The 188th Crybaby Brigade: A Skinny Jewish Kid from Chicago Fights Hezbollah: A Memoir

Great book!

This is a very funny, very serious book about war, Israel, Jewish identity, and what 18-year olds boys do for fun in the army while waiting for combat. It reminded me-painfully and humorously-of my own travails in the sands of El Paso and the morass of Southeast Asia while serving in another army.

Joel's standup routines are hilarious-check him out on Youtube-but the book manages to handle the dangerous blend of laughing and crying with great care. His love of Israel and how some Israelis spurned him make a great story. Recommended for anyone who cares about war, peace, Israel, or how boys become men.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Very very funny---guys will like it.

I read a review of this book in a weekly paper---based on that, I ordered it, and was so glad I did. Touching and amusing. Having been the child of a well-known parent, I empathized.

The Character of the IDF

I enjoyed it. It is funny - he is a comedian, after all - but Chasnoff goes underneath to dig up the absurdity of army life. He also weaves his own coming of age story in there as well - girlfriend, becoming an Israeli "he-man," identity crisis. A really good look at IDF life, without delving into all the political/historical details of the conflict. A bit rough, but a good, light read.

Loved the book

Being an American soldier, I really enjoyed the look into the Israeli army. Very funny account of this poor fellow who is lost in what should be his homeland.

Very Interesting

I thought this was a very well written and interesting book. I enjoyed this young man's perceptions. What I found disturbing was the description of how the soldiers behaved in the Holocaust Museum. I think this is a sad reflection on today's culture. It appears that the younger generation is, indeed, not being taught how important remembering the Holocaust is. I am not a Jew but I feel as if I have more respect for this memory than these younger Jews. Just a sad commentary. But, thanks for an interesting look at the Israeli Army.

Had me laughing out loud on the airplane! A comical, real life account of a young man's search for meaning, and fullfilling a connection to his jewish upbringing by joining the Israeli army.

A very entertaining look into the basic training for Israeli army, and a young American deepening his connection to his Jewish roots.

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