Review: The Guide by Greg Munck

A straight-shooting memoir of turmoil and triumph on the many battlefields of life, The Guide: Survival, Warfighting, Peacemaking by Greg Munck is an astute and unflinching look at military life through the eyes of a native son.

Carrying readers through decades of growing up too fast, straightening out in the Marine Corps, falling in love, finding a deep commitment to God, and working hard to find a more peaceful path, this is an emotional and evocative account of survival and resilience. Within the recollections of Munck’s past, particularly those from childhood and his direct experiences in warfare, there are starkly honest moments of vulnerable confession, and a raw bluntness throughout the prose, even in the most provocative or painful sections; this initially can come off as indifference, but is in fact a sign of the author’s emotional processing and ultimate sense of peace.

The transition from youthful romance into an active war zone is a stark and hard-hitting core of this book, where the author was forced to decide what type of soldier and man he wanted to be – one who lashed out in uncontrolled anger, or one guided by righteousness and calm. His observations about his fellow soldiers and commanders are insightful and honest, without platonic niceties from any brotherly code of silence. His long-resisted move to finally seek out help from the VA is reflective of so many millions in America, who feel somehow undeserving of care for PTSD and chronic illness, as Munck presents an honest assessment of the struggles that veterans face.

The final shift from veteran into faith work in a ministry completes the emotional arc, bringing him to a valuable place of reflection, stability, and healing. There is a powerful undercurrent of religious devotion and faith in God, amplified by various relationships and moments of inner turmoil that led him towards deeper belief. However, the book does not proselytize too directly; the author has his initial hesitations about religion, given his father’s late-life calling, but then redirects his energy for duty and service towards a powerfully spiritual path as a pastor and faith leader, which results in the latter half of the book unfolding like a work of spiritual self-help.

The addition of song recommendations at the top of the chapters is a unique touch, and the author’s regular return to music is a reliable throughline. As he says early on, he and Kymbry “were both moved and molded by music,” which is a relatable and charming connection that hooks and holds readers to this couple’s journey.

On a technical level, there is room for improvement from a strong editorial hand; some of the narrative sections stretch on longer than necessary, repeating ideas and sentiments in different or circuitous ways, while in other moments, the author is too detailed in his storytelling, such as the blow-by-blow of every wanton barfight or barracks chat. In terms of tone, the author makes it clear early on that he isn’t concerned about political correctness, but there are some comments and anecdotal stories that feel both unnecessary and unflattering.

That aside, the authenticity in this memoir is immediate and unwavering, and Munck’s unusual journey through life is an inspiring tale that offers universal lessons for any reader.