Battle Dress

As a female West Point graduate, I can tell you this book is a terrific account of a new cadet's first summer. I read it on a plane and couldn't put it down. The guy sitting next to me must have wondered why I alternately laughed out loud and wiped away tears. It brought back all the emotions of Beast Barracks and the challenges I faced. I sent copies to my parents and grandparents to give them more insight into my experience. A woman's relationships at West Point are different than at most colleges; the competitive environment (where women often are viewed as the weak link) adds a new dimension to interacting with men and with other women. The low proportion of women (10%) makes them stand out more, warping their developing sense of self. Then add a dysfunctional family support system, and you get some idea of the challenges for Andi, the main character. I truly hope Amy Efaw continues the story line. The lessons from West Point show young adults what they can achieve and overcome, and what success is all about.If you want to read more about women at West Point, try to find a copy of Carol Barkalow's book, "In the Men's House." Carol was one of the first female graduates (1980) and her excellent book follows her cadet experience and early military assignments.

The setting of Battle Dress is West Point Military Academy, but the message I received from this first book written by Amy Efaw is: No matter what your life has been, it's up to you and your attitudes whether you make it or not. Never give up!I found Battle Dress to be both motivating and good recreational reading, although I had to put the book down after the first two chapters because I was exhausted. Amy Efaw gives us a realistic and entertaining picture of a young woman's life at West Point without having to resort to filth and gore. "Andi Davis" leaves the disorder of her home and the insecurity of her childhood, and finds structure, identity, and acceptance at West Point. Efaw skillfully describes Andi's environment and experiences, her agonizing thoughts and fears, and her failures and triumphs. Andi doesn't always win, but then, neither do we. I cried with Andi, cheered for her, and laughed out loud.The program at West Point, as described by Efaw, would probably seem harsh to the average reader; but they're training men and women to be leaders in potentially dangerous circumstances, where a careless mistake could cost lives. Since reading Battle Dress, I have a new respect for the Academy and its graduates. West Point may be the place where "striving for excellence" was invented.

What a great story! As the mother of two female graduates of West Point, I often wished that I could be a fly on the wall during their plebe summers. Through her character, Andi, the author has given us insight into the fear and uncertainty experienced in the beginning of the Cadet Basic Training culminating in the personal growth and achievement as the summer ends. The story was so real to me that I actually found myself reliving the Mom-type feelings from those Plebe summers.I would recommend this book to all young women who may be planning to attend a service academy and to their parents as well. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

This absolutely the best young adult novel ever written about West Point. The book explores well beyond the mechanics of military life as Efaw examines the interpersonal relationships between Andi Davis, her family and her fellow cadets. This is a story that will touch everyone who reads, both teens and adults alike. THIS IS A MUST READ!

Great book! Funny, poignant, easily held my attention. The main character, Andi, is someone we can all identify with. I found myself rooting for her and sharing in her successes and failures. If any teenager is considering applying to West Point or thinking about the military, they should read this book to find out what to expect and how it prepare.