For those unacquainted with the military life, the idea that our future military leaders are spending their time on poetry and the works of Homer, Shakespeare, Dickens, Hemingway and the like may seem absurd. One would expect technical subjects such as engineering and computer science or military tactics and combat arms practice to fill the minds of young men and women who are but a year or two away from leading troops in combat.

Surprisingly, Samet, a Yale graduate who has spent a decade teaching literature at the United Sates Military Academy, shows that it is the human condition at the heart of literature that resonates with these young minds. In this personal memoir, she describes teaching the poetry of World War I to young cadets most of whom face a future deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan. It is through the examination of this grim poetry that she shows the preciousness of life and the tragic consequences of rushing to one’s death in a fit of military fervor. These lessons are not meant to preach anti-war themes to those preparing for a military life but to help these future leaders to be reflective of the cost of war.

A lesson on Homer can show the effect of one person’s Hubris on an entire country. A Shakespeare sonnet can help a student clarify what relationship art has to life. Samet’s musings reflect not only on the personal but also on public policy, as she must find ways to re-evaluate concepts of valor, patriotism and heroism in a military that now integrates women into its corp. It is an accepted fact that literature can nurture life; it is wonderful that those whose very careers will most likely put them in positions that will test the mettle of their character are taking it to heart. This book is thoughtful and uplifting.