Jarhead: A Marine's Chronicle of the Gulf War and Other Battles

by Anthony Swofford

In his New York Times bestselling chronicle of military life, Anthony Swofford weaves his experiences in war with vivid accounts of boot camp, reflections on the mythos of the marines, and remembrances of battles with lovers and family. When the U.S. Marines -- or "jarheads" -- were sent to Saudi Arabia in 1990 for the first Gulf War, Anthony Swofford was there. He lived in sand for six months; he was punished by boredom and fear; he considered suicide, pulled a gun on a fellow marine, and was targeted by both enemy and friendly fire. As engagement with the Iraqis drew near, he was forced to consider what it means to be an American, a soldier, a son of a soldier, and a man.

260 pages, Paperback

Published December 9, 2003

About the author

Anthony Swofford is a former United States Marine and author of the book Jarhead, published in 2003, which is primarily based on his accounts of various situations encountered in the first Gulf War.

Reviews

[Emma Lorraine Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this timeline was sometimes a little difficult to follow I think I appreciated it as it kept you guessing and therefore, kept things interesting.

Swofford is extremely, extremely, truthful in this

[Sigurd's Melencolia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suprisingly sad.