War by Sebastian Junger and Afghan Pasta with Meat Kofta and Garlicky Yogurt Sauce
First, the recipe. This recipe was really, really good!!!!! It took me awhile to find an Afghan recipe that included ingredients I had at home. I had to change a few things (like type of pasta and ground coriander) but everything else was fairly simple. The Greek yogurt with the combination of spices gave this dish a unique, light flavor. I will be making it again.
Recipe: Afghan pasta
To the book… I bought this book last year after a teacher friend told me about it. I started reading but didn’t finish because it was the beginning of the school year and reading about war just seemed too heavy at the time. However, I am glad I picked it back up and finished it. Although it was rather difficult to read at the beginning (understanding all the lingo and Afghan landscape), it was a needed read. Sometimes, we should read difficult books in order to empathize and appreciate what our military has done and is doing.
In this book, Junger (who wrote the book The Perfect Storm) lives with an Afghan military unit for around 15 months. He gives great insight into not only everyday life but the psychology behind war. Several times in the book, he tells a story then pauses the story to talk about the psychological aspect (what drives individuals). After discussing the psychology of the mind during warfare, he finishes the story. He brings in some WW2 scenarios, as well. It is rather difficult to talk about this book. It is one that you just have to pick up and read. One Amazon reviewer wrote: “If you struggle to comprehend war, or you are having a hard time coming back from it, READ THIS BOOK.” That pretty much sums it up.
TED talk
Junger interview (on Amazon)… this is a great interview between Junger and another guy, Evan Thomas, where they talk about not only the Afghan war but soldiers in past conflicts (like Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders). Scroll down page until you find it.
Films (and other good stuff on his page): http://www.sebastianjunger.com/films-1
A documentary based on this book: http://restrepothemovie.com/
Gary Sinise Foundation:Gary Sinise Foundation link
