Memoirs of an Outlaw: Life in the Sandbox

MWSA Review

A timely and engaging story of a young man's experiences while serving in the United States Marine Corp and his deployment into combat. Written primarily in the narrative style, the author captures what he feels and how his Outlaw buddies react to the situations in which they find themselves. he explains how bonds occur between men in close knit situations and in dangerous, life-threatening circumstances. He begins with his entry into the Marines and closes with his thoughts as he departs for the civilian world.

Any young man contemplating entry into the military today needs to consider the full range of emotions this young man relates in his story. Life changing events are about to happen should they chose the path to a stint or career in the military.

Reviewed by: E. Franklin Evans (2013)

Author's Summary

In Fallujah, during a particularly difficult time in the Iraq War, a group of Marines are deployed on a tour that will bring them closer together, while threatening to tear them apart. The Delta Company Outlaws are a group of Light Armored Reconnaissance Marines deployed in 2004 to one of the most hostile war zones in the world. Through the memoirs of one Marine, this touching story encapsulates the drama surrounding everyday life during the Iraq War. With a bond formed through blood, sweat, and tears, a group of unfamiliar Marines will come together stronger than family. Memoirs of an Outlaw: Life in the Sandbox is a dramatic new take on the Iraq War that focuses more on the personal aspects of war rather than exclusively on combat. With a touching approach to the camaraderie, daily life, and devastating losses, this enlightening memoir by Robert M. Tanner delves into the brotherhood that’s formed throughout a deployment while documenting the combat experiences and daily life of a Marine. Using personal experiences, this engaging story hooks readers with drama, action, and honesty while painting an illuminating picture of both the funny and tragic sides of war. ​ Inspired by a bond that’s stronger than blood, Memoirs of an Outlaw began as a therapeutic way to document wartime experiences and eventually led to a full-fledged memoir. Deciding to focus on the daily life and camaraderie of war, the story captures the tension, drama, and bonding that comes with combat and living in a hostile environment far away from home. By focusing on the humanistic side of the armed forces, Memoirs of an Outlaw perfectly captures a unique moment in time during an extraordinarily challenging part of the war..