"Matterhorn" by Karl Marlantes.

[Paladin]

The NY Times Book Review calls it the best novel to come out of Viet Nam, and one of the best war novels ever written, period. 600 pages long, written over the course of 30 years by an Ivy League-educated, highly decorated Marine veteran. I'm half-way through it, and I am truly impressed---this one's in a class with "From Here To Eternity" and "Red Badge of Courage." A vet friend of mine who's read it says that no novel has ever captured the terror and drudgery of "humping": repeated missions into the jungle, all at the command of dim, self-serving officers who don't appear to be qualified to be hotel doormen. Harrowing, stomach-turning, and at times, funny as hell. Can't recommend this one highly enough.....

[stray cat]

1. it was outstanding

[hippywife]

2. I just read the review on Amazon.

This sounds like something I would have sought out to read at one time. I don't think I could now after having to take myself out of the fray against the current wars due to mental and emotional issues of seeing and learning too much. I have real trouble contemplating war and everything that's wrapped up in it now.

[Paladin]

3. I Respect Your Feelings On The Matter. (n/t)

[bikebloke]

4. I have it on reserve at the library.

It'll probably be a few months before I get it.

[Paladin]

5. It Took Me A While To Get My Library Copy.

Like I said, it's 600 pages long---and it's not a very fast read. Worth the wait.......