Charlie Mike

July 27, 2015
Klein, best known as the unmasked author of the bestselling political novel Primary Colors, ventures back into the realm of military nonfiction, which he first tackled with his 1984 book Payback: Five Marines After Vietnam. His subject here is the inspiring, selfless work of two veterans: Eric Greitens, who served as a Navy SEAL in Iraq, and Jake Wood, a former Marine who served in Afghanistan. Greitens founded an organization, the Mission Continues, to help his fellow wounded war veterans, while Wood started Team Rubicon, a group of war veterans doing volunteer humanitarian work both domestically and internationally. Klein ably shares the stories of Greitens and Wood alongside those of a number of other recent veterans, articulating their often difficult post-war physical and emotional problems as well as their triumphs. At times the book reads like a novel, due to Klein’s reliance on reconstructed dialogue. Klein’s style works well, though, as he presents a clear picture of the costs of modern war and the heroic actions of a group of former warriors who wanted to make life better for their fellow service members. Agent: Kathy Robbins, the Robbins Office.

August 1, 2015

In U.S. military jargon, Charlie Mike means "continue the mission." An apt title, since journalist Klein (Primary Colors) relates the experiences of several veterans as they find their way in postwar life. Eric Greitens is a Rhodes Scholar, a Navy SEAL, and a veteran of the most recent Iraq War. Upon leaving the military, he founded the Mission Continues, which assists wounded servicemen and -women in completing their paid public duties. Greitens's story is told in parallel with that of former marine sniper Jake Wood, who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. When Wood returned to the United States, his affinity for action led him to travel to Haiti after the earthquake in 2010. Along with marine friends, he created Team Rubicon, a not-for-profit organization specializing in disaster relief. While on different paths but reaching the same conclusion, Greitens and Wood realize that disabled soldiers, especially those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), benefited tremendously from public service. The Mission Continues and Team Rubicon remain a valuable resource for veterans finding purpose while helping communities. VERDICT Through these profiles readers will find great admiration for the men and women who serve, as well as appreciation for their continued need to serve others. An important purchase for all libraries. [See Prepub Alert, 4/20/15.]--Jason L. Steagall, Gateway Technical Coll. Lib., Elkhorn, WI

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