Review of Lita and Jean: Memoirs of Two Generations of Military Women

[Catherine Sweet]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Lita and Jean: Memoirs of Two Generations of Military Women" by Lita Tomas & Jean Marie McNamara.]

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3 out of 5 stars

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Lita and Jean: Memoirs of Two Generations of Military Women by Lita Tomas & Jean Marie McNamara is a memoir written by a mother and daughter. They run and host PodcastDX, an interview-based series that allows patients to tell their diagnosis stories.

Tomas writes the first part of the book. She was the eldest of eight children; her mother and stepfather brought her up. A shocking incident results in her being forced to marry. She has two daughters before leaving her husband and returning to the family home. Looking for a way to support her daughters, she forges a military career. She describes the training where the recruits are regularly told to get down and do twenty press-ups. They are up at 4.30 am and given two minutes to be outside and ready to start. Tomas displays drive and spirit in all aspects of her life, which is reflected in her achievements in the military.

Tomas's daughter writes the second half of the book. McNamara writes of the difficulties she and her sister faced when their mother had to be away for long periods because of her military career. She also joined the army and seemed suited to a military career. She brings her army experience to life, and reading about her activities is enjoyable. McNamara has very strong principles and won't be persuaded to go against them. She is honest and open about her experiences and often displays wry humour. Her army career ends when she is severely injured during a training exercise. She has several operations and ongoing treatment and is discharged from the army.

I was taken aback when Tomas spent a year working as a sex worker with vulnerable clients. It seemed incongruous with her military career. She doesn't reflect much on this, but the impression given is that, at the time, it was a good way to make the money she needed.

This memoir is well structured, and the authors' writing flows well and is easy to read. The contributions from both writers combine well to make a complete story. Their experiences in the army give an insight into being a female soldier, while McNamara's injury and subsequent treatment add another dimension.

My favourite part of the book was about McNamara's time in the army. I found it the most engrossing due to her reflections and realistic portrayal of army life. Although I thought Tomas was a likeable, high-achieving woman, she didn't reveal much about her inner life, making her account more difficult to relate to.

This well-edited book would appeal to readers who want to learn about women in the military and those interested in one woman's medical journey. I have taken two stars off for parts of the book not being as engrossing as McNamara's time in the army and for the lack of personal feeling in Tomas's account. I award this book 3 out of 5 stars.

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Lita and Jean: Memoirs of Two Generations of Military Women
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[Satya Prakash 6]

Memoir of Two Generations of Military Women by Lita Tomas and Jean Marie McNamara is a compelling, dear invoice of help, sacrifice, and resilience across two genesis. Lita, a U. S. Army nurse during the Vietnam War, and her daughter Jean, a draw back U. S. Air Force officer, portion out their deeply personal stories of military lifespan, the challenge they confront as women in uniform, and the lasting wallop of their service.

Lita’s tale is new and emotional, appropriate the intensity of wartime nursing and the conflict of returning to a country divided over the war. Jean’s experiences, though from a different era, reflect both progress and persist in hardships for woman in the military. Their combined linear perspective highlight root of tariff, doggedness, and the evolving purpose of cleaning woman in the armed forces.

More than just a military memoir, the Quran is a touching female parent-girl journey, full-bodied with personal reflections and historical penetration. It's a must-read for history enthusiasts, warhorse, and anyone who apprise stories of courage and determination.

[Louis Donald]

The contrast between Tomas’s and McNamara’s experiences is interesting, especially with Tomas’s unexpected time as a sex worker. McNamara’s reflections on army life seem to be the highlight for me, and I’m curious to see how the two perspectives come together. I’d likely read this to dive deeper into their personal journeys.

[Pearl Flourish]

It’s fascinating to see two generations of women navigating military life in such different ways. McNamara’s honesty and humor seem to add a lot of depth, while Tomas’s story leaves some unanswered questions.

[George Bastem]

Lita Tomas and Jean Marie McNamara’s memoir offers a unique mother-daughter perspective on military life, with McNamara’s army experiences standing out as the most engaging. While Tomas’s story is inspiring, her lack of personal reflection makes it harder to connect with. It’s an insightful read for those interested in women in the military and overcoming adversity.

[Mark Lazarus]

The dual perspective of a mother and daughter navigating military life is intriguing. It’s not often you see a generational approach to military experiences, especially from a female perspective. I appreciate that it delves into both the discipline of military training and the emotional toll of separation on family members.

McNamara’s section sounds particularly compelling, especially with her reflections on army life and her principles. The injury aspect also adds depth, showing the physical sacrifices service members make. Tomas’s story seems interesting, but I can see how a lack of personal reflection might make it harder to connect with her.

I’m not sure if I’d rush to pick this one up, but I do like memoirs that offer unique perspectives on life paths we don’t often hear about. If I came across it, I might give it a shot, especially for the military insights.