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The 188th Crybaby Brigade: A Skinny Jewish Kid from Chicago Fights Hezbollah--A Memoir Hardcover – Illustrated, February 9, 2010

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 177 ratings

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Look at me. Do you see me? Do you see me in my olive-green uniform, beret, and shiny black boots? Do you see the assault rifle slung across my chest? Finally! I am the badass Israeli soldier at the side of the road, in sunglasses, forearms like bricks. And honestly -- have you ever seen anything quite like me?

Joel Chasnoff is twenty-four years old, an American, and the graduate of an Ivy League university. But when his career as a stand-up comic fails to get off the ground, Chasnoff decides it's time for a serious change of pace. Leaving behind his amenity-laden Brooklyn apartment for a plane ticket to Israel, Joel trades in the comforts of being a stereotypical American Jewish male for an Uzi, dog tags (with his name misspelled), and serious mental and physical abuse at the hands of the Israeli Army.

The 188th Crybaby Brigade is a hilarious and poignant account of Chasnoff's year in the Israel Defense Forces -- a year that he volunteered for, and that he'll never get back. As a member of the 188th Armored Brigade, a unit trained on the Merkava tanks that make up the backbone of Israeli ground forces, Chasnoff finds himself caught in a twilight zone-like world of mandatory snack breaks, battalion sing-alongs, and eighteen-year-old Israeli mama's boys who feign injuries to get out of guard duty and claim diarrhea to avoid kitchen work. More time is spent arguing over how to roll a sleeve cuff than studying the mechanics of the Merkava tanks. The platoon sergeants are barely older than the soldiers and are younger than Chasnoff himself. By the time he's sent to Lebanon for a tour of duty against Hezbollah, Chasnoff knows everything about why snot dries out in the desert, yet has never been trained in firing the MAG. And all this while his relationship with his tough-as-nails Israeli girlfriend (herself a former drill sergeant) crumbles before his very eyes.

The lone American in a platoon of eighteen-year-old Israelis, Chasnoff takes readers into the barracks; over, under, and through political fences; and face-to-face with the absurd reality of life in the Israeli Army. It is a brash and gritty depiction of combat, rife with ego clashes, breakdowns in morale, training mishaps that almost cost lives, and the barely containable sexual urges of a group of teenagers. What's more, it's an on-the-ground account of life in one of the most em-battled armies on earth -- an occupying force in a hostile land, surrounded by enemy governments and terrorists, reviled by much of the world. With equal parts irreverence and vulnerability, irony and intimacy, Chasnoff narrates a new kind of coming-of-age story -- one that teaches us, moves us, and makes us laugh.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“One of the funniest books you’ll ever read about the sometimes absurd alternative reality of the IDF.... What drives the book – which is named after the nickname Chasnoff’s commander gave to the unit – is Chasnoff’s uncanny ability to nail the various idiosyncratic elements of the Israeli psyche as mirrored in the 18-year-old boys he’s thrown his lot in with for a year.”—The Jerusalem Post

“An unusual story, humorous but not without heartbreak, told well by an intelligent and funny person.”—
The Forward

“Laugh-out-loud funny.... [Chasnoff] has some serious and even shocking things to say about Israel and its relationship with American Jews, and I promise you that you will not think about your own Jewishness in quite the same way after you finish his smart, funny and provocative book.”—
Los Angeles Jewish Journal

“Through the humor, the tone dips deep into tenets of Judaism, Middle East politics, discrimination, racism and more. Ultimately, the author offers a poignant account of attitudes and policies that are bound to fail the region. And sadly, it's funny as hell.”—
Colorado Springs Independent

Part Stripes, part Camp Ramah, comedian Joel Chasnoff presents a new kind of coming-of-age story in his memoir and first book, The 188th Crybaby Brigade.... Chasnoff’s comedic timing and honest heart shine throughout the narrative as we follow his journey from supposed zero to Israeli hero.”—Jewish Book World

"In
The 188th Crybaby Brigade, former Israeli soldier Joel Chasnoff [describes] his service as a passionate defender of Israel in an army that seems to be collapsing into tactical mediocrity and a widespread indifference to duty... A pleasure to read... that make[s] war a personal journey through a hazy political landscape." —Washington Post

"A great tale, a Jewish
Jarhead. It's a book about war, peace, marriage, the Middle East, titty twisters, and Spam. A funny, thoughtful, and poignant story." -- A. J. Jacobs, New York Times bestselling author of The Year of Living Biblically

"In this illuminating work Joel Chasnoff does for the IDF what Mailer did for the Pacific campaign and O'Brien for the war in Vietnam. This is a chilling book." -- Anthony Swofford,
New York Times bestselling author of Jarhead

"This comic coming-of-age memoir is as touching as it is tough, as insightful as it is funny.
The 188th Crybaby Brigade is an unsentimental but moving portrait of a soldier's heart and mind." -- Lauren Weisberger, New York Times bestselling author of The Devil Wears Prada and Chasing Harry Winston

"Joel Chasnoff writes like Woody Allen channeling Leon Uris, with altogether charming results. As hilarious, unsparing, and surprisingly tender a memoir as they come." -- Elisa Albert, author of
The Book of Dahlia

"Joel Chasnoff's fascinating account of his time in the Israel Defense Forces is a rare window into the real Israel. If you really want to understand the Jewish state and its army, put away the propaganda and read this unusually funny and honest book." -- Sam Apple, author of
Schlepping Through the Alps and American Parent

About the Author

Joel Chasnoff is a stand-up comedian and writer with stage and screen credits in eight countries. His writing has been featured in The Idiot’s Guide to Jokes and The Big Book of Jewish Humor: 25th Anniversary Edition. On tour, he was the warm-up act for Jon Stewart and Lewis Black of The Daily Show.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Chasnoff moved to Israel and volunteered for a combat unit of the Israeli Army. As a member of the 188th Armored Brigade, Chasnoff was voted Outstanding Soldier of the Company and deployed to Lebanon for a tour of duty against Hezbollah.
The 188th Crybaby Brigade is Chasnoff’s humorous memoir about his year in the Israeli military.

A portion of all proceeds from sales of
The 188th Crybaby Brigade is donated to Chasnoff’s charitable foundation, Project Elijah.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1416549323
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Free Press; Illustrated edition (February 9, 2010)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781416549321
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1416549321
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.7 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.2 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 177 ratings

About the author

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Joel Chasnoff
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Joel Chasnoff is a stand-up comedian and author / co-author of three books: the comedic memoir "The 188th Crybaby Brigade," the cookbook "Balaboosta" with Israeli chef and "Chopped!" champion Einat Admony, and the forthcoming "Essential Tennis" with coach Ian Westermann. Visit Joel at www.joelchasnoff.com.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
177 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the book's humor and find it amusing. They describe it as an interesting, well-written read that holds their attention. Readers find the book enlightening about Israeli society and life in the army. The narrative quality is thought-provoking and memorable. The author's honesty and authenticity are appreciated.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

45 customers mention "Humor"42 positive3 negative

Customers find the book humorous and witty. They describe it as an enjoyable read with some laughs and interesting insights into the Israeli Army. The author is described as honest and witty.

"...Told with an uncommon honesty, an unfailing sense of wry humor and peppered with dilemmas that would stump the most thoughtful of Jewish scholars,..." Read more

"...The author is both funny and honest. To many times soldiers try to maintain the myth of the soldier (tough, brave,etc.)...." Read more

"...Read it for what it is: a short, amusing romp through a year in an absurd situation. For what Chasnoff tries to do, he succeeds. Worthwhile." Read more

"...and an organization (the Israeli Defense Force) that is poignant, humorous and emotional...." Read more

35 customers mention "Readability"34 positive1 negative

Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They describe it as an easy read from an Ivy Leaguer with insightful observations.

"...This is a book worth reading and talking about." Read more

"The 188th Crybaby Brigade was an interesting read, that held my attention until I completed it. The author is both funny and honest...." Read more

"...title notwithstanding (it really is a stupid title), this is a very enjoyable read...." Read more

"...the geo-political culture and status of the Middle East, this book is a solid read for anyone who wants a good grounding and understanding of what..." Read more

22 customers mention "Enlightenedness"22 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enlightening about Israeli society and life in its army. They say it blends the reality of Israeli Army life with humor. Readers appreciate the author's insight into the psyche of individuals and an organization. The book provides a vivid picture of military intelligence, Israel, or Judaism for anyone interested in these topics.

"...This is a book worth reading and talking about." Read more

"...come away with when I started reading this book was a better understanding of Israel. However, thats what I walked away with...." Read more

"...-- I know, he's a comedian, but he's funny here -- and candid about life in the IDF...." Read more

"...Chasnoff gives great insight into the psyche of individuals and an organization (the Israeli Defense Force) that is poignant, humorous and..." Read more

19 customers mention "Narrative quality"19 positive0 negative

Customers find the narrative poignant, humorous, and memorable. They appreciate the author's thoughtful way of integrating history into his experiences. The book provides an interesting perspective on events from a different angle than other memoirs.

"...with an uncommon honesty, an unfailing sense of wry humor and peppered with dilemmas that would stump the most thoughtful of Jewish scholars, his..." Read more

"...The story was also interesting to learn how the IDF works, trains and fights...." Read more

"...individuals and an organization (the Israeli Defense Force) that is poignant, humorous and emotional...." Read more

"...The stories the author shares are great, his writing style is a pleasure to read, and it is great vacation/summer reading...." Read more

11 customers mention "Authenticity"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's authenticity. They find it honest, true, and realistic. The book is told with an uncommon honesty, an unfailing sense of wry humor, and peppered with a delightful sense of humor.

"...Told with an uncommon honesty, an unfailing sense of wry humor and peppered with dilemmas that would stump the most thoughtful of Jewish scholars,..." Read more

"...The author is both funny and honest. To many times soldiers try to maintain the myth of the soldier (tough, brave,etc.)...." Read more

"...This is good reading as long as you don't mind profanity. He keeps it real." Read more

"...guess the writer struggled with seeing 'how the sausage is made' but its honest." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2010
    In a memoir that will make you sweat bullets and cry over spilt mikvah bath water, Joel Chasnoff takes the reader on a journey from his Chicago Jewish day school to armored tank school in the desert of Israel.
    His good intention to serve in the Israeli army as a kind of nod to his heritage, told in tandem with his love affair and attempt to marry his Israeli girlfriend tells an ironic story that supports the truth in the statement, "no good deed goes unpunished."
    Hilarious and at times unbelievable tales of his band of unlikely brothers in the army make for a very detailed and personal account of the inner workings of a defense system that succeeds in spite of itself. As his stint in basic training drags endlessly on, relieved only by occasional weekend furloughs into Jerusalem, Joel begins to doubt not only his faithfulness to the Israeli army and his girlfriend, but also his faith in his faith. Told with an uncommon honesty, an unfailing sense of wry humor and peppered with dilemmas that would stump the most thoughtful of Jewish scholars, his story is at once thoughtful and memorable.
    After overcoming his reservations toward the slapdash training he receives as a soldier expected to defend the State of Israel and successfully completing his year of service, he is confronted with an enemy he never expected to encounter- a rabbinic counsel in Jerusalem that declares war on his Jewish identity when he and his fiance apply for a marriage license. Suddenly, Joel is in a battle with himself and the spiritual foundation on which he has lived his life. Eventually, Chicago and Jerusalem, Ireland and Israel converge in his mind and heart to resolve his poignant dilemma.
    This is a book worth reading and talking about.
    20 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2010
    The 188th Crybaby Brigade was an interesting read, that held my attention until I completed it. The author is both funny and honest. To many times soldiers try to maintain the myth of the soldier (tough, brave,etc.). The author bears it all which is more interesting than lies and myth. As a prior-service Marine I could relate with many of the funny platoon stories, which encouraged me to read more.

    The story was also interesting to learn how the IDF works, trains and fights.

    One think that I didn't think I would come away with when I started reading this book was a better understanding of Israel. However, thats what I walked away with. The author was able to enlighten me on the traditional Israeli and the new anti-war/liberal Israeli. Being able to see this conflicting views helped me to better understand Israel society and what appears to be constant conflict.

    I would recommend this book to people are interested in military memoirs, the IDF, or Israel's political climate from a soldiers view. I can promise that once you pick up this book, you wont want to put it down until you're through and then you might just wish there was more to read.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2011
    The silly title notwithstanding (it really is a stupid title), this is a very enjoyable read. Chasnoff is funny -- I know, he's a comedian, but he's funny here -- and candid about life in the IDF. You need to start with some knowledge of Israel, probably more than I have, but if you know anything about the Army (and I was in the USA), it rings pretty true. That said, there's not much to this book other than Chasnoff's one-year adventure. Don't look for insights into the Middle East, though you can see some pretty ugly sides of Orthodox Judaism. Read it for what it is: a short, amusing romp through a year in an absurd situation. For what Chasnoff tries to do, he succeeds. Worthwhile.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2010
    Books like this are hard to find-they present an outsiders' view of the inside-a "pullng back of the curtain." Chasnoff gives great insight into the psyche of individuals and an organization (the Israeli Defense Force) that is poignant, humorous and emotional.

    Because of his "outsider" status, the author is able to really let the reader look under the hood of an organization that many many consider one of the finest and toughest military operations around the globe. Taken in contrast with other books written around the IDF, Chasnoff really gives an unedited and gritty view of what the average Israeli youth goes through, while being incredibly open about how it affects him.

    It takes courage to undertake the experiences that Mr. Chasnoff had; moreso to write about them in such an honest fashion. If you have any interest in Israeli/Mid East foreign policy, "Crybaby Brigade" should be on your nightstand as a look into the mindset of the youth in the region. Given the geo-political culture and status of the Middle East, this book is a solid read for anyone who wants a good grounding and understanding of what our Israeli counterparts experience.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2015
    Loved this book. Anyone picking it up should bear in mind that Joel is a COMEDIAN; this is a memoir--not non-fiction. The author tells only a part of the story, and twists it to make it funny, which is what comedians do. Anyone who thinks the IDF is primarily made up of wimpy, reluctant, bungling raw recruits doesn't know the IDF. [N. B., not interested in a political argument here.]

    I found the book hilarious--he did hold up a mirror to Israeli life and the Israeli character, and the bull**** of all armies everywhere.
    I was particularly impressed with some more serious insights into what holds Israeli society together; the nature of "never again," the complexity of the Lebanon war in which he served, and his, and Israel's, identity crisis as a Jewish State in thrall to the ossified rabbinate that controls religious life in the larger, secular society.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Joseph Myren
    5.0 out of 5 stars AWESOME
    Reviewed in Canada on March 24, 2024
    AWESOME
  • Mr. George R. Featherston
    4.0 out of 5 stars No False Glories
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 5, 2012
    The title says most of it: the author, like most recruits, finds that all armies, even the Israeli Defence Force, can be guilty of what that old soldier C.S. Lewis called "The Great God Nonsense", and that the feelings of individual conscripts are not an army's primary concern. Being Jewish, there's a lot about his personal life and his family, both by birth and marriage, and about the harsh-seeming prescriptions of his religion - and some of the contradictions it causes even in Israel . No heroics, but wars are often fought by such young men.
    One person found this helpful
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