I wanted to read this book because it was recommended by one of my lit teachers and because Tim O'Brien is a Minnesota author. I was not disappointed. This book is great and O'Brien's writing style is sheer poetry.
This book is about the Vietnam war, in which O'Brien fought, but it is not just a simple linear description of battle scenes, etc. The title chapter is found in nearly every contemporary American short story collection, so even if you haven't read the book, you might have came acr... (show more)

I wanted to read this book because it was recommended by one of my lit teachers and because Tim O'Brien is a Minnesota author. I was not disappointed. This book is great and O'Brien's writing style is sheer poetry.
This book is about the Vietnam war, in which O'Brien fought, but it is not just a simple linear description of battle scenes, etc. The title chapter is found in nearly every contemporary American short story collection, so even if you haven't read the book, you might have came across the short story version, but there is much more to it than that.
In one very poignant chapter, for example, the narrator explains how he almost dodged the draft. Although draft dodgers are usually considered cowards, he shows how it can and/or should be considered the opposite and how his cowardice prevented him from dodging the draft.
To me, the most notable character in the book was Lt. Jimmy Cross and the way O'Brien describes the lieutenant's love for a girl back home (one who doesn't have mutual feelings) is beautiful. (show less)