A Line in the Sand

by Ray Wiss, Stephen Harper (Foreword)

In 2007–08, Dr. Ray Wiss, a former infantry officer, served with the Canadian Forces at forward operating bases in Khandahar's Panjwayi valley, the area experiencing the most intense combat in Afghanistan. He spent more time in the combat area than any other Canadian physician, and his successful first book, FOB Doc, was the diary of his time “outside the wire” during that tour of duty.

Captain Wiss' experience in Afghanistan convinced him that this conflict was a rare example of a moral war. When asked to return for an even longer tour of duty in the combat zone, he readily agreed. Once again, he kept a diary, writing with passion about the efforts, sacrifices and achievements of those Canadians who served with such distinction. Illustrated with over 100 colour photographs, A Line in the Sand tells us about virtually every kind of soldier fighting in Afghanistan: the bomb technician, the engineer, the combat medic, the “grunt” as well as about the Afghans, from whom we are seemingly so different yet with whom we share so much. It is an impassioned insider’s view of the war in Afghanistan and a convincing testament to why it matters.

Genres: War, Military Fiction, Nonfiction, Canada, History, Middle East

424 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. If you want some true insight into Canada’s mission in Afghanistan read this book.

[David Chabot · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent book. It's focus on individuals instead of the broad war machine makes it enjoyable and enlightening. If you have one book to read about Canadians in Afghanistan, this one could do it. Major respect to all men and women in uniform.

[KB · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really great read. A Line in the Sand is essentially a journal of the author's time living and working in Afghanistan as a medic with the Canadian Forces. Wiss comes across as both intelligent and likable through his writing. He seems genuinely concerned and interested in the well-being of the Afghans and fully supports Canadian intervention in the war to make things better for them.

Protected by two oceans and the most powerful nation on earth, Canadians can go about their lives ignoring what goes on in the rest of the world. We can bury our heads in the sand and refuse to consider the plight of those who are suffering far from our shores. But if every time the subject of whether or not Canada should go to war comes up you say "We should stay out of it," that does not prove you are moral. It proves you are intellectually lazy.

I have only started reading about modern warfare more recently, and it was so great to read something from the Canadian perspective. There is no reason to not enjoy this book even if you aren't Canadian, however. Wiss' writing is clear and although this is a diary it flows very well. I've read books published as narratives that are a thousand times more choppy than this. I also loved the pictures. I don't think I've ever read a book that the images are integrated into the text like these were - good quality, all in colour and within the relevant text.

I have to say though that maybe reading his first book prior would've been helpful. This one doesn't give very much information to his background, and although that isn't always exciting to read, I think it really helps you get to know the author. With that being said, I look forward to reading FOB Doc in the near future.

[Huguette Larochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very interesting book. Captain Ray Wiss, is from my town Sudbury.
i did not know we have a hero, his book is very reveling , to make us understand what is going on over there , the book is very detail , and easy to read.

[Lawrence B. Russell, Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

Another excellent book by Dr. Wiss. I read FOB Doc and was pleased he had written another since the first one was so good. I am an American and I am so grateful to him and his comrades in Afghanistan. I would be honored to meet him some day. Dr. Wiss, you are a great writer. Please keep it up. And thank you for your service.

[Noah · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very in depth look at the lives of our front line soldiers, i have always been a war based book reader but this was a new experience to me

i liked the inside look into the FOBs our soldiers live and die in..

all in all a good read

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Capt. Ray Wiss is back, with his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. Capt. Wiss also kept a diary on this tour, which describes his experiences during his time in the various FOBs as well as "outside the wire", where he spent much of his time.

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative book giving an on-the-ground perspective of a combat doctor stationed in Canadian Forces Forward Operating Bases in Afghanistan.

[Tyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book if you want the truth about the Afganistan war. Written by our millitary and edited by our millitary. It shows Canadians what our soldiers go through in a war torn country.

[Ian Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great frontline unbiased account of war and how it affects those at home and abroad.