Warrior audiobook

This may be the fastest Ive ever read a book in my life. It's gripping yet tasteful, raw and so real. While we come from different walks of life, I find so many emotional ties to the stories told in this book. Honestly, it's beautiful.

When I finished this book, I just said, "wow." I might have to come back to this review a little later because I'm still putting my thoughts together, but I will say for now that I'm glad I read this book. As far as the writing, I loved the way the story was told. The pacing and voice made me feel like I was sitting with a driven, focused member of the military. No punches were pulled, nothing was glossed over, nothing was minimized. The story is told chronologically, and that really allowed me to get to know Theresa Larson (as much as you can in a reader/writer situation) and watch how things evolved, unraveled, and evolved some more. I have read a few memoirs, but it's still a new category for me. Of the ones I've read, the stories have been interesting and compelling, and I walked away having learned something new and a new admiration for the writer. This book wasn't an easy read. At all. There were times I wanted to quit reading it and my husband wanted me to quit reading it because it got too close to some unsettled/ dealt with things for me. But when I put it down for a few days, all I could think about was picking it back up again. So I picked it up and read every word. This book was painful, compelling, uncomfortable, and inspirational. It was educational in a motivational kind of way. Theresa Larson is amazing.

One of my favorite book spots in San Diego is Warwicks books in La Jolla because it is a great little bookshop with wonderful recommendations, but also because they have some fabulous authors come and speak. Last summer, a few of my girlfriends and I got to hear Theresa Larson talk about her book Warrior, and each purchased a copy. I've finally gotten around to reading it after being captivated by her talk, and I really enjoyed it. Theresa was a Marine Corps officer out of ROTC at Villanova who struggled for years with bulimia. She tells her story in a way that really helps anyone who has not struggled with mental illness or seen anyone who has really understand it. Mental illness is so stigmatized in society, especially in the military. The bravery that people display by even admitting to it is astounding but they are usually faced with blank stares, and even judgement instead of actual help. Theresa's journey through the military healthcare system is definitely one that unfortunately I have heard before from dear friends who have also tried to navigate the military's mental healthcare. I wish that I could say things have changed since Theresa struggled with this but that is not the case. Theresa now is a doctor of physical therapy and caters to wounded veterans in a way that only someone else who has struggled can. The book is very interesting because of its balance between detailing her time as a female Marine, and also her fight with her eating disorder. I think most people could benefit from reading this, or something like it to learn more about not only eating disorders but all types of mental illnesses that most people still write off because they cannot be seen.

Wonderful StoryThank you for sharing, Dr. Larson, and I'm glad you have found peace and purpose. Best wishes and Semper Fi!

Great memoir of a woman who overcame bulimia. Inspirational story of surviving a personal tragedy and a personal demon.

I couldn't put this book down. I work in a library and when I saw it sitting with our new titles, I was immediately drawn to it just based on the title and a brief skim through of the summary. I checked it out without a second thought and couldn't put it down once I started reading. Everyone has different life experiences, but we can all find ways to relate to each other. I related to Theresa's story in many ways and found the book very thought provoking, raw, and emotionally gripping. This may end up being a book I purchase to read over again!

I am at an emotional loss to describe this book. What a wonderful, healing experience that took me through the pits of hell and back to peace. I hope one day I can reread Theresa's memoir when I am not so much on a time crunch to pump out a paper about her and her disorder. I feel like reading this book academically took away some of my ability to sit and soak in the real meaning behind Theresa's words. For now, I am satisfied, but I can't wait to really sit with this book and read it with more intention, as it should be read.

"Warrior" arrived on my doorstep Friday and by Saturday night I'd devoured the entire book. Theresa Larson's tells a compelling story and while I can't personally relate to the bulemia, many of her other challenges resonate. Anyone who's lost a mother to cancer, struggled with perfectionism or felt they had no control over their own life might relate as well. The beauty in the story is how Larson learns to cope and overcome these challenges.