The #1 Amazon Bestseller!
A provocative tale of war, adventure, courage, and camaraderie.
A one-of-a-kind true story about life in rural Alaska.
Bob Stark had no plans after high school. With his brother locked away in the only maximum-security prison in Alaska, his mom working overtime at the local grocery store, and his bad habits getting worse, he saw no hope for the future. Until the Army recruiter came to school offering an escape. Bob envisioned romantic adventures in Italy, life-saving missions in Africa, and friendships built on tough times – he wanted to be an honorable, dependable, and brave man – all of the things he was not. He signed the papers, and five days after graduation was sent out.
After basic training and airborne school, Bob is stationed in Italy where his eighteen-year-old dreams of travel and romance are cut short when his unit is ordered to parachute into Northern Iraq. He spends the next year in Iraq learning more than he could have ever imagined.
Four and a half years later, after two deployments and a long list of life lessons, Bob leaves Fort Campbell, Kentucky on a road trip west with the hopes of falling in love with the country he fought for. Along the way, he reunites with family and friends – from his happy-go-lucky mother in Arizona who talks to her incarcerated husband on the phone whenever she is not at work, to his foul-mouthed grandmother in Idaho who wears one glove and drinks beer with ice all day long, until finally reuniting with his high school sweetheart in Las Vegas – Bob begins a new chapter of self-discovery and acceptance that just may allow him to be the man he always wanted to be. Warflower is a coming-of-age story about family traditions, brotherhood, and one boy’s journey into manhood without a father to teach him.
Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars A book you won’t forget.
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2023
I don’t have words. I’m 86 years old. This book is among the most memorable and emotional books I have read. It comes up in many ways in my thoughts every day. Thank you for sharing your life.
1.0 out of 5 stars Highly disappointed in the, almost pornographic nature of this autobiography
Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2026
This is a “real life” autobiography; however, the reader should be warned that from almost the first page the book is laced with filthy, vulgar, gutter language. The dirty language actually takes away from the back story to the point that i found myself just looking for the next filthy words at the expense of seeing if there was an actual point.
5 out of 5 stars
Honest and Healing
Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2025
I stumbled on Robert Stark and Warflower last week. As a fellow combat Airborne Infantryman, I have a similar philosophy on his take on war and healing. I don’t like to think about it often, but he tells his story so well, it made me think of some of my own experiences. I’m happy to have researched more about Bob via the podcasts he was on with Andy Stumpf and hear that he is doing well and is on a positive trajectory with a happy family. Keep going Bob! You’re an excellent writer and storyteller. You are impacting the lives of others.
5.0 out of 5 stars READ NOW
Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2026
Warflower is an amazing and powerful self-help book. Rob professionally describes his time during the 173rd Airborne BCT, 101st ABN DIV, and getting out of the Army. It’s inspiring, it’s eye-opening, and motivating for any soon-to-be vet.
5 out of 5 stars
Great read, highly recommend
Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2026
YouTube brought me to this book and I’m thankfull
Such a great read! Almost finished it in on sitting.
Jesse Labenski
5 out of 5 stars
Bob describes a lot of tough topics with incredible honesty and perspective.
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2022
I just finished this book. 📕
Honestly, I couldn’t put it down.
Robert Stark is a fantastic writer. It must have taken incredible amounts of thought and reflection- as well as courage.
In high school, our circles barely touched, although our town was small. We both had family in Spring Creek Correctional Facility. We both looked across Resurrection Bay toward the prison lights and thought about our loved ones. We both went in and out of those locking doors and our families dealt with the greedy Evercom phone system. We both had strong and loving mothers. We both tried to make sense of it.
Spoiler alert: This story has a happy ending. Although I know the struggle is real and healing will be something to strive towards our entire lives. ❤️🩹
5 out of 5 stars
Truly Evoked All Emotions Possible
Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2022
This book was everything and evoked every emotion. I found myself sad when reading the parts of a little boy hopeful, sad when reading about a young man not feeling worthy enough, and sad when he returned and felt lost but hopeful. I found myself cheering for the author when he stood up for himself. I cried when teased with the future. And in the end, I found myself so ready to read what was to come in his life. The book ended and I felt that emptiness you only get when reading a wonderful story where you know there is more to come, but the pages slowly get less and less between your fingers before ending. Bob better write the next book of his life–good or bad, happy or sad, because as readers, we are all invested now. I cannot wait to see where Bob’s literary career takes him!
5 out of 5 stars
A mix of family issues and the strife of war
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2025
I’m beyond 70 years; I know about Vietnam vets but I wonder about Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. I have experience with a WWII vet as a father. This book answered some of my need for knowledge and it helped me continue to work through the trauma of my youth. I think this edit from Robert’s (Bob’s) journals is a real life look into the love and troubled life within a dysfunctional family and a serious look at war and its veterans is well worth a read.
Thanks Robert Stark for a glimpse into your past. Readers! Don’t skip the epilogue.
5 out of 5 stars
Gripping & Insightful
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2022
This book gripped me from the first page and I couldn’t put it down. Bob Stark has a natural sense of pacing and timing, along with an understated gift for descriptive writing. Without drawing attention to his craft, he has created some of the most vivid experiences I have ever formulated while reading.
Bob’s enlightened perspective and honesty, give even the most depressing sections of the book an overall feeling of optimism for the future.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A triumph of the spirit
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2023
I’ve ever only read a few memoirs. Most of them have been from famous but people whose stories most of us are at least vaguely familiar with. In Bob’s story I found that universal struggle within all of us. To find meaning; to find purpose; to find something that matters and nourishes the soul. Warflower was cathartic to read, not only because I, too, am Alaskan, but because I’ve also struggled with substance abuse as well as mental health issues all my life. For anyone unsure as the whether or not this is the book for you, if you’re not sure where you belong right now, just buy it. Buy it, read it, and then thank Bob and whatever way you see fit, because he’s given us such a gift in his story.
5.0 out of 5 stars The best!!!!
Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2022
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I just finished this book!!!!!!! Words cannot explain the high I have been feeling since I finished reading Stark’s story. I have only ever read a handful of books. Finding an author’s voice to suck me in is next to impossible. Robert Stark did just that! I was glued from the first page to the last! My entire busy, crazy world completely melted away and I never wanted the story to end. It was the best 2 days I have spent with myself in a long, long time. Robert Stark is an author that deserves recognition beyond my Amazon review. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be on the receiving end of Robert’s story! I highly recommend you buy this book and share it with everyone you know.
5.0 out of 5 stars Raw and honest
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2024
Warflower is raw and honest; getting the point across by describing actions and words said, assuming the reader is smart enough to get the deeper meaning. I appreciate that. I almost quit the book on the first page, it being so far from my own life experience. But I persisted and grew to love his writing. I am thankful his heart carried him to where he is today.
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful read
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2024
This book gives hope and encouragement to those struggling with PTSD in all aspects of life. It is proof that you have two options in life: 1) you can sit and blame your past and circumstances as to why you will never be happy or 2) you can fight for yourself and make sure your future doesn’t repeat your past.
5.0 out of 5 stars Cover to Cover in a day!
Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2022
I wasn’t planning on starting this book yesterday. I certainly wasn’t expecting to finish it before bedtime! I found myself carried along on the waves or loss and horror, love and hope. This is more than a coming-of-age story, it’s the story of a man coming into himself. Honest, poignant and unflinching, the author shares his struggle between the man he was, the man he could have been and the man he chose to be. Be prepared for a heart-wrench and a laugh along the way.
5.0 out of 5 stars What a life!
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2023
I can’t tell you how moved I was by this story. It is raw and unvarnished. Everyone should read this to remind us that everyone has a story and everyone deserves our compassion. We are all on this journey of life together so be kind to each other, we are all hiding scars.
Thank you Bob for sharing your story.
5.0 out of 5 stars A lifetime of struggles leads to overcoming all obstacles
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2022
I finished Bob Stark’s Warflower. It was so surreal to know Bob and then to read of his life story. I just thought he was a cool hippie with a nice smile, little did I know the shoes that he has walked in. Wow. Thank you Bob for sharing your story, I have a greater appreciation for all that have served in the military. I look forward to reading about Happy Valley one day.
5.0 out of 5 stars A compelling story of the life of a man.
Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2022
As I read this book, I was fascinated. As readers, we travel with Bob through some of his childhood, through his time as an Army Airborne infantryman, and then through his trauma of returning to life in the United States. I have not had any experience with men returning from war and I am thankful for getting a unique one person view.
5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read!
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2023
I could not put this book down. Thank you Bob for sharing your story. It opened my eyes to everything our service personnel go through and the depth of dedication, and willingness to give so much for our country.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2023
Bob did not hold back his feelings about the war and how it effected him. It was refreshing to read a different perspective and see him come out living his dream. Thinks Bob.
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding read.
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2023
Highly recommend this book. The author is forthright and honest in dealing with emotions and feelings about his life experiences.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Life Story
Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2022
Loved the book. Beautifully written. Would reccomend this to anyone. I’ve always loved the troops in the military and it portrays the inner thoughts while in war. Thanks for the great read Mr. Stark.
5.0 out of 5 stars An incredible tale
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2022
Such an amazing story about an amazing soul. This book gave me solid laughs, made me cry every few chapters, and had me hiding out at work so I could keep reading.
5.0 out of 5 stars An inward look at what it means to be a soldier; a man; a human.
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2022
A fantastically easy read. Hard to put down. Stark has crafted an intimate view into the journey of a boy becoming a man in yet another seemingly endless American war.
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2024
Incredible story telling and perspective
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful story of resilience
Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2022
What an amazing story. It’s sad, funny, exciting, heartfelt, introspective, and revealing. A great first book and I can’t wait to read what he writes next.
5.0 out of 5 stars This book, just get it
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2024
This is an excellent book
5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn’t put it down!
Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2022
Beautifully written! It was interesting, thought provoking and a deeply personal recollection of your truly incredible life.
5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful Moving Story
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2022
I read this book both on my eReader and again in paperback. This is an unsolicited review.
Robert Stark’s book is the best book I’ve read so far this year. While I don’t typically read autobiographies or biographies in general, I have read quite a number over the years and this one makes a mark on my soul. Being raised not too terribly far from where I did in rural Alaska, I was immediately intrigued. It was a random chance meeting in a small local shop where I met the author face to face and we spent quite a bit of time talking and I was instantly drawn to his story, which was, as it happened, was to release the very next day.
The next morning I purchased the ebook version and read about halfway through, but as I always feel like reading from paper is better, it seemed an injustice to read it in the cold screen. I went out and bought the physical copy. To be honest, I read it in two sittings because I didn’t want to stop reading.
He begins quickly covering his early life but the main gist covers about five years of his life shortly before joining the military and touring in Iraq in the early 2000’s. Growing up in Alaska myself, I identified with him regarding rural living and rampant alcoholism which is very widespread in the state. His descriptions of Iraq and war were hard. Hard because he’s one of thousands of men (and now women) who have fought in the name of human rights or power struggles or personal freedom or justice. The inner turmoil soldiers deal with on a daily basis is hard to read. Not only during times of war and service but then long after, the memories, horrors, realities, and guilt which inundate daily life, sometimes unexpectedly.
Stark struggles with his emotions, injustice, alcoholism, anxiety, depression, feelings of abandonment and self-worth. Even through all this, he writes in such an approachable way that, even though the subject matter isn’t always the easiest, his kind heart and strength of spirit flow and it feels GOOD to read it. It’s a story which needs to be told and read and remembered. It’s also one I hope he continues.
I come away from the book humbled and with a pride for him. To be able to really dig deep into himself and have that willingness to be vulnerable before us the readers, strangers. To say, in the midst of hard, hard realities, there can still be moments of quiet and beauty. There is still redemption. There is meaning and worth and love… even when it doesn’t look the way we expected or wanted it to look. I appreciate his sharing of seemingly random or chance meetings who he sees one time and never again and yet he can share the impact. It reminds me that small moments can mean so much more than we might ever know. A smile to a stranger. Saying hello. Being present.
To say I enjoyed this book is an understatement. I cherished reading this. What an honor to read this story. I give this 5/5 stars. Great writing, perfect length. The cover and title work really well for the story and the interior formatting and added photos were a nice added bonus. Highly recommended to those who enjoy autobiographical stories, personal war remembrances, or novels about personal tragedy and growth.
5.0 out of 5 stars Brave accounting of life
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2023
I loved this book! This brave insight into the mind of an American Man, and his harrowing journey through life as he searches for meaning to it all is insightful, beautiful, and emotional. Mr. Stark bares all and gives all in his story. His writing style is so easy to read, so unforced and succinct. He paints quite a picture for the reader. It was a pleasure to read this book and to get to know the author in a way you would never have before reading his story.
This book gives you insight into the mind of a soldier in battle, before a war, during a war, and after. The fears, the joys, the love, the hate, and every emotion in between. This book gives it all and is a rollercoaster of emotion and thought. I tip my hat to the author for being so raw and transferring that emotion through his words. The American soldier is such an underappreciated class and I hope this brave book can incite many other soldiers to tell their stories so we can further appreciate these brave men and women.
I look forward to reading more from Bob and can’t wait to hear more about his epic journey through life. What a first book by this up-and-coming author!
5.0 out of 5 stars A Moving Memoir of an American Soldier
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2023
This well-written memoir of an American soldier was a beautiful breath of fresh air. While auto biographies are not my typical go-to in literature, I was pleasantly surprised by the way Stark wrote. His words were raw, real and vulnerable in a way that is so rare today. As an Army veteran myself, many of his memories resonated with my own, while others were tragically eye-opening. I laughed. I cried. I prayed. I was angry. I was reminiscent of comradre that I’ve only found in the military culture that formed me into the woman I am today. Stark wrote, “I did not realize how much I appreciated the flowers until being without them…” Warflower beautifully depicts the heart-ache, pride, home life, tragedy, psyche and uncertainty that encapsulates many of our service member’s stories. A brilliant must-read for anyone wanting to love, support and better understand our military men and women.
5.0 out of 5 stars Share This Story With a Loved One
Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2024
My grandfather has been in hospice care for about 3 months now. I come to visit him once a week and read a few chapters at a time. We are about halfway through Warflower and we both absolutely love it. My grandfather was in the reserves and never saw battle but is completely fascinated with this story and Bob’s childhood. He is dealing with leukemia but it doesn’t seem like he has any ailment at all when we are reading Warflower. It is such a gift to be able to share this story with him and watch him get better in such a short time. I have to believe the two are related. Thank you for such a blessing of a book!
5.0 out of 5 stars A truly honest telling of a difficult and amazing story
Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2023
Bob shares a heart wrenching honest story of his life and struggles. What an amazing way to help others as he finds hope for himself. Life is hard and Bob shows the resiliency that he has had as he struggles through heartache, disappointment in himself and others, as well as hope for the future. I have known many people that have served our country with all that they are and am so very appreciative of their sacrifice. Thank you for being so open with us and thank you for sharing your life with your readers.
5.0 out of 5 stars You Won’t Want to Put This Book Down…It’s That Good
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2024
I purchased this book earlier today and I can’t put it down….I’ve been reading it non-stop. The author writes in a way that makes you feel like you’re right there in Iraq with him and his fellow soldiers. Interspersed in the Iraq stories are stories about the author’s past that are written in such a thoughtful, mindful, and insightful way. I’m enjoying this book so much and will recommend it to my friends and family.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Deconstruction
Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2022
Unflinching and intimate, Warflower is as much a philosophical journey as a memoir, a journey that ends not at a destination but with wiser questions. Stark gives no quarter to the self-indulgence that typifies much of the work of this genre, laying bare the truths about himself and his experiences as he encountered them, undressed with poetry or excuses. Don’t be deceived, though: this is a work of art, not a recounting of facts, and as such, Stark’s language harnesses all the best of literary skill, at once sweeping the reader along and bringing her over and over again to a standstill. Warflower is stunning and sobering, ugly and enlightening, and will leave the reader more than eager for the next book from this author. Recommended for thinkers and explorers of all sorts.
5.0 out of 5 stars Touching story wrote by a natural author
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2023
I literally read the last half of this book in one sitting on an airplane. I am not a “reader” but Bob made it easy to keep my attention. So many different levels of life that he covers and somehow makes it all work into one big story. Waiting for his next release hopefully soon in his future. Highly recommend this story.
5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn’t put it down
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2022
Stark says his memoir is not a hero’s tale and he doesn’t seek accolades but it’s impossible not to love and admire him after all he’s experienced and borne witness too. It’s unadorned and wholly authentic writing with a voice that I couldn’t look away from. He doesn’t shy away from the vulnerable and messy parts of being human and still manages to convey a sense of love and hope to the reader. I couldn’t put it down until it was done and I am grateful for the author’s willingness to share himself with us. This book is a gift.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book! Well written!
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2024
Vivid story of a young man and his journeys. A real page turner. Easy to read and get sucked into. I’m excited for book number two!
5.0 out of 5 stars Stellar read
Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2023
This book can change lives. The story is a warrior’s tale about reinterring society and dysfunctional families. Moving and real. Beautiful descriptions of emotions and struggles. This is the best book I have read this year!
5.0 out of 5 stars Heartfelt and gripping!
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2022
I loved this telling story of a young man’s unique journey through some harrowing experiences and incredible hardships. He easily makes you feel captivated at every turn of the page. I literally couldn’t put it down, and the one time I did, my daughter picked it up and read the entire thing in one sitting. This book is emotional, engaging, and thoroughly a delight from start to finish. Highly recommend!!
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing read
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2024
Couldn’t put it down once I started!
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolute Must-Read!!!
Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2023
I have a hard time finishing books – but I read this book front to back in a few days! Very eye opening and inspiring stories!
5.0 out of 5 stars READ THIS BOOK
Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2023
Absolutely amazing! Robert Stark is an incredible storyteller with a captivating style that keeps you interested start to finish. Highly recommend everyone to read this book!!!!
5.0 out of 5 stars Moving
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2022
Reading through this book touched me in so many soft places. To turn each page was to learn more about humans, the mysteries of life, and hope – fulfilled or unfulfilled. I feel more connected to myself and grateful for myself because you can almost feel what it’s like to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.
5.0 out of 5 stars Warflower is Raw Truth Refined by by Good Writing
Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2026
Warflower is an excellent read. Robert Stark is obviously someone who tells the truth and says what he is thinking. I can relate to him well. His writing flows easily. His voice carries through very clearly in his writing. You can get a good sense of his personality. His ability to tell a story kept me interested. His experiences are worth telling. I recommend Warflower. I’m keeping to to read again when I’m ready.
Contact Robert Stark for any speaking, teaching, or book club engagements.
