s girlfriends father instead and Marcus had to deal with that whole situation for the girls’ sake.
When Dad finally returns home he is a changed man and is clearly suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder but fails to see that in himself. It is a very difficult period of time for the rest of the family as they try to convince him that he needs counselling.
Wounded was written for a Grade 8 class and was penned with honesty and tempered with consideration for the audience for which it was written. I thoroughly enjoyed it and read it in a couple of hours at a short 224 pages. Eric Walters is a patient and kind writer who always keeps in mind the audience his book is geared for.
Wounded reminds us all to be very thankful to the brave men and women who risk their lives every day for our country. Next time you see a soldier, remember to shake their hand and say thank you.
November 30, 2011
This book is about this boy, Marcus, who's father has gone out to war in Afghanistan as part of the Special Forces. Each day Marcus and rest of his family await for his return. Meanwhile, Marcus starts dating his crush. Tragically, her father died in the conflict and put a grave sadness over all of them. As a reminder that the unthinkable might also happen to Marcus, he awaits with worry, as they have not heard from his father in months. *Spoiler* Marcus's dad returns safely back, but comes back as a stranger man. He was wounded not physically, but wounded inside of him.
I picked this book up because I have always been interested in war novels, and the very title was very dramatic, so I decided to give the book a try.
I finished this book because of the uncertainty of the end of each chapter, (foreshadowing) so I just couldn't stop reading this book until the end came and left me lost and dazzled because of the constant foreshadowing, so I was left with the end, which was very weird compared to the end of the other chapters.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in war novels (particularly Kevish) with a little hint of romance(which is the part I didn't like) or those people who love to foreshadow and keep reading for hours, since the setting is modern day, warfare, and with all the hints of the future, this book is great for them.
I picked this book up because I have always been interested in war novels, and the very title was very dramatic, so I decided to give the book a try.
I finished this book because of the uncertainty of the end of each chapter, (foreshadowing) so I just couldn't stop reading this book until the end came and left me lost and dazzled because of the constant foreshadowing, so I was left with the end, which was very weird compared to the end of the other chapters.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in war novels (particularly Kevish) with a little hint of romance(which is the part I didn't like) or those people who love to foreshadow and keep reading for hours, since the setting is modern day, warfare, and with all the hints of the future, this book is great for them.
May 17, 2013
This book is about a boy named Marcus. His father is a solider fighting for where Marcus' family, friends and just innocent people live. This is something that Marcus is happy about in his father. But with all drama filled novels, there comes a wave of depression and sadness that overcomes the characters involved. Basically Marcus, his sister and his mother (wife of dad) is obviously lonely without their father/significant other. But as we know, all BAD things must come to an end because Marcus' father came home after about a time period of 9 months. Everyone is fairly happy until their father/husband turns into more of a solider than a father at all. He is very jumpy, abusive, night traumas occurring, etc. If you do understand, have been in a situation of a loved one serving in war, or haven't, you would know how the family overcomes these troubles and gets through it together. Also, if you like a little bit of romance mixed in with it, this is the perfect book for you! I actually rated it a total of 3 stars only because I couldn't really relate to it as much as probably most of the readers can (since a lot of people who probably read this book had someone they loved serve), I didn't. But I would absolutely recommend this novel to someone going through a time like this, an individual, to help them. Thanks for taking the time to read about my overall thoughts on this book.
August 13, 2018
This book was just wonderful !! It basically follows the story of a young boy called marcus. Marcus lives in Afghanistan wih his mother and his younger sister lily. They are waiting for their father to be back from the military and return home. When marcus's father returns home the family is filled with joy and happiness to have finally got their father back home with them. However, they notice that their father has changed a lot in his behaviors and personality. Marcus soon finds out from his friend Fiona, that his father is suffering from PTSD. (Post traumatic stress disorder) PTSD usually occurs after a person experienced a traumatic incident. Since his father was in war, he obviously has seen people being killed and has heard screams, bombs, etc. Marcus tries to help his father in every way he can. I personally think that this book was a great read and I really enjoyed it. The characters where really well developed and the book was very well written. I totally reccomend this book to everyone who is looking for a good read. However this book is a little too mature and might be upsetting for some readers. Overall, I loved it!!!
May 19, 2010
Eric Walters is one of my favourite authors for young adults. His books are topical and attractive to the boys I teach. This latest book deals with how the war in Afghanistan is affecting families back home. We see the affect a death has on a military family, as well as the main character dealing with his father's return from Afghanistan. The youth in the book deal with a father suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as their own issues around fear of loss.
The only criticism I have of this book is that the ending is a little abrupt, leaving the reader wondering what was going to happen. I wish the author could have spent one more chapter as a denoument, as the ending did feel a little forced.
Still an excellent book to help young people understand that war affects more than the soldiers and that more than the families of dead soldiers deserve our sympathy and respect.
The only criticism I have of this book is that the ending is a little abrupt, leaving the reader wondering what was going to happen. I wish the author could have spent one more chapter as a denoument, as the ending did feel a little forced.
Still an excellent book to help young people understand that war affects more than the soldiers and that more than the families of dead soldiers deserve our sympathy and respect.
April 17, 2013
Marcus and his family are waiting for his dad to come home from a mission in Afghanistan. His dad finally returns and all is good. But, over time, Marcus senses something strange about his father. He tries to get him counselling to treat his disorder but he refuses.
I picked up this book because I really wanted a level four to be honest. It was randomly picked off the war/historic fiction shelf; a shelf I barely even look at.
I finished this book because I wanted to train myself to read "less interesting" books, Since I usually only read adventure and action type genres.
Personally, I found this book very slow moving and boring. I would give this genre another chance but wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
I picked up this book because I really wanted a level four to be honest. It was randomly picked off the war/historic fiction shelf; a shelf I barely even look at.
I finished this book because I wanted to train myself to read "less interesting" books, Since I usually only read adventure and action type genres.
Personally, I found this book very slow moving and boring. I would give this genre another chance but wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
March 25, 2014
This book is a story about a boy named Marcus who although being a typical teenager has the added responsibility of being "the man around the house" while his dad is on duty in Afghanistan. He father is a soldier for Canada and is part of a special forces team that is attempting to find the Taliban. Even though the war is miles away, Marcus and his family and friends are deeply affected. Marcus himself sacrifices a lot to fill in for his dad while he is away and also witnesses his best friend Courtney being given the worst news possible. I enjoyed reading this story because I think Marcus is a realistic character and because he sacrificed so much to be there for his mother and younger sister.
June 20, 2017
This book is good because it can be read and appreciated by military and civilian families alike.
The book manages to touch on tough issues such as the war in Afghanistan, having an absent father, and PTSD in an honest yet thoughtful and considerate way. You never see Marcus and his family as victims which is very important.
As part of a very pro-peace family, I thought I would have more issues with this book than I did. Instead of feeling distant or in disagreement with this book, I actually felt like the story was easy to relate to. By the end, I felt I had a better understanding and sympathy for those who go through what Marcus and his family went through.
The book manages to touch on tough issues such as the war in Afghanistan, having an absent father, and PTSD in an honest yet thoughtful and considerate way. You never see Marcus and his family as victims which is very important.
As part of a very pro-peace family, I thought I would have more issues with this book than I did. Instead of feeling distant or in disagreement with this book, I actually felt like the story was easy to relate to. By the end, I felt I had a better understanding and sympathy for those who go through what Marcus and his family went through.
February 3, 2013
Marcus and his sister are counting down the days until their father comes home from Afghanistan. When the big day arrives, the family is overcome by happiness and relief that he is safe, but as the days pass Marcus begins to feel that there is something different about his father. Barely sleeping, obsessed with news from Afghanistan, and overly aggressive, his dad refuses to seek counselling. Marcus knows post-traumatic stress disorder affects many soldiers, and he needs to get his dad some help before it is too late.
July 8, 2009
This book did a decent job of portraying the different struggles that military families have. It also has a good message about recognizing the need of counseling when a solider has been mentally wounded.
It is a very quick read - almost at the sacrifice of a stronger plot. I felt that the ending sort of left some general questions that arise in the book unanswered.
Overall, I would recommend this book for readers interested in current social issues, PTSD, or military issues.
It is a very quick read - almost at the sacrifice of a stronger plot. I felt that the ending sort of left some general questions that arise in the book unanswered.
Overall, I would recommend this book for readers interested in current social issues, PTSD, or military issues.
December 11, 2013
I really enjoyed reading this book in my grade 7 class and writing responses. The book was great but I think that it could of had a better ending then just Marcus' farther agreeing with him that he should go get help. Otherwise everything that happened in the book helped make the book really amazing to read.
April 5, 2010
This book was good enough. It tells what happens to a military family and how there are numerous ways to be wounded. However some parts were extremly boring, so read it but do not have high expectations.
August 23, 2010
A read aloud with the grade sixes. I really enjoyed this depiction of Terry Fox. It was very true to the character and yet still lovable. The fictionalization did not take away from the Marathon of Hope and the dialogue was great.
October 25, 2010
As always, Eric Walters tackles a tough aspect of war- what many soliders face upon their return to civilization. This book will be great for lit circles, and discussions about post traumatic stress syndrome as well as the impact on the families of having loved ones away, as well their return.
November 6, 2012
I THOUGHT THAT THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING!!! IT WAS WELL WRITTEN AND CAPTURED MY attention. I WOULD GIVE IT FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS BECAUSE THE WAY IT WAS WRITTEN I COULD ALWAYS FEEL OR UNDERSTAND HOW THE CHARACTERS WERE FEELING AND I COULD VISUALIZE EACH PAGE.
I READ IT IN ABOUT 3 OR 4 HOURS
I READ IT IN ABOUT 3 OR 4 HOURS
June 8, 2010
amazing book since i plan on joining the army i love this kind of books and ya great freakin book
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