New Books in Psychology

Joshua Howe and Alexander Lemons "Warbody: A Marine Sniper and the Hidden Violence of Modern Warfare" (W. W. Norton & Company, 2025)

Jun 1, 2025
Joshua Howe is an environmental historian at Reed College, while Alexander Lemons is a former Marine scout sniper and Bronze Star recipient. They explore the profound impacts of war beyond traditional violence. Lemons shares his harrowing experience in Iraq and his struggle with mysterious illnesses linked to toxic exposures. Howe provides scientific insights on the hidden dangers veterans face, such as lead and burn pits. They discuss PTSD and the often overlooked long-term health consequences of combat, urging for greater empathy and accountability in addressing veteran care.
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INSIGHT

Beyond Bullets: Warfare's Slow Violence

  • Warfare's violence extends beyond bullets and bombs to lasting toxic exposure and trauma.
  • Understanding this 'slow violence' is key to grasping veterans' health struggles post-war.
ANECDOTE

Alex Lemons' Marine Journey

  • Alex Lemons joined the Marines after 9/11 driven by a sense of duty for friends.
  • His plan for a short enlistment changed as he deployed multiple times, including roles as sniper and adviser.
ANECDOTE

Life as a Marine Sniper

  • A sniper's work involves intense observation and patience, more than combat.
  • Alex trained recruits to endure boredom and made critical battlefield intelligence gathering his focus.
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