Going Overboard: The Misadventures of a Military Wife

by Sarah Smiley

Book Overview

A former Navy brat and present-day Navy wife, Sarah Smiley knows better than anyone that weddings and funerals-even childbirth!-take a backseat to Uncle Sam. And it seems that every time the young, nationally syndicated columnist gets comfortable with her routine, her husband is sent away for an unexpected deployment. What follows is a true test of strength and wit that even Sarah's nit-picking mother-in-law couldn't have prepared her for. From raccoons...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0451216679
• ISBN13: 9780451216670
• Release Date: November 2005
• Publisher: New American Library
• Length: 260 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.9" x 8.6"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

A Must Read Again, & Again

This is one of those books that really put you in the story. I felt like I new every character in he book. I learned so much from it. This isn't a survival guide, it is a realization book. As a Navy Wife of 2 children (5 & 2), one child on the way, and a hubby that won't be back until about 7 days before my due date, this book let me know that I am not crazy. This is a great book about learning independence. There is fine line where the individual and the couple meet. I think that this is a great book for wives who are married to a civilian husband also. Not only does it tell you about what it is like to be married to a military man but how to deal with everyday life as well. I learned how to laugh at my misfortunes while my husband is gone. I like how the book is written in plain English. I didn't have to get out the dictionary to figure out words. She speaks straight from the heart and is completely open. It is great to see that a marriage can go through so many obsticles and make it through. Thank you Sarah for this book. I look forward to reading it over and over and over.

I laughed! I cried! I wanted M & Ms!

In her memoir, Going Overboard, Sarah Smiley gives readers the details of the perils she suffered during one of her husband's unexpected deployments. It has to be one of the funniest, most refreshingly honest accounts I've ever read. I must say I'm appalled at how cruel some of these other reviews are. Truthfully, I believe the negative reviewers either did not even read the book or completely missed the point. Sarah's book is the recollection of a difficult time in her life which helps her realize to that it's time to grow up. The book jacket clearly states that this is a memoir. I'm not sure how it came to be that readers are disappointed because it didn't turn out to be a "how to cope". Hopefully these readers realize that no one can tell you how to cope; that's something you have to figure out on your own after some soul-searching. Perhaps next time they might also scan the book jacket before penning a scathing review. Sarah spent her entire life in a Navy household, so she figured she was prepared for life as a Navy spouse. However, when her husband deploys, she finds herself unsure and often miserable. Lack of communication on the part of her husband and a crush on her doctor make the situation complicated. Not once does Sarah brag about the status of her father or her husband. I find that refreshing. There is far too much enlisted vs officer chatter amongst military spouses. It does not matter how much money your husband makes. You will still feel the same pain in his absence. I also love that Sarah tells the story as a woman and not as the stereotypical military spouse. She does not say that "spouses should do this" or "spouses should do that" in regards to their feelings and opinions on the jobs of their significant others. Finally! I commend Sarah for writing what she really felt as opposed to writing 300 pages of lies. No one wants to read that. That's not what writing is about. Can you imagine a book about a spouse enthusiastically seeing her partner off, only to clean house and do crafts for six months? How boring! That's not REAL. The negative reviewers can deny it as much as they'd like, but the truth is, everyone feels like this at some point or another. Truly strong people are able to share it with others and grow from the experience. There's not a soul who can claim that their every action has been perfect. Sarah's book is about learning and "growing up". The person she was during that particular deployment is not the same person she is today. Rest assured she is stronger and more capable. Sarah, her family, and her marriage are no doubt more solid because of the lessons she learned during this period. I absolutely adored Going Overboard. I laughed. I cried. Sarah's writing makes the reader feel like they are in the room as the conversation progresses. It feels like she's actually speaking. Congratulations on your book, Sarah. I loved every moment, and I'm looking forward to your next publication!

How to cope with a husband away

Author Sarah Smiley was no stranger to military life: she was a former Navy brat who knew all about deployment and military importance - but nonetheless her routines and perspective were challenged when her husband was unexpectedly deployed, testing her resolve and her life. How Sarah coped with her husband away is related with humor, irony and insights in her autobiography GOVING OVERBOARD: THE MISADVENTURES OF A MILITARY WIFE - and will provide wives in similar circumstances with many insights and strategies.

A brave look into life's journey

I thought this book was a courageous book to write. The subject matter has very sensitive and personal material in it, yet through humor it relinquishes a great message for not only military spouses, but to all wives/partners whose life partner's career manages their lives. Being an Officer's wife of 8 years, and a prior enlisted dependent of 21 years, the message I took to heart was that I don't always have to be so strong. It's ok to have doubts and weaknesses; and also it's acceptable to not always have a pretense of a perfect marriage. This book seem to look at one's journey and challenge to attain personal growth and how even though freindships are essential, it's the individual person who actually has to decide to grow or not. A person's journey out reaches rank, job titles, or financial background; I believe the message has helped me in my own journey of personal growth which continues daily.

Sarah Smiley- "and all I can say is WOW"

At last- an Honest person whom isn't afraid to speak her mind finally puts the truth (and dirty laundry) out there in the open for others who can't imagine what the military life is like and what spouses go through with the struggles of deployments, the war, the children, the temptations of infedelity, the death of a beloved pet, and so much more. With all of the different scenarios, be prepared to cry, sob, laugh, and scream "What the hell were you thinking?" It's so well written I almost felt guilty like I was invading their privacy. Thank you Sarah for a wonderful insight into your somewhat normal life and Thank you Dustin for backing her up! But most of all for defending our country. ......and to think I was the only one who wore control top pantyhose.