What Have We Done

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Finlay’s novels] have earned him a reputation for producing suspenseful, fast-paced thrillers. As usual, his characters are well drawn, his writing is tight and vivid, and he keeps readers guessing with a series of twists and red herrings.” —Associated Press He gives an example of Lance Corporal, Nik Rudolph who in his mind replays the action of kill or do not kill-- the act of killing is not healed. it does not gradually fade away. "it will all be there." David Wood defines moral injury as a trauma as real as a flesh wound; a jagged disconnect in our understanding of who we are and of what we and others ought to do and ought not to do. He says when you have to kill someone never look them in the eye because it stays with you forever.

But those kids are not gang of LOSERS! Of course they lost their loved ones and sent to Savior House: an abusive group home for parentless kids. Just like IT’s losers’ gang: these five kids get bullied by the other troubled members of the home! But there was a monster in that place haunting young girls: most of them vanished into thin air! Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sending me an ARC of What Have We Done in exchange for an honest review.

Sorry, y’all, I overslept,” Donnie says, opening his guitar case and slinging the strap over his shoulder. Narrated by mostly 3 POVs and two sets of timelines, this novel is fast-paced and has enough action to keep you going. For me, this book now ranks in my canon of seminal works about the combat experience, and the experience of veteran homecoming. I consider this to rank with Odysseus in America, War and the Soul, and Stoic Warriors. Building on his Pulitzer-prize winning series about moral injury, this book is the most comprehensive and profound exploration of the 21st century recognition of an ancient phenomenon. Thank goodness that David Wood, a long time combat correspondent, based on a career of seeing soldiers in combat, recognized the phenomenon in our post 9/11 veterans. I saw David speak at UConn, and speaking to him afterwards, we realized that he was embedded with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit when I was with them in 1993-1994. He gets it, truly. This is a compelling read elegantly written and presented with great compassion. Willow gives her a you can’t be serious look before she leaves the kitchen with another mumble and the front door slams.

Suddenly, someone is trying to kill each one of them! With one dead and more attempts being made they realize no one is to be trusted. They’re on their own to get themselves out of this deadly situation!

I feel like even if you don’t like swearing, this book may still be worth your time because of the edge-of-your-seat action. Most recently, in the past year and 1/2, my recovery has taken a decidedly spiritual turn. I have found a faith community that helps. I see in What Have We Done? the questions and themes of dealing with the moral component of war, and recovering from moral injury. I know I have used this exact phrase in talking about my combat experiences. This is an area where conventional modalities of healing and reintegration fail many veterans, leaving them to try to figure it out on their own. Some do; many don't. I really enjoyed Finlay's first two books, especially The Night Shift, but this one was a miss. That said, I still look forward to reading whatever he comes up with next, but sure AF hope it's better than this one. The book begins with a group of kids standing over a grave taking turns shooting a gun into its depths. Artie: a tech billionaire who was a big nerd and spent lots of time at a neighbor's house doing computers as a kid

It’s a reunion none of them asked for . . . or wanted. But it may be the only way to save all their lives. The book contains many strong ideas and there are poignant renderings of conversations with soldiers re-counting their experiences. Moral injury does not imply that atrocities in war have occurred or war crimes have been committed --- It means that an individual's ethos has been violated. Five kids fighting against a monster storyline reminded me of Stephen King’s “IT” ! Their reunion after two decades later after one of them dies also the similar storyline!He adds that each of us might have experienced a twinge of moral regret and sometimes deeper and lasting moral injury. Brook's timely work brings up more questions than answers about the legitimacy of modern warfare. It always requires a good deal of bad faith, the failure to recognize we have other choices. This, then, is our greatest crime. The author says that there are many nongovernmental projects underway for civilians to get together with veterans.