Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

What makes a person join the army? In the case of Thomas Foster, it followed a troubled childhood and a search for stability. A warrior at heart, Thomas became tired of his dysfunctional family, a life of partying, drugs, unstable relationships, and a looming mental meltdown. Yearning for freedom, the army provided the escape route, but it was not what it had promised. Believing that he would lead a relatively quiet life in the medical corps, he commenced basic training in 2004, only to be shipped out to the combat zone in Afghanistan shortly afterward. He had no sooner returned home and re-enlisted to facilitate further studies when deployed to Iraq. Both experiences were sobering, and he began to question the role that America was playing in these conflicts, as well as the impact on the local populace. While home on leave, he decided not to return to Iraq. Memoir of a Deserter: Afghanistan to Iraq to the Caribbean takes readers on both phases of his journey, eventually following him to Puerto Rico and the island of Vieques. On the face of it a tropical paradise, but in reality a poor community plagued by drug dealers, drinking, petty crime, and instability. The locals hoped to score a quick dollar from the seasonal tourist trade but resorted to any form of side hustle to survive. Thomas was no exception.

Thomas Foster reflects on the impact that the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq had on ordinary people and their callous treatment at the hands of the occupying American troops. He concluded that only the rich and powerful back home appear to have benefited. While army life did provide structure and discipline, that came at the cost of personal freedom. His rebellious nature and growing inclination towards pacifism, plus a quest for spiritual knowledge, led him to a new life, far from the system that had alienated him. Life in Puerto Rico was a roller coaster ride of adaptation, trying to make a living and forming relationships, all meeting with mixed success. Memoir of a Deserter takes readers through the full spectrum of his experiences, emotions, setbacks, and triumphs. He used and dealt with drugs, met interesting people, and became a successful tour guide. He also devoted time to reading about religion and philosophy, broadening his vision in the process. The locals were often young and foolish, with lies and manipulation regularly being the norm. The book is a catalog of quirky individuals, each with a tale to tell. The writing style is frank, and gritty at times, and will hold your attention till the unexpected ending. It is a documentary of an unconventional life, lived to the full, and an engaging read.