Shell Shock: The Diary of Tommy Atkins

With this semi-autobiographical novel, Neil Blower brings to light the incredible difficulties that soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder are forced to deal with every day. Told in an engaging vernacular style,Shellshock chronicles the difficulties faced by Tommy, a twenty-three-year-old soldier, as he desperately tries to conquer—or at least manage—his PTSD. For Tommy, everyday occurrences, such as a long line at the post office, a trip to Ikea, or a small flare-up with his girlfriend, lead to unpredictable and emotional outbursts, through no fault of his own. Being unable to control or even understand his reactions, he finds himself feeling extremely alienated and contemplating suicide.

Stark, though subtly humorous, Shellshock offers raw, honest insight into the reality of life with PTSD and the vital importance of rehabilitating returning troops.