'Forced Out' a book worth a read

[ratso]

I was today one the fortunate few to receive a copy of Simons book.
Thanks Simon.
This is one not to miss I received it at 7.25 am and have had two full hours of reading and will, I know, finish the book this evening.
The book is 223 pages and I have read 98 so far and can't put it down.
I have been with Simon through basic yet again and he gets it almost into everyones memories of what it was like, stirring the imagination and helping to relive the pain and torture we all went through on the road to Green.
I have to say it is a book that will have many wondering and becoming aware of just what we all forget we achieved.
If there is one book to buy for the New Year it has to be this recollection of what it takes, though many will I dare say find that their memories are different to those in the pages of this book. You have to remember to see it through Simons eyes and use it to help to stir your own memories.
I will again say thank you to Simon and will give a bit more of what my thoughts are tommorrow night.

Thanks Simon
Yes I am sure I will !!!!
Order Your Copy out on the 30th Jan 2003
www.forcedout.co.uk

[ratso]

When I read a book I always end up reading sections over to try to understand the writer better.
This is one book that I found very easy reading, mainly due to the fact that I could clearly see through the writer’s eyes, due in the main to having seen the life portrayed. Though I think this would be the case even if I had not had this slice of life.
It makes you re-live distant memories many you thought were buried and gone.
We all take for granted in many ways the training, which earned us the right to wear the coveted green lid. The one thing this book provided was the realization that what we endured was, what would be for all who go down the path, the most demanding test of stress and physical strain anyone could ever undertake.
We know the pressure of the long wait, the tension, which can build for weeks prior to landing on distant shores to engage the enemy. The pressure is around us for the term of our lives in the Corps, is it any wonder many seek to find the same pressure and stress when they leave.
The one thing Simon does very well is to show what stress is like how many differing forms this plague takes and how it manifests itself into daily life.
His views on life in the Police are presented and show the hardships of this demanding profession.
This is a book that has no daring deeds with no glorification, just pure picture painting. Done through the eyes and mind of an ordinary man (well how can anyone call any man ordinary who shares his emotion and life), who has been round the block and now has to live with his feelings.
Yes Simon was right the tears do come easily once you have read the book, guilt, remorse, loss, longing, need, fear and knowledge, knowing that what we have done we never can repeat or turn back to undo what we have seen and done, and it will be with us forever.
Though it also shows that no matter who we are we will all miss the life in the Corps for many differing reasons. The main one the loss of friendships of those who we worked with who made us their friends and made us part of the team.
I commend Simon for his portrayal of his life and know that this book is sure to have critics but I say this is a true portrayal of what life is about when you take the road so many of us took and are taking.
DON’T MISS OUT!
I put it down and Marie picked it up, she had the same problem, PUTTING it DOWN.

WELL DONE SIMON

[ratso]

Here is a good view on this book by Marie.
She has now found that she can fully understand what I went through to earn the Green Lid..... and also why Im such a nutter....
Her words not mine.

No really she says that this book gives a clear picture on the life of a Marine and what it takes and sheds some light on the whole RM issue as she was only 8 when the Falklands took place.... She always says she missed out on the biggest part of my life the time in the Marines now this book has helped her to understand a little more.

She has not put this book down which is credit to its author...

WELL DONE AGAIN SIMON.

[Beast]

Also another to receive Simons book of which i appreciate, many thanks.
With my busy scedule at the moment, i'm slowly getting there.
Evey five minutes I get I manage to read a section and i'm another that can not put the book down.
Enjoying it, another well done Simon.
Will let you all know my views when I have finished the book.

[SYB]

Ratso,
The first thing id like to say is thankyou.
It took me a long long while to write FORCED OUT. I was motivated by my heart and mind. It isnt a gung ho account! - not suppposed to be>
We have all read these books. Some true. Some not so true!

You are right. It is about MY experiences? I hope the reader can see themselves in it and stir the memories that we all took for granted.
Whether this be the corps and the great friends we make or the Police service and incidents we deal with?

I was tough, only the foolish will say not tough enough!

It gives me great satisfaction that Ratso and others have enjoyed it.

Im prepared for the critics, but I hope they read the line from John Keats in the opening pages of the book.

Release is 30th Jan 2003. ( sorry to those who hoped to get a copy before Christmas-Legal issues etc etc)

Best Wishes
Simon

PS. Just a quick note about bootneck determination. I left school with no English qualification! and failed my Namet as a young nod!

[Cronkilla]

Well i like many others are counting down till the day the un-privilaged of us can get our grubby little hands on it

Cant wait to read it actually,from what ratso has been saying it is a good eye opener as to what to expect from and after training.

[Sully]

It's certainly that. It took me right back to CTC as I sat on my commuter train and I couldn't put it down - it sparked off so many memories that I had thought were gone forever (I've got the memory of a goldfish - coping strategy methinks). I was going to launch into one about it this morning but Ratso sums it up and his veiws are spookily close to my own - I couldn't put it any better. My missus picked it up and kept saying "What? You did all that?" and I couldn't suppress an inward smile as I said yes. Anyone thinking of joining the Corps must read it.

There is a very serious side to it though and again I can't add to what Ratso has said.

In writing the book Simon has decided what he wanted to do and gone for it in true bootneck fashion. I think we can all be proud of him, it's a great achievement.

Good effort Royal.

[ratso]

Simon is back on the Radio

Simon is on live radio the broadcast is due out 4/12/2002 from approx 1420hrs until 1500hrs on BBC radio Cambridgeshire

[Beast]

After reading the book twice I can finally comment, i'm not a great review writer but here goes.

Simon congratulations on a well written book.
I'm another that could not put this book down, as I was drawn by the attention and detail.
This book will appeal to anyone that has earned the coveted Green Beret and anyone that has an interest in the Royal Marines.
The book is well written, plain simple and easy to understand, even military terms and slang have been used and explained there meanings to readers that would not understand.
Simon tells his story in so much detail that you feel you're there inside him looking out through his eyes, and experiencing what he went through at a young age.
From leaving home to training and out on operations, you will not get a better insight than from his untold story.
I would well recommend this book if your considering joining the Royal Marines, first hand account on training, the hell and torture that the writer puts his body and mind though, but he stood his ground firmly and managed it all the way.
From a Green Beret to the Police force and the modern pressures of our society today.
It finally takes its toll, tears and reality kicks in and depression has to be handled and controlled with advice after admitting to yourself there's something's not quite right.
If you have ever suffered from this form of depression, you will understand the accounts told. Again Simon describes the feelings and mixed up emotions well.
Rasto has summed up well what there is to say and I'll agree 100%.
Once again well done Simon.

Please Simon let us know how you get on, we're all interested and with you all the way.

[ratso]

I have to thank Simon in a big way.
My father had no understanding of what training was all about or a true understanding of what PTSD was all about. He read the book within two days and could not put it down.
Not only does he now seem to see me in a different light, he has realised that during his time in the RAF some of the sights left their scars and had a profound effect on his life (PTSD).

Thanks Simon

can't wait for your next book
and I pity those who have not ordered their copy yet as I can see it being a sell out by mid FEB.

[Beasta]

Right, im off to Amazon to pre order mine...Cant wait to read it

[ratso]

Simon must be getting a sweat on now lads only twenty days to GO!!!


NO SWEAT ! a genuine best seller!

I bought a couple of Falklands books this week and well compared to Simons 'Forced Out ' bloody hard going.

If you havn't ordered it you need to NO KIDDING!
Then bring it along to the 30 miler, we might as well give him writers cramp from signing books as well, will keep his mind off his feet!

[ratso]

Not many days to go before the launch.

If you havn't ordered your copy yet go to www.fvf.org.uk click on the Amazon link and order it there it helps by making a little money for the FVF.....


This Is a cracking read have just read it again and for once enjoyed a book as much the second time around.

[bootneck]

here`s wishing you all the best for the book Simon, but from what the reviewers have said, you won`t need luck, well done mate, cheers see you on the 30 miler, I`ll buy you a wet

[bootneck]

well, what can one say, I agree with the rest, once you pick up this Book, (sorry, Time Machine) its very hard to put down. You are transported back all those years, and actually go through training again,feeling the pain, the blisters cold and wet, its well written, and informative, so when the average civvie buys this book, he`ll have no problem getting to grips with Simon`s story. I`ve grabbed the guys B*"&%cks at work, and a few will be purchasing it. I only hope it has helped you Simon, as it will obviously help others, to try and come to terms with this disorder. Maybe a copy to number 10??