I took this book to heart because I had a nephew who had just joined the Marines.

The book begins with a realistic view of the first week or two of arrival in Viet Nam where every standard and expectation of hometown daily life is no longer there. George fills his mind with bits and pieces of his former self as if to ground his feet to the earth. I felt, perhaps for the first time, what a “Boot” feels upon first entry into war zone. I read the book a second time (yes, I enjoyed the book!) but I chose the Kindle version this time, which grounded me to George with the explanations of philosophers, about the eyes of a statue, and lyrics from songs. His ruminations become relevant as in the many colors of large gum balls which helped me like the character even more.

George, often called G. O., is a storyteller and does it well. Several moments are captured by the clever cockroach that watched and commented. Sometimes George loves trouble that brings fun, and sometimes the war is in his face. He fills his military role with intention and grows up. Relationships form and a few get in trouble. Don’t miss the football game to sort things out, sorta.

War is not an easy subject, especially the Viet Nam War. This book shows the war from the perspective of a young Boot, with very little political moralistic proclamations. It is told in the language of the young Boots (so be prepared) about young men serving because their country needs them, Perhaps they were also fighting future PTSD by having plenty of moments playing tricks, circumventing a few rules, and by having one another’s back in war.

I liked the end of the book. It was a sentimental look at an unsentimental ending. It was just right for me.