Full Measures

Full Measures explores the social world of modern American military families, a culture defined by frequent relocation, prolonged deployments, and the constant threat of loss. According to the 2021 Military Family Lifestyle Survey from Blue Star Families, a nonprofit support organization, 45% of active-duty family respondents did not feel a sense of belonging to their local civilian community, highlighting the isolation that can foster tight-knit bonds within the military itself (Blue Star Families 2021 Military Family Lifestyle Survey, 2021, Executive Summary, p. 13. March 2022). This dynamic is central to the novel, which depicts an immediate and organized community response to tragedy. When the Howard family receives the news of Justin’s death, a “care team” from his unit arrives armed with “sympathetic eyes and casserole schedules” (7), a detail that reflects the real-world support systems, known as Family Readiness Groups, a network of support services that the Department of Defense provides to help families stay resilient and connected to resources since change and loss are part of military life.

Yarros draws directly on her lived experience to create this authentic portrayal. Yarros is part of a multiple-generation Army family and is a military spouse, so she has an intimate understanding of this culture.