Scars & Strife

by M.E. Johnson

First Sergeant John Randall "Randy" Andrews, a gutsy Army Ranger, is a hero among his brothers in arms. But the Purple Hearts and Silver Stars he earned came at a great personal cost. Now plagued by PTSD, Randy returns home after thirteen combat tours to an emotionally distant wife and their two sons-one of them a toddler he's never met.

Struggling to piece his life together, Randy finds himself in handcuffs. And when the court-mandated VA counseling doesn't help, he embarks on a trip to Mexico, trying to escape his demons. There, during an unexpected encounter in a seedy tourist bar, he finds a possible road to redemption when he forms a connection with Matilda, a mountain lion kept in a cage as a tourist attraction.

So begins his journey back from the brink as he rediscovers something he learned on the battlefield: that sometimes one must cross a line in order to save someone . . . perhaps even himself.

348 pages, Paperback

Published May 21, 2024

Reviews

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved M.E. Johnson's "Scars and Strife." He weaves in vivid combat flashbacks with their lingering emotional toll with humor while retired US Army Ranger First Sgt. Randy Andrews embarks on a journey of healing, complete with a fantastic chase scene, more than one daring rescue and a hot, mysterious woman and a mountain lion named Matilda that will melt your heart immediately.

Johnson also tackles some pretty heavy topics by presenting them from an uncommon frame of reference. We ride alongside Randy's consciousness as he battles unfortunately typical Veteran roadblocks with a growing self-awareness that leads the reader to gain insight into the cost of decades of war on America's defenders. Randy's ultimate redemption with his sons will induce allergy-like symptoms, just FYSA. As an MST survivor myself, I particularly enjoyed Athena's method of taking back her power.

Other Veterans will appreciate the military authenticity and everyone will grow to love Randy as he grows to accept himself. So, hurry up and read it so I have someone else to talk about the T.J. scene with.

[Kim Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scars & Strife allows the reader to experience firsthand the dark depths of combat related Post traumatic stress disorder(PTSD). All of it – the trauma, despair, depression, and self medication – are explored in this novel. Randy’s close relationship with an animal, a relationship that allows his healing to begin, are what makes this work, truly remarkable. Riveting, a great read from start to finish, and an inspiring story, of redemption and triumph of the human spirit. Highly recommended, particularly for those suffering from PTSD or who want to understand this damaging mental illness. This first novel author gets a big A+.

[Susan Do · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sergeant Randy Andrews isn't just a character in a typical, military love story; he's a testament to our intricate human fabric: An honorable, broken man, with a few one-liners that will make you chuckle. The other characters are also so relatable—they could be reflections of myself (though I'll keep you guessing on which ones). And Matilda? She's not just a character; she's a phenomenon.

As a life-long Public Defender, I approached the legal drama in this book with the usual skepticism, only to find a narrative that nails the courtroom's gritty reality—amongst a greater story of love, resilience, and redemption.

This book gripped me from start to finish. Prepare to be captivated.

[Lonnie Pollock]

An amazing Page charter from start to finish. I never knew where it was going to go. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Amazing read I highly recommend!

[Kellie Welty · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Scars and Strife delves deep into the often overlooked struggles of veterans and their families, portraying the raw reality of PTSD with empathy and insight. It is not an action adventure story where the main characters PTSD added depth to the story, it is a PTSD journey where action and adventure added depth to the PTSD journey. The narrative’s focus on forgiveness, of oneself and others, serves as a powerful message of healing and redemption. The plot is very fast paced with compelling characters. This novel is not only riveting but also thought provoking, offering readers a glimpse into the complexities of post war life and the resilience of the human spirit.

[John McBrearty · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a nine-time published author of non-fiction books, I initially thought that the fictional account of “SCARS & STRIFE” was a little bit out of my comfort zone. However, the author and I have so many life experiences in common, that I had to give it a look. Mark and I are both career military field-grade officers with advanced degrees, command experience, and combat deployments. I had a feeling that with all that training, education, and military experience, Mark Johnson could probably write a compelling, believable book. BOY WAS I RIGHT!

From my 32 years of military experience, world travels, deployments, combat, etc., I can attest that Mr. Johnson magnificently captured a quite believable main character. For other veterans who might someday read this manuscript, I guarantee that you will say, “Hey, I knew a guy like Randy Andrews!” “Hey, I deployed with a Hooah soldier just like First Sergeant Andrews.”

Although the average combat soldier might not measure up to the heroism that would warrant three silver stars like that of 1SG Andrews, many a returning combat veteran experiences similar life experiences as that of our main character. Separation from family, divorce, and issues with immediate family, we all have had similar repercussions from combat duty. Although the whole Matilda the mountain lion storyline is a little far-fetched, Mark makes it work in this scenario. I have seen stranger occurrences with PTSD combat veterans.

To conclude, I highly recommend this for any veteran, family of a veteran, service member, or any civilian who likes an interesting story. This book is going in my library where it will stay for as long as my wife of 40 years will allow. LOL

Respectfully,

COL Mack

[Gale Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has heart. It's a powerful story of love, honor, family, forgiveness, connection, redemption and the healing power of nature. It delivers memorable characters (including, of course, a mountain lion), along with healthy doses of empathy, authenticity and humor.

For those who have served, this novel is a tribute to you. For those who have not, it provides insight into the service, struggle and sacrifice of those who fight for our nation.

Either way, the story is gritty, real, absorbing and uplifting.

Disclosure: I’m assisting with this book's promotion because I believe in its author and its message.

[Tabitha Villa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought I would enjoy a military book this much. This novel is an inspirational and fast paced read, story that both inspires and educates us about the challenges faced by our military men and women. By the depth of heartfelt emotion in the scenes, I suspect the author is writing about many of his own experiences. This is, in simplest terms, a great book that should make the best seller list.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! A great way to read about the realistic struggles of a soldiers homecoming but with a twist. An entertaining and fantastic plot woven with an impactful message of what those suffering with PTSD experience daily. A page turner that allows the reader to walk away with greater empathy understanding for real life stories of PTSD like First Sergeant Andrew’s.

[Ruth Stiefel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Johnson’s novel, Scars and Strife, captured my attention right from the first chapter. It was as if I was watching a movie. I was memorized by Randy, the veteran in the story, and how his life as a soldier was an experience so different than anything I have ever encountered. Mark Johnson is an excellent writer. I admire his knowledge, personal service, and compassion for others.

[Gene E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. A real page turner from start to finish

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book full of suspense and amazing characters you’ll grow to love, it should be a movie someday I guarantee it

[Virginia M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a page turner!! I thoroughly enjoyed this crisply written tale of heroism, family and healing. 5 stars!!!

[M. E. Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the scenes of military trauma in “Scars & Strife” actually happened. Some I experienced during my year in Baghdad. Much of what I described was inflicted on veterans who stood before me in the Riverside County Veterans Treatment Court.

I have personally coped with and am recovering from ptsd and survivors guilt. I have done my best to help many brothers and sisters to heal. They are now living good lives, reunited with families.

And I have known 4 others who could not get better. I could never convince them to open up and share their pain. I was never there to judge them. I did my best, but those brothers and sisters are no longer with us.

I meant Scars & Strife to be vehicle for me to tell my fellow veterans and servicemembers how much I cared.

M.E. (Mark) Johnson

[Greg Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved "Scars & Strife. I found this to be one of the most unique books I have ever read. The only novel that is remotely comparable to this novel is "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk." Author Johnson did something remarkable here. He transported us to inside the mind of a vet suffering from PTSD and allowed us to share in his healing.

Johnson's protagonist, Army Ranger Randy Andrews, is a surprising and quintessential American hero. Courageous and naive. Brilliant on the battlefield yet almost childlike in his approach to life outside the military. I grew to love the guy. Even in his greatest moments of despair we find ourself pulling for him. Randy's relationship with the mountain lion is unprecedented in literature.

We often find solace and peace in nature and with animals. Randy did that. I found this a thoroughly enjoyable novel and a riveting read.