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Don't Let the Monsters Out: An American Airman's Descent into Darkness at Camp Bucca, Iraq
After the prisoner abuse scandal at the infamous Abu Ghraib prison, the military transferred many detainees to Camp Bucca, Iraq, in hopes of salvaging their damaged reputation. However, their efforts backfired, and Bucca, as it came to be called, instead became a breeding ground for the radicalized terrorists of ISIS.
Many of the events Heather O’Brien describes—the death of SPC Christopher Young, the massive overcrowding, the deaths of detainees at the hands of other detainees, and more—have been well-documented. In Don’t Let the Monsters Out, Heather shares her graphic story, an insider’s perspective of what actually happened at Bucca.
Gritty, raw, and real, Don’t Let the Monsters Out pulls no punches as it chronicles the daily life and emotions of one young airman caught in the crossfire at a little-known military internment facility. Her unforgettable story will stay with you long after you close these pages.
Many of the events Heather O’Brien describes—the death of SPC Christopher Young, the massive overcrowding, the deaths of detainees at the hands of other detainees, and more—have been well-documented. In Don’t Let the Monsters Out, Heather shares her graphic story, an insider’s perspective of what actually happened at Bucca.
Gritty, raw, and real, Don’t Let the Monsters Out pulls no punches as it chronicles the daily life and emotions of one young airman caught in the crossfire at a little-known military internment facility. Her unforgettable story will stay with you long after you close these pages.
204 pages, Paperback
Published November 3, 2022
6 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Heather O'Brien
29 books2 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 10, 2022
This is such a riveting story that has forever left an imprint on my life. As someone who once considered serving, I am at a loss for words, and even more thankful I was not forced to fight. I honestly do not believe I would have made it as long. I have had family members and friends serve our country, and I am blessed to see they made it home. I continually pray safely to those who served, are serving, and will serve. They have encountered events in life that far out weigh any challenging life experience from the average American. For that reason, I am compelled to structure my life with more discipline and determination in order to prevent life from ripping out the very purpose I was created for. I am so fortunate to have met Heather a few years ago. She is a true inspiration and a great friend!
April 28, 2025
I'm not going to be able to finish. not for anything about the writing style or readability. but I'm a sensitive, empath with a spouse who did law enforcement (non military).
at 60 pages, I just want to find the author, who lives local somewhere and give her a massive hug! Just breaks my heart what we put the detainees AND our own people through.
she is very honest in her writing. no punches pulled. understanding full well the changes she went through emotionally.
I'm handing this off to my neighbor who also was in the sandbox around that time. I wish I could finish it. it just makes me so sad.
at 60 pages, I just want to find the author, who lives local somewhere and give her a massive hug! Just breaks my heart what we put the detainees AND our own people through.
she is very honest in her writing. no punches pulled. understanding full well the changes she went through emotionally.
I'm handing this off to my neighbor who also was in the sandbox around that time. I wish I could finish it. it just makes me so sad.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews