I was already a huge fan of author Kirsten Holmstedt after I previewed her first book "Band of Sisters" for "The Military Writer's Society of America" (MWSA) and eventually gave it "The Founder's Award" for 2007. So, I was expecting something very special from her when I picked up a copy of her new book "The Girls Come Marching Home: Stories of Women Warriors Returning from the War in Iraq." I was not disappointed at all and in fact, I was actually blown away at the level she has taken her insightful writing to. Truly this book is not just a follow-up book to her award-winning book - but is a major step up in emotion, intelligence, creative writing and in human insights. This is a great book and it will serve as an emotional touchstone for historians, women warriors, and for military families. This has all the energy of a major military classic and will influence future generations to come.

The writing is very sensitive and strong. It is easy to see how Kirsten got emotionally entangled in the web of story telling while writing this book. She took the full power of all emotional hits from all of those she listened to so attentively and compassionately. She became the secondary victim by telling this tale of war and adjustment. Her writing speaks loudly of both the outer, as well as the inner wounds of these women and what obstacles they faced. She honors their spirit by capturing the essence of their full experiences and presents them with both honesty and empathy.

The book is on my list of "The Best 25 Military Books" ever written about the current war on terrorism! This should be a must read for career military personnel and for those who wish to gain some understanding and insight into today's military culture for women. This book receives my personal endorsement and fullest recommendation. It is a 5 Star Book!