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Scars and Stars
A boy of just six years old, Austin Roberts finds himself perpetually in the way at the post-funeral gathering of his great uncle Jack.Frustrated and alone, he wanders out onto the front porch to find his great uncle Cat, Jack's brother, sitting alone, an old album on his lap. Oblivious to the world around them, the two begin an unlikely conversation and together embark on journey that stretches almost seven decades in length.
Page by page, Cat imparts the story of the album to young Austin, using a series of seemingly mundane and unconnected objects to tell the story of the Robert brothers from long ago.
Beginning with their humble upbringing by a single mother on the river bottoms of rural Ohio to the day they left home to serve in the Korean War, through their capture and escape from an unmarked prisoner of war camp and on through the lives they returned to, the album tells a story of bravery and brotherhood that knows no bounds.
Page by page, Cat imparts the story of the album to young Austin, using a series of seemingly mundane and unconnected objects to tell the story of the Robert brothers from long ago.
Beginning with their humble upbringing by a single mother on the river bottoms of rural Ohio to the day they left home to serve in the Korean War, through their capture and escape from an unmarked prisoner of war camp and on through the lives they returned to, the album tells a story of bravery and brotherhood that knows no bounds.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2013
375 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Dustin Stevens
84 books313 followersI originally hail from the midwest, growing up in the heart of farm country, and still consider it, along with West Tennessee, my co-home. Between the two, I have a firm belief that football is the greatest of all past-times, sweet tea is really the only acceptable beverage for any occasion, there is not an event on earth that either gym shorts or boots can't be worn to, and that Dairy Queen is the best restaurant on the planet. Further, southern accents are a highly likeable feature on most everybody, English bulldogs sit atop the critter hierarchy, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a Saturday night spent catfishing at the lake.
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.
To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault.
Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
April 11, 2018
Scars and Stars is told from the view of a nephew of the main characters. The main characters are two brothers. After one of the brothers dies the remaining one, called Uncle Cat, sits down his nephew and shows him a scrapbook he made with his brother. Cat starts by talking about his childhood and when his bond with his brother first appeared. This happened when their mom was in trouble and his brother ran off to help. Later Cat went looking and saw his brother and mom in trouble. He helped them fight someone off and saved them. From then on both Cat and his brother helped each other multiple times. Cat though always felt in debt to his brother.
From then on Cat talks about when the U.S. declared war on Korea and how he and his brother had to join late and ended up only having each other. The book then talks about the long and hard journey to Korea. When they get to Korea they land on a beach without resistance. Soon they come across land mines and end up having to travel through a river ditching most of their gear. Later his division ends up getting ambushed in a ravine. The two brothers save a bunch of people but they get threatened with a court martial. Later, after their divisions leader gets greedy, their entire division gets surrounded and wiped out accept for a few who had to swim through a freezing lake. Through the following days they lose more and more people but eventually meet up with some Marines. They end up staying behind to cover fire for the Marines and they get captured. The rest of the book is them making friends at a prison camp, escaping and rescuing the prisoners. At the end they go home and learned that they were reported KIA.
The book is amazing. It has a great story, great meaning and great author. The Korean War, until recently, has been barely talked, or written about. It is often called the Forgotten War, though many brave Americans died in it. This book really talks more about the war and in that way honors its veterans. I gave this book five stars because it is the only book I have read completely twice. Each time I took away something different. When I read it a few years ago I focused on the adventure part of the book, this time I focused on the brotherly bond the main characters had. I hope as time goes by I remember this book and keep reading it and getting new lessons from it. When I read it the story of the brothers really stuck with me because I have a brother who is also two years older than me. I think about how much worse I could have been and how lucky I am.
From then on Cat talks about when the U.S. declared war on Korea and how he and his brother had to join late and ended up only having each other. The book then talks about the long and hard journey to Korea. When they get to Korea they land on a beach without resistance. Soon they come across land mines and end up having to travel through a river ditching most of their gear. Later his division ends up getting ambushed in a ravine. The two brothers save a bunch of people but they get threatened with a court martial. Later, after their divisions leader gets greedy, their entire division gets surrounded and wiped out accept for a few who had to swim through a freezing lake. Through the following days they lose more and more people but eventually meet up with some Marines. They end up staying behind to cover fire for the Marines and they get captured. The rest of the book is them making friends at a prison camp, escaping and rescuing the prisoners. At the end they go home and learned that they were reported KIA.
The book is amazing. It has a great story, great meaning and great author. The Korean War, until recently, has been barely talked, or written about. It is often called the Forgotten War, though many brave Americans died in it. This book really talks more about the war and in that way honors its veterans. I gave this book five stars because it is the only book I have read completely twice. Each time I took away something different. When I read it a few years ago I focused on the adventure part of the book, this time I focused on the brotherly bond the main characters had. I hope as time goes by I remember this book and keep reading it and getting new lessons from it. When I read it the story of the brothers really stuck with me because I have a brother who is also two years older than me. I think about how much worse I could have been and how lucky I am.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2018
Right to my heart
I honestly didn't know if I wanted to read a war story or not. Don't get me wrong, I'm very interested in them, my grandfather fought in WWII, my Dad was a Green Beret, my ex did 25 years in the Navy. Just yesterday I watched a documentary by Granger Smith that made me bawl my eyes out. But this book, it drug me in from the beginning, like I was right next to the brothers the entire time, seeing and feeling what they were going thru. I cried,I laughed,I bawled, snot running down my face, this book was excellent. I could read it again and again. I discovered it by accident and now I'm going to have to stalk this author, not really, don't worry and read all his books. But, this one, this one will be my favorite. You couldn't have even picked a better title, just perfect. Beautifully written so you felt in the moment, the pages you wanted turned in the album for the next memory. Outstanding!!!!!
I honestly didn't know if I wanted to read a war story or not. Don't get me wrong, I'm very interested in them, my grandfather fought in WWII, my Dad was a Green Beret, my ex did 25 years in the Navy. Just yesterday I watched a documentary by Granger Smith that made me bawl my eyes out. But this book, it drug me in from the beginning, like I was right next to the brothers the entire time, seeing and feeling what they were going thru. I cried,I laughed,I bawled, snot running down my face, this book was excellent. I could read it again and again. I discovered it by accident and now I'm going to have to stalk this author, not really, don't worry and read all his books. But, this one, this one will be my favorite. You couldn't have even picked a better title, just perfect. Beautifully written so you felt in the moment, the pages you wanted turned in the album for the next memory. Outstanding!!!!!
June 30, 2025
Dustin Stevens' Scars and Stars affected me like no other book has done!
Six year old Austin Roberts has joined his great uncle Cat on the porch of his house as an escape from a large family gathering. Cat then tells him I'm going to tell you a story that I have never told anyone. Austin, you must learn to tell it to everyone after I'm gone.
Cat tells Austin his story from an album that contains various items representing the sequence of events in his seven-decade life. Austin is entranced and rarely interrupts Uncle Cat. But he does ask questions but appropriately allows Uncle Cat some quiet time when he needs it.
Stevens wrote this book that is so interesting that it is difficult to stop reading at any time. And you are constantly amazed with Cat's story as it continues to unfold.
But at the end, this book affected me so much that I was unable to keep the tears from coming down my face.
Six year old Austin Roberts has joined his great uncle Cat on the porch of his house as an escape from a large family gathering. Cat then tells him I'm going to tell you a story that I have never told anyone. Austin, you must learn to tell it to everyone after I'm gone.
Cat tells Austin his story from an album that contains various items representing the sequence of events in his seven-decade life. Austin is entranced and rarely interrupts Uncle Cat. But he does ask questions but appropriately allows Uncle Cat some quiet time when he needs it.
Stevens wrote this book that is so interesting that it is difficult to stop reading at any time. And you are constantly amazed with Cat's story as it continues to unfold.
But at the end, this book affected me so much that I was unable to keep the tears from coming down my face.
July 26, 2018
May we weep for those of the forgotten War
I must confess before this story what I knew of the Korean War came from episodes of M.A.S.H. I had heard brief snippets about the Choisan Reservoir, but this book forced me to do actual research. I live on an old military base & pass streets named for WW2 battles but none are for Korea. Because of this story I now know much more about the Korean Conflict as it was once called. Obviously written by someone who has never seen men die. I hope to never forget that My country spawned men & women who did the right thing because it was the right thing. My spouse served in the OEF & I know some of what he endured. Strange though, this book gave me a more complete idea of what he went through. Wish we had sons for him to pass the record to.
I must confess before this story what I knew of the Korean War came from episodes of M.A.S.H. I had heard brief snippets about the Choisan Reservoir, but this book forced me to do actual research. I live on an old military base & pass streets named for WW2 battles but none are for Korea. Because of this story I now know much more about the Korean Conflict as it was once called. Obviously written by someone who has never seen men die. I hope to never forget that My country spawned men & women who did the right thing because it was the right thing. My spouse served in the OEF & I know some of what he endured. Strange though, this book gave me a more complete idea of what he went through. Wish we had sons for him to pass the record to.
February 12, 2018
Five stars for Scars and Stars
My father was a veteran of the Korean War. I teach reading and history. Because of my father and all of the other beloved veterans in my family, I teach a unit on war in reading. Good books on the Korean War and World War I that middle schoolers can read are very few. The truth is I picked Scars and Stars on a hope and a prayer. Thankfully my hope and prayer were answered in this story. It is an awesome story that has the reader wanting to never put it down. Starting from their young age the story tells the hardships of growing up with a single parent, to being thrown into the war with only a few days in basic training. Please read this book! You will not regret it.
My father was a veteran of the Korean War. I teach reading and history. Because of my father and all of the other beloved veterans in my family, I teach a unit on war in reading. Good books on the Korean War and World War I that middle schoolers can read are very few. The truth is I picked Scars and Stars on a hope and a prayer. Thankfully my hope and prayer were answered in this story. It is an awesome story that has the reader wanting to never put it down. Starting from their young age the story tells the hardships of growing up with a single parent, to being thrown into the war with only a few days in basic training. Please read this book! You will not regret it.
December 27, 2016
Memories
In reading this book it brought back many memories. Memories of growing up on my grandfather's dairy farm with my cousin Bob and the things we got into while on the farm. The things we learned from our grandfather.
It also took me back to my time in the Marine Corps and with my brother Marines. And what we went through in our time fighting in the Iraq war.
After reading this I wish I could write it all down in a book like Cat had to pass on for generations to come.
This book kept me up late wanting to read what happened next and I was up early to read more of it. TV hasn't been on in two days as I couldn't set this book down.
In reading this book it brought back many memories. Memories of growing up on my grandfather's dairy farm with my cousin Bob and the things we got into while on the farm. The things we learned from our grandfather.
It also took me back to my time in the Marine Corps and with my brother Marines. And what we went through in our time fighting in the Iraq war.
After reading this I wish I could write it all down in a book like Cat had to pass on for generations to come.
This book kept me up late wanting to read what happened next and I was up early to read more of it. TV hasn't been on in two days as I couldn't set this book down.
November 25, 2017
I found this book to be very captivating. I felt like the scenery and environments were well depicted and that I was actually there with the characters. There was a story to tell, a heritage to pass on, and the author did a nice job. I look forward to reading more of his works!
I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in war-time novels. This book shares the horrors the men went through without too much of the graphic detail that other novels may. This one also shows the brotherly bond of two brothers during this time. I thoroughly enjoyed the book!
I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in war-time novels. This book shares the horrors the men went through without too much of the graphic detail that other novels may. This one also shows the brotherly bond of two brothers during this time. I thoroughly enjoyed the book!
February 1, 2018
I'm not sure what to think about this book.
It seems like a book from another time, the simplistic messages and conversational language used throughout the story. Very much like how my father-in-law, who served in Korea, would talk, but not at a pace that I am accustomed to, without wanting to hurry it along.
I enjoyed the story and the characters, but found myself wondering all the way to the end if it was compelling enough to finish. I am very glad I read this book, but equally excited to move on to something else.
It seems like a book from another time, the simplistic messages and conversational language used throughout the story. Very much like how my father-in-law, who served in Korea, would talk, but not at a pace that I am accustomed to, without wanting to hurry it along.
I enjoyed the story and the characters, but found myself wondering all the way to the end if it was compelling enough to finish. I am very glad I read this book, but equally excited to move on to something else.
May 18, 2017
I read this book in July of 2014. It has stayed with me ever since. The story, the graphic and detailed nature of the journey the brothers lived through...it was wonderfully told, heartfelt in making you feel as if you were THERE...in that moment you are reading about.
I read ALOT. Very few books just stay with me, I remember the entire storyline and think about it periodically. And now with Memorial Day coming up, I think I'll re-read it.
I read ALOT. Very few books just stay with me, I remember the entire storyline and think about it periodically. And now with Memorial Day coming up, I think I'll re-read it.
January 18, 2018
Such a vibrant account
I have read and enjoyed a few of Dustin Stevens' tales. None more than this. A vivid, respect filled exploration of the grim and costly realities of war, it still manages to fill the reader with anticipation and hope. The value of life augmented by the frailty and transient nature of man and the brotherhood created in shared experience, while detailing the extremes endured for honor and love.
I have read and enjoyed a few of Dustin Stevens' tales. None more than this. A vivid, respect filled exploration of the grim and costly realities of war, it still manages to fill the reader with anticipation and hope. The value of life augmented by the frailty and transient nature of man and the brotherhood created in shared experience, while detailing the extremes endured for honor and love.
March 16, 2018
Forgotten soldiers
When I started this book it seemed to read slow, but the beginning was needed to complete the story. Once started I had a hard time putting it down. As a veteran of a war that most people would like to forget, I was able to relate to this story and Cat's book. I cried, I laughed and I felt his pain and sorrow. I read a lot and I have to say this was one of the most emotional books I have ever read. Well done.
When I started this book it seemed to read slow, but the beginning was needed to complete the story. Once started I had a hard time putting it down. As a veteran of a war that most people would like to forget, I was able to relate to this story and Cat's book. I cried, I laughed and I felt his pain and sorrow. I read a lot and I have to say this was one of the most emotional books I have ever read. Well done.
August 12, 2018
Not as much a war story, as a story of the bond between brothers. I lost my own brother nearly four years ago. He was my confidant, my advisor, my hunting, fishing, and drinking buddy. We did not experience the same adventures as Jack and Cat, but served together as firefighters for more than fifteen years. This really hit home for me, and Stevens has clearly produced a book that will undoubtedly have the same effect on all brothers. Extremely well done.
July 29, 2017
Sharing Life's Memories
It is hard to put into words the heartfelt feelings going through me as I read this book.It touched me so much that I broke down and cried. I thank you so much for putting this story into a book form that will certainly be appreciated by anyone who has a loved one who has gone to war will be able to understand the bond between brothers. Again thank you .
It is hard to put into words the heartfelt feelings going through me as I read this book.It touched me so much that I broke down and cried. I thank you so much for putting this story into a book form that will certainly be appreciated by anyone who has a loved one who has gone to war will be able to understand the bond between brothers. Again thank you .
July 31, 2017
Riveting
An absolute hold my breath page-turner. Not sure I even breathed during the second half. I had a cousin in law who never came back from Chosin. All I have is a blurry photo he sent his bride after he arrived. This book is a tribute to brave men like him, who answered his country's call. Bless them.
An absolute hold my breath page-turner. Not sure I even breathed during the second half. I had a cousin in law who never came back from Chosin. All I have is a blurry photo he sent his bride after he arrived. This book is a tribute to brave men like him, who answered his country's call. Bless them.
February 10, 2018
A great personal history
I wish I had read this sooner. Perhaps it would have prompted me to ask more questions about my parent's young lives. There are a few family anecdotes I remember, and stories of my life that I wish to become family history. I better get writing. Great 2 day read.
I wish I had read this sooner. Perhaps it would have prompted me to ask more questions about my parent's young lives. There are a few family anecdotes I remember, and stories of my life that I wish to become family history. I better get writing. Great 2 day read.
April 19, 2018
Remarkable story
I know the author cannot be old enough to have first hand knowledge of Korea but the book is so real i actually cried. My brother was an mia in this war and his remains were never found. I was only a little girl but I know it left a big whole in our lives. This story made it real and now I know why it has always made me mad when I heard The Forgotten War.
I know the author cannot be old enough to have first hand knowledge of Korea but the book is so real i actually cried. My brother was an mia in this war and his remains were never found. I was only a little girl but I know it left a big whole in our lives. This story made it real and now I know why it has always made me mad when I heard The Forgotten War.
June 18, 2019
According to my Goodreads profile, I have read 77 books so far this year. This is definitely the best one. It is similar to Laura Hillenbrand's "Unbroken". It is the story of the love, courage and determination of two brothers during the Korean war. It is tole in the narrative style of one brother relating the tale to his great nephew. I enthusiastically recommend this book.
July 18, 2019
I loved this book!!! It is a slight departure from some of Mr. Steven's other books. This one focuses on a relationship with two brothers. It is a wonderful story and so human. I couldn't put it down. I felt like I was there with them. I highly recommend this book. You will not be sorry you took the time to read it.
September 7, 2019
Great read!!
This book is one of the top five I've read this year. A moving story of the bonds of brotherhood.....be it family or fellow warriors. A good read for both military veterans and others.....lest we ever forget the sacrifices made by the selfless heroes of a forgotten war.
This book is one of the top five I've read this year. A moving story of the bonds of brotherhood.....be it family or fellow warriors. A good read for both military veterans and others.....lest we ever forget the sacrifices made by the selfless heroes of a forgotten war.
August 5, 2017
As a veteran of the Korean War I was glued to the story you wrote . The' '" Forgotten War"rgt
Should be required reading for current generation. Thank you for the pleasure and opportunity to read your book. Thanks again
Should be required reading for current generation. Thank you for the pleasure and opportunity to read your book. Thanks again
March 5, 2018
Great book
I was so drawn into the book that I finished it in one day.....parts of it brought tears to my eyes. The story of two brothers and a brotherhood. The Korean War is definitely the "forgotten war" thank you Dustin Stevens for writing this for us to enjoy
I was so drawn into the book that I finished it in one day.....parts of it brought tears to my eyes. The story of two brothers and a brotherhood. The Korean War is definitely the "forgotten war" thank you Dustin Stevens for writing this for us to enjoy
March 15, 2018
One of the best......
This book will capture, entertain and touch you. It seems as if it a true accounting , stunningly told. It pulled me in so much, I had to remind myself it was a story.
This book will capture, entertain and touch you. It seems as if it a true accounting , stunningly told. It pulled me in so much, I had to remind myself it was a story.
June 19, 2018
An enjoyable read on the Korean conflict
This was by far the best story by Dustin Stevens. I look forward to the rest of his stories. Thank you for the pleasure of reading a fine novel.
This was by far the best story by Dustin Stevens. I look forward to the rest of his stories. Thank you for the pleasure of reading a fine novel.
January 27, 2019
A story of the Forgotten War
A poignant story of brothers and the Korean War. The cruelty of a prisoner of war camp, escape, and rescue. I did not realize how invested I was in Cat and Jack's story until a tear fell at the end.
A poignant story of brothers and the Korean War. The cruelty of a prisoner of war camp, escape, and rescue. I did not realize how invested I was in Cat and Jack's story until a tear fell at the end.
Read
May 31, 2019Could not put it down
Korean war veterans...tough as nails and heart-wrenching story of the love and loyalty between brothers. The legacy of this all-American family had me in tears.
Korean war veterans...tough as nails and heart-wrenching story of the love and loyalty between brothers. The legacy of this all-American family had me in tears.
August 2, 2019
One of the finest tales of brotherhood and Korea I have ever read
This was one of those rare books that I couldn’t put down. The telling of a family story and brothers sent to Korea is done in a way that will both enthrall you and tug at your heart strings.
This was one of those rare books that I couldn’t put down. The telling of a family story and brothers sent to Korea is done in a way that will both enthrall you and tug at your heart strings.
March 31, 2020
Great read
Riveting and so well done it feels almost that you are there. The narrative is real and flows well and I could barely put it down. I've no doubt that many of our service men could have been models for this. Well done!
Riveting and so well done it feels almost that you are there. The narrative is real and flows well and I could barely put it down. I've no doubt that many of our service men could have been models for this. Well done!
March 6, 2021
One of the most important books ever
Dustin is a master storyteller and I am thankful for his devotion to reality. This is surely one of the best narratives of real war and real soldiers. I was born in 1950 and this is the first I understood the Forgotten War.
Dustin is a master storyteller and I am thankful for his devotion to reality. This is surely one of the best narratives of real war and real soldiers. I was born in 1950 and this is the first I understood the Forgotten War.
May 5, 2023
Heroism
This by far is Dustin Stevens's best. I lived through each page and gave thanks to the many soldiers who have fought and struggled to serve and preserve our ideals/freedoms. Thanks to all veterans.
This by far is Dustin Stevens's best. I lived through each page and gave thanks to the many soldiers who have fought and struggled to serve and preserve our ideals/freedoms. Thanks to all veterans.
July 4, 2023
Fuckin' A!
This was an excellent wartime story about brothers in arms on a harrowing journey, moral fortitude, family and human potential when pushed to the brink. I cannot do it or Dustin Stevens justice. Read this.
This was an excellent wartime story about brothers in arms on a harrowing journey, moral fortitude, family and human potential when pushed to the brink. I cannot do it or Dustin Stevens justice. Read this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews