MWSA Book Review

The Old Sergeant

Author:  Steven J. Newton

Publisher:  Publish America

Reviewer: W. H. McDonald – President of MWSA

Short stories of war and people - through the eyes of an old sergeant

Author Steven Newton gives us a book of short stories that all hang together for one much bigger story as seen and told through the eyes and emotions of “The Old Sergeant.”  His brilliant writing style is a cross between Ernie Pyle and O’Henry and is a wonderfully insightful (and at times touching) look at war and people.  It is thought provoking and will give readers something to chew on long after they finished the stories.

Newton does not take the easy and expected twists and turns in his stories. He allows us to see a more human and emotional side of him as expressed through his lead character the Old Sergeant.  This is a totally different kind of book of war short stories that makes for an easy read.  The author obliviously has writing talent.  These stories capture all that energy in a finely written 187 page book that is an entertaining read.

This is certainly one of the best collections of military related short stories published in the past five years.  Put this book on your buy list!  It will make a great gift book for all veterans.

Reviewer: Maria Edwards – Executive Vice President of MWSA

A collection of powerful stories of military life in a war zone as told by “The Sarge.”

These stories remind me of sitting in Grandpa’s living room listening to tales of WWII.

Join “The Old Sergeant” as he trains his men, goes on missions with them and in his own way gives a bit of himself to each of them.

While there’s no doubt the brutal reality of what our Soldiers are facing on a daily basis, author, Steven J. Newton, takes you along for the ride in such a way that you come away from each story feeling like you know a bit more about the man behind the Sergeant and the challenges our Soldiers face day in and day out.

I can’t think of a more realistic way to portray just a sampling of what life looks like for our servicemen and women. You’ll laugh and cry with the men. You’ll become infuriated right along-side them and you’ll feel the depth or their love and compassion as well.

This is a book you can take anywhere, read a little or a lot and always come away sated.

This would make an AWESOME gift for everyone who wears the uniform, supports the troops, or simply enjoys the military story telling. You can’t go wrong with a word from “Old Sarge.”

Reviewer: Jeff Edwards – MWSA Review Board and author of Torpedo

Tales of Honor, Courage, and Duty as Seen by a Career Soldier …

The sergeant is a battle-scarred old Soldier who leads a U.S. Army platoon on combat duty in Iraq. To his troops, he is the sergeant, or just Sarge. That’s all the name he has, and all the title he wants. Rough around the edges and tough as nails, he is the embodiment of every great non-commissioned officer who has ever worn a uniform.

Follow the old sergeant as he teaches his troops (and us, the readers) about leadership, honor, patriotism, and personal heroism. In short, what it takes to be a Soldier and a true citizen.

The stories in this book are short, most of them just a page or two long. But every one of them is an enjoyable read, and every one encapsulates a kernel of truth. This book belongs in every flight bag, footlocker, and seabag.