 |
| Book #15 of 2011 |
| Title: Battle Dress |
| Author: Amy Efaw |
| Publisher: HarperCollins |
| Pub Date: 2010, 2000 |
| Grade: A- |
| Comments: Andi is starting at West Point and going through the freshman “orientation” known as Beast Camp. It’s unclear why she was initially interested in joining the army, except as a good way to get a great education and to escape her difficult family. When she’s there, Andi finds comfort in the routine of activities and in physical training, since she was a runner but never really encouraged by her family. She has more difficulty following orders to a T. She interacts with other plebes, most notably her roommate Gabby who is short and full of energy and takes vocal exception to the ways she and Andi are treated differently for being girls. Andi is more content to be an observer, but in a program that trains you to be a leader, she quickly learns that she needs to step up.
I read the 2010 edition, but this was originally published in 2000. When I was young I read a memoir called In The Man’s House by Carol Barkalow that covers much of the same ground as this from the perspective of a soldier in the first group of women cadets to graduate from West Point. I LOVED that book, and really enjoyed this one. Andi’s struggles were interesting and it was nice to see her step out. Really my only critique was that it was too short. I’d love to find out what happens to her next. |
|
I am an Amazon Affiliate (in order to use their photos mostly, but the occasional gift card is nice). If you make a purchase after clicking on a photo, I will receive a small portion of the purchase price.
Add A Comment