National Network for Equitable Library Service

"Canada's first woman trained for combat, a decorated officer in the "Van Doos" the legendary Royal 22nd Regiment, comes up against a system of institutional sexism. Throughout her training, Sandra Perron was repeatedly identified as top of her class, but was also subject to "pranks" that included stripping her uniform of insignia (which is a not-so-subtle way of informing her that her platoon did not have her back). The lessons she learned, however, weren't all negative - through several deployments, including Bosnia and Croatia, she forged lasting friendships with men and women. Her memoir shows that while the Canadian military did, eventually let her down, she did not do the same to her fellow soldiers or her country; it also shows that the spirit of a true hero cannot be bent or broken. Beautifully written, Perron's memoir is a testament to her fortitude and patriotism. Canada's first woman trained for combat. First woman in the Van Doos, the Royal 22nd Regiment Sexism and sexual abuse in the Canadian military is an on-going problem and continues to make the news."--