The Long Walk

Brian Castner
Sep 14, 2016

“To those trained in Explosive Ordinance Disposal, the last-resort tactic for defusing bombs is known as the Long Walk: a soldier dealing with the device up close, alone, with no margin for error.” Brian Castner served three tours of duty in the Middle East, two of them as the commander of an Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit in Iraq where he earned a Bronze Star. He speaks with candor about the excruciating trauma of war, the daily battles against a constant and unknown hidden danger, the likelihood of death around every corner, and finally his return home to his wife and family. Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which causes him to blend reality with the haunting memories of war and destruction, Brian is forever taking the Long Walk. He tells his story with a heartbreaking honesty that only someone with his experiences can tell. The Long Walk is an excellent read for anyone wanting to gain more insight into the symptoms and effects of PTSD on soldiers and their families.

Reviewed by Library Staff