Toe the Line

By: Deon McCarthy

Narrated by: Deon McCarthy

Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Becoming a soldier is a transformation of self on every level. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to become a soldier, then this is the book for you. Follow one man’s journey from teenager to soldier during basic training. Take every step with him while he fights for the life he wants to live. Experience his fear, pain, and confusion firsthand while he interacts with drill sergeants, other recruits, and - most importantly - himself.

It takes a special strength to become a soldier, and their lives are often shielded away from the public eye. This book hopes to inspire, teach, and even give potential new recruits a realistic view of what they can expect. Soldiers and veterans, take pride in reading and reminiscing about your own basic training experiences. Most of all, it’s time for everyone to understand the hidden truths behind what it takes to change a boy into a man...and more importantly, a soldier.

©2020 Deon Timothy McCarthy (P)2020 Deon Timothy McCarthy

Useful

Bought this for my son. He loved it and said it was very detailed and contained a lot of useful information. He recommends it.

Such a great book

If you’ve always wanted to step foot into the life of a soldier give the book a listen. This brought back so many memories and made me miss the military , this book gets a 5 star review from me.

Helpful tips

The information he gives is really good, I've heard some of it, but most is completely new for me. He zones in on areas that you can prepare for mentally and physically.

Great book

This is a great book with excellent narrating. It brought back some funny memories too. I definitely recommend it.

Engaging and Thorough Account of Life in Boot Camp

What is it like to go through Army Boot Camp? What better way to find out than to read of the experience as told by a soldier looking back on his days as a raw recruit learning the Army way.

I do not pick up memoirs and biographies as often as I should, but a quick glimpse of Toe the Line made me feel a need to engage with this soldier’s story. I come from a military family and I’ve heard my dad speak of days in Navy Boot Camp and his step-dad’s Army experience so I was curious to learn more. I wasn’t sure how Private Goode was going to tell his story- whether it was more about the people or more about the experience, but I settled in with my earbuds to see what someone else’s life was like.

Goode began his story from the point of high school recruitment meeting the recruiter on a whim when he was looking to ditch his Spanish class and then thought the training and promise of college sounded about right so off he went on the bus with four other Chicago recruits to Ft. Dix, New Jersey.
His sadness at leaving home, interest in the other recruits, and growing reservation about what was to come led him to a world wholly unlike anything before when he arrived at intake and then the basic training camp. Bruising drill sergeants getting up in people’s faces and making them wish they had never been born while pouring out so much new information they needed to process and learn quickly, and while forcing a gaggle of recruits to find a way to get several tasks done in a short amount of time.
It was painful and, yes, I am sorry to say I laughed at bit, reading of the first few hellific days Private Goode endured feeling worn out, bruised, and stumbling through it all. In truth his buddy Walker was the one my heart went out to. Boot camp is not for the thoroughly out of shape or weak of purpose- though, perhaps that is the point, it is meant to sort out those who are meant to go on and those who should find something else.
The details of life starting at 0darkthirty and ending at lights out when the guys and gals collapsed into their lumpy mattresses was not lacking. Goode told the details each day so well I felt like I was looking over his shoulder as I got his thoughts. The guys and gals were separated so he shared how the fumbling group of guys he was with all slowly figured out the routine, the skills and lessons they all needed to learn, and figured out, unconsciously on their part and consciously on the DS’ part, how to function as a team. The time there was physically taxing and mentally as well, but it was all to a purpose and by the end of the camp training the recruits all felt this settle on them. I wanted to yip and holler with them when they were given permission to yell after they finished and were now soldiers headed out to their personal training assignments at various bases.

This time spent with Private Goode would be supremely helpful to those considering the military, but also insightful to those of us who wish to learn more about the military life. I certainly felt a stronger respect than ever for those who signed up and serve. The author’s writing was superb with wry humor, good description, and an honesty to the subject that all shown through.

Deon McCarthy did his own narration work. I am leery of authors choosing to do that because not everyone has a talent for audio. However, happily his voice and delivery made for a good listen. At times, it felt like he was merely reading the words, but for the most part I was lost in his story. I think it worked great to hear him telling his own story in his own words. Production quality was excellent.

All in all, this was an unforgettable listen and I can recommend this book to those who enjoy military subject matter, memoirs of everyday people, or want to learn what to expect from Army Basic Training.

Funny and relatable

This book relates to everyday life. I love the books so far. Can’t wait to listen to the 3rd book.

Great audiobook

Some really good moves in this audiobook i find its clear and concise some of the moves will get you out of trouble if done accordingly .

Military Useful

I am in the military so I know most of this however my brother in law who is into hunting, guns and things of that sort loved this book! I grabbed it for him for Christmas and it was a hit along with the tactical knife I gifted him.

Good guide

The entire audiobook was filled with a lot of content that can be very helpful to someone getting ready to head to BCT. I highly recommend to those joining the military.

Great Story

I enjoy reading books that teach me things along with entertaining me and this book did that for me. I was invested in going through Boot with Private Goode. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.