From Baghdad to America: Life Lessons from a Dog Named Lava [Hardcover]

Jay Kopelman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 17, 2008

“Damn funny, very entertaining, and a powerful reminder of everything that these troops are sacrificing for us both here and abroad.”—Andrew Carroll, editor of the bestsellers War Letters and Behind the Lines Lieutenant Colonel Jay Kopelman won the hearts of readers everywhere with his moving story of adopting an abandoned puppy named Lava from a hellish corner of Iraq. He opened the door for other soldiers to bring dogs home, and in From Baghdad to America, Kopelman once again leads the pack with his observations on the emotional repercussions of war.

Here, for the first time, Kopelman holds nothing back as he responds to the question, “Why did you save a dog instead of a person?” The answer reveals much about his inner demons—and about the bigger picture of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He talks about what it’s like to return to the States and examines the shocking statistics to come out of Iraq: Depression, suicide, alcohol abuse, and broken relationships are at record highs for the men and women who serve there. Kopelman credits Lava with helping him to endure combat and the pain of war, as well as helping him deal with the surprising difficulties of returning to everyday life. Civilians have a hard time understanding what being a Marine means, and the adjustment to living among them is hard for these soldiers. This book attempts to shed light on that for all readers. 10 black-and-white illustrations

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

It’s usually a good idea to avoid any book that has the words “life lessons” in its title (or subtitle), but, of course, there are exceptions. In From Baghdad, with Love (2006), Kopelman told the story of Lava, a stray puppy who was discovered in Fallujah by a marine unit and, against regulations, transported back to the States, where he was adopted by Kopelman after his return from Iraq. This follow-up chronicles Kopelman and Lava’s postwar transition into civilian life, and its most touching element is the story of how the author was able to learn valuable things about himself through observing his dog. Kopelman recognized, for example, that Lava’s increasingly aggressive, almost dangerously protective behavior was a clear sign of post-traumatic stress—and that if Lava was suffering from PTSD, then perhaps Kopelman needed to stop denying his own psychological symptoms and seek some help. It’s an inspiring story, one that will connect even with readers allergic to “life lessons.” --David Pitt

Review

A courageous and sometimes brutally honest story. (Captain William P. Nash, USN, MD, Director of Psychological Health, United States Marine Corps )

By turns poignant, compelling, humorous, and scathing, From Baghdad to America is must-read for all veterans and anyone who knows or cares about one. (Lieutenant General Frank Libutti, USMC (Ret), former Under Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security )

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing; 1 edition (July 17, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1602392641
• ISBN-13: 978-1602392649
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #723,819 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars CANDID UNCUT EMOTION, June 17, 2008

By 

Cammie (Pensacola) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From Baghdad to America: Life Lessons from a Dog Named Lava (Hardcover)

I read Jay Kopelman's first book, "From Baghdad with Love" and loved it. Thinking this would be a continuation of the adventures of Lava, I imagined Lava visiting Disney World, learning to surf, becoming a movie star...something that would continue the heartwarming story so interestingly told by Mr. Kopelman. I found that Mr. Kopelman's writing style in "From Baghdad, with Love" was not only articulate but from the heart.

"From Baghdad To America, Life Lessons from a Dog Named Lava" was EVERYTHING I thought it WOULDN'T be.

I am a military nurse that has never seen combat but married to a Marine that has. I've worked with military families for over 18 years. So in my community I've seen my share of PTSD "damaged" families in the form of depression, criminal acts, domestic violence, child abuse, addiction and suicide.

Kopelman's experiences are not uncommon, his gift for writing is.

Mr. Kopelman expresses on paper what the mind doesn't often communicate. Unless you are a Marine, soldier or sailor that has been where Jay is mentally and emotionally you may find some of his language somewhat offensive but I will guarantee you will NOT find a more honest and straightforward account. Candid and uncut emotion at it's best!

The ONLY similarities between this and his last book is the heroic journey Mr. Kopelman takes to save a life. Only this time it is his own life he saves.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you love a combat vet, read this book, June 21, 2008

By 

M. Russell "Bones" (San Diego CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: From Baghdad to America: Life Lessons from a Dog Named Lava (Hardcover)

This book is for anyone who has had a loved one go off to war and wants some insight into what is going on in their loved one's head when they have returned and are struggling to adjust back to what most think is a "normal" life. The author had a constant companion (Lava the dog) who was with him in Iraq and had his own adjustments to make to get a normal life and the author used Lava as a mirror into his own Post Traumatic Stress. This book is definitely on my recommend list.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read if you've ever loved a soldier!, June 24, 2008

By 

lori stoll (Toluca Lake, California United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: From Baghdad to America: Life Lessons from a Dog Named Lava (Hardcover)

I just finished reading from Baghdad to America. As I read through this book I could feel the anguish and pain felt by both Mr. Kopelman and his dog Lava as they try to assimilate back in civilian society. Jay Kopelman tells his story in a compelling and brutally honest way, his vivid imagery and descriptions as life as a combat marine in Iraq, chilling. I think this book is a must for anyone who has ever loved a soldier and a absolute must for all families who have love ones returning from the horrors of war.