Having spent two years in the Army I really enjoyed Dr. Edward Ritvo’s latest book, “Drafted and Shafted: Memoirs of an Army Psychiatrist.”

Although I was not in the Army Medical Corps, the stories of military life Dr. Ritvo shares in “Drafted and Shafted” are authentic and are springboards to lots of personal memories, some good and some not so good. As a draftee, I also can identify with the perspective of this book.

After being drafted and shafted, Dr. Ritvo returned to civilian life and set up a private practice as a psychiatrist. He became a leading national expert on autism and has written a book and several articles on autism. About a year ago Dr. Ritvo wrote a children’s book called “Sleep Time Stories: The Adventures of Pee Wee.”

Born in Boston, Ritvo had never been west of New England, when he was drafted during the Korean War and shipped off to serve at the Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, TX, to serve as an Army psychiatrist.

Although he served as a captain in the medical corps, Ritvo’s experiences as in the Army is very similar to any other draftee uprooted from the comfort of home to serve two years in military life. Veterans will identify with the tales told in Drafted and Shafted and will laugh along with the author about his funny experiences. But non-veterans also will appreciate the humor, warmth, and moving stories Dr. Ritvo shares in his latest book.

Some of the chapters all readers will enjoy include: “Making Chicken Soup, Maybe,” “Eight Air Force Generals Can’t be Wrong,” “One Quickie Discharge, Coming Right Up,” “Fun With The MPs,” and “That Old Fart Couldn’t Sell Shit To A Manure Factory.”

“Drafted and Shafted” is a fun, enjoyable read for anyone but especially is recommended for anyone, draftee or enlistee, who has served in the Armed Forces.