Saturday, October 3, 2015

The Private War of Corporal Henson by E. Michael Henson

Title:  The Private War of Corporal Henson
Author:  E. Michael Henson
Publication Date:  August 19/14 by Stairway Press
Length:  259pgs
Genre:  contemporary fiction
Shelf:  review
Rating: ★★★★★

Back Cover Blurb:

Vietnam didn’t stay in Southeast Asia. It followed former U.S. Marine Corporal Nathan Henson back to the World—his hometown in the Florida panhandle. Seventeen years later, specters from ’Nam still haunt the corners of Nathan’s life and the recurring nightmarish scenes of carnage won’t die. Desperate, he seeks help and joins a support group for Vietnam combat veterans.

Now a new war begins—against Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In a series of gut-wrenching sessions, Nathan faces the ghosts of his past and shares the struggles of others as they confront and relive horrors and dark secrets kept locked inside.

There’s Vic Guerino, a former Army helicopter pilot trying to adjust to the boredom of a grounded life, Dan “Doc” Matthews, wrestling with addiction brought home from the battlefields of Vietnam, and Rene Boudreaux, the loner who withdraws from society with paranoia ruling his every waking moment.

Nathan must conquer the demons of PTSD to win peace in his life, but it’s a harrowing rollercoaster ride through the valley of healing. The path is strewn with heartbreak and humor, hope and despair and love lost and regained.

This is the comeback story of a heroic young man who saw it all, lived through it, and ultimately emerged from the shadows of war.

My Review:

Once again Helms puts pen to paper to create a work that blew my mind and held me captive throughout. The well-developed plot is backed by solid and inviting narrative as well as poignant descriptions. Helms mixes emotion with some hard hitting realities. He creates a flawless world for readers to loose themselves in.

I love the way that Helms developed his characters. He develops his main character physically, emotionally, and psychologically. I found him easy to connect with. His difficulties and hardships come to life through Helms’ writing. He brings PTSD to the forefront in such a manner that you can’t ignore it but that you can definitely understand it. But at the same time, readers can see a light shining at the end of the tunnel, relief from the trials that he’s struggling through.

This is one of those hard hitting novels that will stick with you for the long run. Helms captured my heart, my soul, and my mind through this novel that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to others.

Book Links 

And now, enter to win in this fantastic giveaway with E. Michael Helms and The Private War of Corporal Henson.  

Prizes include:
1 x $25 Amazon Gift Card
5 x ecopies of The Private War of Corporal Henson by E. Michael Helms

Contest is open internationally, where applicable by law. 
Entries close at 11:59pm October 9/15. 
Winners will be drawn October 10/15. 
Winners will be notified via email to the email provided to the giveaway and will have 72h to claim their prize or another winner will be drawn.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

41 comments:

  1. this sounds mind blowing - a definite must read

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    1. Thanks, PATANNE! Here's wishing you the best of luck! --Michael

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  2. Hello there. Great review. I definitely want to read this book

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    1. Hi, Connie! Jonel is a great reviewer. You can trust what she writes (wink-wink)! --Michael

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  3. Hey, Michael and Jonel! First, you know I love your work, Michael (don't let it go to your head) and second, Jonel, that is a fantastic review! To everyone else, do yourself a favor, read this book! Gift this book! I'm only sorry there were only 5 stars to rate it with! Michael writes from experience and his heart.

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    1. Awww, Dianne (blush-blush, head swelling)! Listen to Dii, everbody--she gives great advice! :) --Michael

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  4. The blurb and review of The Private War of Corporal Henson sure have me wanting to read it. After reading some of your other books Michael I know this will capture my attention and give me lots to think about.

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    1. Thanks, Jo-Anne! Intelligence and good tastes are rumored to run in families. I believe it's true! --Michael

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  5. Fantastic review Jonel. Oops, someone knocking on my door. Gotta run. :-)

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    1. Thanks for joining us, Sherry! Hope that door-knocking was good tidings!
      --Michael

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  6. I haven't read any of your books. But I so enjoy reading books with the military back drop. Since I am a military brat (my dad was in the Air Force)

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    1. Thank you, Gail. Many thanks to your dad for his service. I think you'll enjoy the book if you give it a chance. All best and good luck, Michael!

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  7. This sounds like a great read, I'm definitely adding it to my to-read list!

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    1. Malia, I don't think you'll be disappointed. All best, and good luck!

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  8. Having been diagnosed with PTSD, due to a MVA, I can relate.

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    1. Bless you, Denise! PTSD takes many hideous forms! All best to you, and good luck in the contest!

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    1. Mary, thank you so much for participating! And here's wishing you blessings and good luck!

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  10. I always appreciate a great read that takes in all aspects of a situation. I've worked with students who've suffered from PTSD. I look forward to reading this book that addresses it from such an intimate perspective.

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    1. Michelle! Thank you so much for your support! I hope you are doing well, knowing the struggles you are faced with. Bless you, and best of luck!

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  11. PTSD is a serious subject! I'm sure your book is going to be an emotional read. Looking forward to reading The Private War of Corporal Henson. Thank you

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    1. Linda, your words are like a healing salve -- thank you so much, and here's wishing you the best of luck!

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  12. I have added it to my TBR list and look forward to reading it. PTSD is something that many people suffer from. For some of these soldiers that suffer from it after coming home after their deployment it's is their very own "private war". Thank you so much for the opportunity!

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    1. Jennifer, thank you so much for your kind comments. Your words are a comfort to all, veterans and non-vets alike, who've suffered from PTSD. All best, and best of luck!

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  13. Great review! Sounds like a book I will enjoy reading..thanks for sharing!

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  14. Thanks for your comments, Victoria! Jonel is a wonderful reviewer -- one you can trust in knowing she gives her honest opinions and doesn't hold back, whether good or bad. I appreciate your participation, and wish you the best of luck in the giveaway!

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  15. Thanks for your comments, Victoria! Jonel is a wonderful reviewer -- one you can trust in knowing she gives her honest opinions and doesn't hold back, whether good or bad. I appreciate your participation, and wish you the best of luck in the giveaway!

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  16. I love it when an author does a wonderful job writing and portraying something sensitive - in this case it would be the PTSD. I am glad you could like the book.

    My recent review and giveaway: http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/2015/10/dreamstrider-review-interview-giveaway.html

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    1. Olivia-Savannah -- what a pretty name for a pretty young lady! Thank you for your kind words. Wishing you the best of luck!

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  17. I can't wait to read this book. Loved The Proud Bastards.

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    1. Wow, thank you SO MUCH, Saundra! Wishing you the best of luck!

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  18. This should be right up my alley. I love character-driven novels, especially those with a strong psychological component.

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    1. Thanks, Chris! I don't think you'll be disappointed -- good luck!

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  19. Would like to read and review the book

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  20. Hello, Rakhi -- I would very much like that! You have a nice blog. Good luck to you!

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  21. Here for the support! :)

    I totally agree with Jonel. This is such an amazing book!!

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    1. Thanks so much, Maari! Hope you're doing well. Best of luck, and thanks again for your support, my friend!

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  22. Thank you so much for the review and the giveaway! Looking forward to reading the book!

    Cora Pop

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    1. Hi, Vesper (Cora?), thank YOU for your participation! Here's wishing you the best of luck in the giveaway! All best to you and yours!

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