From Baghdad to America: Life after War for a Marine and His Rescued Dog
It’s usually a good idea to avoid any book that has the words “life lessons” in its title (or subtitle), but, of course, there are exceptions. In From Baghdad, with Love (2006), Kopelman told the story of Lava, a stray puppy who was discovered in Fallujah by a marine unit and, against regulations, transported back to the States, where he was adopted by Kopelman after his return from Iraq. This follow-up chronicles Kopelman and Lava’s postwar transition into civilian life, and its most touching element is the story of how the author was able to learn valuable things about himself through observing his dog. Kopelman recognized, for example, that Lava’s increasingly aggressive, almost dangerously protective behavior was a clear sign of post-traumatic stress—and that if Lava was suffering from PTSD, then perhaps Kopelman needed to stop denying his own psychological symptoms and seek some help. It’s an inspiring story, one that will connect even with readers allergic to “life lessons.” --David Pitt--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.