Letters from War: A Novel

by Mark Schultz

When Beth Thompson’s only son, James, goes missing in action in Afghanistan, she is left with her prayers, hopes, fears... and letters. Mother and son have been writing since boot camp. James writes of his struggle to become a confident soldier and of his concern for his young wife and their unborn child. Beth, like any mom, praises her son’s courage even as she frets for his safety. Even after James disappears, Beth is comforted by a daily ritual of writing him about her feelings, faith, and attempts to maintain a normal life when nothing is really normal but the waiting. Based on platinum-selling singer Mark Schultz’s hit song Letters from War, this powerfully emotional and timely story reveals how faith sustains in even the darkest of circumstances.

Genres: Fiction, Christian, Christian Fiction, Inspirational

Audible Audio

First published September 6, 2011

About the author

Mark Schultz is an American writer and illustrator of books and comics. His most widely recognized work is the creator-owned comic book series Xenozoic Tales, which describes a post-apocalyptic world where dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures coexist with humans. In 1993, Xenozoic Tales was adapted into an animated series titled Cadillacs and Dinosaurs and a video game of the same name. Schultz's other notable works include various Aliens comic book mini-series published by Dark Horse and a four-year run on the DC Comics series Superman: The Man of Steel. In 2004, Schultz took over the scripting duties of the Prince Valiant comic strip.

Reviews

[Sherri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beth is a widow, mother of a college age daughter, and mother of a now MIA soldier in Afghanistan. Her love and faith is the outline this is built around.

This is read as epistolary writing between her deceased husband who was a veteran and passed of cancer and her son who they wrote letter back and forth while he was in the service.

This was a back and forth as he's missing for two years. Her community is telling her to give up and go on with life and yet she holds out.

Slight vibe from Job where he said "though He slay me, yet I will trust him".

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful tale inspired by letters from Mark Schultz's great grandmother to and from her son's during WWI. The story is born from Schultz's award winning and deeply moving song from the same title. It is a heart tugging story of a family struggling with their loved one MIA for almost two years. It is a fast read but keep the tissues handy!

[Kayla Cloud · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Marks music since the beginning, 20 years! I finally read the book based off his song and it was a good, easy read. There were a few typos and grammatical errors, but overall it was a good read. Simple and easy to follow along to.

[Joann · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok

[Lesa Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of faith, determination, love, hope and sacrifice.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful story and beautiful song by Mark Schultz!

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m thankful to have received a review copy of such a moving and tender novel. Beth’s son, James, goes off to serve his country just like his father did. The only thing James’ mom requested of him was that he writes her “real” letters, not emails. Beth says, “Emails can easily be lost. All with an errant click of a mouse or a press of a button.... but to discard a letter, you have to physically throw it away, something she’s been unable to do ever since getting the first letter. Words are different. Words reach the soul. She continues to read them to hear James and to keep believing.”

Beth says to her friend, “I can hear him speaking as she reads his words. They are beautiful just like he was. Here is a letter from James to his mom: “I’m not here to follow in Dad’s footsteps. I’m here to serve all of you and to serve this country... I am the infantry...I am my country’s strength in war, her deterrent in peace. I am the heart of the fight, wherever, whenever. I carry America’s faith and honor against her enemy... I am what my country expects me to be: The best-trained soldier in the world. In the race for victory, I am swift, determined and courageous, armed with a fierce will to win!”

These authors have written a touching and memorable novel from a military families POV . James, Beth’s son, and Britt’s husband are in waiting mode. They were waiting to hear of any news of James’ whereabouts. James has been missing in action for two years. Not a single word on his location or any indication if he’s alive.

Beth, Britt and Emily (James sister) feel like their life is on hold. Beth still writes letters to her son James, even though she knows no one knows where he is. It’s as if she stops writing all hope is will be lost – she couldn’t go there.

I liked the unique way these authors used letters written in this novel to James and from his family members to make the story gripping, intimate, and give the reader a personal peek at the ways families relate to one another when they are away. This is a powerful, eye opener, for a non-military person like myself. It really shows the heartache and all the family goes through when one of their loved ones goes missing in action. I could see through James voice he had a “call” to be a solider and his heart to defend his country so we can be safe! It also gives a little glimpse into how James, a believer sees war, “the things we’ve seen - its impossible not to be affected ... it’s not just my faith that’s kept me grounded and out of harm’s way emotionally. It’s been my family too, and my ability to compartmentalize and avoid bad habits. “These are the tools he uses to survive and complete his mission.

This novel gave me a look at the soldiers’ family and how they sacrifice their loved ones to keep our country free. It also reminded me of what I take for granted. It heightened my awareness of what others do to protect our country. I’ve loved Travis Thrashers novels and Mark Schultz’s music, this novel doesn’t disappoint. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to read a story that made me instantly care for the character, made me laugh and also cry. This book was a great reminder with the 9/11 10th Anniversary this year of all I am to be thankful for. It had me see our military men and their families in a whole new light. I recommend this book so all types of readers.

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

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[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The soldier wrestles to write words he knows will be his last. He searches his heart, trying to find what he wants to say. After so many letters, this one needs to count. This one needs to last. There is no one definitive sentence or theme he needs to write. Yet he wants his family to know that he will always be there, that he will always love them. Just because he is gone doesn't mean he has left them. There is so much he wants to say. Things to share. About the places he's seen, the journey he's been on, the road he's headed toward. The pride in his heart for serving his country.

He knows the world is full of bad places filled with bad men. He remembers his father telling him that. He remembers that was one of the reasons he decided to join the army. Yet even in a world like this, there is hope. Hope is not confined to Tennessee or the United States of America. Hope can be found in the darkest of spots, in the prisons of people's souls. He thinks of her face and smiles. He loves her and wants the best for her. He can only imagine how many times she's prayed for his safety, a safety that won't hold. Maybe God one day will tell her the reasons why. Maybe God will fill her with renewed hope once he's gone. He starts writing. In a world full of endless rhetoric, he tries to convey a simple and elegant truth.

I'm not writing to say good-bye. I'm writing to make a promise. So he does.

In the novel Letters From War by Mark Schultz and Travis Thrasher, we experience what its like to have not only a son in the war, but following in his father's footsteps as well. We experience a letter writing session between Beth Thompson and her only son, James who is serving in Afghanistan and then is reported missing. After two long years, friends and even family have tried to convince Beth that he will not be found and to cease the daily letters she writes faithfully to James, all the while believing in the power of her prayers, ones she believes hold more power because they come from a mother.

This is the most moving book I have had the opportunity to read and review from both the perspective of the mother who sits waiting endlessly for some final word on her son, and the son who is serving his country faithfully. Her only comfort is with her daily visits to see her grandson, whom James has never met and his wife, Britt. Her daughter, Emily can't stand to spend one more day waiting around like her mother does and has moved on with her life. Only the daily letters that Beth writes sharing the day to day events with James keeps her moving from one day to the next never knowing if she ever know what happened to James.

I received this book compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster publishers for my honest review and thought today, Veteran's Day would be the perfect time to review this book and share my thoughts. I rate this one hands down a perfect 5 out of 5 stars.

[Tara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a hard review to write simply because of the topic of this book. I just want it to be known that I admire the men and women who serve our country; I admire their families and appreciate the many sacrifices made on my behalf. With that being said, this book was very difficult to get through. I found myself skipping over pages because I just couldn't get into it. I am unable to put my finger on exactly what was lacking in this book for me. The relationship dynamics just didn't jive with me, and I had a very difficult time connecting on any level with the characters. The concept of this type of novel appeals to me....I love letter writing, but this book just didn't make the most of it, I felt. I read the same thing in different words over and over again. "It's time to let go. Okay, I'm letting go. Wait, no, don't." And so on.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

James is a young soldier, missing in action in Afghanistan. Britt is his wife, missing him being away from home. Natalie is his mother, who cannot and will not give up on the idea that he will be found alive. She even continues to write letters to him daily, hoping they will catch up with him eventually. The letters in this story are from James to his mother and to his wife, and from his mother to him. They are all tender and touching. This book gives an inside look at what women go through when their male family members are serving our country in the war. It is an emotionally sweet story. What I liked best about it was the inclusion of prayers, Bible passages, and the strong message about God's unconditional love for each one of us.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

In reading this book it made me realize the many freedoms I take for granted. How many days pass in which no thought or concern is given to the brave men and women that are serving our country and prtecting our freedoms. How many days pass with no thought of the families they leave behind. I have a better understanding of the friends I have who have had sons who have done tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. I hope I will find ways to show a greater support. Letters to War is also a book about having faith in all circumstances and trusting God to see us though. My hope is that all our brave young men and women will come home soon, and that each day we each take a moment to say a prayer in gratitude for all that they are sacrificing for us.

[Lyndsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't imagine what this Mom (and wife and sister) are going through. This has got to be one the toughest choices.... to lose Hope, or keep Believing. You THINK you would be keep believing, but to what extent?

[Maggie Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite chapter books and I truly only read it because of the song he sang with the same title. It tells the same story but obviously a trimmed down version. It is the story of a mother who hold's out hope for her son who went to war and the experience she went through during the time he was gone. It was an amazing story and truly amazing because it is similar to what many most likely experienced. I'd recommend this to middle school level students.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a fan of Thrasher's books and this one did not disappoint. Although I am not familiar with the song the book is based on, I really enjoyed this book - I love the back and forth of the letters in among the compelling story. Page 258 had me crying (darn you, Travis Thrasher!). A story of hope and faith and believing.

[Carmen · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is about a mother who never gives up hope that her son is alive, even though he went MIA in Afghanistan two years ago. Very unrealistic, as in the end he is alive. I liked the character of Beth (the mom), though. And it was very well written. A quick read, a total fantasy, very heavy on God and very heavy on supporting the war.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Schultz did a wonderful job of portraying a mother whose faith overcame all. A very religious book, but I enjoyed it non-the-less. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good love story.

[Sonya · Rating 2 out of 5]

a lot of invoking of god and faith and praying here, to bring a son back from war overseas. based on a song? letters are interesting to read, but overall, just an ok read. also there's a lot of god, if i didn't already mention that. LOTS of god.

[Wendy Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Open book. Start reading. Cry. Stop reading. Close book. Stop crying. This is such a tear jerker, just like his songs. It was torturous on my tear ducts. But I finished it, rolled over in bed, cried myself to sleep. Yay!

[Ashley Fuhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick but powerful read, appropriate for patriots of all ages. I was also surprised at how well Mark Schultz transition from song writer to author. I recommend to anyone, especially around the 4th of July!

[Glenette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never cried as much as I did reading this book! Not because I didn't like it. I loved this book. I have a son in the Army. He has served a tour in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Although the circumstances are the same, I could still relate to what Beth felt and was going through.

[Danielle Comparette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the song that this book is based on. It was interesting to read the novel and compare the two.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just really incredible!

[Janna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written from the perspective of a mother whose son is MIA in Afghanistan. Includes letters that the family writes back and forth.

Similar to Richard Paul Evans

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is an amazing book. Very powerful emotions.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beyond words amazing!I loved this book and would read more like it in heart beat!

[Hueytyng · Rating 1 out of 5]

The idea for this book was compelling, but I think it was dragged out without any real suspense or character development. I skimmed the second half of the book just to see what happened. Eh.

[Kyla Gergely · Rating 5 out of 5]

So amazing! I feel like I am in the family's shoes feeling and living with my family member gone. The tears, the smiles, and all the love and pride in this book. I absolutly love it all!

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a powerful book, on Faith, Family, Service, and the fierce love of a solider's mother.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book that I found close to my heart being a military wife.....I have written the letters and waited for one to return! I enjoyed this quick read.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast read. It is story about a mother & son who write letters while he is in Afghanistan. James is missing and Beth the mother fears him dead but she keeps writting letters to him.