Review of Army Life

[Chris Agbara]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Army Life" by Darryl Jefferson.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Darryl Jefferson's memoir, Army Life, is a captivating novel that provides a detailed account of the author's struggles to join the U.S. Army, his experiences during service, and his life afterward. With 472 pages, it offers readers an insightful glimpse into military life, shedding light on the behaviors of Army personnel.
 
The entire novel is narrated in the first person by Sullivan, who faces psychological challenges that hinder his ability to focus on technical tasks, making learning difficult and stress management challenging. Additionally, he deals with a social disorder that leads others to perceive him as awkward. Due to these traits, many believe that Sullivan was incapable of joining or succeeding in the Army.
 
Sullivan's fascination with the Army began when his stepfather introduced him to a computer game called "Army Men." His interest grew as he visited an army base and witnessed the camaraderie among officers, feeling that the Army was a place free from discrimination where he truly belonged. His journey in the Army reinforces the saying, "Never judge a book by its cover."
 
One highlight of the book is its deep perspective on the Army, offering comprehensive insights into its operations, requirements for joining, promotion procedures, training sessions, and overall lifestyle. After finishing the novel, I felt like I knew everything there was to know about the U.S. Army. The book also sends a powerful message about perseverance and pursuing one's dreams despite challenges, as demonstrated by Sullivan's determination.
 
While the book is commendable, some readers may find it lengthy and lacking in action or combat scenes, especially during Sullivan's deployment to Afghanistan. Nevertheless, it's appreciated that the author presented an unfiltered true-life story without sugar-coating for reader satisfaction.
 
Overall, I will give Army Life a well-deserved rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Though it contains some minor errors, the professional editing and easy-to-follow narrative make it accessible to readers without prior military knowledge. I recommend it to those interested in military-themed novels and seeking motivation for new endeavors. However, this novel is not suitable for underage readers due to the abundant presence of profanity, sexual content, substance abuse, and alcoholism.
 

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Army Life
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[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

Since my country is not a belic one, I find army life intriguing. It's fascinating how some people of an impression can little events that happen in our childhood can have.
Great review!

[Stephanie Runyon]

I served in the Army from 1997-2006. From what I understand, the new requirements are a lot more relaxed. It sounds like AIT was a problem for Sullivan. I know that a mental disorder will cause a chapter 8 discharge, so I wonder how he was a able to pass by with a social disorder. Nice review!