No Joy

A Recon Marine's Tales of (Self) Destruction

By: David Rose

Narrated by: Scott Sowers

Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

Picked up by a larger publisher: as a consequence; the retitled, second, and final edition of the cult hit, Spent Shell Casings.

"Going to war was a finite window to touch the vanquished barbaric world modern reality has so woefully blighted out."

Joining the Marines in 2002, David Rose signed up to go fight ... and to go die. On this grim path, rather than finding a violent death, he would find family, purpose, and a brotherhood amid the misfit world of the war fighter.

No Joy sees David recounting madcap tales of Muay Thai bouts in seedy garages, a bizarre stint as a street cop, being on the other side of the badge, becoming a veteran of the psych ward, and more. It's an irreverently told story that doesn't just tell one man's tale, but speaks to the necessary question: What really draws modern young men to war?

©2017 Rare Bird Books (P)2017 TalkingBook

this story isnt for pussies

the story seems to skip around a lot but will definitely keep you interested if you are looking into become a reconnaissance marine or even if you are one of the last nonpussified men left in America.

Damn! This is seriously awesome!

Any additional comments?

Great narrator in Scott Sowers. Blew my head off. So realistic and gritty. I wasn't in the marine corps but this seems legit.

Extremely emotional and insightful piece of work!

Let's just say as both a female and someone who was never in the military, I feel that No Joy is a must read for anyone who has interest in what goes on inside the minds of our military personnel. I'd always suspected a maniacal sex, drugs & rock n roll mindset pulses in the military world. Nine hours later, suspicions have been utterly and passionately confirmed.

I first read this book in paperback under it's original title Spent Shell Casings. When I realized that it was finally available on Audible I was delighted. Having the story read to you adds a new flavor to the stories and really draws you into every experience as though you were there. I read in another review that the narrator flubbed many of the military jargon, but as a civilian you would be none the wiser. I think the narrator did an outstanding job! However, I would love to hear the author narrate the next installment, if we are indeed gifted with a follow-up. This is an extremely emotional piece of work, and it helps define an entire generation of Americans better than perhaps any related book I've ever read. Highly recommend !! Kudos to the author for an outstanding job in both his service to our country and gift to our intellect.

Not your typical war novel

Any additional comments?

Wonderful story! This is a very unique take on life in the marine corp. The narrator did an excellent job with this as well. Two thumbs up!

Warrior Culture

Good look at so-called warrior culture. As a former Army infantryman who deployed to Iraq, I could relate to many of his assertions and the description of the mentality. I’ve been out for 10 years and have softened a bit, so my thinking has shifted since that time. Guess it’s up to me to write the book about former warriors gone soft with old age. Worth the read.

Just what I was looking for

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

A fantastic war tale. David Rose has a unique gift for storytelling, and this audiobook is like none that I've ever heard before. Thoroughly enjoyed this!

Only a DevilDog© is Squared away

if I had to put it into just one word, I guess that would be "whoduhthunk"
the ways in which a Marines life is set in forward motion, throughout their earthly existence, always observant of everything that takes place in their AO, follows them into civilian life, with motivation and honor. It is without any doubt, true that, "Once a Marine, always a Marine"
Semper Fidelis
Esprit Invictus

Gritty and Dirty and Fun

A real kick-you-in-the-ass piece of military literature. Glad this is out and I hope it's doing well. This narrator is awesome too. Damn!

wow!!! nostalgia!!!

Read/ listen to this book right now!!! well written, phenomenal narration!!! 10/10 would recommend!!!! thank you for sharing ,David.

Authentic Military Experience

Awesome books and seriously great chapter in a recon marine's life. Would recommend this to anyone.