Bristol's Bastards: In Iraq with the 2nd Battalion, 136th Infantry of Minnesota's National Guard by Nicholas P. Maurstad, Darwin Holmstrom

Intrigued!by havtchnrdataa

Reader Rating:
See Detailed Ratings

September 08, 2009: I originally purchased the book as a Christmas present for my youngest son who was serving with the Air Force in Balad, Iraq, at the time. However, I decided to read it myself before mailing it off because of much publicity in my hometown newspaper as well as personally knowing the family of Corey Rystad, one of the Guardsman who was killed in Iraq. Needless to say, I was intrigued! I could not put it down until I had finished reading it. Yes, it is a candid memoir of the time Nicholas Maurstad spent in Iraq. Therefore, it does have profanity as well as some topics that may be embarassing to some readers. But, that's the way it is in times of war. It is never pretty and Nicholas tells it like it is; even the incompetence of some of the Guard trainers. Only when their unit was put under the wing of Marine Colonel Bristol (hence the name Bristol's Bastards) did they become skilled soldiers. Parts of the book are funny, some are sad, and others are enlightening. Basically, Nicholas tells it like it was. Throw in some farm boy ingenuity and you can see how our servicemen were able to turn things around in Iraq. No, Nicholas didn't have great literary talent at the time of writing this book but I think he did quite well in spite of it. Therefore, I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates the sacrifices our servicemen have made for our country and our freedom.

find other booksby jpND

Reader Rating:
See Detailed Ratings

July 11, 2009: Poorly written with more of a stream of consciousness than thoughtful insight, this book tells of an angry kid who was that way before serving, was angry in the Army, and is still angry. Anger can be an interesting viewpoint but isn't used here. The writer gives no real introspective idea of what an enlisted man goes through, instead just talks about superficial and meaningless times he devalues himself and others. Most of the book is an expanded set of disconnected thoughts. He skips over the most touted part of the book (capturing Hassan) and instead spends time being angry at people's supposed incompetence without supplying any evidence or support for his reasons. He shows little understanding of what went on around him or interest in telling about events other than drinking and being angry. The only thoughtful section is when he remembers his friends that died. Most or all of his living friends were not spared embarrassment or honored by this story.

I served as an enlisted man in the guard and was embarrassed by his story. Yes, young men left alone with boredom in a place that is inhospitable will do stupid things. But they also do more brave work. I am certain that the author also did many brave things but this story is all about the stupid things and nothing of merit. There were honorable people and people who made poor decisions in Iraq. This book tells none of that.