In this book, Pablo Diaz writes about when he joined the US Army and left his homeland, Puerto Rico, in search of a better life and new adventures. However, he encountered much more than "adventures." Pablo starts with his departure from his Spanish-speaking Puerto Rico. He describes incidents—some funny,
and even hilarious, and others that invite deep self-reflection, such as the first time on an airplane to another life. A life that begins with the gruesome Army Basic Training and agonies that are only exacerbated by the many challenges and embarrassments that a non-English speaking basic trainee has to endure. Pablo vividly explains the trials that he experienced, such as the use of obscene and vulgar language, without knowing its meaning, while learning to speak English and adjusting to a different culture and life in the United States. His experience is not unique, but his writing style and richness in detail are. Pablo brings to life memories that can only be appreciated by individuals who have experienced the afflictions and adversities of finding themselves in a new land, new culture, and new life—all while going through the deep mental and emotional transformations that only the military offers.