Unspoken Abandonment by Bryan A. Wood

'Unspoken Abandonment' is the story of one man's struggle to return home from the war in Afghanistan, only to find the person he once was may never be the same. Bryan Wood is a military veteran who served during combat operations in Eastern Afghanistan. After returning from combat, he found that his life was falling apart at every turn, and Bryan faced the greatest battle of his life in finding his own peace. He surprisingly found the answer was hidden within a daily journal kept while at war, and Bryan's path ultimately led him to find redemption in the most unexpected of places: love.

In a genre filled with war novels, 'Unspoken Abandonment' stands out as the work is brilliantly written, in a narrative form, which takes the reader on a breathtaking journey into the heart of Afghanistan. The reader is then taken back to America to face "life after combat." This story takes a head-on look at the powerful effects of war and post traumatic stress, but the true focus is on the inspirational triumph over this demon that haunts hundreds of thousands of America's bravest men and women. The story is captivating, the message is inspiring, and this is a "must read" for every American who cares to take an inside look at what our soldiers face on a daily basis. This amazing story will grab your attention immediately, and it is sure to keep you up, past your normal bedtime, for more than a few late nights of reading

Grace and I had originally planned a joint review for this book, but after finishing we both decided it deserved a dedicated review from each one of us. Please take the time to look and read.  This is a truly special book, and we both strongly feel that everyone should read this. There is a short video that has been included at the end of this post, and Bryan Wood will be doing an interview at Darhk Portal on Monday 7/2/12, so please stop by there to learn more.  - Rhonda

Grace

A must-read memoir!

Out of curiosity and upon a friend's recommendation, I started reading Unspoken Abandonment even though it's not my usual genre. From beginning to end, I was captivated by Mr. Wood's journey while serving in Afghanistan, and then trying to live and cope after returning home. He writes with an incredible flair of compassion and raw honesty as he describes horrific and shocking events in his journal entries, events that will be forever ingrained in my mind.

After reading this, I have a clearer understanding of not only the challenges our soldiers endure during war and after returning home, but also what all the innocent people and children go through to survive a hell on earth!

This poignant memoir reminded me to not take things for granted and to always strive to be a better person. Every once in a while we all need to be reminded of that as we go about our busy lives. This story does just that and more.

I urge anyone to read this, be moved, and then tell a friend about it. Thank you, Mr. Wood, for sharing your inspiring story.

Rhonda

I didn’t even realize, but I was quickly going to see, that the person I was before this all started had somehow changed. The way I saw the world was gone, and I saw things, almost everything, in an entirely different way.- Bryan A. Wood

Based on a true story.

First of all, I want to give a huge “thank you” to Bryan Wood, and every American soldier for the job they do, and the job they have done.  I am extremely humbled by all that you do, and endure for my freedom, and the freedom of our great country.  To our men and women here at home, police officers, and firefighters who put yourselves in harms way to keep us safe,  “thank you” to you as well.

Next, I would like to say thank you to my friend Jillian for pointing me in the direction of this book,  I might not have found it otherwise, as this is not my normal genre.

I come from a family that has had its share of veterans, only one of my family members has spent any time in Iraq, my brother-in-law who works for the FBI.  After returning home he sent a letter out to all of telling us of his experience there.  This was early on in the war in Iraq and  I remember how proud I was after reading his letter.  He told us of his interactions with the civilians in Iraq, but I’m certain he didn’t tell us everything.  Just last month in his early 40’s, my brother-in-law had to retire because he has Parkinson’s disease, and it is has taken over to the point that he can no longer work.   My brother was in the Navy during the Gulf War, but has long since been out of the service.  I have always had great respect and admiration for our men and women in uniform, but this book left me with a greater sense of pride. 


Unspoken Abandonment is beautifully written and incredibly insightful.  This is the first hand account of Bryan Wood’s tour in Afghanistan,  and his very long journey home. I felt a series of emotions while reading this book.  I was sad, angry, heartbroken, and hopeful, but the greatest feeling I took away from this book was, inspired.  I think there is something that everyone can gain from reading Bryan’s story, even though I’m just a woman from Memphis it certainly made me take a look at myself and see things about myself that could be improved upon. 

Thank you Bryan for sharing your story, I will always remember.