Wounded by Eric Walters

One of my favourite things in life is to come home after work to a message on my answering machine from Titles Bookstore (http://titlesbookstore.com/). Last week, Ann called to say she had put away the newest Eric Walter's book because she thought I might just want it. She was right, Ann knows me so well, she often puts books in my file that she thinks I might like and I honestly don't think she has ever been wrong!

Eric Walter's newest book deals with an issue that I haven't really given much thought to- the reality of having a parent fighting in Afghanistan. Lately, the ramp ceremonies I see in the newspaper and on TV bring me to tears. Walter's new book does this as well.

At the start of this book, we meet Marcus and his family. Marcus is the head of the family at the moment because his father is fighting in Afghanistan. His father has one of the most dangerous jobs in the Canadian Army and he is often 'outside the wire', which makes communication back home impossible for weeks on end. Marcus, his mom and his sister are counting the days until he returns. But when that day finally comes, there are times when his dad is not the same person he was when he left. Although on the outside, he isn't injured, on the inside, he is a totally different man. Marcus needs to deal with what his dad's return means to the family and fight to get the help his dad most needs, even when the person he needs to fight is his dad. As with most of Walter's books, I am amazed at the depth of understanding he has for the characters he writes about. I believe this is a book everyone should read, it gives me a whole new perspective on not only the men and women fighting for Canada, but also the family they have left behind.

check out his website: http://www.ericwalters.net/razorside/viewWebSite.do?webSiteId=1129511535294133