O’Brien, Tim. The Things They Carried. 1990. 190p. ISBN 9780395515983. Available both at FIC OBR on the library shelves and as an eBook from Overdrive.
An infantry soldier in Vietnam, O’Brien fictionalizes several stories centered around the same platoon members which overlap and reference each other. Everyone there had a story to tell, and everyone carried special items not part of the standard equipment. From photos of girlfriends to Bibles, drugs, and extra ammunition, the men of 3rd platoon, Alpha company became brothers under fire. They lived (and sometimes died) in one of the most intense and senseless conflict, not sure why they even were here.
Exploring what it means to be a soldier and a man in Vietnam, O’Brien brings forth unforgivable and flawed characters who represent humanity at its best - and worst. Readers who enjoys the bonds of men together in the field, or those interested in war and in Vietnam will find themselves unable to put this book down.
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