I’m a reader. An avid reader. Give me a rainy afternoon, a hot cup of tea and a book and I’m golden.
Do you read books about military life and the experiences of military spouses? Which ones are your favorites?
If you’re like me, then you might consider checking out a few of the following books. These 8 books offer great insight and reflection on military life.
Some have made me cry, others had me laughing. And still others have given me pause to reflect on how things have changed in this country and offer a reminder of what service to our country really means.
I Love These 8 Books About Military Life
“15 Years of War” by Kristine Schellhaas
I was lucky enough to get to work with the author of this book during the editing process. What really stuck with me throughout the entire process is the authenticity of the life that author Kristine Schellhaas depicts.
It’s a he-said, she-said account of the life of a military family starting just prior to 9/11. It shares the ups and downs so many of us are familiar with and offers a glimpse at how resilient military families truly are.
“Confessions of a Military Wife” by Mollie Gross
If you can’t laugh at this life, I don’t know how you cope. Well known in the military community for her hilarious stand-up, Mollie Gross dives a little deeper into her real life and the first time I read this book, I remember thinking,
“Thank God somebody else thinks this way too!”
Honest and entertaining, this is a great book for new and seasoned spouses alike.
“Stories from Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life” by Various Authors
Pick a challenge that military life puts us through, and this book talks about it. Written by 40+ military family members, this book is a great reminder that we are all in this together. I was impressed by all of the different perspectives. Another great choice, no matter how long you’ve been in the military community.
This book makes a great gift for family members and friends who don’t quite understand what this crazy, funny and hard life is like.
“1001 Things to Love About Military Life” by Tara Crooks, Starlett Henderson, Katie Hightower and Holly Scherer
When your new duty station isn’t everything you hoped it would be, Tricare has you pulling your hair out, or when the up-teenth deployment has you worn out, this book will help put things back in perspective.
“Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War” by Mary Roach
To me, this book contains all of those questions you’ve often wondered about but never thought to ask. While it doesn’t delve into the life of a service member per se, it does shed some light on the science and technology needed to keep our service members doing what they do.
“Behind the Blue Star Banner: A Memoir from the Home Front” by Michelle Cuthrell
I was lucky enough to have my husband with me when our children were born, but countless military wives deliver alone, knowing their spouse is in harm’s way. If you’ve been a military spouse for even just a day, you’ll see yourself in Michelle’s story. Another great book for new military spouses, especially those facing an upcoming deployment.
“Right Side Up: Find Your Way When Military Life Turns You Upside Down” by Judy Davis
One of the greatest responsibilities those of us who have been around for a while have is to share some parting wisdom with those who need it. Judy Davis’ book is a fun, uplifting and practical guide to making the most of this military life. She reminds us that perspective and attitude are as important as orders and duty location.
“Two Stars: Reflections of a Military Wife and Mother” by Victoria Ventura
I added this book to the list for 2 reasons.
First, I like poetry.
Secondly, the ideas presented in this book cover a good amount of history and perspective. It’s an easy read and it made me stop and really consider how I feel about many aspects of being a military wife.
And it reminded me that while we all have a lot in common, how we are affected by the challenges this life brings is different for each of us.
The Michael Neill Adventure series by author Steve Wilson. He is a prior service Marine and now serving in the USAF as a reservist His military life has taking him on many deployments and his personal life has taken him to Ukraine and Russia. The books are action/adventure and have strong and vulnerable characters whose faith will make you hope, worry, laugh, love and dream. There are four in the series so far with great reviews on Amazon and Good Reads. A little dash of Tom Clancy but the author does not get the reader too bogged down with technicalities. Give them a try. Red Sky at Morning, Tempest of Fire, Trinity Icon and Eye of Charybdis can stand alone but it’s best to read in order to follow the characters.