Fond du Lac Reads 'The Things They Carried'

The best work of fiction on the Vietnam War, in my estimation.

LINK

Link to November 10 Fond du Lac Reporter article, "Vietnam War novel chosen for Fond du Lac Reads".

Excerpt: Throughout March 2011, the Fond du Lac Public Library will host a series of events that bring to light the enduring themes of the book — right and wrong, the meanings of courage and heroism, the flexible nature of the truth and the frailty of the heart.

"The time is particularly right to experience this book," said library Director Ken Hall. "The events in Green Bay last Memorial Day started a conversation that we want to continue here in Fond du Lac. There's a whole generation of soldiers that deserved better than they got from our country, and we hope this project offers even the smallest remedy."

"The Things They Carried" was published in 1990 by Minnesota native Tim O'Brien, who was drafted by the Army in 1968 and served two years in Vietnam. While he admits much of the book was inspired by his experiences, O'Brien says the book is a work of fiction. It explores the nature of war through a series of vignettes that focus on members of a troop moving and fighting through the Vietnam countryside.