I most recently read this book as a type of mental sorbet. I had just finished a study of xenophobia and was about to begin one on Prophetic universalism and needed to clear my mind. The first person memoir nature of the book was engaging. It gave me a perspective on an on-going event I did not have a was greatful not to have had. It was a quick read and though slightly politically biased, not offensive to me and I believe would not be to others.

Paul Rieckhoff is the founder and executive director of IAVA (formerly Operation Truth), and one of the most outspoken critics of the Iraq War, with a military background. As such, I was very eager to read his book. He also hopelessly reminds me, in looks and mannerisms, of one of my dearest friends from high school, which is part of the fascination too. "Chasing Ghosts" is a good insider's look at how the war has been mismanaged from a soldier's standpoint, and as such offers a nice counterpart to Rick's must-read "Fiasco." I will admit that some of the author's stances and views make me highly uncomfortable (witness his willingness--no, eagerness to kill people, even when he knows the war is being persecuted on false pretenses and that said people have done no wrong, or his assertion that only military veterans should be allowed to run for president). Still, it's a fabulous book if you can get beyond Rieckhoff's bloodlust. ( )