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Book Review: While They're At War: The True Story of American Families on the Homefront by Kristin Henderson

I have just finished reading this book and I could not put it down. It is an excellent account of what we endure as military wives and also gives some insight into what our soldiers go through when they are overseas.

There are parts of the book that made me cry and parts that made me laugh. But maybe most importantly, the book makes me realize that I'm normal! NORMAL! That is the best word in the world when you are going through the roller coaster of emotions during a deployment.

You always have feelings or thoughts that you don't dare tell another military wife about because what if they've never experienced it? What if they look at you like you're crazy? Well, in this book, they did talk about it. It is so therapeutic to know that I'm not alone.

To know that other people also prepare themselves for that dreaded knock at the door by playing through the entire scenario in their mind - what I would do, who I would call first, what music would I play, who would his honorary pallbearers be, etc. You can't imagine my relief to hear that not only did another military wife do this to cope - it was the chaplain's wife.

This book covers every aspect of the deployment. From learning they may be deployed to reintegration for months after they come home. You follow the stories of many different women with different outlooks and perspectives. The stories are real and they definitely hit home.

I would recommend anyone with a deployed soldier read this book. And I also think it would be wonderful if all civilians read this book as well. It would give them an understanding of what we endure as military families.

Deployments can take a toll on the Army family both physically and emotionally. Find out what to expect during the deployment cycle.

It can be difficult to feel connected to your soldier when he's so far away. Use these tips to stay connected.

Stay busy and enjoy time with friends by scrapbooking. Best of all, it is a readymade gift for your soldier when he returns home.