The Things They Carried
By Tim O'Brien
Why this book?
The Things They Carried is a collection of short stories, (or vignettes if you will), that delves into the psychological factors of war and combat through the words and actions of the young combatants. Tim O’Brien reflects his personal experiences in Vietnam by giving readers an up-close and intimate glimpse into the hearts and souls of combat veterans through fiction. As with many of his works, it is difficult at times to tell a difference. O’Brien said, (and I paraphrase) emotional truth as told in fiction often transcends that of a simple “war story.” There is no glorification of war in these stories, and if one is seeking a flag-waving, feel-good ending, this book may not be to their liking. It is, however, one of the best written.
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