If I Die in a Combat Zone by Tim O'Brien - 4 stars

[Joy D]

If I Die in a Combat Zone, Box Me Up and Ship Me Home by Tim O'Brien - 4* - My Review

Tim O’Brien’s memoir about his experiences in Vietnam. O’Brien had graduated college and was not a supporter of the war. He considered going to Canada or even deserting, but eventually decided to go through with it. The reader is privy to his thought processes as he makes these difficult decisions. This book vividly describes one soldier’s tour of duty in sufficient detail to give the reader an excellent idea of what it was like to serve in Vietnam. He brings in elements of philosophy and discusses what it was like to be in the midst of another country’s civil war. It was interesting reading this book after I had already read The Things They Carried. One is fiction; one is non-fiction, but there are many obvious parallels. I count myself as a fan of Tim O’Brien’s writing and highly recommend both books.

[Peacejanz]

Me, too. I really love Tim O'Brien's work. Good review. Did you read "In the Lake of the Woods" yet? I think it is his best. His books are so realistic. Thanks for the review (and the memories of his work), peace, janz

[Joy D]

Yes, I gave 5 stars to In the Lake of the Woods - loved it!

[Booknblues]

I read If I Die in a Combat Zone first and then The Things We Carried.

I haven't read any of his other works.

[Joy D]

Booknblues wrote: "I read If I Die in a Combat Zone first and then The Things We Carried.

I haven't read any of his other works."

Definitely read In the Lake of the Woods if you get a chance. It is set in the US, with references to Vietnam, but it is one of the better mysteries I have read.

My TBR also includes Going After Cacciato and July, July (I own a copy of each).

[Booknblues]

I have had Going After Cacciato since 2013. It is high time I read it.

[Joy D]

I need to get to it too.