Written by James W. Blinn - Audio book performed by Dorian Harewood - 2 CASSETTES - 3 hours

Publisher, Time Warner Audiobooks (1997)

Here is a dark comedy about one man's psychological preparation for the Persian Gulf War. Aardvark, nicknamed after the gas mask he and all combatants wear, is a tactical jet crewman aboard an aircraft headed toward combat in the Persian Gulf. In blistering first person narration, Aardvark recounts the days before he is called to combat and the carrier's progress toward its destination. But this is no World War II movie of heroics and camaraderie. The modern war happens on screen-everyone on ship is riveted to CNN-and Aardvark tries to keep a screen between himself and reality at all times. His video camera in hand, he narrates the voice-over of his shipboard experience-rule-bound officers, muscle head bunkmates, porn entrepreneurs--experiences Aardvark views with a sort of lunatic prurience. Two bizarre shore leaves leave the Aardvark increasingly alienated from his shipmates and the civilian world and as the ship nears its destination he is forced to face his growing fears and sense of unreality.

Dark, lurid, and sometimes deeply unsettling, The Aardvark is Ready for War retains a fierce humor that carries through to a picture-perfect finale.

About the Performer: DORIAN HAREWOOD's numerous stage, television and film experiences include PACIFIC HEIGHTS and FULL METAL JACKET on the big screen; multiple episode roles in such television shows as SEVENTH HEAVEN, I'LL FLY AWAY, CHINA BEACH; and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR on Broadway.