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Crazy 8's: Soldiers Still
It’s 1967 during the Vietnam War. Zack Tonakis (White) is a young medic/psych tech who along with his buddy, Robert Turner, (Black) is assigned to the psychiatric ward of a stateside Army hospital. The ward houses young soldiers who are depressed; paranoid; obsessive-compulsive; a sociopath; and even a catatonic. Others, like Joker Berkowski who’s described as “crazy funny,” are there for a “failure to adjust” to Army life.
A major, not of the medical profession, is brought in on temporary assignment while a qualified replacement is sought. The major, a short-timer, wants nothing to jeopardize his coming retirement. His right hand, Sergeant Helms, views patients as cowards and phonies. An inept ward psychiatrist is of little help to the patients. A patient escapes during a ball game prompting the major to shut down all outdoor activities. His mantra becomes: “Keep them invisible.”
The first story, “The Ball Game”, introduces the soldiers who will have their own stories told in the collection. The main protagonist, psych tech Zack Tonakis, will follow the soldiers throughout the novel. Zack carries his own demons from the past.
A major, not of the medical profession, is brought in on temporary assignment while a qualified replacement is sought. The major, a short-timer, wants nothing to jeopardize his coming retirement. His right hand, Sergeant Helms, views patients as cowards and phonies. An inept ward psychiatrist is of little help to the patients. A patient escapes during a ball game prompting the major to shut down all outdoor activities. His mantra becomes: “Keep them invisible.”
The first story, “The Ball Game”, introduces the soldiers who will have their own stories told in the collection. The main protagonist, psych tech Zack Tonakis, will follow the soldiers throughout the novel. Zack carries his own demons from the past.
206 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2021
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March 21, 2021
*special note* This is an ARC book given to me. I was awarded this book in January, but it never arrived until mid-March, so I must apologize for the lateness of this review.)
I can't say that I hated this book because I obviously didn't. I just didn't love the book. It's sobering to read these pages. Soldiers suffered so much on and off the battlefield. And then there were some who were broken long before they ever joined the military. I can't tell you how much I wish we had better resources for our soldiers, their families, and the staff employed to treat and care for them. Looking at these pages, it feels like a living death of sorts.
I have limited experience in mental health, but I never had to deal with anyone of this severity. I think I'd be terrified to witness some of the things described in the book.
This would be a good book to read if you want to learn more about the mental battles that some soldiers endure long after their tours have ended.
I can't say that I hated this book because I obviously didn't. I just didn't love the book. It's sobering to read these pages. Soldiers suffered so much on and off the battlefield. And then there were some who were broken long before they ever joined the military. I can't tell you how much I wish we had better resources for our soldiers, their families, and the staff employed to treat and care for them. Looking at these pages, it feels like a living death of sorts.
I have limited experience in mental health, but I never had to deal with anyone of this severity. I think I'd be terrified to witness some of the things described in the book.
This would be a good book to read if you want to learn more about the mental battles that some soldiers endure long after their tours have ended.
Displaying 1 of 1 review