|
Rule Number Two: Lessons I Learned in a Combat Hospital | 
 enlarge | Author: Heidi Squier Kraft
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Category: Book
List Price: $23.99
Buy New: $12.72
You Save: $11.27 (47%)
New (42) Used (10) Collectible (1) from $12.72
Rating:  31 reviews
Sales Rank: 25893
Media: Hardcover
Edition: 1
Pages: 256
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 8.2 x 5.8 x 1.1
ISBN: 0316067903
Dewey Decimal Number: 956.704437
EAN: 9780316067904
ASIN: 0316067903
Publication Date: October 24, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Brand new item. Over 4 million customers served. Order now. Selling online since 1995. Few left in stock - order soon. Code: H20081114205835T
| |
| Also Available In:
|
| Similar Items:
|
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
When Lieutenant Commander Heidi Kraft's twin son and daughter were fifteen months old, she was deployed to Iraq. A clinical psychologist in the US Navy, Kraft's job was to uncover the wounds of war that a surgeon would never see. She put away thoughts of her children back home, acclimated to the sound of incoming rockets, and learned how to listen to the most traumatic stories a war zone has to offer.
One of the toughest lessons of her deployment was perfectly articulated by the TV show M*A*S*H: "There are two rules of war. Rule number one is that young men die. Rule number two is that doctors can't change rule number one." Some Marines, Kraft realized, and even some of their doctors, would be damaged by war in ways she could not repair. And sometimes, people were repaired in ways she never expected. RULE NUMBER TWO is a powerful firsthand account of providing comfort admidst the chaos of war, and of what it takes to endure.
|
| Customer Reviews: Read 26 more reviews...
 Excellent read brings the war close to home October 25, 2007
E. Wallace (California, USA)
24 out of 24 found this review helpful
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and within the first chapter found that I had a hard time putting it down. Kraft gives a real-life perspective of the experiences and impressions of a modern day war. She provides a realistic view on the emotions and every day details that haven't been captured by the media. And after reading this, I feel closer to the war in Iraq and the individuals who give their time, hearts and minds to fighting.
Who cares for the caregivers? October 19, 2007
John D. Olson
20 out of 20 found this review helpful
Dr. Kraft has written a fresh, emotionally bruising record of what it is to be a care giver not just to those who obviously need it, but to those whose experiences lash them from the inside. This is the book for anyone who ever wanted a concise version of the direct and indirect mental cost of combat.
The wrenching depictions of comrades in arms openly weeping for those who used to sit and laugh beside them, of leaders expressing love and care for those for whom they are responsible, of the small things and large which provide relief and anchors for those caught up in chaos all leave a reader wondering how it is anyone can truly survive combat unscathed. Intervention after intervention trod upon each's heels; from the schizophrenic Marine who argues with his combat knife, to the weathered veteran who wants hypnosis so he can stop his two-pack a day smoking habit, to talking down a Marine with a rifle muzzle to her head, weeping as she apologizes for what she is about to do, even when the interventionalists themselves find themselves on the receiving end of an ad hoc group session held by a commander of a neighboring unit who happens to be a practicing psychiatrist, even addressing the stress of being one of the new "untouchables" - graves registration Marines. "We did the best we could" is the strong underlying theme throughout this memoir. This is a powerful rendering of what we ask others to do, and suffer, in our name.
Rule Number Three December 10, 2007
InterLinkOperator (USA)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful
Rule number three: Rule number one and two compel us to provide our armed forces with the compassionate combat stress care of doctors like Lieutenant Commander Heidi Squier Kraft.
Rule number one and two refer to a particular episode of M*A*S*H. Use the search inside feature for more about this. I met Alan Alda once. Having followed his career, I noticed he gives medical commencements. His advice after a near death surgical crisis is, "Treat me like a human being".
That is exactly what Dr Kraft describes in her memoir as a Navy flight psychologist, marine pilot's wife, submariners daughter, colleague friend and confidant. She is one of the Marines "Alpha" female care givers at the Combat Hospital in Anbar Province, Iraq.
I recall reading the news story of Marine Corporal Dunham's heroism and susequent Medal of Honor. It is comforting to know he was treated with such dignity and compassion by Dr. Kraft and her team at Alpha Surgical.
This book is a compelling read and allays some of my fears about how our military addresses combat stress. You will meet members of our military requiring the assistance of Heidi Kraft. Many looking for someone to talk with, at Alpha Surgical Hospital, so they can rejoin their units. Some would not make it.
I was also pleased to see 10% of Dr. Kraft's royalties are donated to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. As if she hasn't already given enough.
Ma'am, thank you!
Great Book Club Book December 7, 2007
Kristy Myers (California)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
I could not put this book down. The author gives us a view into the war we don't see readily from home. We are privileged to experience the heart and soul of a soldier -- in particular the loyalty each has for one another. I was awestruck by the amazing strength of a mother away from her children to serve her country. It made me proud to be an American. It made me proud to be a mom.
Finally, I appreciated the insight into the human mind-- how we as humans process emotionally difficult and heavy situations-- and that with some work and effort, we can ultimately get through them.
A must read for everyone November 27, 2007
Colleen Barnum
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
Dr. Kraft offers a truly rare insight into the hearts and minds of those who serve on the battlefield. There are many books out there that talk about tactics and treatment; however, none of them capture what it truly means to treat the combat veteran. For those who have worked in a combat zone, you know that all those treatment manuals get thrown right out the door; there is no standard procedure or book to read that will tell you what to do. Kraft offers her own personal account on what she did what she experienced, and how it affected her. You won't find anyone more honest, or sincere about her work treating Marines in a combat zone. I highly recommend this book, as it is meant for everyone, Mental Health Professionals, combat veterans, Physicians, Nurses, the like. You won't find a better account about what happens in Iraq, or what these Marines go through until you read this book. I know I had a hard time putting it down. Thanks Dr. Kraft for giving me a perspective that no one else could, for your honesty, sincerity, and dedication to our Marines. Very Respectfully.
|
|
|
|
| |
