This was such a fun and quick read! I'm not very informed when it comes to military positions, names, or jargin, but it didn't matter for this book! I found it really interesting to see things through the eyes of a Marine and it made it that much more heart-warming and funny to see these "tough guys" taken captive by a cute and trusting pup. I was reminded of the terribleness of war...and also reminded of the value of the freedom of being an American. I appreciated the depth of this book. It brought me giggles, as well as misty eyes!

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Heart-wrenching in many ways, you will never forget the story of a furry little refugee's rescue from war-torn Iraq.

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I'd like to preface everything with that I loved this book. I loved the story and the writing style. Now I'd like to say this is not a children's book. If you want a feel good animal biography to read with your kids, there are many other books out there that would be much more appropriate. The author is writing primarily about the Iraqi war. He's a Marine, so he's often graphic about his experiences and always to the point. He writes about a few very specific moments and doesn't censure his dialogue. If he cursed during the memory, he curses in the book.
It's worthwile to read, and older children would probably be able to handle it. I would definitely recommend reading this before you hand it to your children so you can decide wether its appropriate.

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A DOG LOVERS TALE OF HOPE AND TENDERNESS IN THE MDST OF WAR

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This book was such a good quick read. Even though you know the out come (I saw the two of them on Good morning America) you have to remind yourself they will be OK. I hope Sam is OK. You hear about the war and our soldiers all the time on the news but this really gives you a good feel and idea of what our men and women go through and see everyday in the war zone. Tugs at your heart strings and draws you in to want to support them all in more ways. More stories such as these need to be written about and told and not just the ones with warm cute fuzzy dogs but I do admit that is why I picked up this book. A few years back I sent packages through anysoldier.com. I think I will start doing that again. Now they also have anyMarine.com, any airman.com, anysailor.com and anycoastguard.com. You choose a contact from their list and support them with first off letters and love and if you like you can send snacks and goodies. They often will post a list of what they need or like. IE: shampoo, socks, underware, snacks and so on but first and foremost is your letter so don't feel like you have to spend money. They are happy just to hear from you as many of them have no family support.

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Lava is one lucky doggy. Found by a Marine, this is a story of patience, good luck, and getting through endless red tape from all sides to get this little guy to the USA. Semper Fi!

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A beautiful story of what marines go through & one particular marine finds a dog in the ravaged war zones & ends up keeping him. We have no idea what the suffering is like over there, but he tells it in a riviveting way I highly recommend reading this touching story..

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this book was a very quick read. there are a few gory parts but you've got to keep telling yourself this is what happens in iraq. It was great to know that troops in iraq felt a little more at home when lava was around. a really good book. I would recommend this book to a dog lover, or someone who wants a little inside to the war in iraq and what soldiers go through.

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A book about a dog that a Marine tries to get to the U.S. from Iraq. Reads a LOT like a conversation. Like someone just plopped down on the seat next to you and started talking. The beginning can be a little annoying with the typical dog owner thing going on, with the "That dog chewed up my boots/socks/pictures of my children/etc.!!" followed by 'but awwww, I can't punish the little thiiiingg"
But later in he talks less about the war and more about the trials of getting the dog through international airports and border patrols. It is a very nice triumph-through-all-troubles book.
It's not really a kid's book, however, unless you don't mind your kids reading curses and dogs eating dead bodies and men dying.
It's a good easy feel-good book, with a compelling story of the struggle to get a dog out of Iraq and into the U.S.

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A bittersweet story of love and devotion, found in the Baghdad war zone. Lava was one lucky puppy! DH

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