"In this penetrating blend of memoir and reportage, Rodrick spends nearly two years with his father's former squadron, seeking a better understanding of the man he knew all too briefly." -- The New York Times Book Review

"Fascinating . . . . An exemplary piece of modern reportage." -- Tom Bissell, Harper's

"The Magical Stranger is one of the realest and best books I've read in the past several years." -- Ben Fountain, author of Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk

"The Magical Stranger is the true story of a boy chasing a ghost and stumbling into manhood. It is heartbreaking and funny, broken and hopeful, often on the same page." -- Judd Apatow

"Stephen Rodrick's The Magical Stranger illuminates the innate ties between fathers and sons in a fresh and fascinating way. . . . Rodrick's firsthand knowledge thoroughly transports the reader into the hearts and minds of U.S. servicemen and their families." -- Norman Ollestad, author of Crazy for the Storm

"Stephen Rodrick finds words for what I thought was inexpressible: the private language of a military family that experiences the worst kind of loss and finally creates a path forward. There's no more authentic account of a military family. Required reading for an America that is continually considering the cost of combat." -- Alison Buckholtz, author of Standing By

"Stephen Rodrick exhibits courage, Catch-22 comedic flair, and unfailing emotional grasp in telling this powerful and surprising story. Anyone who wants to understand the sacrifices made by military families should read this book." -- Lily Burana, author of I Love a Man in Uniform

"Stephen Rodrick's poignant tale blends memoir, reportage, and clean, crisp, unsentimental prose to produce a book that makes you think, even at times makes you laugh, but