From the #1 Bestselling author of Warflower comes a story of redemption, transformation, and hope.
For fans of Jack Kerouac, Jon Krakauer, and Hunter S. Thompson
Combat Veteran, Bob Stark, wanted to be a farmer. The seed was planted while chasing a man with a gun through a farmer’s field in Iraq. Nine years later, he and his brother bought property in rural Alaska to start the arduous work of turning a forest into a field. After their agreement falls through, Bob is left to work the land alone. With struggles piling high and no resolutions in sight, he withdraws every dollar he has to embark on a motorcycle journey to either save himself or destroy himself.
Just Like a Soldier is a memoir about accepting the past, building a better future, and appreciating the present. A story of grit, forgiveness, and hope. Campfires, fresh apples, and strengthening family ties.
Reviews
5 out of 5 stars
An experience!
Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2026
Great book and such a smooth read. Hits hard in the beginning but it’s how the story is to be told. Highly recommend
5 out of 5 stars
A Modern Ernest Hemingway, Robert Stark is the Writer of Our Generation
Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2026
Just Like a Soldier is a hefty page-turner that packs a punch. It will make you laugh, cry, cheer, reflect, and find hope in another’s story. The book tells the difficult, often overlooked journey of a young soldier trying to find his way in the civilian world while dealing with guilt from war, addiction, purposelessness, and bad habits. The book ends on a positive note that rings the bell of the reader’s heart and keeps them rooting for the underdog.
5 out of 5 stars
Such a good read!
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2025
This book was SO good. Much like Warflower, I was able to learn about Robert and some deep roots in his life. I enjoyed reading this book more personally because it was him chasing a dream that I knew he would achieve one day. Robert is an amazing writer and I am already bugging him about his next book. Excited to see what story he chooses to tell next! Keep them coming!!! I’m buying and sharing every single one. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
5 out of 5 stars
This book sticks with you after the final page.
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2026
Robert Stark’s writing has a way of placing you right beside him as he navigates the very real challenges life can bring. While this is his memoir, I found it relatable and encouraging because of his honest reflection and the meaning he draws from his life experiences.
As a veteran, a father, and someone still searching for purpose, I would highly recommend this book.
5 out of 5 stars
Unexpectedly Powerful, Unforgettably Human
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2025
Randomly picked this book up in Moose Pass Alaska. It is powerfully raw and will be one I read many times more. Robert has a way of making memories real and the people he shares feel like old friends.
5 out of 5 stars
A truly inspirational book
Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2025
The Author Bob has a unique gift for describing the details of what has been an impressive, yet challenging and ongoing evolution from an aggressive soldier to an ambitious, compassionate husband and father. Bob shares stories from his adventures with intriguing insight into his mindset along the way on a path of self discovery and redemption that stems from both childhood and wartime trauma. Bob’s writing is relatable to anyone determined to persevere through challenges and find well deserved happiness!!
5 out of 5 stars
Great read!
Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2025
Robert Stark, the author of the NY Times best-selling book Warflower does it again with his sequel, Just Like a Soldier!
What a roller coaster of emotions I feel from reading this author. Every chapter I read with a dampness in my eyes because of the heartfelt, brave, self-reflection from this incredible author. He puts it all on paper and lets us ride along with him in his life journey, sharing the ups and downs of true life. He shows us the real-life struggle of a soldier returning from combat to battle PTSD and all of the troubles that come from war. The true bravery it takes to bare all and express himself is very admirable and easy to read and shows others that anything is possible with perseverance and a passion for life.
5 out of 5 stars
Robert writes from his Heart!
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2025
Wow!! Robert writes deep from inside his heart! His Memoir is such a great read of his young life to his present. Loved his book Warflower, so had to read his second book Just Like A Soldier. The book begins in Seward Alaska where I reside so I can relate to many names, and places….Deep Places in Robert’s life….He ran, fought, lost, and won! He achieved his set out goals with his farm in Happy Valley and married his bride! Remarkable story of his life he has shared in his book….
Madeline adams
5 out of 5 stars
Great read
Reviewed in Canada on January 9, 2026
Awesome read! Bought both of bob’s books (warflower) after finding him on YouTube and read both within days! He has an amazing story and so interesting to hear it in his own words and hear all the lessons he learned along the way! Love supporting small business’ and this book (both of his) are definitely worth the read!
5.0 out of 5 stars Cry, Laugh, Hope
Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2024
I cried for the first time ever while reading a book in the first section of this book! It was easy to feel the big emotions of fear; grief, and sorrow. But I was quickly turned from dwelling in the heaviness in the second section with serious Laugh Out Loud. All the wacky characters and the observation of others kept me entertained and wanting to be right there with them. The third section filled me with compassion for the many of us who suffer from mental health problems, reminding me of the impact on each person involved when a family is separated. But there is a beauty and hope that can be found if you just believe in the hearts of others.
Entertaining, real (raw), and hard to put down – I’d read it again
5.0 out of 5 stars This is a tale worth your time. I recommend reading it.
Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2026
Robert Stark is a good story teller who is bold enough to show what he is really thinking. It’s good to share and learn from his journey through life. He has invited us into his experience of life from Alaska, to alcohol, to Iraq, to the passing of his parents, to motorcycle journeys, story telling with other adventurers, to claiming and building a new life in Alaska with a family of his own. He presents a journey worth reading with a great voice. His personality comes through in every page. I also recommend reading his other book, Warflower.
Contact Robert Stark for any speaking, teaching, or book club engagements.
