Customer Reviews

Shared Courage: A Marine Wife's Story of Strength and Service

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As a Marine officer who deployed in support of OIF I and II, it was very difficult to read this book. As Marines, we follow orders and leave the family at home to deal with everything, assuming that all will be well. I had no idea how difficult the deployments must have been for my wife. As a husband, I realize that it is a grave injustice to not recognize these brave women, most of whom had no idea the limits to which they and their families would be tested when they married into the Marine Corps. What Mrs. Keener has done is try to right that injustice and give voice to the many wives who otherwise would receive no recognition, just another request to serve silently, while their spouse deploys into harm's way. Thank you Mrs. Keener for helping me to see my wife for the wonderful person she truly is and has been all these years.

For any military wife going through a deployment, or entering their life in the service through teher spouse, this book is perfect. The author gave me some great laughs and tears but helped me to better understand what I was going through. She also gave me great ideas for my husband who is about to go on his first deployment and how to cope while he's away. I recommend this book whole heartedly.

This book was given to me by my husband. I ended up reading large portions of it right back to him, much like I used to do with my mother while reading Erma Bombeck books growing up. The author displays a deft and rare form of female humor that fearlessly navigates the sometimes 'verboten' waters of the frustrations of motherhood, being a wife, putting all personal plans on hold indefinitely for a greater cause, and becoming an expert through trial and error and trial again..and again...and again. I gained a much deeper appreciation of the challenges that confront military wives, mothers and organizational volunteers through her vivid retelling of the experience. Her book is a honest, behind-the-scenes, hilariously funny and sometimes devastatingly agonizing account of what brave military wives and moms around the world selflessly sacrifice, so that so many others may continue to sleep in peace.

This book was refered to me by a marine corps spouse. As an army spouse myself, I really feel Mrs. Keener has penned a book that allows those outside the military community an honest insight as to what military families endure, no matter what their branch of service. I applaud Mrs. Keener's courage to share her experience, warts and all.

Once I turned the first page, I couldn't put it down. I laughed, I cried, I nodded my head in agreement and I felt like Michelle Keener perfectly put on paper the range of emotions that were in my head and heart.
She gives a voice to all military wives, regardless of their husband's branch of service or rank, and even speaks for those who send their husband's away to do work in the civilian world. Shared Courage is the best book that I have read in years. Those who have walked in the same shoes will identify with it personally and those who haven't, can gain an honest insight into the complex and often overlooked and misunderstood, but also rewarding beyond words, job of those who wait, yet still serve. Bravo, Mrs. Keener for having the courage to share that which is your story, but is also the story of many of us.

Courage takes many forms and this is one of them! Michelle illustrates and highlights the daily acts of courage demonstrated by those "left behind" as they face everyday challenges armed with only love and hope. Each story is an example of courage in the face of fear; fortitude in the face of trepidation. These women act despite their fears and show strength when they feel weak. They face alone what most couples face together while supporting each other at home and loved ones half-a-world away. Michelle's courage and skill in writing this book, openly and honestly, is to be applauded and commended.

My husband of a year and a half left for his third tour...second to Iraq. This has been so difficult and I really feel like I have no where to turn. My husband's grandparents bought me this book and sent it to me from Virginia; where they saw the newspaper article about Mrs. Keener. I couldn't put the book down. I'd read it at night with a flash light while our baby was asleep. I cried through an entire chapter and finished in just a few weeks. I really wish there were more books like this because I've got 4 more months and I need something good to read!

One of the best books I have ever read. An inspiration to people of all ages and a testament of courage and love that nearly reaches the limits of endurance. Whether you have a relative in the military or not, you cannot help becoming involved in one of the most trying experiences through which a loved one can go. The joy, the tears, the pain, the sorrow, the happiness, the pride, the strength - the true SHARED COURAGE.

Through her story, Michelle has eloquently captured the emotions and thoughts of wives, friends and families of service members. She has given a voice to so many of us who find it, at times, impossible to express the multitude of emotions we feel. In addition, her insight into the network of spouses carefully and accurately illustrates the social fabric that gives strength and support to both the Marines deployed and the people who love them. As a Marine wife, I laughed, cried and completely identified. I highly recommend this book!

A must read for anyone who has sent a loved one away; to war, school, work....Those left behind to mind the household, children, bills and the myriad other facets of life. For those military families facing life and death everyday, Michelle expertly illustrates the courage and strength needed to accomplish often unsurmountable obstacles. She teaches us all how love, hope and faith will help us through. Share with a friend or loved one and be inspired by this amazing book. Thank You Michelle