Excerpt from Review: "...Among the Walking Wounded was a bit difficult to read, given the fact that the author kept sliding back and forth through memories and present times. However, it is precisely this format that makes the book that much more poignant. In writing it this way, the author gives us insight into the way a PTSD mind works, one incident triggering a memory that triggers an out of ordinary reaction. Among the Walking Wounded is a must read for anyone who suffers from or knows someone suffering from the effects of PTSD. It will give those who don’t know what it’s like insight and those who do incentive to get help and move forward in life."

A powerful read that breaks down and lays bare all that comes with the aftereffects of combat, deployment and PTSD. A few sections get a little more technical than necessary but the brutal honesty of Conrad's writing makes up for it.

In Among The Walking Wounded, author John Conrad bares his soul. It is both his story and that of others who suffered and still suffer from PTSD. Conrad was a senior officer in the Canadian Army in Afganistan early on in the mission.
The book reads in a disjointed manner, which I consider to be a deliberate tactic on the part of the author to show the reader what the condition feels like. We follow Conrad through his rotation and aftermath; we see him initially believing all is well; then we feel his struggle to behave normally and leave good impressions; later we see everything fall apart. Eventually we sit beside him as he reluctantly gets help. By this time he's lost his army career and is now in the reserves. (BTW reservists get abandoned the moment their Class C contracts end, so readers need to give that some thought too.)
The story is distressing and brutally honest.
This book should be required reading for all in the military, all politicians, and all civil servants especially those in DVA.
Strongly written and heartbreaking. Highly recommended.

A powerful and moving piece about life as a servicemember before and after a traumatizing tour.

John Conrad writes a part-memoir, part-interview collection style that details his personal struggle suffering from PTSD and the stories of others who are similarly affected. He discusses the dreams he has, the support (and lack thereof) he received from the military, from VA services, etc.

While fairly heavy on the technical side, more than necessary for a flowing story, the writing is powerful and unique. It provides valuable and meaningful insight into struggling with depression as a soldier, and makes one really think about how they treat servicemembers and their families. The preface is written by Conrad's wife, beautiful and unique - I wouldn't have minded more from her. This story is one that's often forgotten but that is so incredibly important. I highly recommend to all to read, although please note there is some mature material along the lines of violence and gore.

Thanks to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for a fair review!

I was glad Colonel John Conrad included a list of terms and abbreviations at the very beginning of his book because it really helped provide a more thorough understanding of the story he was trying to tell. The Foreword by his wife is incredibly moving and provides a unique insight into military life as well as the story that needs to be told and remembered so that soldiers from all walks of life and countries can receive the honor they deserve.

This is not just a non-fiction textbook on military life to read with a passing fancy. It’s a love letter to all of those who love humanity so much they willingly sacrifice their lives – and mental health – for us. Conrad writes with a passion and beauty that can only come from someone who took that oath to protect millions of people.

The personal accounts of what we ask men and women in uniform to do is heartbreaking and the fact that they wake up every day choosing to uphold our safety no matter where that promise takes them is uplifting. Conrad doesn’t just provide stories, he shows you the faces of the millions who form an unbreakable wall between our way of life and danger.

He describes not just the people but also military events, the explosions, the blood that haunt their nightmares so we may sleep peacefully. Not only do they put their physical lives on the line but they also give up their mental ones; risking the possibility they may never again hold the phrase “sweet dreams” to be true because for them the war did not end when they got on the plane ride back home.

This is a book that MUST be read and absorbed because the cost our society pays is nothing compared to what our soldiers have been forced to give up. We owe them, all of them whether they are in your country or in an allies. Conrad’s focus is on Canada’s soldiers in this book but the lessons are true across global lines. PTSD does not discriminate against culture, race, gender or political boundaries.

Conrad’s writing will evoke anger, tears and pride from anyone who gives him a chance to tell his story.

When you are done reading this, go thank a soldier. You’re alive and have the life you do because of them.