Mark Terris wrote the first draft of his new book just after his discharge from the Israel Defense Forces. Over the next 35 years, the manuscript mostly stayed in a box except when the author drew it out for polishing (something he became good at during basic training.) Thus, the box became a time capsule which I’m glad Terris has now opened.
Terris, an American, moved to Israel with his family when he was 11. He had the opportunity to immigrate back to the states when he graduated, but instead he chose to enlist and serve the usually mandatory 3 years in the Israel Defense Forces.
Terris writes in detail about his basic training with the paratroopers, his medical training within the military, and the rest of his service. He takes his time with events and people, giving us an idea of what it is like to serve in Israel, and making us feel like we know him and his friends and the other characters.
Rather than this being an action packed military book where the warrior-author takes us from battle to battle, this book shows us the other side of military life; a side that is at times mundane. Guard duty, polishing shoes, polishing bullet casings, making beds, raking dirt, sweeping roads, endless inspections. But there’s also excitement and adventure, though it comes more from the pranks and mistakes of 19 and 20 year-olds than from enemy attacks.
Terris gives us a thorough record of his service. He writes well and with warmth and humor. While the book is long, I enjoyed it, and I recommend it to anyone interested in the Israel Defense Forces, medicine, or the military in general.
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