War

Between 2007 and 2008, No. 1 New York Times best-selling author Junger (The Perfect Storm) followed a single platoon through a 15-month tour of duty in northeast Afghanistan's Korengal Valley. During that time he observed and experienced the war as these soldiers fought it. Junger himself narrates, and his unpolished voice and rather monotonous delivery make this production, at least initially, difficult to endure. But listeners will quickly warm to his narration owing to the well-told and fascinating nature of his tale. A bonus interview with the author provides context to his work and presents him talking in a more informal setting. An arresting account recommended for public libraries and those libraries serving a military clientele. [The video footage documenting Junger's experience became the basis of the film Restrepo, which won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival (see Video NewsBriefs, LJ 3/1/10); the New York Times best-selling Twelve: Hachette hc received a starred review, LJ 4/15/10.—Ed.]—Michael T. Fein, Central Virginia Community Coll. Lib., Lynchburg