A slim and easy-to-read volume aimed at bringing citizens up-to-date on the social, political and psychological issues surrounding post-traumatic stress disorder and America's returning troops. Packed with information and resources.

A Vietnam veteran and activist had suggested I pick up this book when I first began my research during the summer of 2006; it soon became clear to me upon opening its pages that this would be one of the most significant of books that I would read. I believe it is a blueprint of the direction we need to take our nation in order to begin to heal our wounds as well as those of our returning soldiers.

Another gripping account of life as a soldier, from the perspective of a National Guardsman -- a class of warrior that, along with the Reserves, face unique challenges (some which result in their increased risk for PTSD) unlike their active force peers. This was a New York Times bestseller for good reason. Beautifully written.

Award-winning journalist Trish Wood spent two years interviewing troops returning from Iraq. These are their uncensored stories, recorded with skill and heart and grace. Vietnam veteran and activist Bobby Muller provides a gritty Introduction, emploring, "We must have the courage to listen." Indeed. An important record.

Filled with first-person accounts of our war in Iraq, each page reveals the vast spectrum of feeling about our controversial war: anxiety, disillusionment, commitment, pain and pride -- it's all here. Raw and immediate reflections on Baghdad, Fallujah, Abu Ghraib, and recovery in a VA hospital.

Saying this book was a national bestseller is an understatement; it was a finalist in the National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction, a Los Angeles Times Best Book of the Year, and a New York Times Notable Book. And for good reason. Author Chris Hedges knows of what he speaks, being a seasoned war correspondent of the highest order. A sad but essential witness to war's reality.

Echoing the sentiments of A War of Nerves, the editors of this compilation of Australian research papers say again that 'lessons in the management of both the psychological casualties of combat and the returning veterans have had to be repeatedly relearned, at great personal cost to service personnel affected by the stress of war.' Combat PTSD is not a failure of country, but of humanity.

Another collection of the latest in clinical papers and prevailing knowledge on traumatic stress and its treatment, expertly edited and anotated throughout. Even a layperson such as myself was able to gain insight without getting frustrated or foiled by the complex theories presented. Best for those seeking serious topical research.

Considered the bible of books looking deeply into the dark face of the act of taking life, yet written in an accessible and non-threatening tone, peer into the system used by the military to teach its recruits to overcome their hard-wired aversion to killing. An exploration of the role -- and effect -- of violence in our culture as well.

Originally written in 1987, this book is fascinating for how many things it gets right about our own age. Author Richard A. Gabriel was an army intelligence officer who came to believe that, due to our ever-increasing technological firepower, 'war has become an activity that has surpassed the ability of humans to endure it.' His chapter, 'The Chemical Soldier' is foreboding and disturbing.

An uncomfortable but necessary look at America's fascination with war and our heavy reliance on military solutions to solve international problems, as well as our desire to tap the world in our interest and reshape the world in our vision. As Bacevich states, 'There can be no recovery without first acknowledging the disease.'

Director Patricia Foulkrod's provocative documentary explores the thoughts and experiences of troops returning home from combat in Iraq. For those who are searching for a way to understand the effect of war on loved ones or friends, this movie is a valuable resource.

Every soldier, sailor, airman or Marine should have this book in their kit bag. A self-help collection of essays geared towards building up the positive coping skills needed to process the experience of combat.

Written by the executive director of the Veterans Administration National Center for PTSD, this edition in the 'Compact Clinicals' series is a good one to have on hand when you have questions on PTSD diagnosis and treatment approaches. Nicely organized.

A tender, yet unflinching, look at the special experience and sacrifice of our military families written by a journalist who also happens to be the wife of a military chaplain.