Placement

by Kimberly Van Sickle

Will you be remembered for where you went or how you got there?

As a WWII amphibious vehicle ascends from the USS Arkansas to Normandy Beach, we are transported to a pivotal moment in history. Here, Charles Trammel, a young man from a wealthy and influential family, reflects on the events that have led him to this place and time. Each chapter brings him closer to shore, intertwining his current thoughts with his past. Through these reflections, Charles grapples with his identity, realizing that his place in the world is not defined by his privileged upbringing and prep school education.

Set against the backdrop of the D-Day Battlefront and interwoven with flashbacks to the home front, Charles contemplates the meaning of honor. As he investigates his familial past, turbulent present, and uncertain future, he begins to understand what it truly means to be honorable. Influenced indirectly by the actions of a young WWII draftee, Charles’ journey unfolds as he and others struggle to understand their lot in life and place in this world.

Placement tells a compelling story of young men grappling with identity and honor amidst the chaos of war, revealing that true honor comes from within.

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 4, 2025

About the author

As a lifetime reader and evolving writer, I have always enjoyed fiction that left me wishing there was more to read, made me long for a sequel, or kept me thinking about its intricacies long after I turned the last page. My purpose in writing is to provide for an audience who appreciates plot twists, intrigue, and smart dialogue, which I have crafted to carry them to a surprising and satisfying final chapter.

I have been an educator and library director for over 30 years, but I have been a plot junkie my entire life. I value any medium that keeps me guessing and/or thinking throughout any novel, short story, piece of poetry, movie, and the like. I believe this sentiment accurately describes my style of writing.

I live in Saint Charles, Illinois, with my husband, Kyle, and dogs, Hendrix and Janis. We have two grown children: Mitchell (25) and Madelynn (21).

Reviews

[Threasa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads. It is a very short book, but it is very good. Charles Trammel has enlisted in the army and is heading to shore at Normandy Beach. The book goes back in his life to show how he came to be in the army and why he wanted to enlist and fight. You learn a lot about him and his family. Charlie is a young man grappling with honor which comes from within.

[Gee Readssss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Placement is a historical fiction novel written by the author Kimberly Van Sickle, published in March 2025. It is a poignant and quietly powerful novel that explores the internal battles fought long before a soldier steps onto the front lines. Set during the D-Day invasion, the story follows Charles Trammel—a young man from an affluent background—as he reflects on his journey to Normandy Beach, both physically and emotionally. Structured through a blend of present-day tension and reflective flashbacks, the novel artfully traces Charles’s transformation. What begins as a story about a young soldier’s moment in history evolves into a deeply personal exploration of identity, privilege, and the pursuit of honor. As Charles confronts the weight of his family’s expectations and his own ideals, he discovers that true honor is not something inherited, but earned. Though brief in length, Placement is rich in meaning. The writing is elegant and measured, allowing the emotional undercurrents to unfold naturally. The historical backdrop is handled with care and subtlety, grounding the narrative without overshadowing the character’s inner journey. Highly recommended from my side.

Rating: 5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
A concise narrative that resonates long after the final page.

Final Verdict:
Thoughtful and elegantly written, Placement is a compelling reflection on manhood, legacy, and the meaning of honor during wartime. A powerful read that bridges generations and reminds us that our place in the world is not defined by where we come from, but by who we choose to become.

[Kimberly Van Sickle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nurture meets nature = your societal place