Books matching: vietnam war era
74 result(s)
- #1Vidaby:
Save:'Vida' by Marge Piercy is a historical novel set in the Seventies, focusing on the life of Vida Asch, a fugitive activist involved with the SAW Students Against the War and The Network, a group reminiscent of the Weather Underground. The novel delves into Vida's radicalized journey, her love life, and her constant evasion of capture as her associates are being hunted down and faced with legal consequences. Through flashbacks, the reader witnesses Vida's transformation from an anti-war activist to a Marxist anti-imperialist engaging in underground activities against military and corporate targets.
Despite some events that may seem implausible, 'Vida' is praised for its accurate depiction of the student activists of the Seventies, capturing the chaotic yet innocent essence of the time period. is commended for its hauntingly accurate portrayal of the insanity of the era when the Vietnam War was ongoing, offering a glimpse into the life and struggles of individuals like Vida and her compatriots.
“A Puligny-Montrachet. Even I wouldn’t have had that much nerve … I wonder if you could remember to call me Cynthia?” It was not the name on her current I.D., but the name she used when she didn’t qui... - #2
Save:Monkey Bridge by Lan Cao is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the story of Mai and her mother Thanh, Vietnamese immigrants adjusting to life in America after the Vietnam War. The book delves into themes of immigration, coming of age, mother-daughter relationships, and the struggle to balance Vietnamese heritage with American culture. Through flashbacks and real-time storytelling, the novel explores the trauma of war, generational differences, and the immigrant experience in the United States.
The plot revolves around Mai's journey to bring her grandfather, Baba Quan, from Vietnam to America to comfort her ailing mother. The narrative alternates between Mai and Thanh's perspectives, highlighting their struggles to assimilate into American society while holding onto their Vietnamese roots. The writing style blends ancient Vietnamese mythology with American pop culture, creating a poignant and evocative portrayal of the immigrant experience and the complexities of familial relationships.
The smell of blood, warm and wet, rose from the floor and settled into the solemn stillness of the hospital air. I could feel it like an unhurried chill in my joints, a slow-moving red that smoldered ... - #3
Save:Inherent Vice by Thomas Pynchon is a humorous and retro cool novel set in 1960s Los Angeles, following the adventures of Doc Sportello, a stoner private investigator. The story revolves around a missing land developer who was living with Doc's ex-girlfriend, leading Doc on a trail filled with crooked property developers, phony rock groups, and a mysterious crime ring known as the Golden Fang. The plot spirals into a complex web of paranoia involving the FBI, LAPD, and other shadowy organizations, all while capturing the essence of the countercultural revolution of the era.
Pynchon's writing style in Inherent Vice is described as funny, erudite, and inventive, blending elements of hard-boiled detective noir with a psychedelic twist. The novel features a large cast of characters, pop culture references, and explores themes of drug culture, countercultural movements, and the changing landscape of 1970s California, all presented through Pynchon's signature convoluted yet engaging storytelling.
SHE CAME ALONG THE ALLEY AND UP THE BACK STEPS THE WAY she always used to. Doc hadn’t seen her for over a year. Nobody had. Back then it was always sandals, bottom half of a flower-print bikini, faded... - #4
Save:The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt is a coming-of-age story set in 1967 during the Vietnam War era. It follows the protagonist, Holling Hoodhood, a 7th-grade student who initially believes his teacher, Mrs. Baker, hates him. Throughout the school year, Holling navigates various challenges such as family pressures, religious differences, bullies, and Shakespeare plays assigned by Mrs. Baker. As he learns to see beyond himself, Holling embarks on a journey of self-discovery, finding connections between the themes in Shakespeare's plays and his own life.
The book captures the historical and political context of the 1960s, portraying the impact of the Vietnam War on individuals like Holling. Through humor and poignant moments, The Wednesday Wars explores themes of friendship, family dynamics, self-realization, and the tumultuous period of the late '60s. It delves into Holling's relationships with classmates, teachers, and family members, highlighting his growth and maturity as he faces the challenges of adolescence.
Doug Swieteck once made up a list of 410 ways to get a teacher to hate you. It began with “Spray deodorant in all her desk drawers” and got worse as it went along. A whole lot worse. I think that thin... - #5
Save:A Man of Two Faces by Viet Thanh Nguyen is a semiautobiographical book that explores the author's life as a second-generation Vietnamese refugee in America. It highlights his parents' traumatic escape from Vietnam and their efforts to build a new life in California. The narrative weaves between their struggles and his own journey of identity, capturing the challenges of fitting into two worlds, neither of which he fully belongs to. This memoir touches on the emotional complexities of being an insider and outsider, showcasing themes of family, cultural heritage, and the immigrant experience.
Nguyen's writing style is lyrical and fluid, making for an engaging read filled with clever humor. The book effectively communicates the weight of Nguyen's experiences, especially his relationship with his mother as she faces illness. Readers often find themselves pausing to reflect on the deeper issues he presents, such as race, identity, and the refugee experience. Overall, A Man of Two Faces invites empathy and provokes thought about the lives of refugees and the nuances of cultural identity.
- #6
Save:"All Manner of Things" by Susie Finkbeiner is a poignant novel set in Michigan during the Vietnam War era, focusing on a family in a small town grappling with the effects of war, love, and faith. The story follows Annie, a young woman in 1967, as she navigates the challenges of her family's past, her brother's experiences in Vietnam, and the complexities of life in a tumultuous time. Through expert storytelling and well-crafted characters, the author captures the essence of the '60s with a raw and powerful narrative that delves into themes of family, war, faith, and hope.
The author, Susie Finkbeiner, skillfully weaves together the historical backdrop of the 1960s with a family's intimate struggles and triumphs, creating a compelling and emotionally resonant tale. The writing style is described as literary, with a perfect balance of straightforwardness and understated tone that leaves a lasting impact on the reader. Through letters exchanged between characters, Finkbeiner adds a unique touch to the narrative, offering a deeper insight into the characters' emotions and relationships, making the reader feel truly immersed in the time period and the characters' lives.
'The Long Gray Line: The American Journey of West Point's Class of 1966' by Rick Atkinson follows the lives of a group of West Point cadets from their enrollment in 1961 to their 20th reunion in 1986. It vividly portrays the personal stories of the men who entered the Military Academy in 1962, covering the years between 1962 and 1989. The author skillfully narrates the emotional journey of these cadets from their induction to their service in the Army, focusing on their experiences during the chaotic and tragic Vietnam War era.
Atkinson's writing style is described as epic and engaging, rotating the narrative from one character to the next to provide insight into their family stories, relationships, inner thoughts, fears, hopes, and dreams. not only delves into the lives of the cadets but also offers a parallel story of America's societal shifts from the 1960s to the 1980s. Through meticulous research and detailed storytelling, Atkinson brings to life the personal battles faced by each cadet away from the battlefield, making the book a moving and captivating read.
The National Cemetery at West Point is a place of uncommon tranquillity, screened from the martial hubbub of the Military Academy by privet hedges and stone walls. The tombstones run to the river bluf...- #8
Save:'Kinflicks' by Lisa Alther is a captivating novel that follows the life journey of Ginny Babcock, a woman whose life takes unexpected twists and turns after leaving conservative Tennessee. The story delves into Ginny's relationships, from her first romance with a footballer to her experiences with lesbian lovers and a disillusioned Vietnam veteran. The writing style is witty and poignant, blending humor with sad undertones as Ginny navigates through love, motherhood, and self-discovery.
My family has always been into death. My father, the Major, used to insist on having an ice pick next to his placemat at meals so that he could perform an emergency tracheotomy when one of us strangle... - #9
Save:Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai is a poignant chapter book written in verse, narrated by a ten-year-old Vietnamese girl named H. The story follows H and her family as they flee Saigon during the Vietnam War, survive on a navy ship, and eventually settle in Alabama. The book highlights themes of immigration, adaptation to a new culture, discrimination, and the struggles faced by H as she navigates life in America.
Pedal, pedal Mother’s feet push the sewing machine. The faster she pedals the faster stitches appear on heavy brown cloth. Two rectangles make a pack. A long strip makes a handle to be strapped across... - #10
Save:The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis is a historical fiction novel set in the 1950s, following the lives of two main characters, Hazel and Maxine, who meet during a USO tour in WWII. The story revolves around their friendship, aspirations in the entertainment industry, and the challenges they face during the Red Scare and McCarthy era. The plot unfolds at the Chelsea Hotel, a creative hub in New York City, and delves into themes of friendship, betrayal, romance, and the impact of political turmoil on the arts scene.
When Hazel had first auditioned for the USO tour, back in New York, she’d imagined arriving abroad and gingerly stepping off a plane to a cheering group of GIs. The stage would be a grand opera house ...
