The Blue Cascade: A Memoir of Life after War [Hardcover]

Mike Scotti (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2012

Sometimes the hardest battle is the one after the war. As one of the soldiers on the front line of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Lieutenant Scotti was taught that weakness is what gets you killed: no hesitation, focus your energies on your objective, and complete the mission. Upon returning from war, Scotti approached his new life the same way. He ignored the creeping depression and numbness he called "The Blue Cascade" and charged ahead toward his goal to get an MBA, secure a high-paying finance job, and retire young and rich. But he was being eaten away inside, and scenes of drunken emotion and raging violence were becoming more and more frequent. Years after returning from active combat, he eventually found himself contemplating suicide. Through a series of powerful events, Scotti was ultimately able to find a path to healing and begin his journey back to life, finally emerging with the following wisdom for fellow sufferers of post-traumatic stress: It's ok if you are not ok.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"[An] unflinchingly honest account of an ex-Marine's struggle to re-acclimate to civilian life after returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom... An unapologetic gut-wrencher of a book." -Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Mike Scotti joined the United States Marine Corps Reserves while still an undergraduate at the University of Miami, Florida. After graduation, Scotti attended the Marine Corp's Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia. He was commissioned a second lieutenant, and served four years on active duty as an artillery officer and platoon commander in the First Marine Division. After being honorably discharged from active duty, Scotti attended the New York University Stern School of Business, where he received a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Finance. Mike Scotti is the subject of the critically-acclaimed, award-winning documentary film Severe Clear, which was created from the extensive video journals he kept while serving in Iraq.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; 1 edition (May 15, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1455503487
• ISBN-13: 978-1455503483
• Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 1.1 x 9.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #359,586 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The cruelty and ambiguity of war and its aftermath July 9, 2012

By DaveL

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

A strikingly honest story of a young marine officer's journey. Lt. Mike Scotti invades Iraq to avenge those who died in 9/11 and protect loved ones back home. But what he discovers is the cruelty, ambiguity and chaos of war and its harsh aftermath. When he returns home, he find "the hardest battle may be after the war." The split that marks our military efforts today devastates him. While our soldiers continue to die in battle, life goes on in the States--with many people anywhere from oblivious to the sacrifice being made to outright hostile. Lt. Scotti's return is exacerbated by his entry into the fiercely competitive world of business school and the greed of Wall St. Disallusioned by the politics of the war and the values of Wall St., he struggles to find his equilibrium and a revised set of values to live by, at times descending into alcoholism or even thoughts of suicide.

This book shows war and the stress of returning veterans in stark and occasionally brutal images. But it is never political. It highlights the alternate realities we have today of a small number of dedicated military professionals, isolated from the life-goes-on home front. Lt. Scotti finds the high ground in marine values and loyalty to his comrades.

On the road from Kuwait up highway 7 to Baghdad, the author tried to film events and keep notes, hoping to someday write a book about the experience. The book, I'm sure, turned out different than he'd planned, a story more of his trauma, disallusionment and readjustment of his life goals and values. The film was made into an award winning documentary, Severe Clear. I would highly recommended watching it (though it pulls no punches and has some scenes that are brutal and hard to watch)after reading the book. The combination is something all Americans should share to give perspective on what happens to our soldiers both when they go to war and when they return home.

5.0 out of 5 stars Loaded With Great Information March 28, 2013

By Paul Cusack

Format:Hardcover

As a book recounting experiences from war and growth and lessons learned, this is excellent enough. But this book is so much more. As it goes along, the author also shares a treasure of practical info on the role of brain chemistry in our lives. There is a lot to that angle he explores. And also how we heal ourselves by elements all have access to, like water, exercise, fresh air and communicating with others. May seem basic but many aren't taking advantage and drinking in the beauty around them. Also, a few real and supportive friends and family members can make all the difference. This is a fascinating and surprising read! Not the typical war journal. Great stuff!

5.0 out of 5 stars What a Gripping Story October 9, 2012

By Charles Louis Dirienzo Jr

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

While reading this book, I found it hard to put down. This is a story of what a Marine went through after returning home from combat in Afghanistan and Iraq. He tells the story of his decent into deep PTSD and how he was able to recover. This book gives the reader an inside look into what all our combat personnel must go through. While many handle it very differently, this story is very compelling for our time. Mike Scotti bears his soul and the reader is made have a better understanding of what he went through. I highly recommend this book to everyone, so that they can better realize the toll that PTSD has on personnel returning from combat. Hopefully they will be able to help those in their lives that are going through the same struggle.