What is wonderful about great literature is that it transforms the man who reads it towards the condition of the man who wrote it.  ∼ E. M. Forster

Within the soul of each Vietnam Veteran there is probably something that says “bad war, good soldier”. Only now are Americans beginning to separate the war from the warrior.   ∼ Max Cleland

There is no shortage of information on the Vietnam War. Because it was controversial, divisive, and long there have been many articles, programs, and books written that cover the war and the various issues entangled.

Regarding books, there is a wide selection to choose from, for those interested. Some are fiction, some non-fiction, and as with all things, some will fit your fancy; others won’t.

I am thankful and humbled that my books appear on the “must read” list of some readers, authors and websites.

I’ve put together a list of Vietnam War genre books, which are among my favorites. Some you will recognize, some you may not.

• The Quiet American, by Graham Greene.

A well written story centered around America’s early involvement in Vietnam.

• The Things They Carried, by Tim O’Brien.

An enjoyable read about a GI’s journey through the war, and his return.

• Fields of Fire, by James Webb.

A no nonsense telling of the life of the Grunt in Vietnam.

• When Heaven and Earth Changed Places, by Lee Ly Hayslip.

A very well written book about a Vietnamese woman caught up in the war, and her journey to America.

• Cherries, by John Podlaski

An excellent read about a young American plucked from his life in the Midwest, who serves as a grunt during the Vietnam War. John has also written several other fine books based upon his experience in Vietnam.

• Street Without Joy, by Bernard Fall

Fall penned several books about the conflict in Southeast Asia before he was killed in the war in 1967. This one is probably the best.

• A Rumor of War, by Phil Caputo

Caputo’s account of his time as a 1^st Lieutenant Marine in Vietnam, and the ending of the ill-fated venture is considered one of the best books on the Vietnam War.

• Yesterday’s Soldier, by Tom Keating

A story about a conscientious objector who serves in the war.

• Matterhorn, by Karl Marlantes

In my opinion, Marlantes telling of a Marine unit fighting it’s way through the war is the finest book on this list.

Honorable Mention

A few other Vietnam War books you may enjoy

      •  The Wall of Broken Dreams, by

         Duke Barrett

Duke Barrett reaches back to his paratrooper service during the Vietnam War to weave a story about infantry life during the War.

• Rucksack Grunt, by Robert Kuhn

Bob tells his story, as an infantryman during the Vietnam War.

• Firehammer, by Ric Hunter

The account of an F-4 Phantom Jet fighter, with good description of the aerial action.

                      ***

Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants. We know more about war than we know about peace, more about killing than we know about living. ∼ Omar Bradley

                             ***

You may share this article in entirety, crediting Joe for the work. Copyright protected, all rights reserved © Joe Campolo Jr