The Guide
The Guide is my story, told straight. It runs from a dysfunctional childhood and a football field to the Gulf War, through the long fight with PTSD, and into a life of faith. As raw as I was about life before Christ, I was just as honest about life in Christ.
Carrying the guidon
In Marine boot camp, the platoon Honorman is called the Guide. He carries the guidon. I carried it, and I have come to see God as the Guide in my life.
Book details
- Title
- The Guide: Survival, Warfighting, Peacemaking
- Author
- Greg Munck
- Foreword
- Kenny Luck
- Publisher
- The Core Media Group, 2023
- Released
- May 9, 2023
- ISBN
- 9781950465767
- Literary agency
- WordServe Literary
Get your copy
Available in print, on Kindle, and as an Audible audiobook.
Listen to The Guide book playlist on Spotify or Apple Music.
Endorsements and Awards
“I remember when I first met Greg Munck and heard his amazing story of how he came to faith at our first Harvest Crusade. Here now, in his new book, “The Guide: A Story of Survival, Warfighting, and Peacemaking,” Greg tells of his amazing transformation from abuse to reconciliation, from football player to decorated combat Marine. This book is raw, and real. I know you will find hope in these pages as Greg reveals how God changed the trajectory of his life. I recommend it!”
“…Gregory has become an unstoppable force for good, helping to liberate the oppressed with the Message of Freedom. “The Guide” is an intense spiritual fight, good against evil. It’s a riveting message that gives anyone who is broken or hurting a sense of hope. It’s a must read!”
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“Operating from the depths of darkness in enemy territory, a Marine maneuvers through life’s ambushes. During this all-out assault, the Commander of the Universe, who holds all power and might in the palm of His hand, launches a quick reaction force to save one soul. From that moment on, Gregory Munck becomes one of God’s elite Spartans and dedicates his life and soul in the war against spiritual tyranny. Today, Gregory has become an unstoppable force for good, helping to liberate the oppressed with the Message of Freedom. “The Guide” is an intense spiritual fight, good against evil. It’s a riveting message that gives anyone who is broken or hurting a sense of hope. It’s a must read!”
“…The Guide is a wonderful kaleidoscope of unseen humanity that is rarely discussed but is universally felt. If your courage and your soul need reinforcement - and whose doesn’t- then dive into this story. The Guide is the story of all men who long for honor and significance but struggle in their quest to secure it…”
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“I have spent a lifetime in the trenches of men’s issues - hoping, praying, searching for an authentic voice that could say what I have personally experienced and felt deep down. In all that time, I have never encountered a story that fully resonated with me until I met Greg Munck and, as friends and brothers, began to do life and share our stories with each other. So much pain and yet so much purpose. So much valor and yet so many regrets. So much sin and so much grace. So patriotic and brave and yet so committed to one cause that transcends all others. The Guide is for every man - especially the ones who long for greatness but wonder if their character has the stuff to pull it off. The Guide is for every retired and active military man who lives in the tension of service to country and private struggle. The Guide is a wonderful kaleidoscope of unseen humanity that is rarely discussed but is universally felt. If your courage and your soul need reinforcement - and whose doesn’t- then dive into this story. The Guide is the story of all men who long for honor and significance but struggle in their quest to secure it. Let Greg be your new best friend as he is mine.”
“Greg Munck describes almost every area of his life in this real, raw book. I hope this book challenges you to look beyond temporary success and discover true satisfaction in Jesus Christ!”
Awards
Finalist, Military Non-Fiction, 18th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards
Finalist, 2024 Best Book Awards, Nonfiction: Inspirational and Religion: Christian Inspirational
Readers' Favorite five star review
Self-Publishing Review, four stars
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon
Reviews
“His transparency is deeply affecting…This memoir is a powerful collection of stories…In turns vulgar and moving… A former Marine’s revealing journey to faith.”
“Impressively well written and thoroughly ‘reader friendly’ in organization and presentation… a quality and unreservedly recommended pick…”
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“Impressively well written and thoroughly ‘reader friendly’ in organization and presentation, “The Guide: Survival, Warfighting, Peacemaking” is a quality and unreservedly recommended pick for personal and community library Contemporary American Biography and Self-Help/Self-Improvement collections.”
“…An inspirational memoir, The Guide is about enduring extremes and finding peace through faith.”
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“It imparts familiar, encouraging lessons, such as that one’s origins do not determine one’s destiny and that forgiveness is preferable to bitterness. Further, it seeks to show others that they are not alone in their struggles. An inspirational memoir, The Guide is about enduring extremes and finding peace through faith.”
“… is a well-written memoir, often compelling and sometimes genuinely touching…”
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“… is a well-written memoir, often compelling and sometimes genuinely touching. Munck’s wartime experiences certainly make for some remarkable reading. The author’s accounts of his rocky childhood are moving, too, told with disarming honesty.”
“An astute and unflinching look at military life through the eyes of a native son, this is an emotional and evocative account of survival and resilience…”
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“An astute and unflinching look at military life through the eyes of a native son, this is an emotional and evocative account of survival and resilience. The transition from youthful romance into an active war zone is a stark and hard-hitting core of this book - his observations about his fellow soldiers and commanders are insightful and honest. The authenticity in this memoir is immediate and unwavering, and Munck’s unusual journey through life is an inspiring tale that offers universal lessons for any reader.”
“…a heartwarming story of perseverance, determination, and faith by a man who seemingly had all the cards stacked against him in life but came out a winner.”
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“Survivor, Marine: One Man’s Incredible Journey to Inner Peace. This is a heartwarming story of perseverance, determination, and faith by a man who seemingly had all the cards stacked against him in life but came out a winner.”
Romuald Dzemo“A profoundly moving and inspiring memoir.”
Frank Mutuma“The Guide by Greg Munck is a must-read. I found Greg’s life to be nothing short of inspirational.”
K.C. Finn“A raw and honest account that effortlessly draws readers into his world.”
Bernadette Longu“One of the most inspirational books I have read in a long time.”
Pikasho Deka“Munck’s story both entertains and motivates, teaching us that we should never abandon hope. Highly recommended.”
More endorsements
“The Guide pours its heart and soul into every written word. It’s a nonstop, page turner. A confessional that apologizes to no one, not even G-d…”
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“The Guide pours its heart and soul into every written word. It’s a nonstop, page turner. A confessional that apologizes to no one, not even G-d. The Guide is today’s Bible. It’s human. Undressed. Full of important life lessons. It reminds us how simple 10 commandments can be, but so difficult to live by. It’s all a matter of choice. I chose to read The Guide. I feel like a better person. I feel like I live in a better world. The rest is up to us.”
“Rarely is there a book that captivates the sense of redemption as illuminating as The Guide. Greg Munck bravely takes the reader on battle tested journey of self-discovery. His anecdotes are not only heartbreaking but hilarious…”
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“Rarely is there a book that captivates the sense of redemption as illuminating as The Guide. Greg Munck bravely takes the reader on battle tested journey of self-discovery. His anecdotes are not only heartbreaking but hilarious. Greg manages to weave in the fabric of humor in these horrific stories in such a way that the reader can’t help to not only root for him but learn from him. Don’t get me wrong this is not a self-help book nor a Christian salvation book. This is a raw depiction of one man’s quest for a better life. He shares his successes and failures with great aplomb. So often in life we get stuck in a cycle of despair. The Guide probes the psychological struggles we all have with our childhoods and introduces us to the possibilities that these struggles may just be what paves the way for our success in life both mentally and spiritually. What is so striking about The Guide is its depth and honesty. Greg invites each of us to explore our own inner demons while learning about his challenges. In the locker room of life, the reader feels like a player and the football coach is Coach Munck. He is motivating each player to rise up and fight on through the setbacks and encourages a never give up mentality. I promise after reading this book the reader will feel like he can break on through to other side and defeat any challenger that comes their way.”
“Let me get straight to the point here - The Guide is a remarkable book. Filled with honest emotions, patriotism, passion, scary war stories, some R-rated experiences, and humor…”
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“Let me get straight to the point here - The Guide is a remarkable book. Filled with honest emotions, patriotism, passion, scary war stories, some R-rated experiences, and humor, it takes you on an intricate journey into Greg’s life, and more importantly, how God redeemed and used every part of it to bring glory to Jesus and lead many people to the foot of the Cross. Get it…and read until the very last page. You’ll be glad you did.”
“…What Wild at Heart did for men and boys a generation ago, The Guide will do for men and boys today… Whoever you are, you’ll find hope here…”
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“An article about the plight of today’s men recently made waves. The quote that stuck the most read, “America’s boys are broken. And it’s killing us.” Men are hurting. And hurting men tend to hurt everything around them. We need men who understand men to show us the path out of darkness into the light. What Wild at Heart did for men and boys a generation ago, The Guide will do for men and boys today. You may be the man who desperately longs to learn whether there’s anyone else like you. You may be the lady who needs to understand the man you love. Or you may be the parent trying to help the boy you’re raising. Whoever you are, you’ll find hope here. Greg has done what so few of us do—vulnerably and yet powerfully invite the world to see what’s going on inside every man. The prose will win you over as stories of triumph and defeat, courage and fear, whimsy and seriousness, pride and shame deliver what this book promises to do—guide us onward through the journey of life. Read this book!”
“…The stories in this book will inspire you, bring you to tears, and have you laughing until your sides ache. Greg’s story is raw, real, and a testimony to the love and power of Jesus Christ…”
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“I have known Greg for over 20 years, working together in Men’s Ministry and starting and pastoring Crossline Church. Greg is a man’s man with a heart of gold. I heartily recommend Greg’s breakthrough book, “The Guide.” The stories in this book will inspire you, bring you to tears, and have you laughing until your sides ache. Greg’s story is raw, real, and a testimony to the love and power of Jesus Christ. “The Guide” will be the most inspirational book you have ever read. To paraphrase the Rock from the movie, “The Rundown,” option A read the book or option B, I will make you read the book!”
“…I have been listening to Greg tell “stories” since I met him. He has provided a perfectly transparent glimpse into life-changing moments, that most people would never reveal…”
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“I met Greg nearly 20 years ago while searching for a church home and place to rally with other Christian men. With me being a police officer and him being a former marine, we quickly became friends. Greg has been a great friend and mentor to me. He inspired me to be a men’s pastor and eventually go into full time ministry, after I retire from law enforcement. I have been listening to Greg tell “stories” since I met him. He has provided a perfectly transparent glimpse into life-changing moments, that most people would never reveal. I have laughed and cried, but over all his stories have inspired me. Greg’s book, “The Guide” will allow for others to benefit from Greg’s stories of his love for God, his family and his country.”
“His passion for people and Christ is contagious. He truly loves people, life, and making a difference. His story truly inspires.”
Bring the story to your event
I tell these stories live for business teams, churches, men's events, military and veteran gatherings.