Jack McLean was not the average Vietnam grunt. Raised in suburban New Jersey, he attended the esteemed Phillips Andover Academy alongside George W....
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Jun 02, 2009
Sheila
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An very well written look at the Vietnam war through the eyes on one young Marine. I was born in the late 1960's, so was just a baby and toddler during Vietnam, but I have always been interested in this time period and in this war. Mr. McLean's book gives an insider's look at one part of this war, and shows with honesty what life was like before, during and after this time. All of our veteran's from Vietnam deserve our honor and respect, something they were not given when they returned home y
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Jul 28, 2011
I have the privilege of being a member of a book club led by the author. What is unique about Jack's memoir is that it's as much a chronicle of the times and places of his journey as it is about his own experiences. The story begins by jumping ahead to the climactic battle that gives the book its title, only to rewind the clock for the purpose of pacing us through the formative Andover days, the crucible of basic training, and the horrors of Vietnam. Infused with humor, it's a war memoir that st
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Sep 16, 2009
Luke
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I really enjoyed Loon. It's a pretty typical memoir, told from the eyes of Jack McLean who was the first Vietnam veteran to attend Harvard after serving in Vietnam. It's a very well written book. It doesn't dwell on anything too long and does a great job of mixing informative back-story with compelling firsthand narrative. Many times, memoirs get bogged down in one area of the author's history that he really wants to explore, and consequentially the entirety of his reading audience is forced
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May 13, 2011
Jason
rated it: 
Jack McLean's Vietnam memoir looks at his tour as a Marine at the height of the America's involvement in the war. The book is from a fairly unique perspective; McLean enlisted after prep school, taking a route that most of his classmates avoided.
McLean splits his time between introspection and full-on machismo. The former lends some poignant moments to the narrative, especially near the end, as he looks back at the emotional wounds. The latter — which pops up mostly when McLean writ More...
McLean splits his time between introspection and full-on machismo. The former lends some poignant moments to the narrative, especially near the end, as he looks back at the emotional wounds. The latter — which pops up mostly when McLean writ More...
Oct 14, 2011
Timothy
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This is one of those books you can't put down once you start reading it. It is the moving and beautifully written true story of a young man who spent a year in Vietnam in 1968 and was forever changed by the experience. Jack McLean buried his time in the USMC in the back of his mind for more than thirty years before he was able to put pen to paper. Based on his recollections and on the many letters he wrote to his family, this story is as raw and fresh as if he had written it as soon as he ret
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Aug 03, 2010
Kwoomac
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I thought I would like thias book more. true story of a boy (18 yrs old) who enlisted in the marine corps after highschool rather than enroll in college. Unusual choice since he went to Phillips Andover (same year as "W") I liked the whole bootcamp experience but his descriptions of being in-country were harder to follow. Also, having read Chickenhawk prior to this, I expected more. What was interesting was comparing this author's life with Chickenhawk author's life after Vietnam.
Feb 07, 2011
Walter
rated it:
It covers McLean's 2 years in the Marines (1 year in Vietnam), as well as a smattering about his schooling prior (Andover) and his entering Harvard after.
The writing style isn't bad - it communicates his experiences well. Given the hints he drops about how it carried this history with him form any years, I expected some coverage of that, or some reflection on the experience beyond some hints of why it may have been not a great war for the US to have jumped into. Although perhaps this i More...
The writing style isn't bad - it communicates his experiences well. Given the hints he drops about how it carried this history with him form any years, I expected some coverage of that, or some reflection on the experience beyond some hints of why it may have been not a great war for the US to have jumped into. Although perhaps this i More...
Oct 01, 2009
Su
rated it:
I was fortunate to receive this book as a "first reads" and probably would not have picked this off the bookshelf.After finishing this book, I find myself wanting to discuss what the author so eloquently writes in the last chapter.I was old enough to know what the news told me about Viet Nam, but not really engaged in what was going on in 1968. Jack McLean's account of his experiences are heartfelt and gripping. Although his descrption of the battle at LZ Loon are realistically sicken
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Sep 13, 2011
Andy
rated it:
An intimate look into the Vietnam war experience of this atypical Marine. Jack McLean was unlike many of his fellow soldiers in that he had a privileged upbringing and was on-track to attend college (in fact attending Harvard after his service). It describes his background, training and pivots around the battle for LZ Loon (1968)where two companies fought a much larger force.
May 17, 2010
Pat
rated it:
As a former Combat Veteran with the United States Marine Corps (Vietnam 1966-1967) as a machine gunner in the Infantry, I highly recommend this book! In Marine Corps talk, It is OUTSTANDING!
Semper Fi Jack McLean!!
Pat Dugan USMC (Ret.)
0331 Infantry
Semper Fi Jack McLean!!
Pat Dugan USMC (Ret.)
0331 Infantry
Aug 08, 2009
Daven
rated it:
Interesting perspective on one Marine's experiences in Vietnam - McLean chose to enlist, forgoing many other opportunities. Not a tremendously enlightening account, but cleanly written for a quick and engaging read.
Aug 17, 2009
Jon
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A well-written book about an amazing two-years in the Marines. The author revisits his war experineces after more than 30 years have passed.
Aug 29, 2009
Nate
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A pretty typical Marine authored memoir, recounting his decision to join the Corps, Boot Camp, War, and Afterward. Moving nonetheless.
Jul 27, 2009
Laura
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McLean pulls you right into the jungles of Vietnam with his memoir. It is compelling, gripping and humbling to read of the horrors of a war that was played out by our young men. No matter what you think or thought of the Vietnam War, this is a must read. The only way to sum it up is to say thank you to McLean and all of the others that answered the call to duty.
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Feb 07, 2011
Christopher
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great book, almost as if i was living this man's life thru a book... all the tears and pain and death he saw, great book
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