Ghosts of War: The True Story of a 19-Year-Old GI

Ryan Smithson

Apr 2009 · Harper Collins

About this ebook

This YA military memoir recounts a nineteen-year-old Army engineer’s tour of duty in Iraq: “profoundly moving . . . poignant, and often harrowing” (Kirkus, starred review).

Ryan Smithson was an ordinary teenager until he witnessed the devastation of September 11th, 2001. Watching the Twin Towers fall motivated him to enlist in the Army Reserve at the age of seventeen. In Ghosts of War, Ryan vividly chronicles his experience of basic training and deployment to Iraq as a heavy-equipment operator. From the pain of losing comrades to his inspiring encounters with Iraqi children, Ryan shares how his experience changed him—and what it taught him about the meaning of patriotism and service.

Ratings and reviews

This book, this book is the best book I've ever read. I connect to it in many various ways, if you want an amazing read buy this now I can't say anything without ruining the whole experience!

One of the best war related books I have read. An honest insight into the soldier.

I had an english assingment thought yay a boring nonfiction book, but it changed what I thought of war. You read this you will feel what he feels. I would read this again and again. Amazing! HAVE TO READ!!!!!!!!!!!!

About the author

Ryan Smithson joined the Army Reserve and was deployed to Iraq as an engineer at the age of nineteen. Upon returning, he earned an AAS degree in criminal justice. Specialist Smithson doesn't know if he'll be deployed again. He currently works for the American Red Cross as a mobile unit assistant and lives with his wife in upstate New York.