Fireside Readers Book Discussion Group

Fireside Readers Book Discussion Group

On December 6^th the book group will meet to discuss The Good Soldiers by David Finkel. The book details the last-chance moments of the war. In January 2007, President George W. Bush announced a new strategy for Iraq. He called it "the surge." "Many listening tonight will ask why this effort will succeed when previous operations to secure Baghdad did not. Well, here are the differences," he told a skeptical nation. Among those listening were the young, optimistic army infantry soldiers of the 2-16, the battalion nicknamed the Rangers. About to head to a vicious area of Baghdad, they decided the difference would be them.

Fifteen months later, the soldiers returned home forever changed. Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post reporter David Finkel was with them in Bagdad almost every grueling step of the way.

What was the true story of the surge? Was it really a success? Those are the questions he grapples with in his remarkable report from the front lines. In telling the story of these good soldiers, the heroes and the ruined, David Finkel has also produced an eternal tale--not just of the Iraq War, but of all wars, for all time.

The group meets at 7 p.m. in the Community Room. As always, new members and guests are always welcome. Join us, even if you haven’t finished the book! Light refreshments will be served. Stay up to date with the new Web page for the Fireside Readers:

http://www.wayne.uakron.edu/library/fi reside.php