Book Title: Love and Liberty
Author: Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson
Pages: 65
I’m not going to say if I did or didn't cry at the end. What I will say is that it is definitely a great book! To those who have served and know what it’s like, remember this is a fictional book. Also note that the research behind it makes it easy to read, considering it's a military based book.
It starts off with Platoon Captain Jack Parsons and Captain Dana Jenkins both stressed about the future mission and each other. They both have walls up, which makes working together complicated, to say the least. As I read further, my jaw begins to drop on why the hostility lies between them. The problems they face, the things they risk, the outcome to future possibilities.
I must say, as the story unfolds, I am getting a little emotional. After reading the blurb and knowing what’s about to happen before they do… it’s hard to bare. Reminds me of my military days, I want to jump in and protect them. To people who have served or are serving, this story will hit home. To those who want a taste of what it’s like to be a soldier, take the time to get lost in this book. The writing from the author allows you to imagine that you’re with them, seeing what they see, hearing what they hear, living what they’re living.
One problem, yet solution, is someone is lusting for someone else. Their feelings are fighting to help the one they might care for. Developing loving feelings for your co-worker in the military is unprofessional and prohibited. In this case, it helped not only to keep the fight alive inside of them, but it also gave constant adrenaline rushes. These adrenaline rushes helps to save this person that their heart desires from what they’re about to face as well as to keep them alive.
Captain Parsons is faced with watching his men be murdered because he is outnumbered and outgunned. He puts the lives of everyone still alive first and keeps himself from being a hostage, since he’s the only man left standing that hasn't been captured. He finds a way to radio help. He comes into a few of his platoon soldiers without injury whom are ready for the rescue mission.
The intensity to this book, it’s a lot to take in and is making me want to cry (key word is ‘making’). I don’t cry, typically. Some wonder if I even have tear ducts. So, it says a lot when a book can stir up this much emotion through their descriptive and well written words. It takes true talent to get the reader this emotionally invested in a book.
There is a lot of build up for who the Iraqi rebel group, Al-Moofoona, is suggesting to be the reason for the ambush and kidnapping. They want something that someone on Parsons’ team possesses. There are a lot of questions lurking and no way to find answers without going into harm’s way and finding out the hard way.
As the story continues, the fiction of it sets in. It remains intriguing while it continues to hold my attention. There is a lot of notable research throughout this story, enough for it to come alive and make it more realistic and surprisingly less serious (if that makes any sense). If you want to know what may or may not have caused a possible tear or two and what made me incredibly emotional, please give this book a thorough read! Also if you are one of those people going through a stressful or boring time in your life and just want to get lost in a fictional military book, this is now on my recommendation list!
Star Rating: ★★★★½