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Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Released at a time when soldier memoirs seem to be a dime-a-dozen publishing phenomenon, Harmon's entry should be celebrated as much for what it isn't as what it is. This is an even-paced, detailed, deliberate account of a sincere New Englander's move to Israel in 1990, where he enlists as a paratrooper just before the beginning of the Gulf War. Despite his weak grasp of Hebrew, Harmon graduates from basic training and soon finds himself guarding the country's borders and volunteering for raids against known and suspected terrorists. Throughout his service in the West Bank and Lebanon, he maintains a measured tone sympathetic to the hardships of neighboring Palestinians, even as he's called back from civilian life following an upswing in violence. For such a strictly chronological account-not merely day-to-day but at times moment-to-moment-Harmon's work is surprisingly captivating. Though he isn't always able to distinguish between pertinent and expendable information, Harmon's voice is so consistent and genuine that it's impossible not to identify with his steadfast journey. An illuminating account of a much-covered conflict, this is a memoir for anyone who wants a look behind the daily headlines.
From Booklist
This well-told tale of an American Jew in the Israeli army adds notably to our knowledge of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) during the 1990s. Harmon traveled to Israel during his college years and decided on a permanent move after graduation. He was fit enough to be accepted for the elite parachute and recon units, donning an IDF uniform for the first Gulf War and the second intifada. Thereby he adopted the perspective of being early on the scene when terrorism struck the local shopping mall, riots arose outside a favorite nightclub, and a pitched battle was only a commute away. He provides many vivid portraits of fellow soldiers in the world's most reticent army but not much on weapons and tactics, for which the IDF is no doubt grateful. His attitude is that of an observant Jew and a strong Zionist, and with passion and clarity he enlightens us about a crucially significant fighting force not covered with this kind of intimacy by the general media. Roland Green
Advance Praise for Lonely Soldier - From Bing West
“This book transcends place and nationality to reveal the essence of soldierly virtues–tough, decent, honest, and accepting of continuous hardships and solitary duties at low pay. As a soldier, Harmon would wince at such praise. But it’s true. This is the story of what makes a real soldier.”
– Bing West, author of No True Glory: A Frontline Account of the Battle for Fallujah
Reader Review - D. Cinamon, NY
Excellent Book on Americans in the IDF; the best of its kind
Adam Harmon's "Lonely Soldier" is an insightful work and a must-read for anybody wanting to learn about the phenomenon of hundreds (if not thousands) of American-born men and women who serve in the Israeli Army. Harmon's memoir provides readers with an exploration of why he enlisted and what his experience was like as an American in the IDF. Unlike other books on this topic, Harmon keeps his narrative on an even keel throughout and doesn't get carried away with discussing his own personal accomplishments. From conversations I've had with many other American veterans of the IDF I can say that Harmon's experiences, as described in the book, were both common (i.e., language & cultural barriers) and extraordinary (i.e., serving in several elite units). I cannot recommend strongly enough that anyone interesting in learning more about the IDF or American soldiers who serve in Israel should read this book.
Reader Review - Stratiotes Doxha Theon, Richmond Missouri
Good Story of Esprit de Corps
Marechal De Saxe wrote, "The reputation of an organization becomes personal just as soon as it is an honor to belong to it." He was referring to that illusive entity we refer to as esprit de corps. In this memoir we gain an insight into such a noted organization and how men and women are molded to be honored members. It is not an uncommon story type but seeing inside the Israeli defense forces gives it a new exotic twist.
It is not an objective study of middle eastern politics. Soldiers do not have the luxury of political objectivity. The corps is their primary loyalty, acceptance as a fellow soldier by the man or woman at their side their main concern.
This is pure enjoyment treading for those of us who enjoy the comradere and esprit de corps band of brothers story. To enjoy it best, try to ignore the political slant and just enjoy the story for its face value.
Reader Review - Just a Section Hiker, North Carolina
Best book I Have Read in Awhile,
I have served in the United States Marine Corp and traveled to Israel. It was with interest that I read this book hoping to gain some insight into the IDF and life in Israel. I found the book to be well written and very interesting. I am not a speed reader but I read Lonely Soldier in less than a week. My wife kept trying to pry it out of my hands but it was difficult to put down.
The author's details regarding training and his personal feelings are fascinating. The discipline of the author and his desire to serve well are an inspiration to anyone traveling through life and seeking a personal mission.
Best of fortune to all and I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.
Reader Review - C Katz, Washington DC
Towards the end of our son’s 1st semester in his senior year in college he surprised my wife and I with his decision to make aliyah and to serve in the IDF.
We then began to research the IDF and, luckily for us, we found Adam Harmon’s Lonely Soldier. The book is well written and carries the reader through Adam’s rigorous training and deployment.
The book provided reassurances to my wife and me that the IDF values its soldiers and prepares them well for the tasks that they will confront. My son also read the book and observed those things that he will have to do within the IDF to succeed and is more than ever looking forward to his training and service. On a Friday night my son and I were at the Kotel and he looked at me and said: ‘dad, there’s something out there much larger than all of us’. Adam’s book well captured the feelings expressed by my son that evening.
As parents we are anxious regarding our son’s future service in the IDF but we now feel more comfortable about his decision having read The Lonely Soldier. We finished the book with a good feeling that Eretz Israel is in good hands with the motivated soldiers of the IDF and, proudly, including our son.
The book should be a must read for those who want to or are considering making aliyah and planning to serve in the IDF. The book should also be a must read for those who want to peer into the window of the IDF and see what makes it such a formidable military.
Reader Review - Yaron, New York
Well-Written, Insightful Account of an American's Path to Becoming an Israeli Paratrooper,
As a veteran of the IDF, I had been looking forward to Adam Harmon's "Lonely Soldier" for a few months. I am happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Even though my service took place 12 years before Adam's, most of the training methods were exactly as I recalled them. The first few hours and days at the Bakum (induction center), the sudden immersion into military life, the all-important interview about where you'd like to serve and the rigors of Tironut (boot camp).
Adam, who grew up in the United States, visited Israel in 1984 after his sophomore year in high school. He very quickly realized that he loved the country and wanted to live there, knowing that he would have to serve in the Israeli Defense Forces. After earning his bachelor's degree, he left his family behind and immigrated to Israel, joining the IDF during the Intifada. The 22-year-old volunteered to join the Tsanchanim (paratroopers) and, more importantly, an elite unit within the paratroopers. Even when things didn't always go his way and despite speaking very little Hebrew, Adam was intent on proving himself worthy of the coveted red beret and underwent the long and grueling training to become a full-fledged Tsanchan.
Adam vividly describes the classic IDF training doctrines and the less-than-formal interaction between commanders and soldiers, even in basic training. There is an emphasis on respect for the person, not the rank, and an egalitarian philosophy permeates the military service. Adam's first few months in the army were particularly challenging not only because of the rigorous drills and forced marches, but because he was still learning the language.
During his training, Adam took part in patrols in the West Bank during the Intifada and experienced Iraq's Scud missile attacks on Israel in 1991. He emerged as a dependable, enthusiastic paratrooper, always willing to volunteer for dangerous missions and always welcoming the challenges of hard training. One of the most important rites of passage for an Israeli paratrooper is the 90-kilometer forced march from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem, the "Massah koomtah" (march for beret), at the end of which the feldgling paratroopers are given the red berets. Adam's description of this ordeal is vivid and inspiring.
Jerusalem Post: A Few Good Men
Jewish Weekly: Paratrooper’s memoir makes a case for peace
Boston Phoenix: 3,000 Year Recon
Jewish Review: Books Offer Personal Insights
New University Online: A Lonely Soldier
Jewish News of Greater Phoenix: Open a Book, Open a Life