Customer Reviews:
 great insights, great gift October 30, 2009
C. M. Holt (S E PA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I feel as though I could easily become one of the "new best friends" that the author refers to having met at each new assignment. I've heard the saying "behind every great man there's a great woman" and I believe this may certainly be true with author Karin Jarrett and her military officer spouse. Dutifully, I think she might deny that old adage, but I believe it is probably true. The author does not bog things down with too much detail, but gives enough for the reader to understand the time, place and culture she is referring to so that the experiences or "tales" she then relates make sense.
It is hard to buy a gift for a 90 yr old aunt but I bought this book for mine and couldn't resist reading it first. I enjoyed it and I know that my Auntie Anne will like reading about things she can relate to and relive some of her own memories through this book (her husband was USAF OSI "full bird" Colonel). While my aunt is older than the author, there are just some things military that are timeless. So glad I bought the book.
The Five Star Life of an Army Wife October 29, 2009
Michael J. Davis
The Five Star Life of an Army Wife
Dream Weaver" and "Word Smith" would, each and both, be fitting name tags for Karin Jarrett's writing desk.
She artfully weaves the dreams of a young couple and their two boys into a well-crafted, informative and thoroughly enjoyable tale of world travels, self-sacrifice and near-unimaginable rewards within the framework of integrity, conviction, honor and dignity found only in military life.
A "Must Read" for all who served in the Armed Forces of any Nation, who are or know someone now serving or who have ever wondered what it would be like to serve in the Military.
Early on, I realized this was the most insightful and "In the X-Ring" book I should ever hope to find on this too-often ignored and near-universally misunderstood gift to the People of a Nation.
Mrs. Jarrett's down-to-earth perspective and frequently humorous style refreshed my long-unvisited memories of Military Familiy life. Through her 20/20 eyes, the reader sees Army Life from the ground up, from the top down and, most importantly, from the inside - looking both within and at the outside [say: "Civilian"] world.
To savor these page-turner, midnight oil burner accounts of travels, trials, thrills and tribulations at Uncle Sam's beck and call, I curtailed my reading to only one chapter each morning and evening. That gave me a dozen days and nights of reminissing and sheer enjoyment, while anticipating the conclusion to this superlative collection of personal, family and military history.
Thirty-six pages of family and military career photos, in the the book's mid-section, so complimented Mrs. Jarrett's exemplary story-telling that I came away from the book knowing more about her Army Family's lives than if I had been stationed along side them, at each of their interesting assignments since they, as a family, first "joined the Army."
I noted and appreciate the humility in her title selection for this most compelling book. However, at least in this Old Soldier's mind, Karin Jarrett - classic and classy Colonel's Lady that she is - will ever hold the rank of: "The Five Star Wife of Army Life."
Michael J. Davis; SS, DFC, PH
CWO-2, U.S. Army (Retired)
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Five Star Army Wife is hoot with heart ... December 14, 2009
Beth A. Little (Denver, CO USA)
"The Five Star Life of an Army Wife" by Karin Jarrett is a hoot with heart and one that would make a great gift for any military wife, from the present or at any time. It is something they will all relate to and a source of inspiration as well. The stories, many of which I heard growing up from this, my mother's best friend, display the honesty, good humor and dedication with which Karin has stood strong in trying times, both for the nation and for any marriage, especially one for a military wife. That steadfast determination, dedication and respect, not withstanding good humor, show how to make the best of any situation and live life to its fullest. If there were military ranks for loving and supportive wives, she would rank as a five-star general.
Beth Little Shelly
Kiowa, Colorado
Wonderful Book! It will remind, uplift, and bless you. April 16, 2010
A fan (USA)
Wonderful book! From the 'reverse tributes' to the opening poem and the powerful end quote (that one choked me up a little), my wife and I were both uplifted... reminded... and blessed.
WELL done!
Dave Grossman, author, On Killing & On Combat
 a dedicated life as an army wife December 15, 2009
daparma
I just read this charming story of the life and times of an Army wife. Even though the story takes place during different military times in our country, I think it is very relevant to today's world; our troops are now preparing to go off to join their brothers in Afghanistan and we need to understand a little bit of their personal lives and the sacrifices made by their families. May they all have the sense of humor that the author displays. Book would make a wonderful Christms gift.
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