Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

The post-stress of War is revealed in Jay's second book From Baghdad to America.

For any one who does not think that PTSD does not exist, needs to read this well written story of how Jay and Lava settle into their life back in the States. It's amazing how life just seems to go on while a war wages half way across the world..and for Jay and Lava returning home, life becomes a challange all it's own. I loved both of Jay's book and will share them with all my family and friends!

i've read the first book," from baghdad with love" what a beautiful book....I cried reading the ending and I had to buy part 2..."Baghdad to America...I'm almost done with the book...again...beautiful.....These 2 books are worth buying and reading...The love of a dog, and the love return.......

David Corporaal sent this book to a group of friends who had nothing but great things to say about this book. Hope there are more books of this quality in the near future. Highly recommend.

I was delighted to see a sequel to the first book! Jay does a thorough job of explaining servicemen's needs following their war experience. His compilation of resources is excellent - and the tone of the book will undoubtedly help many returning Vets.

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

It doesn't matter if your are an animal lover or not, this book is outstanding. [...].

This was a valuable insight into the difficulty veterans face when returning to civilian life. I appreciate the courage and honesty that Jay Kopelman displayed to reveal the challenges he faced, and his steps to find healing. Also touching were letters from other military personnel detailing the healing effects of animals they encountered while serving abroad. Due to this book, I have gained even more respect for those who risk their lives to protect America.

Just finished 'FROM BAGHDAD TO AMERICA: Life Lessons from a Dog Named Lava' and found Kopelman's second book to be just as inspiring as his first. This book is GRITTY and HONEST and FORTHCOMING about issues many Americans don't want to face up to - what happens to our soldiers, men and women alike, when they come home from a war. As a daughter of a WWII veteran, I gained insight into my father's "story" and how what he experienced in Europe colored every single thing that came afterwards. What I find frightening is that our YOUNG military personnel go into such a situation without the life experience that Kopelman had under his belt -- with age comes wisdom and hope; the youth that are going overseas might not have enough HOPE built up in reserve - they can't know what Kopelman knows: life IS worth living, even after living through such horrors as war and terrorism. What can America, particularly all branches of the military, do for these soldiers? READ this book. It's not just about Lava, though "life after war" from a dog's perspective - PTSD included - is an engaging twist. Thank you, Jay, for all that you do for your community - and THANK YOU, Jay, for writing another solid account of what it's been like for you - as a Marine, as a man, as "pack leader" to Lava, and now, as a husband and father.