By	Robin J. Lange "dryad57" (Indianapolis, IN) - See all my reviews

When presented with a book that doesn't weigh 15# some people may think "Oh, short book, not much to it" - in this instance they would not only be wrong, but they would be doing themselves a monstrous disservice by not reading it. It is set in a place and time that many US citizens are uncomfortable with and would rather forget - but presented in such a way that it is not a political statement, nor does it slide into any political arenas. It's a vivid and unforgettable story of what it was like to BE there, day to day, and deals with issues that would stop "civvies" dead in their tracks - but which the protagonists handle as smooth as butter on a regular basis. The strength and dedication of the troops (both those who were there because they chose to be, and those who were chosen by their country) comes through clearly. Even if some of them did not come home to us alive, their dedication is still clear.


Regardless of your personal or political views of Vietnam, put them aside and read this book. It is not about Vietnam, but without that setting the story would be impossible.


At times wrenching for what happened not only to our troops, but to the residents of that country as well as the protagonists, it also has moments that will make you laugh out loud regardless of where you might be, and will draw tears to your eyes for more than one reason. The only thing that surprised me was at the end of the book the author indicates how much time has truly elapsed, and it was much longer than I had anticipated. If only the author would have made the book longer - reaching the end and realizing I would not be able to read more of his experiences truly made me sad - it was like walking away from any good book regardless of length - these people are real and you are almost compelled to find out how things proceeded for them. I am known amongst friends and family for being a blisteringly-fast reader, so I expected I would be able to finish the book in one day. I did NOT expect that I would read it as slowly as I did, consuming every story and chapter like it was a fine bottle of wine - tastes so good you don't want to rush through it.