The Pink Marine

One Boy's Journey Through Bootcamp To Manhood

By: Greg Cope White

Narrated by: Greg Cope White

Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

The Pink Marine is the story - full of hilarity and heartbreak - of how a teenage boy who struggles with self-acceptance and doesn't fit the traditional definition of masculinity finds acceptance and self-worth in Marine Corps boot camp.

"An inspiring memoir that displays a balanced, surprisingly reverent view of the Marine Corps and military service." (Kirkus Reviews)

When Greg Cope White's best friend tells him he's spending his summer in Marine Corps boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, all Greg hears is "summer" and "camp". Despite dire warnings from his friend, Greg vows to join him in recruit training.

He's 18, underweight, he's never run a mile - and he's gay.

Greg's sheltered life hadn't prepared him for military service. A prince out of water, he packed five suitcases since he'd never been away from home for 13 weeks. The US Marines stripped him from all of that, shaved his head and put a rifle in his hands.

At first he struggles to keep up, and afraid his secret will be discovered. But midway through, the desire to survive and become a Marine trumps fear. He learns that everyone, just like in the real world, comes into the service feeling "different"; possibly prejudged for the color of their skin, their weight, their poverty - some have even chosen boot camp over jail.

Can a flighty, 112-pound, unmanly Texan transform into one of the few, the proud, the Marines?

Will Greg even survive?

©2015 Greg Cope White (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"I’ve known Greg White for some 30 years, and have admired him every minute throughout. That he could write as straightforward, intriguing, and honest a book as The Pink Marine is no surprise." (Norman Lear)

"A great story beautifully told - surprising, funny, courageous, and inspiring." (David Hyde-Pierce)

"This is the story of how, through pure gumption, a most unlikely Marine candidate rises to the occasion to show his (rainbow flag of) true colors! This guy has lived a life!" (Jane Lynch, actress)

Amazing

What a story of perseverance, learning, and growth! I laughed and was touched deeply! Thanks for the marines!

Wonderful story about growing together

I just loved this story as I learned a lot about boot camp. It wasn't so much about being gay as it was a platoon being stripped bare of all spirit, and then being groomed and molded into something so strong that they will no doubt, give their lives for one another.
These were my best parts. ;
Bowman on the chin-up bar. I was walking down the road cheering mightily when he came back.
The humming at graduation. It was 80 degrees outside and I had goosebumps.
The salute after graduation. I bawled my fool head off.
What a wonderful journey this story was. I'm sitting with my feelings of awe tonight.

Good story of accomplishment.

Enjoyed this one and would recommend it to others. Feel good ending that is uplifting.

Loved it!!!

This book was awesome. As a straight female with no military experience, I was not really expecting to relate so much to this book, more just learn of someone else’s experiences, but I think everyone can relate to this book in some way. It made me laugh and it made me cry, tears of joy and sadness. This book expressed so many things everyone goes through feeling lost, deep friendship, failure, triumph, forgiveness, low self esteem, finding self, perseverance, and so so much more. I highly recommend this. The author/narrator was pleasant to listen to.

enlightening perspective of BCT

Well developed characters that draw you into this true account of one person's survival of boot camp., Interesting perspective of how the very intimidating BCT serves its purpose. While the twist of it being told from a homosexual's perspective might turn some away, my advice is listen anyway. The truths told are applicable to all humans going through the experience.

Brilliant!

This book made me grin, tear up, laugh out loud and wince more that I'd ever imagine. The way Greg tells his story really sucks you into the boot camp. Brilliantly written and brilliantly read. I highly recommend this book!

One of the best books I’ve read

This is a great book. No matter who you are you’ll enjoy it! Thank you!