Description
A gritty and unfiltered account of the life of Al Bishop, a retired Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, grappling with the aftermath of his combat injuries and the bureaucratic challenges of the VA system. The story immerses readers in Bishop’s raw and often darkly humorous reflections as he navigates life post-injury, haunted by his time in Afghanistan and the physical toll it’s taken on his body.
The book opens with Bishop’s struggles with debilitating back pain, a result of combat injuries that have left him reliant on a cane, a walker, and at times, a wheelchair. Despite his frustrations with the VA’s medical system, his determination to maintain a semblance of independence and dignity is palpable. The narrative oscillates between his present-day battles with chronic pain and flashbacks to his time in the Marines, where the intensity of his experiences, both on the battlefield and in his interactions with fellow Marines, comes to life vividly.
As Bishop confronts the complexities of dealing with a deteriorating body, he also faces the mental scars left by the war, dealing with PTSD, painful memories, and the loss of fellow Marines. His sharp, no-nonsense voice carries the reader through moments of brutal honesty, irreverent humor, and emotional vulnerability, painting a complex portrait of a man whose life was forever altered by combat.
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Maria
5.0 out of 5 stars Good One!
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2025
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This isn’t just a story; it’s a glimpse into the soul of someone fighting battles long after the war ends. It made me reflect on resilience and what it truly means to keep moving forward.
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Dad Is Always Write
5.0 out of 5 stars Doesn’t shy away from the hard truths
Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2025
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This book gives an unflinchingly honest look into the life of Al Bishop, a retired Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, as he grapples with the fallout of combat injuries and the often frustrating bureaucracy of the Veterans Affairs system. Rottweiler’s narrative is both raw and darkly humorous, vividly portraying the physical and mental scars carried by Bishop after his service in Afghanistan. The book expertly alternates between the harsh realities of Bishop’s present-day medical struggles and his past experiences in the Marines, delivering a powerful mix of action, emotion, and resilience. This gritty account goes beyond the battlefield to explore themes of pain, endurance, and personal dignity, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in military stories that don’t shy away from the hard truths of post-combat life. Rottweiler’s authentic voice and sharp wit make “Below the Belt” a standout memoir that honors the complexity of a soldier’s life on and off the field.