I don’t mean this as any kind of qualitative judgement, just a statement of fact: this is the most Californian book I’ve ever listened to (or read).

Like many midwesterners, my experience with California is limited to a few trips to theme parks and other touristy spots - but I do watch TV and movies, so I know the stereotypes. And if this weren’t so earnest, I’d probably think it was satire. But the author’s sincerity is somehow charming enough to make this a (mostly) enjoyable listening experience.

The anecdotes of the book lean strongly toward the “and everyone clapped” genre that we all know so well from the men we somehow always end up next to on planes, at dinner parties, etc. And the few brushes with the author’s theological, historical, or political opinions are somewhat disturbing, if not surprising. But his genuine lack of any type of analytical self awareness takes away any sense of an ulterior motive beyond a desire to write down these totally rad experiences for posterity. Hearing the stories in his own voice conveys his genuine love of his family and friends and makes you wish he’d focused a bit more on tales of those relationships rather than the unnecessarily detailed account of his fistula (please skip ahead 20 minutes when he starts talking about it - you’ll thank me later) or his childhood squabbles with his siblings.

But if you enjoy memoirs of the non-famous (which I do), this will hold your interest.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Let me start by saying that I am probably not the target audience for this book, however I was still encouraged, challenged and drawn in to Greg’s testimony. I truly believe that people who share their experiences with others are brave and courageous. Greg did not have a perfect childhood (who has?), but his was worse than many (and working as an addiction counselor for over 30 years - I have heard many). I appreciated his openness and vulnerability. He shared his experiences with the military as well as how he came into serving Jesus and being in the ministry. For the most part he gave God all the glory - with exception to his secular job(s). They way he spoke on this appeared as though he was putting himself on the pedestal.

Overall I enjoyed this.

Thank you Greg Munck for sharing your testimony. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.

All opinions are my own.

I will start by saying this autobiography by Greg Munck is an amazing story that had me feeling so many emotions. As I listened to Greg tell the story of his life, from getting beat up by his brother, to being told to do cocaine with his drug addicted father at a young age, I couldn't help but wonder what become of Greg as an adult.

He joined the Marines right out of high school and was chosen as the leader of his boot camp group. He shares his stories of how he was chosen, some of which are funny, and he also shares stories of his times in the battlefields. These are raw, real, stories. He has a strong sense of faith and many times throughout his story, he writes the prayers he said. His life and this audiobook is one that is heartbreaking, funny, faithful, but truly one of self discovery.

I recommend this to anyone who loves reading about military stories or reading about rising from the bottom and finding your way with faith and music.. Thank you, NetGalley and The Core Media Group, Inc for this advanced copy of the audiobook in return for my honest opinion.

I genuinely enjoyed this and felt motivated by it. WHAT A LIFE. This guys perspective was great and I especially appreciated the end of it. I hope and desire to be that confident in my faith that I know what choices are best for my family and my career like what he did.

"The Guide" by Greg Munck is a powerful and deeply personal memoir that chronicles the author's journey from a tumultuous childhood marked by addiction and chaos to finding purpose and faith as a United States Marine.

From a young age, Munck faced the unpredictable and often terrifying reality of life with a drug-addicted father. His experiences, from having a shotgun placed against his head to engaging in drug use at a shockingly young age, paint a vivid picture of the challenges he endured. However, Munck's story takes a dramatic turn when he joins the Marines and is deployed to Kuwait to fight in the Gulf War.

Munck's writing is simple yet poignant, conveying the raw emotions and visceral experiences of his life with clarity and authenticity. His journey is one of courage, perseverance, and ultimately, faith. Through the trials and tribulations he faces, Munck discovers his true purpose and finds solace in his faith.

What sets "The Guide" apart is its message of hope and resilience. Munck's story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative impact of faith. As readers follow Munck's journey, they are inspired to confront their own battles with courage and determination.

Overall, "The Guide" is a compelling and inspiring memoir that offers a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Munck's story is a testament to the power of faith and the ability to overcome even the most daunting challenges. It is a book that will resonate with readers and leave a lasting impact.

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is probably a great book. I think it is more of a book for men. The pages I did listen to were interesting, but I guess it is more of a guy book or someone with military background.
Thank you for the chance to listen to this book.

What an amazingly candid testimony from this author and believer. I especially appreciated how he tied everything back to how God was working behind the scenes and found myself feeling embarrassed along side him during some of his experiences and wondered if I would have the same courage to write these things down myself.

As a former Army soldier, I found myself laughing along with the experiences from Basic Training. It’s amazing how life-altering they felt at the time but how ridiculous and funny/stupid they feel looking back. I did not get the opportunity to serve my country in combat during the Iraq war but I really wanted to go. I appreciated how the author also spoke candidly about those experiences.

I found myself, periodically, thinking who may also find this story worth hearing and my Marine Corp father and my Marine Corp brother came to mind, not only for obvious reasons but for personal reasons as well.

It is amazing how the author’s story is so relatable even if you didn’t live through the same experiences he did. You can still relate to his feelings and that makes you wonder how you would have responded at the time.

I was able to listen to the audio version of this book, read by the author, thanks to NetGalley.

Better Than Goggins

This was inspirational and an engaging read.

So much of this book reminded me of David Goggins, but I enjoyed this book so much more!
It especially reminded me of Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds, but I would much sooner recommend The Guide.

I really loved Munck's writing. It was very thoughtful, deep, and exciting.

It was quite a riveting story of abuse and trauma (of a few different levels).

I highly recommend this book! Check it out, and you will be changed for the better!

4.4/5

Whew. This is a raw and vulnerable autobiography of a man who has lived to the hilt every opportunity that has crossed his path. He has a “no holds barred” approach to living life and telling his story. I don’t want to give spoilers, but if you are looking to be inspired, challenged, and entertained, I think you will find those in this book.

Huge thank you to Greg Munck for taking the time to share your story.

Huge thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to experience this audiobook.