Reviews

Nuevo destino by Phil Klay

ddejong's review against another edition

5.0

This is an odd 5-star review for me in that there is virtually no one I know that I would feel comfortable recommending this book to, but I thought it was outstanding. If books had ratings, this one would undoubtedly be rated R. I went into the book expecting that it would be raw and real and uncensored, and it was. Lots of language, lots of super crass conversation, offensive sex-related talk, etc. All of that said, I found these stories very, very thought-provoking and they gave me a better context for understanding some of the really tough things my veteran friends and acquaintances likely experienced to varying degrees during their tours or after them. Favorite stories included After Action Report, Money as a Weapons System, Unless it's a Sucking Chest Wound, and Ten Kliks South. Phil Klay really is a fantastically talented writer. He was so deliberate with the way he shaped these stories... the small details he drew your attention to... the bitter irony he was able to capture... the genuine and un-dramatic way he was able to capture the emotional and mental effects of the war and what many men saw and/or did. I'm glad I read the book.

eowyns_helmet's review against another edition

4.0

Reading these stories is a glimpse behind the news most of us read as our only connection to US military operations, in the Middle East of really anywhere. Klay captures the fear, the idiocy, the numbness, the dark humor and the way war both erases and heightens human connection. There's a variation in the tone and perspective of the stories that's welcome. Otherwise, the collection might seem too similar (the same story repeated). The language is as stripped down and utilitarian as a rifle -- no furbelows. Often, the stories end as if some essential paragraph has been snipped off. I came to like that. My only reason for not giving this a fifth star is that I wasn't really surprised by any of the stories. I knew something of the book (and Klay's well-deserved NBA win) and the writing was as expected. What I really love about reading is when my expectation is challenged by something especially remarkable and fine.

oregon_small_fry's review against another edition

5.0

(I know it's not technically nonfiction, but I categorized it that way anyway)

Heard interview with Teri Gross.

Excellent book. Utterly heartbreaking- rips your heart out and stomps on it but it so violently realistic you can't close your eyes to escape

mubeenirfan's review against another edition

4.0

Amazing collection of short stories which take you to the minds of Marines who fought in the wars and at the same time give subtle hints of how war is irrational of all things. These stories make you sad and laugh in the same sentence and sometimes the grief possess you.

Very fluid writing style as well. The only reason I am withholding five stars is because it has hints of Islamophobia and not just in characters but also in the writer. Otherwise, an amazing collection of short stories.

dogtrax's review against another edition

4.0

Harrowing stories ... but these stories deeply uncovers the psyche of soldiers in modern warfare from so many angles ...

onepgatatime's review against another edition

3.0

This book is already in my 'Read again' list, for the simple fact that I think feel I went through it too fast, with just a broad view. The second time around will be to dive in with a fine tooth comb. With every chapter being a new story, I felt like I was always engaged and actively thinking and trying to put together a character and their life with the little snippet I was given. Some chapters were better than some. Some I wish had more detail. Other I wish were completely taken out. I appreciated the various perspectives, but I need to know, where is the women representation at??????????

nuhafariha's review against another edition

2.0

It's not bad, but I am tired of hearing from the War on Terror from American men.

steller0707's review against another edition

4.0

Phil Klay knows about what he writes. He gives a true portrait of life in a war zone, and its effects - and after effects - from the point of view of various participants - the infantryman, the clergy, the humanitarian and the returning vet. Through their eyes we see their hopes, their despair, their fierce loyalties to each other and their demons. Some stories stand out more than others. I had a hard time with those few that detailed battles and were full of military acronyms. However, the story about the clergyman trying to make sense of the war for the men and for himself, the one about the humanitarian battling the clash between his goals and those of the military, and those describing the thoughts and feelings of the soldiers are outstanding.

andy87's review against another edition

3.0

I would likely give this book a 3.5 if possible. I loved the format of the book, more of a collection of short stories. But I largely read the book based on the rave reviews, and often don't enjoy the subject matter. I'm happy I read it, but it wasn't a favourite.

samreads14's review against another edition

dark reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25