The After - by Michael Ramos (Paperback)

About the Book

"In twenty-four concussive, embodied, and nonlinear essays, Ramos creates a challenging and complex portrait of what it means to be a soldier, civilian, veteran, father, husband, and teacher - for Ramos ultimately becomes a creative writing professor, using the skills he developed in the military to help others tell stories and find meaning in their lives. While this may sound something like a redemption story, it is instead a brutally honest portrayal that refuses easy answers and seeks to help other war veterans realize they're not alone"--

Book Synopsis

When Michael Ramos enlisted in the Navy and was assigned to serve as a chaplain's bodyguard thirteen days before 9/11, he had no idea he would soon be sent to Iraq. But he embraced the posting, combat service, and career for a decade, until, at age thirty-four, the military told him his skill set was no longer relevant. Through divorce and remarriage, his son's choice to enlist in the Marines, the loss of friends to war and suicide, and his inability to sleep or rest, Michael struggled with the return to civilian life, and particularly with civilian attitudes toward veterans.

In twenty-four concussive, embodied, and nonlinear essays, Michael creates a challenging and complex portrait of what it means to be a warrior, civilian, veteran, father, husband, and teacher--for he ultimately uses the skills he developed in the military to help others find meaning in their lives. While this may sound like a redemption story, it is instead a brutally honest portrayal that refuses easy answers and seeks to help other war veterans realize they're not alone as they search for their place in the world.

Review Quotes

"The After is one of the most gripping and necessary veteran-written nonfiction works to be published in a very long time. Ramos' unique writing style firmly--and in the best ways-- sets The After apart from so many works of literature--and specifically military-focused literature--today. More significantly, it is a book of complete and utter transformation, of immense vulnerability, and of an intense search for self and meaning in a society where expectations frequently do not meet reality."--Heavy Feather Review

"A vivid portrait of what it means to be a civilian, warrior, friend, father, husband and professor."--Assay: A Journal of Nonfiction Studies

"Powerfully written, unflinching accounts of life on active duty--essential reading for anyone who cares about our veterans."--Kirkus Reviews (STARRED review)