Wednesday, April 25, 2012

PFC Liberty Stryker

Recently I had the pleasure of reading PFC Liberty Stryker, YA/Crossover Novel, by our own Peggy Tibbetts.



Paperback: 364 pages
Publisher: Lunatic Fringe Publishing (Jan. 21, 2012)
ISBN: 978-0967786841

Here is my review:

According to history, William Tecumseh Sherman stated “War is hell” during the American Civil War. Years have passed since then with many wars in our world. In the newspapers and on TV we hear about the men and women who fight and die in these battles. But do we really understand what they experience in foreign lands, away from family and home. Do we know the horrors they witness every day? I’ve always thought it’s sad that people cannot get along with one another, but never considered the gruesome reality of day to day life for our soldiers. Until I read Peggy Tibbetts’ novel PFC LIBERTY STRYKER, that is. Boy did the author open my eyes to the truth. I have to agree with Mr. Sherman.

After Libby Stryker’s father, who was career army, is killed at the Pentagon on 9/11, Libby joins the army and before long is in the desert of Iraq, seeing a side of war that only one who’s been there can believe. Death is everywhere and not just the soldiers but innocent men, women, and children as well. The author describes the scenes in such depth that the reader can almost hear the cries of pain, smell the stench of blood and bodies, and feel the terror in the air. Don’t be surprised if you cry a little. I did. I will warn you, also, that the language is raw and rough and not for the squeamish. Libby has a lot to learn about her fellow soldiers, and she soon discovers that sometimes those we trust the most are not what or who we believe them to be. The story is full of unexpected twists that show just how complicated war and people really are.

Author Peggy Tibbetts did her research. Her acknowledgment at the front of the book credits the many people who helped her get the details of PFC LIBERTY STRYKER just right. After reading this book, I think you’ll appreciate even more the sacrifices of our brave soldiers, to keep America, you and me, safe.

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Who is Peggy Tibbetts?

Where have you heard that name before?

Think Writing World. She was managing editor, columnist, and picture book workshop instructor at Writing-World.com.

Or SCBWI. Or The Write List. She is at Goodreads and Jacketflap. Oh yes, LinkedIn, too. And still on MySpace. She’s here and there and everywhere around the interwebs.

Friend her on Facebook.

Follow her on Twitter.

Remember Inkspot.com? She was Inkspot’s Children’s Writing Resource Editor. She was an associate producer of educational videos for Upper Midwest Films, and contributing editor for Children’s Magic Window magazine.

She is also a fervent blogger at From the Styx, Advice from a Caterpillar, and YA Authors You’ve Never Heard Of.

Tibbetts is the author of two middle grade novels, Letters to Juniper and The Road to Weird, and a YA/crossover novel PFC Liberty Stryker.


In their spare time Peggy and her husband, Tod manage the West Elk Multi-Use Trails on the Flattop Mountains for the White River National Forest. She and Tod enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, and camping with their beloved Malamute, Zeus, and Chihuahua mix, Pepé in the mountains of western Colorado, where they live.



Peggy welcomes your questions & comments at: peggyt@siltnet.net
Please refer all complaints to the Management


Peggy Tibbetts is the author of two middle grade novels, Letters to Juniper and The Road to Weird. She was managing editor and columnist at Writing-World.com. She has also worked as an associate producer of educational videos for Upper Midwest Films, contributing editor for Children’s Magic Window magazine, and Children’s Writing Resource Editor at Inkspot.com.

Happy Reading.

4 comments:

  1. Great review, Beverly! I found the book really powerful,too, and very disturbing.

    (Peg, I'm sorry. I should have posted my review to this blog as well. For all you readers, my review can be found at Amazon under the title "A Necessary Read." All the reviews for this book have been very positive, and rightfully so.)

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  2. Yes, Ophelia, the book sure made me look at war in a different light.

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  3. Thank you Bev and Ophelia for all your support. I am enjoying readers' reactions to this book. Bev thanks for posting on this blog. Ophelia, that's ok. I posted your review on my blog.

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  4. I really should do something about this...

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