The narration has moments of levity as the instructor, whom Anthony describes as an "ape with ADD," guides a group of misfits in ridiculous exercises. Believing that he has nothing to lose, Anthony signs up for a course on learning how to attract women. Alcohol and drug abuse lead to suicidal thoughts and the resolution that if he doesn't recover in three months, he will kill himself. But far worse is the feeling of numbness. Thinking about misguided politics invokes a rage in the 21-year-old that is channeled by putting himself in dangerous situations. Upon returning home, Anthony-who spent the previous year in Iraq assisting doctors during surgery in a combat support hospital-realizes that he misses the adrenaline rushes, sense of purpose, and camaraderie. Teens who have grown up witnessing America's involvement in wars and who may know veterans who experienced warfare firsthand will be drawn to this raw, unsentimental memoir.
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