*****

Glad I'm the First

I have been reading Edward C Patterson's entries on the various Kindle forum threads and decided to try one of his books. I read Surviving an American Gulag in just 2 days. It is very well written, with descriptions that make you feel you are right there in Georgia. As the story unfolds, Private Gibbs grows, and shrinks, before your eyes. You feel for his fears, both the fears of the known and the fears that are buried deep in his heart, and you cheer for him as he conquers those fears.

I really did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did as I am neither male or gay. But the story is about so much more then being a gay male in the army in the 1960's. It is a universal journey of being forced to face your fears, no matter what they are or how they paralyze you and working through them to become the best person you can be.

Flippy Flop

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Surviving an American Gulag reviewed by Esmeralda Luv (Seattle, WA)- Amazon.com)

Spending Time in an 'American Gulag'

What I expected from this book was a behind-the-scenes look at life in military basic training. What I got was an education of human nature in its purist form. Through Private Gibbs, I met each character, I learned to accept and be accepted by all of them, I made mistakes and I corrected them, and I learned to love myself and then broadened that love to include others. Failures and successes were ever present and I learned to pick myself up when necessary and when to raise my hands and cheer. I ask myself, "Did I feel what the author wanted me to feel?" The answer is yes, his writing is that good.

Patterson's novelized memoir read just as that, a memoir. When I opened the first page, I felt as though I was sitting next to him, and when I closed the book, I shook his hand and thanked him for sharing the memories. It was easy to read, the story flowed, the characters were easy to keep track of, and the author never strayed from the path. All in all, I enjoyed my time spent in the 'American Gulag'.

Esmeralda Luv

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Surviving an American Gulag reviewed by Michael Hicks (Annapolis, MD- Amazon.com)

A Unique Perspective on Military Life

Having served in the Army myself, I thought that this book provided a rather fascinating perspective of what for many is a very pivotal point in their lives: military basic training.

The story is told from the point of view of Private Winslow Gibbs, who seems totally unsuited to the military, particularly in the Vietnam-era draft: he is terribly overweight, emotionally soft and - although unbeknownst to himself at the time - homosexual, at a time when being "queer" in the military could land you in prison.

Patterson's telling of the story conveys the primitive conditions and harsh life experienced in basic training, from the total lack of privacy in the barracks to the grueling physical fitness training and the terror of night-time battle drills. Anyone who has ever had to spend time in one of the Army's many "splinter villages" will know from Patterson's words that he's been there himself. And those who haven't experienced the trials and tribulations of military training can gain a better understanding - and respect - for what our young service members experience before they even place themselves in harm's way; and while those of Patterson's generation had no choice during the draft, young men and women today volunteer for such hardships to serve their country, which is something so many of their countrymen do not truly appreciate.

Like those men and women, Patterson's hero - Private Gibbs - learns that he is more than he ever thought he could be. The training he endures, while harsh, reveals his inner strength, which is tempered and honed by his drill sergeant and the members of his platoon.

As for the gay aspect of the story, to me it was almost incidental. Patterson is clearly trying to portray the extreme hardships borne by gay men in the military at the time, and this book certainly does that well in a very non-graphic way.

But the bottom line, in my opinion, is the same as for any other tale of men (and, today, women) who prepare for the ultimate test of war: it's a story of comradeship, a tale of survival against what so often seems to be overwhelming odds.

Michael Hicks

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Surviving an American Gulag reviewed by Mireille Reyns (Belgium)

A Superb story

Yet again Mr. Patterson has proven with this novel what a superb story teller he is. He has this amazing ability to catch the reader's attention right from the beginning. I'm not male or gay and I haven't experienced the trials of military training but yet I could fully sympathize with private Gibbs who is forced to conquer both the fears of the horrific physical training and his fears of being gay.

I can strongly recommend this novel to everyone!

Review by Mireille Reyns

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Surviving an American Gulag reviewed by Sondi Miller (North Carolina) (video review)

I thoroughly enjoyed Surviving an American Gulag. I have included an audio clip of the Author, Edward C. Patterson, reading Lenny from chapter 12. His reading gave definition to some wonderful characters in the book and made it that much more real to me. Gibb's struggle for identity and courage to go after his goals motivated me to go after what I want. American Gulag was an inspiration to become more than what I am.

Reviewed by Sondi Miller

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Surviving an American Gulag reviewed by British Bull Dog at Rainbow Reviews

"When I began reading, I didn't think I'd like this story, but I persisted and found myself liking it, rather a lot by the end.

This story is a diamond, but it's still in the rough. It needs shaping and polishing so it can shine as brightly as I know it can. Private Winslow Gibbs is a caterpillar. The special training unit essentially is his cocoon from which emerges the butterfly. Through those around him, Gibbs is able to realize who he is inside. The below exchange is magnificent in how it encapsulates the journey Gibbs is traveling.

"What should I do?"

"Nothing," Avila said. "Love yourself. That's what's happening here. You're learning to love yourself. Loving others will come naturally after you learn to love yourself."

"But how do you do it? "

"One day at a time. No great plan. I wake up and see the sunshine or the rain and ..."

Gibbs does learn to love himself and the rest follows as Avilla promises. As this story is based on real life, it seems untidy and not neatly packaged. But that is how life is and the story has that indefinable air of truth because of it.

Review by British Bull Dog

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Surviving an American Gulag reviewed by Timothy Mulder

Reading Gulag was both a pleasure and a source of inspiration.

From a practical perspective, the story is well constructed with characters rendered in such exquisite detail that the reader can feel their defiance, heroism and pain.

While subjectively, Surviving an American Gulag is nothing short of a heart and gut wrenching exploration of true human fortitude.

Private Gibbs, the central, autobiographical character goes through a literal rebirth, an evolution of self, born of the instinctive need to survive and grow.

Caught in a time when the basic civil rights of individuals, who do not meet the exacting standards of the military, are routinely denigrated and dismissed from duty, the rich cast of characters are a testament to personal pride and courage.

The fact that, forty years later, circumstances in the American military are only marginally better, leaves this reader plagued with doubt. Yet, I have only to recall the bravery and resourcefulness of the members of B Platoon, to have my faith restored.

This is a story of what it means to be both human and a soldier. Courage, compassion, honor and the innate need to pursue happiness, regardless of where that path takes you.

A thoroughly enjoyable read!

Review by Timothy Mulder