Gravel Soldiers

By: Terry Iwanski

Narrated by: Don Lehmann

Gravel Soldiers is a memoir that follows the author as he navigates his youth in St. Paul, Nebraska, navigating the streets and the echoes of history. The story is a vivid coming-of-age odyssey, brimming with the energy of youth. Terry’s journey spans human experience, from fast cars and reckless behavior to relationships filled with pain and betrayal. The story takes daring detours, leading listeners through biker escapades and encounters with the law.

At its core, Gravel Soldiers is a tale of finding love, a genuine, soul-deep kind that illuminates life’s dark corners. Through his journey, Terry discovers the power to heal and transform, ultimately leading him to the shores of redemption.

©2023 Terry Iwanski (P)2024 Terry Iwanski

A Gritty, Honest, and Deeply Personal Journey

Gravel Soldiers by Terry Iwanski –

At the beginning of Gravel Soldiers, Iwanski’s raw, unfiltered storytelling style immediately reminded me of a Bukowski novel—gritty, unapologetic, and full of the kind of dark humor that makes you both uncomfortable and captivated at the same time. The rough-edged prose pulls you into the author’s world with little hesitation, presenting a life that is both harsh and poignant.

As the memoir progresses, however, it evolves beyond that Bukowski-esque tone, revealing a more nuanced and reflective side to Iwanski’s experiences. From his humble beginnings in St. Paul, Nebraska, to a path of self-discovery that took him across the Midwest and beyond, this autobiography does more than just recount the struggles of his youth. It’s an intimate exploration of pain, growth, and the choices that define a person’s journey.

What makes Gravel Soldiers truly stand out is Iwanski’s honesty. He doesn’t shy away from the hard parts of his life—the mistakes, the relationships that have shaped him, and the internal battles that most people keep hidden. There’s a gritty realism in his words, but also a deep vulnerability, creating a sense of connection with the reader. His writing is straightforward yet poetic, as if you’re having a conversation with an old friend who’s telling you about the mess and beauty of their life.

The memoir’s setting, with its vivid descriptions of rural America, gives the story an authenticity that adds to its power. But it’s not just about where he’s been—Gravel Soldiers is about how those places and experiences have shaped him. Iwanski’s journey of survival, self-realization, and ultimately transformation will resonate with anyone who has faced adversity and found a way to rise above it.

Gravel Soldiers is an inspiring, gritty, and often poetic account of a life well-lived despite the odds. If you appreciate stories that dive deep into the heart of human experience with both honesty and humor, this is a book you won’t want to miss.