The Women by Kristin Hannah

The Women by Kristin Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to Janet, my librarian friend, for purchasing this gut wrenching read I could not put down. Frances is an idealistic Catholic girl who wants to follow her brother into the Vietnam War, she is a nurse and becomes a very good one, in horrific conditions but with the support of nurse friends and doctors. This is a must read - research is lengthy with many sources provided and experts/war personnel. I will be thinking of the characters, the country of Vietnam and its people, and the veterans who went into the war, gave their life and the veterans who returned to no fanfare, just derision, and had to "find" their way. Highly recommended!

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Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt

Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this Gary D. Schmidt book so so much! The writing, the characters, and the 1968 setting were optimal for an authentic middle grade read! Meryl Lee Kowalski's life has been turned upside down with the death of her best friend and her parents decide to start her fresh at a prep school, away from the grief and possibly problems at home. But it is at St. Elene's Preparatory Academy for Girls where Meryl Lee tries to find out who she is by participating in sports (a hoot!), writing, and artwork. As lonely and despondent as she is, she runs into a kindred soul in Matt Coffin (who acts like her dead best friend) who has a horrid past he is running from. And each time he runs, those he has come to care for are in danger. I could not put this book down!!! The beauty in Schmidt's writing was present in nature with both Meryl Lee and Matt reveling in the sea, the shore and skipping stones. Many of the teachers were authentic and sympathetic with changes abounding as time goes by. I loved the characters of Dr. MacKnockater and the sea captain, the servants Betty and Althea and the Vietnam War was woven seamlessly throughout this wonderful novel that burns with warmth and humanity. Highly recommended and I loved seeing the characters from his other novel, Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy in this book too!

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Summer of '69 by Elin Hilderbrand

Summer of '69 by Elin Hilderbrand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to my daughter in law Alicia for another great book by Elin Hilderbrand! I loved Summer of '69, both the historical perspective and the comparisons and contrasts of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. Exalta's large family lives on Nantucket every summer but that is not happening this summer. Kate's son, Tiger has been drafted in the Vietnam War, Kirby has decided to work on Martha's Vineyard, and Blair is stuck at home largely pregnant and having marital problems. Jessie and Kate will be staying with Exalta for the summer where there are lots of secrets, too much drinking, and new adventures for 13 year old Jessie. I ached for Tiger's time in Vietnam and the sense of loss for him especially by his mother and sister, Jessie. The summer job and lives of Jessie and Kirby were drama filled (loved the women's lib, Woodstock, Betty Friedan) while Kate suffers by drinking to numb her pain. Exalta rules with an iron hand and her racism and beliefs chafe terribly with Jessie. But the journey and adventures and growth in this family with new friends like Pick, Patty and Darren makes this a can't put it down historical fiction beach read!

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Listen, Slowly by Thanhha Lai

Listen, Slowly by Thanhha Lai
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Thanhha Lai's, Inside Out & Back Again so I knew I would love this book about a perky totally Americanized girl (Vietnamese-American), age 12, who must leave the comfort of her home in Southern California for a summer in Vietnam with her father and grandmother to find out where her MIA grandfather is or any information about what happened to him in the Vietnam War. Mai's (Mia) voice is so authentic- she is funny, angry, honest, insufferable and just so much fun! I enjoyed her drama, her life, her friends at home & in Vietnam, and she taught me so much about the Vietnam War, the food, flowers, & scenery in Vietnam! Her text messages & phone calls with her mother who stays home are funny, irreverent & as time goes on every understanding. I loved the families in both places, their hopes, dreams, and culture. Highly recommended read for young and old alike!

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Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War by Steve Sheinkin

Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War by Steve Sheinkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this Nonfiction Book Award Winner as part of the 2016 Hub Challenge. I have read and loved all Sheinkin's nonfiction books and Most Dangerous does not disappoint!!! Sheinkin's thrilling narrative and thorough research brought the Vietnam War and it's atrocities alive. The government's role was riveting and heinous. Daniel Ellsberg was a dedicated government employee who was passionate in everything he did and Sheinkin's portrayal was moving and convincing. I could not stop turning the pages and it is Sheinkin's engrossing narrative that sucked me in and kept me glued to the final page! I recommend Teachers and students of American history read this- as well as adults and teens. Highly recommended!!!

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