Absolutely American (Book Review)

Albany, NY -- In contrast to NCIS, one of my favorite TV programs, David Lipsky’s “Absolutely American” explores the real armed services and specifically, its West Point cadets.

This brilliant piece of writing sheds light on West Point unlike anything I’ve ever read. Lipsky spent four years on the campus, following cadets from their first day at the academy through graduation. This was done to get an understanding of how the Army weeds out those who are “the right stuff” and to get inside the worlds most prestigious army school.

The thing I liked most about this book was the first person narration. We get the story from the eyes of the one who experienced it.

This book was for my student development theory class. I had to read it, love it, interpret it and apply it to one theory I learned in my class. Though it was required reading, the book was an easy read. I found myself getting hooked on the stories of these selected cadets that Lipsky follows. Sometimes I forgot that these men and women who fight to protect our freedom are human. These cadets are groomed for leadership and a lifetime of service.

I highly recommend this book to those who want a better insight into the world of the Army and its service men and women. It has made me more appreciative and conscious of what cadets are put through (mentally, physically, emotionally). Mr. Lipsky puts it just right, these people are absolutely American.

The following is a Power Point presentation I put together for class:

Absolutely American

-Scruff