Customer Reviews

Faith of Our Sons: A Father's Wartime Diary

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Unlike the first volue Frank Schaeffer's FAITH OF OUR SONS is about the people who wait with baited breath for news of their loved ones who are doing the dirty, but necessary work in this war.

It is an excellent volume and a statement on our times. The anxiety felt by the Schaeffer family is the same as millions of Americans have felt over the 228 years of our history (and before).

What differs is the curse and blessing of the modern world. Instant news leads to instant worry, E-mail and cell phones lead to instant relief and support via the e-mails shared between the families of those who wait.

What also differs is the disconnect of most of us have from this situation. Mr. Schaeffer in unable to hide his contempt for those who are indifferent to the freedom that his son helps provide and their distruct of the military. This contempt seems to be driven at himself for sharing that view at one time and it amplifies his anger.

This adds passion to the book although if like me you never served you might get the feeling you've let someone else do work that was yours. It's not a good feeling but it is healthy.

Required reading.

As the brother of a Marine who has recently come home from Combat, I can vouch for the realistic portrayal that this well written volume offers of the inner life of those who stay behind. Frank and John Schaeffer's two books really tell it like it is. Like Frank and his family, I was (and am) so proud of my brother, and yet like them, I really suffered knowing what might happen to him. Reading this book confirmed for me just how devastating it would be to my own parents if anything where to happen to my brother. Frank is willing to go where so few men are willing to go in his open discussion of the feelings of love, pride and fear he has concerning his son and the affect these feelings have on his relationship with the other members of his family. I have watched fights in my family that I know were not about a burnt dinner but really about no email from my brother for a week. Frank reveals what so many of us know; we can watch ourselves do things and know that we are not in control; we can even know why we are not in control and yet still be powerless to help ourselves. Despite this somewhat dark insight I felt uplifted by this book. This is a slice of my life. I suspect it is a slice of the American experience.

Yesterday, May 29th, I watched the World War II Memorial dedication on TV. I was very moved by the program and had a overwhelming feeling this memorial on the Washington Mall is long overdue. I'm glad it's now open and look forward to taking my mother to see it in October (she's a WWII vet). I then watched Frank Schaeffer's C-Span Book TV presentation, then bought a copy of the book. I'm ordering additional copies through Amazon.com. His talk was straight forward and truthful. Our servicemen and women are treated poorly, and deserve so much more. These are the people that watch our backs, allow us to sleep at night and uphold our freedom, yet their pay and benefits are pitifully low. I applaud Frank Schaeffer for speaking up. This truly is a scandel. Our politicians should be ashamed their children are not serving, but they don't have any problem sending other young adults into harm's way. They certainly have no problem lipping "be of service to your country". This goes for Democrats and Republicans alike. Now it's time they walk the walk, and quit grandstanding for the media. Imagine what our country would be like without the wonderful and dedicated military. One additional note, my 4.0 GPA college bound daughter has deferred college in order to serve. It's her decision, of course we are nervous but very proud. By the way, she does have a college fund. Thank you Frank Schaeffer for being the voice of many. MH

I am the father of a Marine. He went to war in Iraq. No one seemed to understand what this put my wife, three daughters and me through... until, that is I read Frank Schaeffer's incredible book "Faith Of Our Sons."

This book has to be read by anyone who has ever loved a soldier, marine, airman, coast guard or sailor. It also should be read by anyone who loves really great writing. For those like me who discovered Schaeffer through his wonderful and warmly funny novels, "Portofino," "Zermatt" and "Saving Grandma," it is amazing to discover that he his also the father of a marine.

"Faith Of Our Sons" takes us from deployment through home comming and beyond. It plumbs the depths and the heights of family life lived on the edge of worry, the sleepless nights, the untasted meals.

It is compassionate and boldly honest. It will take your breath away. Frank Shaeffer is one of America's literary treasures. Read this book!

Kudos to Frank Schaeffer. He has eloquently and honestly chronicled what so many of us with loved ones in the United States Marine Corps have gone through during this war. I couldn't put down the book that he co-authored with his son while my brother was at Parris Island and as soon as I found out that he had a new story to tell I purchased this book. It has not disappointed me. It is another book that I couldn't put down. The roller coaster ride that starts the minute you find out that your loved one is going to be deployed sometimes seems like something that only you are going through but after reading this book I can see that this is a shared experience. This book has helped to validate what my family has felt and gone through. If you have a loved one in the military (even if you don't) I recommend reading this brave, intimately honest account of the Schaeffer family's experience.

We have just had the 5th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq. Yet except for a handful of protesters the war is off the radar screen for most Americans and that is a shame. To the thousands of loved ones and family members of those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan what goes on there is on their minds 24/7.

Frank Schaeffer tells it like it is, the gut wrenching anguish that families go through day in and day out praying that they will not receive that fearful knock on the door. He also shares the joy that comes when that family member is out of harm's way. Schaeffer shoots straight to the heart when he writes about those who so casually take for granted our way of life, libery and personal freedom, not willing to invest a damn thing to ensure that these precious gifts will be passed on to future generations.

Wake up America!!!! Get off your backside and thank God for those like Frank Schaeffer's son who give up so much and who are truly giving their all so that you can sleep in on Sunday morning, secure and safe.

I am taking my copy of this book to church to share with a family whose son is in Iraq and who has volunteered for a second tour. It is the least I can do. So America you don't have to agree that what our government has committed us to in Iraq is right. You should however pray everyday for those serving there and in other troubled places in the world for their safe return. You should not pass up any oppportunity to do something positive for those on the front line. The first being to read this book and open your eyes, your hearts and your minds.

Reading this book pulls you into the Schaeffer home, and makes you feel like part of the family. The emotional rollercoaster experienced by Frank and Genie Schaeffer is probably typical of what all military families go through as their loved ones take on the enemy for their country. It was fortunate for the Schaeffers that their son John came home unscathed. However, Frank Schaeffer does not limit this book to the narrow scope of his own family: The book has stories about other military personnel where the ending was the most feared scenario, and Frank Schaeffer is at his most sympathetic in his writing about this. He gives voice to the families of lost loved ones. The usual wisdom of Frank Schaeffer is to be found in this book.

Frank Schaeffer is a fantastic author and an excellant speaker. I met Mr.Schaeffer at a convention in Indy and he's very passionate about our military! This books lets the reader feel what it's like to send a son off to war. It's a must-read for everyone today whether you have a family member serving our country or not. We all know someone serving.

An amazing book. A book every liberal should read. It will clearly test every liberals theology and create ground for their head to be turned back toward what is real and those principals that really make a country & individual. Lets save our country--start the draft!

My uncles have told me this is a good book, but i have not read it. I am reviewing it because my uncle told me it was good and true, since i have cousins who were marines, from 1985 to 1998. My uncle also served but not in the marines, and was surprised at this story of faith.