Lesbians, Crutches, and Suicides: A Soldier's Story

By: Audry Grant

Narrated by: Mike Tanner

Length: 50 mins

Publisher's summary

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to join the military? Grant's book details the difficulties of Basic Training during the largest recruitment rush in history. Suicides were prominent because soldiers were unable to pass the initial PT test that would get them into Basic Training - and what most recruiters won't say is that there's a place known as Reception where all soldiers begin their journey. Many never make it out, some stay for months, trying to pass the PT test. For them, the only way out is to convince the Army that they're too crazy to be a valuable soldier... or suicide.

There was also an entire society of LURD's - lesbians until release date that had established firm control and were unafraid of the consequences. In fact, many of them wanted to get caught, even if it meant a dishonorable discharge, because at least that got them out of the Army.

Lesbians, Crutches, and Suicides: A Soldier's Story takes a listener into the heart of Basic Training, with personal elements of what the experience of becoming a soldier is like. Grant's perspective is peppered with personal narrative and letters sent home.

©2013 Audry Grant (P)2013 Audry Grant

Why I couldn't serve.. But I wanted to!

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

There was nothing *horrible* about it.. but it was almost like reading cliff notes of someones diary but without enough to know anything about the person let alone care. I do think the author has potential.. you could envision what was being described but there was just not enough of it.

Would you recommend Lesbians, Crutches, and Suicides: A Soldier's Story to your friends? Why or why not?

In a general sense, I cannot think of anyone in my circle that would want to listen to this. Maybe if one of their daughters was thinking about enlisting they would get some insights.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Mike Tanner?

A man? A man reading a woman's experiences? Really? And, the pace was not done inthe conversational tone I think it was written in. It was near monotone and made the recruit sound less then intelligent.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

I feel sorry for the author/recruit. She obviously wanted to serve. But it also got me angry that the suicides were treated so commonplace and that it appeared the training personnel seemed so callous about it.

Any additional comments?

This is way over priced for what you get. In fact.. it should almost be given away free just for the author to get some exposure. There is no substance to this story and the narration just did not fit at all.

Interesting Real Life Story

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

It helps you understand what our service men and women have to deal with.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Lesbians, Crutches, and Suicides: A Soldier's Story?

When she was injured badly, she was forced to continue to march.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the one service man helped her in the doctor's office

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

It made me appreciate the sacrifice that our service men and women go through. It also explains why the suicide rates are so high.