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When I Was a Soldier
Book by Zenatti, Valerie
1 pages, Paperback
First published August 22, 2002
20 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
Valérie Zenatti
47 books24 followersValérie Zenatti was born in Nice on April Fool’s Day 1970. When she was thirteen she went to live with her parents in Israel, where she did her national service, which inspired her memoir, When I was a Soldier. Even now she doesn’t go out without her survival kit — these days of a book, a notepad and a pen. Valérie now lives in Paris, where she works as a translator of Hebrew. She is also writing screenplays based on two of her books, Late for War and Message in a Bottle. Valérie is continually surprised and delighted at seeing Lucas, aged eight, and Nina, nearly two, grow up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
November 1, 2011
When I Was A Soldier by Valérie Zenatti, is an autobiographical account of her two years of service to the Israeli National Defense Service. All students when they reach eighteen are required to enlist for two years. In this story, which starts as Valérie is finishing up her school exams and heading off, tells not only of what it is like to serve in the military, but includes all the things that teenage girls go through at this age, if they were headed off to college. She must deal with being away from home, missing her friends, her boyfriend dumping her, how to fit in with roommates, how to get along with instructors, and what to do during her time off.
Valérie is a believable character, which is one of the strengths of this book. She can be humorous or moody. She has a meltdown when she doesn’t get to see her friends and family. She learns how to manipulate that to her advantage, even within the Israeli army. Her thoughts and her opinions are age appropriate.
One of the weakness of this story would be attributed to the translation. In the story, Valerie and her comrades singing songs and making up slogans (105-6). I think that those slogans may have been amusing in French, but they lost something when translated. Also, there are terms within the story that are European terms, rather than American terms, such as torch for flashlight or washing powders for washing detergent. I also don’t think that this story gives a strong view of the dangers of being in the military. They all carry guns, but without that fact, these girls could just as easily be at a strict boarding school.
Since there are minor sexual references, this would not be an appropriate book for students that weren’t in high school. The fact that characters take a very nonchalant attitude towards sex may be objectionable to parents.
This book would make for interesting comparing and contrasting studies with older students. How do we as Americans treat an 18 year old, as opposed to how an 18 year old Israeli is treated? Are they really more responsible, or are they giving guns to people who are not mature? How does the US treat women, as opposed to how they are viewed in Israel? It would also be appropriate for cultural studies.
Batchelder Honor 2006
Valérie is a believable character, which is one of the strengths of this book. She can be humorous or moody. She has a meltdown when she doesn’t get to see her friends and family. She learns how to manipulate that to her advantage, even within the Israeli army. Her thoughts and her opinions are age appropriate.
One of the weakness of this story would be attributed to the translation. In the story, Valerie and her comrades singing songs and making up slogans (105-6). I think that those slogans may have been amusing in French, but they lost something when translated. Also, there are terms within the story that are European terms, rather than American terms, such as torch for flashlight or washing powders for washing detergent. I also don’t think that this story gives a strong view of the dangers of being in the military. They all carry guns, but without that fact, these girls could just as easily be at a strict boarding school.
Since there are minor sexual references, this would not be an appropriate book for students that weren’t in high school. The fact that characters take a very nonchalant attitude towards sex may be objectionable to parents.
This book would make for interesting comparing and contrasting studies with older students. How do we as Americans treat an 18 year old, as opposed to how an 18 year old Israeli is treated? Are they really more responsible, or are they giving guns to people who are not mature? How does the US treat women, as opposed to how they are viewed in Israel? It would also be appropriate for cultural studies.
Batchelder Honor 2006
July 5, 2017
This fascinating book describes two years in the life of an Israeli girl as she serves her compulsory stint in the Israeli army. I can't imagine teens here in the U.S. entering the army right out of school and before entering college. It's clear from Valerie's memoir that the army changed her, matured her. I could only imagine how I would cope if I were thrust into the same situation. Her details of the training she received before and after being assigned to the intelligence service made me realize that I would never physically have made it, but academically, I'd have aced it, I think. Would they have kicked me out if I'd been unable to cut it physically? I was also interested to learn that the dreaded "bac" tests that everyone takes at the end of school are (except for the math) mostly essays, which, to me, are the hardest to do. What a different culture from ours! I couldn't put this book down and can't recommend it highly enough!
December 26, 2024
Valerie Zenatti écrit bien et jamais je n’aurais pensé lire avec autant d’aise un récit de soldate et de guerre. En deux jours pourtant je l’ai dévoré sans m’en apercevoir et c’est étrange de se dire que tout cela fait partie de l’histoire avec sa majuscule, que quitter son chez soi a 18 ans pour prendre une arme en main est ce qu’on fait bien des jeunes filles de mon âge il n’y a pas si longtemps. Le plus fascinant, en dehors de tout les parallèles terrifiants avec l’actualité internationale et les 70 dernières années, reste les pensées de cette jeune fille qui restent les miennes et celles de toutes les autres qui sont passées par cette âge-la. C’était étrangement réconfortant de lire à propos des chansons qu’elle écoutait sur son baladeur, des livres et des films qui la marquaient et de la voir découvrir la complexité de l’amour, de l’amitié, de soi même et de ce qu’un pays raconte à ses habitants. Je le conseille ce livre pour le témoignage et la belle plume mais aussi parce que se plonger dans la tête d’une personne du même âge et du même sexe mais qui a une vie si opposée ça retourne un peu le cerveau oui mais ça remet pas mal de choses en place aussi!
March 5, 2017
Very interesting book.
December 30, 2022
A thought-provoking frank memoir of a teen-aged girl who joined the Israeli Army right out of high school at the ago of 18. She ended up being a part of the Army Intelligence unit. Two years of service to her country, a maturing, life changing process.
April 22, 2009
When she wrote When I Was a Soldier, Valerie Zenatti was an 18 year old girl in the Israeli army. She was completing her mandatory two years of military service that begins for all Israelis, men and women alike, when they turn 18. Her memoir recounts the thoughts, feelings, and actions that she experienced during her service.
Zenatti’s story provides a great way for teens to see the world from a different perspective. An American teen probably can’t even imagine mandatory military service, especially for girls. Zenatti’s love for her country and her excitement at growing up makes her eager to begin her tour in the army, yet at the same time she struggles with the political implications of her work. Her perspective on her country’s policies offers American teens a view into the life of someone who has grown up in a different world.
Zenatti also addresses many other issues relevant to teen life. She has trouble dealing with a break up with her boyfriend, she experiences rivalry among her group of friends, and she attempts to create her own voice and place in the world as she matures into an adult. These are all common concerns for teens, no matter where they are from or what language they speak. When I Was a Soldier is a good book for anyone who wants to make connections among peoples of the world and experience life from someone else’s point of view.
Zenatti’s story provides a great way for teens to see the world from a different perspective. An American teen probably can’t even imagine mandatory military service, especially for girls. Zenatti’s love for her country and her excitement at growing up makes her eager to begin her tour in the army, yet at the same time she struggles with the political implications of her work. Her perspective on her country’s policies offers American teens a view into the life of someone who has grown up in a different world.
Zenatti also addresses many other issues relevant to teen life. She has trouble dealing with a break up with her boyfriend, she experiences rivalry among her group of friends, and she attempts to create her own voice and place in the world as she matures into an adult. These are all common concerns for teens, no matter where they are from or what language they speak. When I Was a Soldier is a good book for anyone who wants to make connections among peoples of the world and experience life from someone else’s point of view.
November 2, 2011
Valerie is about to start her mandatory service in the Israli Armed Forces. They need to serve for two years. She is only 18 years old. Before and during her time in the army she has to deal with the loss that she feels over her boyfriend. She also has to deal with not having her best friends and family in her life during her time of service. She ends up being selected to work in a intelligence unit. I really enjoyed reading this book because the protaganist is very interested in learning. She also loves to read. At the end of her service she is glad to be going home and for the friends that she had made while she is in the Army.
This book would be good to use in a unit about different cultures. We could compare the differences betweeen our culture and the culture in the story. We could also compare the different requirements that are expected of Americans and Isralis.
This book would be good to use in a unit about different cultures. We could compare the differences betweeen our culture and the culture in the story. We could also compare the different requirements that are expected of Americans and Isralis.
August 3, 2009
It’s a memoir of a girl, Valèrie Zenatti, who was born in France but lives in Israel from the age of thirteen and is thus drafted into the army. The book very expertly juxtaposes her pre-army life with her experiences in the service. I saw myself and my friends in her, and had to imagine what our pampered, in college selves would do were we forced into military service. Not fare well, I think.
The book is very well written, jumping between diary entries and narrative, but all first person. It is well-translated from the French. My one complaint is that the end comes fast, but overall it’s a very well written book. Definitely worth the read and a good reminder that the American way isn’t the only way people grow up.
November 23, 2014
YoungAdult. Na het lezen van de amandelboom, wilde ik graag nog een boek lezen over het Israelische/Palestijnse conflict. Dit was een goede aanvulling. Het is het dagboek van Valerie Zenatti, een Israelisch/Franse tiener die na de middelbare school haar verplichte diensttijd vervult. Het was heel interessant om in de voor mij totaal vreemde wereld van het Israelische leger te duiken. Ik moest even wennen aan de schrijfstijl van Zenatti, maar daarna las ik soms stukjes die zo mooi waren beschreven dat ik ze wilde overschrijven. Ik snap nu beter hoe het conflict van beide kanten ontstaat en het was daarbij ook nog eens een fijn boek om te lezen. Aanrader.
Want to read
November 4, 2009Nope.
March 5, 2020
Quello che vi recensisco oggi è un libro autobiografico che racconta l'esperienza dell'autrice, ai tempi diciottenne, in partenza per il servizio militare nel suo paese, Israele.
Così come tutte le storie vere, Quand'ero soldato non solo è riuscito ad emozionarmi e a coinvolgermi, ma è anche riuscito ad insegnarmi qualcosa su un paese molto lontano dal mio, sia in termini di distanza che di usanze di cui sapevo davvero poco.
La cosa più bella di questo libro è il modo in cui Valérie racconta la sua storia: più che un libro sulla guerra, come ci si potrebbe aspettare, è il libro di un viaggio, di un percorso di crescita, quello fatto dall'autrice durante i due anni di addestramento, e nelle pagine sono racchiuse non solo le descrizioni delle giornate di lavoro e di allenamento, ma anche quelle emozioni provate da Valérie, che cerca in tutti i modi di tenere separate le due parti di sé, la ragazza e la soldatessa. Dove inizia una e dove finisce l'altra? Jeans, divisa. Libertà, obblighi. Spensieratezza, responsabilità.
Nella vita di Valérie tutte queste cose si mischiano e si alternano, strappandola dalla sua vita di normale diciottenne, fatta di cinema, scuola e amiche, e catapultandola in una realtà in cui portare la divisa la rende invisibile, soldatessa in mezzo ad altre soldatesse. Ma in mezzo a tutto lo smarrimento e alla tristezza, questa ragazza non rinuncia a sognare, ad amare e a ridere... e soprattutto, non rinuncia a pensare. Ci troviamo infatti davanti ad una giovane donna brillante e intelligente, che non ha paura di mettersi alla prova e di farsi domande, alcune semplici, altre filosofiche e, altre ancora, spiazzanti. A soli diciotto anni Valérie si pone domande sulla guerra e sul suo paese, su ciò che è giusto e ciò che è sbagliato, tenendosi stretta la sua identità e raccontando la sua esperienza nel campo militare in modo pratico e con lucidità. Un'altra cosa che ho trovato bella e utile, per così dire, è che in tutte le sue riflessioni sul conflitto tra israeliani e palestinesi mantiene sempre un tono neutro, lasciando così che sia il lettore a farsi la propria opinione in modo completamente libero, senza alcun tipo di razzismo o influenza.
"Se qualcuno ci si avvicina durante un turno di guardia, dobbiamo chiedere la parola d'ordine. Se non risponde, dobbiamo dirgli con voce sufficientemente forte: «Alt!» poi «Fermi o sparo!». Se la persona continua ad avvicinarsi, dobbiamo sparare alle gambe.
Se avanza ancora, dobbiamo sparare per uccidere.
Sparare per uccidere. Sono parole.
Ma, una accanto all'altra, rimbombano come un'esplosione."
Ci tengo anche a parlare del modo in cui è strutturato il romanzo, perché ne sono rimasta piacevolmente colpita. Innanzitutto ho trovato utilissima la premessa scritta Paolina Baruchello (traduttrice del libro), che in poche pagine racconta la storia di Israele e spiega in modo semplice e chiaro in quale situazione si trovano al giorno d'oggi i paesi citati nel libro. Credo che sia importante affrontare questa lettura con le idee chiare, e la premessa della Baruchello permette di vedere il tutto in modo più completo. Il romanzo in sé è invece diviso in due parti, alcuni capitoli sono scritti sotto forma di diario, altri invece sono narrati, sempre dal punto di vista di Valérie, in modo più generico, così da poter dare al lettore una visione più ampia della storia e dei suoi indimenticabili personaggi. Molto interessante anche l'intervista che si trova a fine libro, fatta a Dalia, una ragazza israeliana di origine italiana che come Valérie si trova ad indossare la divisa e, in poche brevi domande, racconta la sua esperienza nell'esercito.
Quand'ero soldato non vuole essere una critica o una cronaca del servizio militare, ma piuttosto si percepisce il bisogno di una giovane ragazza che sente la necessità di scrivere, di mettere nero su bianco quel poco di personalità che le è concesso avere, per non dimenticare, per non perdere sé stessa.
Un libro che racconta una realtà molto lontana dalla nostra, ma con ragazze che provano le nostre stesse emozioni e paure. Una protagonista ironica, coraggiosa e forte che ha saputo emozionarmi dalla prima all'ultima pagina. Davvero consigliatissimo!
Così come tutte le storie vere, Quand'ero soldato non solo è riuscito ad emozionarmi e a coinvolgermi, ma è anche riuscito ad insegnarmi qualcosa su un paese molto lontano dal mio, sia in termini di distanza che di usanze di cui sapevo davvero poco.
La cosa più bella di questo libro è il modo in cui Valérie racconta la sua storia: più che un libro sulla guerra, come ci si potrebbe aspettare, è il libro di un viaggio, di un percorso di crescita, quello fatto dall'autrice durante i due anni di addestramento, e nelle pagine sono racchiuse non solo le descrizioni delle giornate di lavoro e di allenamento, ma anche quelle emozioni provate da Valérie, che cerca in tutti i modi di tenere separate le due parti di sé, la ragazza e la soldatessa. Dove inizia una e dove finisce l'altra? Jeans, divisa. Libertà, obblighi. Spensieratezza, responsabilità.
Nella vita di Valérie tutte queste cose si mischiano e si alternano, strappandola dalla sua vita di normale diciottenne, fatta di cinema, scuola e amiche, e catapultandola in una realtà in cui portare la divisa la rende invisibile, soldatessa in mezzo ad altre soldatesse. Ma in mezzo a tutto lo smarrimento e alla tristezza, questa ragazza non rinuncia a sognare, ad amare e a ridere... e soprattutto, non rinuncia a pensare. Ci troviamo infatti davanti ad una giovane donna brillante e intelligente, che non ha paura di mettersi alla prova e di farsi domande, alcune semplici, altre filosofiche e, altre ancora, spiazzanti. A soli diciotto anni Valérie si pone domande sulla guerra e sul suo paese, su ciò che è giusto e ciò che è sbagliato, tenendosi stretta la sua identità e raccontando la sua esperienza nel campo militare in modo pratico e con lucidità. Un'altra cosa che ho trovato bella e utile, per così dire, è che in tutte le sue riflessioni sul conflitto tra israeliani e palestinesi mantiene sempre un tono neutro, lasciando così che sia il lettore a farsi la propria opinione in modo completamente libero, senza alcun tipo di razzismo o influenza.
"Se qualcuno ci si avvicina durante un turno di guardia, dobbiamo chiedere la parola d'ordine. Se non risponde, dobbiamo dirgli con voce sufficientemente forte: «Alt!» poi «Fermi o sparo!». Se la persona continua ad avvicinarsi, dobbiamo sparare alle gambe.
Se avanza ancora, dobbiamo sparare per uccidere.
Sparare per uccidere. Sono parole.
Ma, una accanto all'altra, rimbombano come un'esplosione."
Ci tengo anche a parlare del modo in cui è strutturato il romanzo, perché ne sono rimasta piacevolmente colpita. Innanzitutto ho trovato utilissima la premessa scritta Paolina Baruchello (traduttrice del libro), che in poche pagine racconta la storia di Israele e spiega in modo semplice e chiaro in quale situazione si trovano al giorno d'oggi i paesi citati nel libro. Credo che sia importante affrontare questa lettura con le idee chiare, e la premessa della Baruchello permette di vedere il tutto in modo più completo. Il romanzo in sé è invece diviso in due parti, alcuni capitoli sono scritti sotto forma di diario, altri invece sono narrati, sempre dal punto di vista di Valérie, in modo più generico, così da poter dare al lettore una visione più ampia della storia e dei suoi indimenticabili personaggi. Molto interessante anche l'intervista che si trova a fine libro, fatta a Dalia, una ragazza israeliana di origine italiana che come Valérie si trova ad indossare la divisa e, in poche brevi domande, racconta la sua esperienza nell'esercito.
Quand'ero soldato non vuole essere una critica o una cronaca del servizio militare, ma piuttosto si percepisce il bisogno di una giovane ragazza che sente la necessità di scrivere, di mettere nero su bianco quel poco di personalità che le è concesso avere, per non dimenticare, per non perdere sé stessa.
Un libro che racconta una realtà molto lontana dalla nostra, ma con ragazze che provano le nostre stesse emozioni e paure. Una protagonista ironica, coraggiosa e forte che ha saputo emozionarmi dalla prima all'ultima pagina. Davvero consigliatissimo!
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March 22, 2015Good Reads
When I Was a Soldier
Valérie Zenatti
Rita Jillabi
Sunday, March 15, 2015
7-1
Chapter 1-6
When I was a Soldier by Valérie Zenatti, is an autobiographical account of her two years in the Israeli National Defense Service. At the age of eighteen, all the students are required to enlist for two years at the Israeli National Defense Service. This story starts as Valérie is finishing up her school year, she is preoccupied with the final preparations for her bac exams. While telling the reader not only what it is like to serve in the military, but also mentions all the things that teenage college girls go through at this age. She had to deal with being away from home, missing her friends, her boyfriend dumping her, and numerous other problems she had to face during her time in the military. All in all “Never give up, and be confident in what you do. There may be tough times, but the difficulties which you face will make you more determined to achieve your objectives and to win against all the odds”(Marta).
Valérie is a strong character that never gives up and keeps on fighting this quote perfectly describes Valérie because her determination is her key to success. “Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough” (Og Mandino). She can be humorous or moody which brings the character to life. She has a meltdown when she doesn’t get to see her friends and family. She learns how to manipulate that to her advantage, even within the Israeli army. Her thoughts and her opinions are age appropriate. One of the weaknesses of this story would be attributed to the translation. In the story, Valérie and her comrades singing songs and making up slogans. Those slogans may have been amusing in French, but they lost something when translated. Also, there are terms within the story that are European terms, rather than American terms, such as torch for flashlight.This story gives a strong view of the dangers of being in the military. Despite the few weaknesses so far identified When I was a Soldier is a captivating book to read.
Based on the true story, Valérie, a teenager like many others is focused on her exams, her love life, her friends, and her family. Her life is about to take a great turn, she is about to become a soldier. Valérie spends two years completing her National Service in Israel and throughout that period of her life Valérie evolves into a young women. Valerie changes and becomes a more mature person from chapter to chapter. The plot progression is really special. Each character grows throughout the book and their perspectives change as well. Being a soldier is not a negative experience, independence is acquired. Valerie used to depend on her parents for various things but know she is able to wake up alone and assume her responsibilities. Thus being a soldier made a major impact to Valéries life and helped her grow and become a better person.
To summarize the last chapters Valérie is French-born she has two best friends Yulia and Rahel. Eighteen year olds, studying for their Baccalaureate, in their last year at school, and probably their last year of friendship.Valérie works after school at the Extrapharm chemist shop and lives her life as an ordinary young adult. She has lived five years in Negev Desert with her parents and her sister Sonia. Jean David her boyfriend dumped her and went to live in Jerusalem. Just thinking about what will happen or what will they do to her at the National Service is frightening. She won't simply be dressed as a boy for a while the army will become her world she will become an adult almost overnight. The change will be difficult because nothing can unite these two worlds. To conclude Valérie is about to embark into a journey that will change her perspective of the world.
Rita Jillabi
Sunday, March 22, 2015
7-1
Valérie is about to become a soldier and that evolves the theme of “Coming of age” . Valérie is about to carry the nation's security on her shoulders. She is in many ways an ordinary girl, she feels apprehensive and excited at the same time. Impatient to discover new things, she can't wait to enter the Israeli National Defence Service but Valerie doesn’t know yet the dangers and the risks that it implies. Therefor she joins the other eighteen year olds who are willing to join the Israeli National Defence Service. They were all bussed into the training base, where they are given their uniforms, their kit, their weapons and other supplies needed to survive. They are then told “In two year's time, if everything goes as it should, you will be young women”. All in all this is a new chapter in Valérie’s life. “Life is like a book. Everyday is a new page. Every month is a new chapter. Every year is a new series” (Unknown).
As Voltaire once said “With great power comes great responsibility”. This quote relates with the book because Valérie is on for a new start, her life is no longer the same she is a soldier. Her old friendships change as life keeps moving on. Valérie completely changed into a women, her determination takes the lead. Everyday Valérie excels in what she does and constantly puts effort. Valerie progressed from rookie to corporal. She wakes up daily at four in the morning and adapts to strict military discipline - guards and extremely exhausting runs. Valérie learns how to manage a machine gun and passes severe tests and intense memorising. To conclude, this quote by Michael Jordan perfectly fits Valerie because she actually makes things happen and fights for what she wants “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen”.
The plot progression and the characters in “When I was a Soldier” are really special. Valérie is really ambitious and always wants to discover new things but like every teenager she has a wild side that she doesn’t always reveal. The book “When I was a Soldier” is most powerful when it comes to examine these difficult issues on a girl that is about to enter adulthood. Valérie went into the army as an adolescent and apparently came out as an adult. “When I was a Soldier” is a book that will open peoples eyes on a very different life in a very different world, as Valérie Zenatti narrates her unique experience in the Israeli National Defence Service. Thus this book is highly recommended to everyone who is open minded and receptive to new ideas.
The theme in the last chapters would be “Coming of Age”. Valérie is in the army now and she assumes all of her responsibilities. Nothing can unite these two worlds the change was hard, but Valérie met new friends and reconstructed her life in the army. This relates to the theme coming of age because Valérie has grown and has become and adult. Chapters pass and Valérie transforms into a women, independence is what she got out of this experience that is not yet done and that will continue to change her into a stronger women. Being a soldier is a coming of age that made a great impact in Valéries life, therefore coming of age is an important theme in this book.
When I Was a Soldier
Valérie Zenatti
Rita Jillabi
Sunday, March 15, 2015
7-1
Chapter 1-6
When I was a Soldier by Valérie Zenatti, is an autobiographical account of her two years in the Israeli National Defense Service. At the age of eighteen, all the students are required to enlist for two years at the Israeli National Defense Service. This story starts as Valérie is finishing up her school year, she is preoccupied with the final preparations for her bac exams. While telling the reader not only what it is like to serve in the military, but also mentions all the things that teenage college girls go through at this age. She had to deal with being away from home, missing her friends, her boyfriend dumping her, and numerous other problems she had to face during her time in the military. All in all “Never give up, and be confident in what you do. There may be tough times, but the difficulties which you face will make you more determined to achieve your objectives and to win against all the odds”(Marta).
Valérie is a strong character that never gives up and keeps on fighting this quote perfectly describes Valérie because her determination is her key to success. “Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough” (Og Mandino). She can be humorous or moody which brings the character to life. She has a meltdown when she doesn’t get to see her friends and family. She learns how to manipulate that to her advantage, even within the Israeli army. Her thoughts and her opinions are age appropriate. One of the weaknesses of this story would be attributed to the translation. In the story, Valérie and her comrades singing songs and making up slogans. Those slogans may have been amusing in French, but they lost something when translated. Also, there are terms within the story that are European terms, rather than American terms, such as torch for flashlight.This story gives a strong view of the dangers of being in the military. Despite the few weaknesses so far identified When I was a Soldier is a captivating book to read.
Based on the true story, Valérie, a teenager like many others is focused on her exams, her love life, her friends, and her family. Her life is about to take a great turn, she is about to become a soldier. Valérie spends two years completing her National Service in Israel and throughout that period of her life Valérie evolves into a young women. Valerie changes and becomes a more mature person from chapter to chapter. The plot progression is really special. Each character grows throughout the book and their perspectives change as well. Being a soldier is not a negative experience, independence is acquired. Valerie used to depend on her parents for various things but know she is able to wake up alone and assume her responsibilities. Thus being a soldier made a major impact to Valéries life and helped her grow and become a better person.
To summarize the last chapters Valérie is French-born she has two best friends Yulia and Rahel. Eighteen year olds, studying for their Baccalaureate, in their last year at school, and probably their last year of friendship.Valérie works after school at the Extrapharm chemist shop and lives her life as an ordinary young adult. She has lived five years in Negev Desert with her parents and her sister Sonia. Jean David her boyfriend dumped her and went to live in Jerusalem. Just thinking about what will happen or what will they do to her at the National Service is frightening. She won't simply be dressed as a boy for a while the army will become her world she will become an adult almost overnight. The change will be difficult because nothing can unite these two worlds. To conclude Valérie is about to embark into a journey that will change her perspective of the world.
Rita Jillabi
Sunday, March 22, 2015
7-1
Valérie is about to become a soldier and that evolves the theme of “Coming of age” . Valérie is about to carry the nation's security on her shoulders. She is in many ways an ordinary girl, she feels apprehensive and excited at the same time. Impatient to discover new things, she can't wait to enter the Israeli National Defence Service but Valerie doesn’t know yet the dangers and the risks that it implies. Therefor she joins the other eighteen year olds who are willing to join the Israeli National Defence Service. They were all bussed into the training base, where they are given their uniforms, their kit, their weapons and other supplies needed to survive. They are then told “In two year's time, if everything goes as it should, you will be young women”. All in all this is a new chapter in Valérie’s life. “Life is like a book. Everyday is a new page. Every month is a new chapter. Every year is a new series” (Unknown).
As Voltaire once said “With great power comes great responsibility”. This quote relates with the book because Valérie is on for a new start, her life is no longer the same she is a soldier. Her old friendships change as life keeps moving on. Valérie completely changed into a women, her determination takes the lead. Everyday Valérie excels in what she does and constantly puts effort. Valerie progressed from rookie to corporal. She wakes up daily at four in the morning and adapts to strict military discipline - guards and extremely exhausting runs. Valérie learns how to manage a machine gun and passes severe tests and intense memorising. To conclude, this quote by Michael Jordan perfectly fits Valerie because she actually makes things happen and fights for what she wants “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen”.
The plot progression and the characters in “When I was a Soldier” are really special. Valérie is really ambitious and always wants to discover new things but like every teenager she has a wild side that she doesn’t always reveal. The book “When I was a Soldier” is most powerful when it comes to examine these difficult issues on a girl that is about to enter adulthood. Valérie went into the army as an adolescent and apparently came out as an adult. “When I was a Soldier” is a book that will open peoples eyes on a very different life in a very different world, as Valérie Zenatti narrates her unique experience in the Israeli National Defence Service. Thus this book is highly recommended to everyone who is open minded and receptive to new ideas.
The theme in the last chapters would be “Coming of Age”. Valérie is in the army now and she assumes all of her responsibilities. Nothing can unite these two worlds the change was hard, but Valérie met new friends and reconstructed her life in the army. This relates to the theme coming of age because Valérie has grown and has become and adult. Chapters pass and Valérie transforms into a women, independence is what she got out of this experience that is not yet done and that will continue to change her into a stronger women. Being a soldier is a coming of age that made a great impact in Valéries life, therefore coming of age is an important theme in this book.
November 18, 2017
When I Was a Soldier, by Valerie Zenatti, is an autobiography of her life in the army. It begins with her stressing over tests, boys, and other normal things. After this, she is required by the country to go to the military. Throughout the challenges thrown at her in this, she begins to take a new perspective on her life. What mattered before isn't as important now.
I thought this book was good, because it flipped back and forth from her diary to her own thoughts. This style helped me see what she was thinking through all of this, not just what the author thought. This book was also good because it shows how your life can change in seconds. She went from a care free teenager to a strong adult almost instantly. I'd recommend this book to anyone who doesn't realize how hard the army is for everyone.
I thought this book was good, because it flipped back and forth from her diary to her own thoughts. This style helped me see what she was thinking through all of this, not just what the author thought. This book was also good because it shows how your life can change in seconds. She went from a care free teenager to a strong adult almost instantly. I'd recommend this book to anyone who doesn't realize how hard the army is for everyone.
March 7, 2019
In the book "When I Was a Soldier" by Valerie Zenatti is a book about Valerie and her friends dealing with a problem that most teenage girls don't have. At age 18, all Israelites are enlisted into the military. This book gives the personal side of what these young soldiers went through while they balanced their futures with battling on the front lines. I really enjoyed this book because the characters were authentic, detailed. That is definitely the strong suit of this book I actually felt for these characters and cared for them. I also enjoyed this book because it wasn't the standard war hero book, this book gave details of what actually happens in war and what the feeling of it is. The only place that this book feel short was that at times the book was a little bland and the emotion wasn't captured as well as it could have been. Overall, I recommend this book for anyone who has interest in the military and in particular, the Gulf War.
November 27, 2022
Cette lecture fait partie de mon travail ! Si on considère que je travaille quand je suis tous les jours au milieu des livres et autres ressources de mon CDI et que j’essaie de créer du lien entre ces livres et les élèves !
C’est donc en cherchant à offrir des écrits autobiographiques aux 3emes que j’ai sorti ce livre de l’étagère : et qu’elle découverte ! Englouti en 2 jours , il a accompagné toutes mes pauses et je n’ai parlé que de l’histoire de V Zenatti aux enseignants croisés en cette fin de semaine.
Elle raconte ici ses deux années de service militaire en Israël, à 18 ans, tout juste son bac en poche. Ces années, ces rencontres l’ont façonnée et amenée à devenir adulte.
Beau partage d’expérience, ouverture sur le monde, que j’espère transmettre aux élèves !
C’est donc en cherchant à offrir des écrits autobiographiques aux 3emes que j’ai sorti ce livre de l’étagère : et qu’elle découverte ! Englouti en 2 jours , il a accompagné toutes mes pauses et je n’ai parlé que de l’histoire de V Zenatti aux enseignants croisés en cette fin de semaine.
Elle raconte ici ses deux années de service militaire en Israël, à 18 ans, tout juste son bac en poche. Ces années, ces rencontres l’ont façonnée et amenée à devenir adulte.
Beau partage d’expérience, ouverture sur le monde, que j’espère transmettre aux élèves !
April 27, 2022
The Batchelder Honor book was originally published in French. It would be of interest to older teens, probably in grades 10-12. This memoir tackles the unusual topic of compulsory military service in Israel. The author’s account of her first year as a soldier describes an experience totally foreign to American teens. She tells of her life filled with typical teen concerns like graduating from high school and problems with her boyfriend, but also of her thoughts of being in the Israeli Army and her deepening understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
December 11, 2017
As an eighth grade girl, this inspired me. It gave girls power and independence. This book is about a girl named Valerie who ends up fighting in an Israeli war. I don't want to spoil it so I'm just going to say it was a bold move that Valerie made but it was clearly worth writing about. I think this would be a good recommendation for people who enjoy memoirs and/or autobiographies.
June 24, 2023
Great YA read. It was fascinating to peek into Valérie’s life as an Israeli soldier. Her experiences and feelings while in service were really interesting. The roller coaster of activities and corresponding emotions seemed to be so intense for her - while on duty and while on leave.
May 6, 2017
Echt heftig om in dienstplicht te gaan, voor meisjes en jongens. Ik ben blij dat het hier niet verplicht is. Kort boek maar had ook niet veel langer hoeven te zijn. Origineel onderwerp en eerlijk.
March 19, 2020
This book is so captivating. Based on her own story. Loved to read it
July 17, 2021
I was up to page 50 and she had still no left for the army, talk about a slow book pass. DNF
Read
August 25, 2024Lu en 3ème, trop cool !
March 24, 2017
When I was a Soldier Review
Valérie Zenatti is the main character in the book I chose called When I was a Soldier by Valérie Zenatti herself. Where Valérie lives, it is mandatory that all students when they come of age 18 enlist in the Israeli army for at least 2 years. Valérie being a teenage girl in all, is still finishing school, keeping up with her friends and staying in enough contact with her boyfriend. As times change however, being enlisted into the army changes her whole mindset which leaves her stressed out with not being able to see her friends and family and breaking up with her boyfriend due to the distance. This book gives teens the opportunity to see life through a different perspective. With her overall thoughts on the political aspect of serving for the army, it helps teens understand the differences in environments for someone (especially for a teenage girl like Valérie) serving their country. The struggles that come along with Valérie’s journey are eventually solved when her old friendships change as life moves on, new friends are made and her past love is revisited and finally let go. Overall, when being put into the army it gave Valérie a chance to find the new her.
This book, When I Was a Soldier definitely spoke to me as I enjoyed reading this because I like the little journal entries from here to there. However, I couldn't necessarily relate to the book but reading through the eyes of the memoir of Valérie really made me think how much more difficult a commitment like that can lead you and the troubles that come along with journey. I can say though that this book can relate to me and my generation as we are teengers and can understand the sacrifices that Valérie had to make to do something that wasn't avoidable. If i had to relate overall, I would say that college would be my Israeli army because I am going right after high school and won't be able to see my friends very much as well. As a invested reader of this book, I would recommend this book to people who are interested in making important decisions that can change your life. The book is also fast-paced and it teaches teens and people in general that you may not be prepared for what life throws your way.
Valérie Zenatti is the main character in the book I chose called When I was a Soldier by Valérie Zenatti herself. Where Valérie lives, it is mandatory that all students when they come of age 18 enlist in the Israeli army for at least 2 years. Valérie being a teenage girl in all, is still finishing school, keeping up with her friends and staying in enough contact with her boyfriend. As times change however, being enlisted into the army changes her whole mindset which leaves her stressed out with not being able to see her friends and family and breaking up with her boyfriend due to the distance. This book gives teens the opportunity to see life through a different perspective. With her overall thoughts on the political aspect of serving for the army, it helps teens understand the differences in environments for someone (especially for a teenage girl like Valérie) serving their country. The struggles that come along with Valérie’s journey are eventually solved when her old friendships change as life moves on, new friends are made and her past love is revisited and finally let go. Overall, when being put into the army it gave Valérie a chance to find the new her.
This book, When I Was a Soldier definitely spoke to me as I enjoyed reading this because I like the little journal entries from here to there. However, I couldn't necessarily relate to the book but reading through the eyes of the memoir of Valérie really made me think how much more difficult a commitment like that can lead you and the troubles that come along with journey. I can say though that this book can relate to me and my generation as we are teengers and can understand the sacrifices that Valérie had to make to do something that wasn't avoidable. If i had to relate overall, I would say that college would be my Israeli army because I am going right after high school and won't be able to see my friends very much as well. As a invested reader of this book, I would recommend this book to people who are interested in making important decisions that can change your life. The book is also fast-paced and it teaches teens and people in general that you may not be prepared for what life throws your way.
September 19, 2010
When I Was a Soldier is the memoir of Israeli soldier Valerie Zenatti. Beginning with the last days at home, taking her final tests at school and saying goodbye to friends and family, following through the beginning of training and ending with her completion of her two years of service. Originally from France, Valerie moved to Israel with her family when she was about thirteen. As the story progresses, it becomes obvious that though she is an Israeli, she sympathizes with the Palestinians. In a passage where she thinks of her future as a soldier, alluding to her differing beliefs, she states:
"We’re a nation of lunatics stranded between songs, the sea and war. A country in which death is conceivable from as early as eighteen, but this eventuality doesn’t make anyone any more intelligent… This is my country, so I know and I understand all this almost physically. And yet I feel like a stranger to it, a foreigner (Zenatti 41)."
Later, on leave at home, she mentions reading Yonatan Geffen’s columns in the newspaper, referring to him as “unfailingly left-wing… He criticizes the government, the occupation of Palestinian territories, the Israelis’ legendary ability to argue without listening to a word anyone else is saying,” as well as telling what Israel looks like from London (96). When she’s back at the base, one night a fellow soldier complains about the others believing everything they are told about Israel, the “syrupy words” that get “crowds to believe that we’re so beautiful… so kind, so sensitive, such pacifists, but that, UNFORTUNATELY, we’re always having to defend ourselves.” When she’s told that it’s the truth, she responds, “the truth you want to believe in so that you don’t have to ask yourself any questions about the uniform we’re wearing, about what it means to the Palestinians, for example” (112). While the others fight back and forth with Daniela, the soldier who was speaking for the Palestinians, Valerie sits quietly, because she thinks Daniela was right, but that things had to be said differently “to explain, without causing so much hurt, without provoking these tears, without calling everything back into question” (113). This seems to be a huge problem of the conflict on both sides, both sides being to passionate and angry to really express their beliefs in ways that will actually invoke change. When she firsts has to learn to fire a gun, she begins to wonder which side she’s really on, and the implications of actually shooting when she’s no longer in training. In the end, she never comes to terms with this. Towards the end, talking to her old friends from school, Valerie asserts that Israel "should stop dominating another people, we should withdraw from Judea, Samaria and Gaza. Then we could really get down to tackling the problems in this country. And we just can’t go on accepting the fact that some people get a pittance of salary while others have so many shares they don’t know what to do with them. Wasn’t this supposed to be a socialist Jewish state? Well, let it really be one! (190)"
Later, when going home, Arabic boys with rocks attack the bus she is riding, she wants to yell at them that she’s the same age and thinks what they do. While visiting Tel Aviv, she meets others like her who think there needs to be a revolution, and occasionally demonstrates “with the ‘women in black’ calling for Israel’s withdrawal from Palestinian territories. They wear black as a sign of mourning and they’re treated to torrents of abuse from the right-wing counter-demonstrators every Friday” (217). The book as a whole gives hope that there are those soldiers who are on the side of the Palestinians, and even perhaps encourages those potential soldiers who read this book to change their opinions. Though she is on the side of Palestine, there is still a passionate love of her country as well. This book is definitely more for later high school age students, juniors and seniors, due to the age of the main character.
"We’re a nation of lunatics stranded between songs, the sea and war. A country in which death is conceivable from as early as eighteen, but this eventuality doesn’t make anyone any more intelligent… This is my country, so I know and I understand all this almost physically. And yet I feel like a stranger to it, a foreigner (Zenatti 41)."
Later, on leave at home, she mentions reading Yonatan Geffen’s columns in the newspaper, referring to him as “unfailingly left-wing… He criticizes the government, the occupation of Palestinian territories, the Israelis’ legendary ability to argue without listening to a word anyone else is saying,” as well as telling what Israel looks like from London (96). When she’s back at the base, one night a fellow soldier complains about the others believing everything they are told about Israel, the “syrupy words” that get “crowds to believe that we’re so beautiful… so kind, so sensitive, such pacifists, but that, UNFORTUNATELY, we’re always having to defend ourselves.” When she’s told that it’s the truth, she responds, “the truth you want to believe in so that you don’t have to ask yourself any questions about the uniform we’re wearing, about what it means to the Palestinians, for example” (112). While the others fight back and forth with Daniela, the soldier who was speaking for the Palestinians, Valerie sits quietly, because she thinks Daniela was right, but that things had to be said differently “to explain, without causing so much hurt, without provoking these tears, without calling everything back into question” (113). This seems to be a huge problem of the conflict on both sides, both sides being to passionate and angry to really express their beliefs in ways that will actually invoke change. When she firsts has to learn to fire a gun, she begins to wonder which side she’s really on, and the implications of actually shooting when she’s no longer in training. In the end, she never comes to terms with this. Towards the end, talking to her old friends from school, Valerie asserts that Israel "should stop dominating another people, we should withdraw from Judea, Samaria and Gaza. Then we could really get down to tackling the problems in this country. And we just can’t go on accepting the fact that some people get a pittance of salary while others have so many shares they don’t know what to do with them. Wasn’t this supposed to be a socialist Jewish state? Well, let it really be one! (190)"
Later, when going home, Arabic boys with rocks attack the bus she is riding, she wants to yell at them that she’s the same age and thinks what they do. While visiting Tel Aviv, she meets others like her who think there needs to be a revolution, and occasionally demonstrates “with the ‘women in black’ calling for Israel’s withdrawal from Palestinian territories. They wear black as a sign of mourning and they’re treated to torrents of abuse from the right-wing counter-demonstrators every Friday” (217). The book as a whole gives hope that there are those soldiers who are on the side of the Palestinians, and even perhaps encourages those potential soldiers who read this book to change their opinions. Though she is on the side of Palestine, there is still a passionate love of her country as well. This book is definitely more for later high school age students, juniors and seniors, due to the age of the main character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2016
When I Was a Soldier is a memoir of Valérie Zenatti, who was born in France but as an Israeli served as a soldier after her high school graduation (Israel drafts young people, male and female alike, when they are eighteen, due to its unstable political situation). Her life previous to military service is like any other girls', saturated with the baccalaureate, or the bac in short, appearance, friendship, guys, gossip, and many other girly things. However, among her daily concerns exist something that most girls would never even dream about in their lives: her upcoming military service. She senses that something will change drastically after her service, and she is right. As she inches her way through two years of intense military training, dramatic change in relationships, fierce patriotism, almost unbearable stress in the intelligence service and finally the political dilemma she finds herself in, she discovers that she indeed transformed, or to quote her words, "grew up".
One of the things I noted during the course of the memoir is her development in writing. In the beginning of her story, both her thoughts and style of writing seem immature, inexperienced. As she experienced more and more of life, going in and out of the military bases, her thoughts seem to mature into something more substantial, rather than the relatively shallow and simple topics of appearance and her ex-boyfriend. Along with that her writing seemed to grow more experienced and have more insight in them as well, and I presume it was a combined result of development in her ideas and the sheer experience in expressing them.
A major theme inspiring those changes is the political situation between Israel and Palestine. As she visits different cities during her occasional leaves, she also encounters hostile Palestinians fighting for what they believe is theirs, and she comes to share the views of the militants, wishing there to be a revolution and for the former Palestinian land to be returned to its owners. Nonetheless, being an Israeli soldier meant that if a violent situation rises, she must fight against those who beliefs are the same as hers. This also contributed to her mental insecurity during her early stages in the military service.
Besides all the politics and military secrets she had to keep in the intelligence service, her heartbreak really plays into the "growing up" factor, where she finally gets over her ex-boyfriend from high-school, Jean-David. In the middle of her service, he calls her saying that he misses her and asks to see her again in Jerusalem, without any implications of getting back together. Of course, Valérie, not having gotten over him, completely flips and on her first chance rushes to Jerusalem. On her second visit though, she realizes that he has another girl, and with some help finally gets over him. However YA-novel-ly this seems in summary, in the memoir itself the whole process happens over quite a long period of time, and her developing writing doesn't make it sound like a hackneyed affair.
As Ms. Dowty commented, the story itself turned out to be a classic one, a distraught girl hardening and growing up into a part of society through military service, but the spices of politics and bits of romance does raise its value. I recommend this for people who might be interested in military related themes, or a "growth" story, where positive change can be seen in the main character.
One of the things I noted during the course of the memoir is her development in writing. In the beginning of her story, both her thoughts and style of writing seem immature, inexperienced. As she experienced more and more of life, going in and out of the military bases, her thoughts seem to mature into something more substantial, rather than the relatively shallow and simple topics of appearance and her ex-boyfriend. Along with that her writing seemed to grow more experienced and have more insight in them as well, and I presume it was a combined result of development in her ideas and the sheer experience in expressing them.
A major theme inspiring those changes is the political situation between Israel and Palestine. As she visits different cities during her occasional leaves, she also encounters hostile Palestinians fighting for what they believe is theirs, and she comes to share the views of the militants, wishing there to be a revolution and for the former Palestinian land to be returned to its owners. Nonetheless, being an Israeli soldier meant that if a violent situation rises, she must fight against those who beliefs are the same as hers. This also contributed to her mental insecurity during her early stages in the military service.
Besides all the politics and military secrets she had to keep in the intelligence service, her heartbreak really plays into the "growing up" factor, where she finally gets over her ex-boyfriend from high-school, Jean-David. In the middle of her service, he calls her saying that he misses her and asks to see her again in Jerusalem, without any implications of getting back together. Of course, Valérie, not having gotten over him, completely flips and on her first chance rushes to Jerusalem. On her second visit though, she realizes that he has another girl, and with some help finally gets over him. However YA-novel-ly this seems in summary, in the memoir itself the whole process happens over quite a long period of time, and her developing writing doesn't make it sound like a hackneyed affair.
As Ms. Dowty commented, the story itself turned out to be a classic one, a distraught girl hardening and growing up into a part of society through military service, but the spices of politics and bits of romance does raise its value. I recommend this for people who might be interested in military related themes, or a "growth" story, where positive change can be seen in the main character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2009
Valerie Zenatti is just like any other Israeli teenager. She has dreams, a boyfriend, and an evolving sense of self. But she and all her other friends know that their time is coming. One day they will get the call, just as their fathers and mothers did, informing them that it is their turn to serve in the Israeli army, TSHAL.
Once Valerie joins the army she has almost no free time. She must wake up at 4:30 am, be ready to go by 5:00, and does not get any breaks except during meals. The day ends at 10:00 pm and lights out is at 10:30 which gives her only half an hour to shower, brush her teeth, and make phone calls. After basic training is over which consist of exercise and target practice, she is sent to train with the intelligence agency learning how to listen in on the military airplanes of other countries. Her military career concludes bwith top secret missions with the secret service. During her military career she has almost no free time but she still tries to make the most of it. She realizes that life should not be taken for granted and that freedom is not free. Extra stress is added to her life by her boyfriend who never “broke up with her” but is seeing another woman.
During the stunning memoir When I was a Soldier Valerie Zenatti paints a vivid picture of her time in the military. Afterward Valerie Zenatti went to college before moving to France where she was born and becoming a Hebrew translator as well as write books. This book was a Batchelder honor book in 2002 as one of the best translated books that year. This book helps you to better understand what life is like for other teenagers and how you can relate to them, even if they live on the other side of the world.
I would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys books about the middle-east, the military, as well as anyone who liked the book A Bottle in the Gaza Sea. This book puts into perspective the life of another in such a way that is rare in literature and makes this book a priceless read.
December 15, 2009
"When I Was a Soldier" was an interesting memoir. Valerie was born in France in 1970, immigrated to Israel with her family when she was thirteen, and joined the Israeli army five years later when she turned eighteen. The memoir focused as much on her personal life as on her training.
The first fourth of the memoir was about the pressure of taking her bac exams...especially since her boyfriend had just broken up with her. The next part--about half of the book--was about her training. Most of this section described her basic training which occurred on an all-girls base. It was interesting to see the similarities and differences between the Israeli basic training and what I've read about American basic training. She also briefly described her training in intelligence work and the stress she was under to learn, learn, learn without mistake! The final section described some of what she did in her intelligence work. She mainly focused on the first year of her two years of military service.
What I found most interesting was her descriptions of the discussions she had with her fellow soldiers and other citizens about the ongoing conflict with the Palestinians. A wide variety of views were briefly covered, giving a feel for the complexity of the situation. She also talked about the diversity among the Israeli Jews--their different cultural backgrounds, political views, and level of religious devotion. Valerie's French background was apparently a bit unique in Israel, but her secular view (she didn't believe in God) didn't seem uncommon.
The memoir was written in first person present tense ("I go" instead of "I went"), but this didn't bother me and I usually didn't even notice. There was a minor amount of bad language and some swearing. There was no explicit sex (though she and her friends were sexually active). Overall, I'd recommend this memoir to those interested in what life is like for Israeli eighteen-to-twenty-year-old girls.
The first fourth of the memoir was about the pressure of taking her bac exams...especially since her boyfriend had just broken up with her. The next part--about half of the book--was about her training. Most of this section described her basic training which occurred on an all-girls base. It was interesting to see the similarities and differences between the Israeli basic training and what I've read about American basic training. She also briefly described her training in intelligence work and the stress she was under to learn, learn, learn without mistake! The final section described some of what she did in her intelligence work. She mainly focused on the first year of her two years of military service.
What I found most interesting was her descriptions of the discussions she had with her fellow soldiers and other citizens about the ongoing conflict with the Palestinians. A wide variety of views were briefly covered, giving a feel for the complexity of the situation. She also talked about the diversity among the Israeli Jews--their different cultural backgrounds, political views, and level of religious devotion. Valerie's French background was apparently a bit unique in Israel, but her secular view (she didn't believe in God) didn't seem uncommon.
The memoir was written in first person present tense ("I go" instead of "I went"), but this didn't bother me and I usually didn't even notice. There was a minor amount of bad language and some swearing. There was no explicit sex (though she and her friends were sexually active). Overall, I'd recommend this memoir to those interested in what life is like for Israeli eighteen-to-twenty-year-old girls.
October 6, 2014
The book When I was a Soldier By valerie Zenatti, follows the young Valerie in the 1970s on here way to become a soldier. Throughout this non-fiction biography you'll read about how being a soldier in Israel at the time was like. All from a girl's point of view. This book tells in great details how she felt with additional diary entries about the things she did while being in the army.
Some things I enjoyed while reading include. How much detail there are within this book. Things like describing something to the smallest detail while not being boring is something that you don't see in every book. Also how she can still keep you interested in the her story with the conversations between characters is really something. One other thing that really sets this book different from other non-fictions/biography. Is the comedy within the book. Most non-fictions and biographies have a tendency to get boring after awhile which usually makes readers stop reading it. Although I can say that there are some boring parts to the book there was I good amount of funny parts. One thing that I didn't like in this book was how it starts out slow. If the book would have started out with her starting in the military instead I would have been more existed to read her story. But the book makes up for it with smart remarks, funny personality from most characters, and descriptive writing.
All in all I think it was a great book for non-fiction biography, and I don't read a lot of biographies period. Mostly because they have a tendency to be boring throughout the book. Valerie Zenatti dose a great job of keeping you interested in her life's story and makes you want to keep reading. I would recommend this book if your really into non-fiction writing. Also if you like a bit of humor in the books you read this is a good pick. I have never read a book like it, but one thing is for sure you'll either hate it or like. I personally enjoyed for a non-fiction biography.
Some things I enjoyed while reading include. How much detail there are within this book. Things like describing something to the smallest detail while not being boring is something that you don't see in every book. Also how she can still keep you interested in the her story with the conversations between characters is really something. One other thing that really sets this book different from other non-fictions/biography. Is the comedy within the book. Most non-fictions and biographies have a tendency to get boring after awhile which usually makes readers stop reading it. Although I can say that there are some boring parts to the book there was I good amount of funny parts. One thing that I didn't like in this book was how it starts out slow. If the book would have started out with her starting in the military instead I would have been more existed to read her story. But the book makes up for it with smart remarks, funny personality from most characters, and descriptive writing.
All in all I think it was a great book for non-fiction biography, and I don't read a lot of biographies period. Mostly because they have a tendency to be boring throughout the book. Valerie Zenatti dose a great job of keeping you interested in her life's story and makes you want to keep reading. I would recommend this book if your really into non-fiction writing. Also if you like a bit of humor in the books you read this is a good pick. I have never read a book like it, but one thing is for sure you'll either hate it or like. I personally enjoyed for a non-fiction biography.
April 16, 2010
The only part of this book that I object to is that it is fairly automatically considered non-fiction. I'm sure that the author had her facts checked; but, because of the nature of memoirs, there are bound to be some inaccuracies. I refuse to believe that she remembers the conversations with her friends during those years so well. I guess that's why she used single quotation marks instead of double quotes, but it does make the book read more like a story and less like an actual account of events. I really enjoyed the story though. Valerie is a teenager on the verge of becoming an adult just like every other young adult in every other country. There are clear differences between her coming of age and an American teen's experience. We don't have required military service, but this service seems to give Israeli teens two more years to decide what to study in college. It could definitely cut back on the undecided majors, but it could also be seen as a restriction on essential freedoms of choice. I do like the fact that Israel requires service from girls as well as boys because girls get the same rights as citizens that boys do and should have to earn them the same way. The memoir is very down to earth despite the fact that Valerie confesses to day dreaming a lot. Even her panic attack is something that a fairly good portion of our population would understand in her situation.
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