Great Falls

Gr 8 Up—Shane's brother, Jeremy, is a Marine just back from three tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. Awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star, Jeremy saved himself and a private from grueling gunfire when they were separated from their unit. When Jeremy returns, his behavior is erratic, though his family makes the excuse of an adjustment period. Instead of living with his wife and two daughters, Jeremy lives in the basement of his childhood home. Some things about Jeremy are certain: he's constantly on edge, is always drinking or drunk, and is usually cleaning his 9mm or M16. When Shane suffers a likely concussion on the football field and scores for the other team, he takes Jeremy up on an offer to get away, resulting in a brief stay at their stepfather's cabin, where Jeremy is gored by a wild pig. What follows is a canoe trip up the Shenandoah River to Harper's Ferry that ends tragically at Great Falls. Jeremy's post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is apparent and manifests through his short fuse, nightmares, jittery anxiety, trouble sleeping, and fits of violence. Jeremy doesn't know how to ask for help, and his family isn't equipped to look for the signs. This stirring untold story sheds light on issues that those in the military face. The gritty language underlies the young men's continuous struggles.