The same nice lady who sent me a copy of Emily Miller’s book also sent along a copy of R. Lee Ermey’s new book, “Gunny’s Rules — How To Get Squared Away Like A Marine“.  Basically, it’s a cross between a memoir and a self-help motivational book, and it was a very enjoyable read.

The Gunny, as Ermey is affectionately called by his fans, writes about how his experiences, both during and after his service in the Marine Corps, have shaped his life, and draws lessons that others can apply to their lives.  Chapters take on subjects such as setting goals, being prepared for life, physical fitness, and leadership.  After discussing his views and experiences that relate to each subject, the author relates “Gunny’s Rules”,some musings that reinforce the lesson.  Here are some of my favorites:

• A job as a short-order cook is a hell of a lot better than sitting on your dead ass watching television all day.
• If you’re not confident you’ll succeed, you never will.
• …no matter how short our mission is, we should always carry with us the essentials for staying alive.
• If you’re still smoking, you’ve lost your freaking mind!
• I have not always achieved my mission, but when I have come up short, it isn’t because I do not go the extra mile, do not carry my load.
• I don’t recall anyone ever telling me life was going to be easy.

Each chapter finishes with several motivational quotations that also fit with its theme.  I had already heard most of them, but there were a lot that were new to me, and they all made me think.

There were only one quibble I had with the book, and it was minor.  In the “Major Malfunctions” chapter, Ermey discusses the decision by Army leadership to change uniform headgear to beret.  Ermey discusses how the Green Berets were forced to share their distinctive headgear.  Only problem is that it was the Rangers that had to give up their black berets so everyone else could wear them, and that Rangers and Airborne units had been wearing berets for decades.  Like I said, it’s a minor discrepancy, and it doesn’t distract from the rest of the book at all.

While there is some salty language in the book, “Gunny’s Rules” is going on the list for Girlie Bear and Little Bear to read.  While it made their 42-year-old father nod, it contains a lot of advice that I wish I had heard when I was 17, and maybe it’ll do them some good.

The book is well laid out, very well thought out, and an enjoyable read.  It’s also a quick read, but it’s the kind of book that you will go back and re-read, either whole or in chunks, when you need motivation or ideas for your life.  It’s definitely worth your time to give this one a shot.

Standard Disclaimer – The publisher of the book provided me with a copy for reading and review.  I am offering to return it now that I am done with it, and I received nothing else for this review.