Book Description

A memoir of Middle East Madness Joseph Wouk, an ex-immigrant to Israel, now a Hollywood television producer, is initially elated over the commencement of the first Gulf War, Desert Storm. But when Saddam’s missiles target Tel-Aviv he is overcome with guilt and horror. The sense of impotence, sitting in Los Angeles watching CNN report chemical warheads in Ramat Gan, is more than he can bear. Abandoning his wife and child, as well as a television film in development, he flies into the war zone to rejoin his old unit in the Israeli Navy. The only problem is, he’s been kicked out of the Navy reserves for having failed to report for duty in six years. They don’t need or want him back either. But Wouk is determined to “help”… Even if it means turning the whole I.D.F. Navy inside-out. Scuds, Duds, & Tyre is a hilarious and torturous new-journalistic account of Wouk’s return to the Israeli Navy during the Gulf War. The experience prompts reminiscences of his former life in the country – From his first sexual encounter, to the carnage of the first Lebanon War. Breathlessly paced, the narrative sweeps the reader along through the insanity of war and Wouk’s own twisted, guilt-ridden quest for self respect. In a style reminiscent of Hunter S. Thompson and with themes reminiscent of his father, Herman Wouk, the book is original, insightful, and outrageous. Most of all, it’s a great read.