Airman Mortensen

A young insubordinate soldier stationed in the Southwest in 1966 struggles with the compound issues of first love and the discipline of institutional living

YA-- Airman Mortensen's story, told in teen vernacular, is one of an 18-year-old who joins the service in 1966 because it seems like a good idea at the time. He soon regrets his decision. Following a divergence of viewpoint with the Comm Squad commander, he becomes the latrine king while awaiting court martial. Life goes steadily downhill until he meets Claire Brill, the base commander's daughter. A passionate romance follows. In due time, Claire terminates the relationship and Mortensen falls into deep decline. This novel gives voice to a young man's friendship, first serious romance gone sour, and the beginning of life after. Teens may well find the appeal of standard romances wane as a result of this engaging tale written by the author of Dances with Wolves (Fawcett, 1988). --Barbara Hawkins, West Potomac High, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

A rebellious 18-year-old Air Force enlisted man named Mortensen has been assigned to latrine duty and is awaiting court martial for failing to obey a direct order. He nevertheless manages to meet and fall in love with the colonel's daughter, and to embark on a relationship that is filled with distractions and with the signs and symbols of coming of age in the Sixties: the music of the Byrds, the Animals, and Bob Dylan has a magical meaning for the young couple; and Mortensen attempts to lose his virginity and consummate the affair in the back seat of a Volkswagen. Not deep or complicated, this is entertaining reading, particularly recommended for baby boomers, who will be reminded of the trials and tribulations of their own growing-up years. Blake scored a hit with Dances with Wolves. -- Kathy Armendt Sorci, IIT Research Inst., Annapolis, Md.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.