The 188th Crybaby Brigade: A Skinny Kid from Chicago Fights Hezbollah, by Joel Chasnoff (2010)
Joel Chasnoff, the author of this memoir is a stand-up comedian, who, at the age of 24 decided that he wanted to join the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Chasnoff grew up in a Conservative home in the United States, but felt a strong connection to Israel. He had made a couple of visits to Israel, and as he explored his Jewishness, he decided he wanted to fulfill his long desire to serve in the IDF. He describes his entry into the IDF, where he was assigned to the Armored Corps.
This book describes the rigors of the basic training and the bonds formed with his fellow soldiers. At age 24, he was years older than his fellow recruits, who were all still in their teens. His superior officers were barely in their 20s. He is trained as a tank gunner, and after initial training, finds himself in the Golan on the Israel-Lebanon border.
On his rare days off, he visits his Israeli girlfriend and her family in Tel Aviv. His training schedule is exhausting and on his time off, he only wants to veg. His girlfriend, however, wants to party. Maintaining a relationship is not easy.
When Chasnoff and his girlfriend decide to get married, he also learns just what it means to be a Jew in Israel. Parts of this book were laugh-out-loud funny. Other parts certainly provide food for thought.
This book was an easy and enjoyable read.
Read: June 11, 2020
4 Stars
