The Glass Factory Paperback – September 8, 2017

Of the countless stories that have come out of America’s “Longest War,” this one stands apart. The author, then a Sergeant in the Army engaged in combat in Iraq, suffered severe traumatic injuries in an IED explosion. His account of both his descent into the full impact of those injuries, but also his heroic climb out to a life he reclaimed by sheer will and through the power of the love of those who loved him, is both inspiring and deeply moving.McCoy does not pull back from honestly describing both his triumphs and his darker moments. That honesty, (combined with a spare, but highly descriptive writing style, reminiscent of some of Ernest Hemingway’s better work) makes his book totally engrossing as a read.As he says toward the end of the book, “we descend into chaos with rapidity, but the climb out is arduous and gradual.” That, to me, was a key lesson of this book. Whatever personal triumph we might be chasing (which might pale in comparison to his), persistence, and a realization that the climb is worth it, are essential elements of achieving that triumph.What an amazing and inspiring story.

Socrates said "the unexamined life is not worth living", and if you wish to make your life worth living, this is as good a guide to how to examine one's life as I can recommend. It's not that the principles in it were new to me (though they may well be to you, and are valuable information in and of themselves), it's that he does a fantastic job of telling his story in a way that is entertaining, and fast paced, and yet profoundly introspective and philosophical on the big issues of living one's life *at the same time*. It is a rare work that can do this well, and this is a rare work indeed. It also should be required reading for every medical professional working with victims of traumatic injury, as it puts you in the shoes of a patient in vivid detail. I've read a lot of books, but as soon as I finished this book, I handed it to my 18 year old son, and told him it was as good a guide to how to live a good life, and how to examine one's self as he might hope to read, and it's a good read, too. I'll get one for my daughter too. That's really the highest praise I can give.

Did I mention that you should read the footnotes? Yes, do that. However, this story is so much more than that. I usually read fiction, but every once in a while I pick up a non-fiction, real-world story and I've never been more satisfied that I did than with The Glass Factory. First, it's exceptionally well written. Second, I've rarely had the hair on my arms stand on end when reading any story, but Braxton McCoy's recounting his personal journey did this several times during my reading.McCoy's telling of the attack where he was wounded to the immediate aftermath, then on to the first few months of surgeries, recoveries (there are many of both) to set backs and victories (mental, physical, and emotional), is absolutely astounding. There's no other word for it. Then, just when you're thinking "what more can a person take", there's light at the end of the tunnel and the story shifts to new challenges, accomplishments, failures, to the edge of the abyss and back again.The way McCoy shifts the story from on set of trials to the next is phenomenal and subtle. You're there with him feeling it all with him, although, not many could go this distance and persevere as Braxton has. I'm also sure that many coming back from their service in similar, lesser, or worse states could be very well served by reading this man's story and journey. It truly is one of those journey's that are or should be talked about far and wide. Perseverance, resilience, struggle, victory, and loss are all resident within the Glass Factory. I cannot recommend this enough. Also, read the footnotes.

Gripping, true, miraculous story starting with a suicide bombing. It's a great read! (R for language - hey, it has intense military conversations.) Really shows you what being in life-or-death situations is like. Great for learning about PTSD, too.

Every so often you find a book that grips you tightly and won't let go. Sometimes reading it becomes an experience in and of itself and you never forget where you were when you read it. This partially describes my encounter with Braxton McCoy's "The Glass Factory." At times I found myself absorbed by the book's pithy insights, the dialogue and familiar military jargon, as well as the descriptions of McCoy's painful physical recovery following a suicide bombing attack in Ramadi. But more often than not, the book took me into deeper places that are difficult to describe- places within my own heart and soul."The Glass Factory" does not merely recount the attack itself or McCoy's physical travails, but drags the reader into the shadowlands of pain, loneliness, despair, and grief. Many of these feelings are familiar to me, and throughout the book I found myself hesitating every so often as I tried to make sense of my reaction. "The Glass Factory" interrogated me and it exorcised some of my own demons, forcing me to take a good look without turning away.McCoy's journey is a spiritual one, and his descent into the darkest of places makes his triumphant return all the more powerful. By the end of the book, I felt deeply inspired to make several changes to my own life and work through some of my own grief that I have been holding onto for years.McCoy is humble, honest to a fault, and deeply insightful. Most poignantly, he has a rare sense of integrity that beams through the pages. It's refreshing and makes the book feel familiar, even at the most difficult parts.I can't recommend this book enough to anyone striving to overcome themselves, especially veterans. "The Glass Factory" is a powerful, transformative book, and I will never forget my experience reading it.