When the movie “Hacksaw Ridge” was released in recent weeks, audiences could receive an accompanying book.

The movie and book tell the true story of Desmond Doss, a young man who entered World War II but refused to carry a gun. During training, he was harassed and called a coward for his conviction not to kill but his insistence to serve. 

In the bloody battle of Okinawa, the unarmed Doss carried more than 70 injured American soldiers, one by one, to safety.

He became the only conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor.

The book available to movie-goers is an abridged version of the authorized biography of Doss. It is a compelling read whether or not the reader has seen the movie directed by Mel Gibson and starring actor Andrew Garfield as Doss.

The film seeks an accurate depiction of the gore and violence of Okinawa. The book is descriptive but may be more appropriate for younger people and people who cannot stomach the visual violence.

The Desmond Doss story is an exceptional one. The inclusion of the book with early tickets was an added boon.