The book trailer for “To Be a Rose” by E.B Mason (Anne Bowen) has just been released, which brings to life a breathtaking memoir rooted in war, illness, and redemption. Through vivid visuals and powerful narration, viewers are introduced to Mason’s unforgettable journey—from the chaos of Afghanistan to the haunting clarity of a coma-induced dream state. This is not just a story of survival; it’s a reflection on the human spirit’s resilience and our capacity to bloom, even through pain.
To Be a Rose chronicles E.B. Mason’s experience as a U.S. defense contractor stationed in Afghanistan, where an unexpected and life-threatening illness launches him into a coma—and into a surreal world of memory and subconscious revelation. Alternating between lucid recollections of military life, dreamlike travels, and deeply personal introspections, Mason paints a memoir that is both harrowing and hopeful.
Through prose that is at once raw and poetic, Mason uses the metaphor of the rose—thorns and all—to reflect on life’s suffering and beauty. His brush with death becomes a canvas for storytelling, humor, and healing. Readers are guided through desert roads, NATO bases, rose gardens, and inner landscapes where life’s purpose slowly unfolds. This memoir stands as a tribute not only to the author’s life but to the thousands who serve, suffer, and still choose to grow.
E.B. Mason was a decorated U.S. Air Force officer, international logistics expert, and later a defense contractor who served in conflict zones like the Balkans, Turkey, and Afghanistan. To Be a Rose was written after his illness and during his retirement, as he reflected on a life lived fully in service, in adventure, and in resilience.
Although Mason passed away in 2011, his work lives on through the loving curation of his wife, Anne Bowen. Together, they transformed his vivid journal entries and reflections into a memoir that transcends genre and speaks to the soul. The symbolism of the rose—present in both Mason’s memories and gardens—serves as a living metaphor for his journey.
It is a powerful and evocative novel that explores the complexities of self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of identity. Through a beautifully crafted narrative, Mason takes readers on an emotional journey, following a protagonist who must navigate life’s unexpected challenges while seeking personal growth and fulfillment.
Recently, “To Be a Rose” by E. B. Mason (Anne Bowen) was showcased at the 2025 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference & Exhibition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 2025 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition, held from June 26–30 in Philadelphia, was a powerful, high-energy gathering of over 14,000 librarians, educators, authors, and exhibitors from around the world. Taking place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the event pulsed with a sense of urgency and purpose.
“To Be a Rose” teaches readers that personal growth is a journey, not a destination. Finding oneself is not about reaching a single moment of clarity but rather about embracing the journey of growth and self-awareness. Just as a rose blooms despite the thorns, true beauty lies in resilience, courage, and authenticity.
Watch the official trailer for To Be a Rose and step into a memoir unlike any other. Let Mason’s journey awaken your own reflections, your gratitude, and your will to bloom.