READBACK

A debut author shares life lessons from his tenure in the Marines.

Cherry opens the book with a vignette from his training in Officer Candidate School, where he struggled to keep up with the rest of his platoon on intense marches, long runs, and obstacle courses. “I was afraid I was going to slow down just enough to ‘fall out,’” he writes, noting that falling out (being dismissed from a formation because you cannot keep up physically with the group) not only diminishes your reputation, but also hurts your efficacy as a leader among peers. Despite not being one of his group’s “studs,” the author pushed through the pain, didn’t fall out, and went on to serve a distinguished career in the Marines, where he led helicopter squadrons and advised top Department of Defense officials. A genre-defying work, this volume blends recollections of Cherry’s heart-pounding, high-stress, and occasionally humorous experiences in the Marines with life lessons. The text is organized into 22 short chapters in which the author relates brief anecdotes, followed by reflections on their thematic lessons. These lessons include the importance of first impressions, fighting for what is right, and the realization that uncomfortable situations often lead to personal growth. Each chapter ends with a “Readback” section in which Cherry speaks directly “to the nonmilitary reader” to contextualize the preceding story. Written in a conversational tone and emphasizing accessibility (a glossary is provided to help readers navigate the many military acronyms), the work provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of a career Marine. The author doesn’t shy away from the coarse vocabulary one might expect from a battle-hardened Marine, but Cherry is also unafraid to address his personal vulnerabilities. He writes, for instance, of the “internal voice” that’s plagued him since childhood that tells him he’s “not good enough.” Of particular note is the author’s insistence that one should test one’s “own religious, political, or cultural beliefs” by considering the perspectives and humanity of those outside one’s enclosed social circles.

A compelling work that blends military memoir with practical life lessons.