What do you think?
Rate this book
Making Payments: An American Indian, the Vietnam War, Laos, and the Hmong
During the Vietnam War, in one of the thousands of unrecorded small unit engagements, the “fog of war” temporarily obscured reality and a uniquely prepared man was thrust back into the history of his people. But this wasn’t science fiction; this was a journey of harsh reality, pain, hunger, danger, and death. George Downwind, an American Indian, an Ojibwa, grew up in the isolation of a twentieth-century reservation. But instead of succumbing to the alcoholism and hopelessness around him, his outlook was shaped by the myths and legends of an earlier time. From countless stories told by old men around campfires, he thought he knew what life had been like for his people in the time before the white man. In his imagination he lived this life, passed the tests of manhood and tasted battle. When the end came he experienced the depression of watching his people be defeated and disintegrate as a culture. To the west of the battlefields in Vietnam during the 1960’s and early ‘70’s, across the border in the neutral country of Laos, another war raged. This war was seldom mentioned in the news and when it was, it was referred to as the “Secret War.” Few people heard of it and fewer still knew who was doing the fighting. It was the Hmong, a minority ethnic group who had survived for a thousand years in their mountain sanctuaries through slash and burn agriculture, and a resolute adherence to their culture. They valued freedom, family, and wanted nothing more than to be left alone. They were a primitive people without a written language living in a primitive land. And, just as with the American Indian tribes, each of the Hmong clans had their own approach to survival. Some fought, some forged alliances, and other just tried to say out of the way. Grievously injured in the chaos of battle in Vietnam in the early days of that war, George Downwind, a private in the U.S. Army, was rescued from certain death and nursed back to heath by one of these clans. During his time with them he experienced the full brutality of the life they lived—the same life that had been the fate of his ancestors. When it came time for him to leave Laos and the Hmong, he had a debt to repay. He owed his life to the Hmong and vowed to make the payments.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2012
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 23, 2019
This amazing book is told from the viewpoint of Ojibwa George Downwind, a young Native man who grew up on the reservation and has seen all the things negative and positive of living in that environment, from learning Native ways and traditions, to seeing the effect of drug use, unemployment, and poverty on the people he loves.
History has recorded the horrors of what happened in Vietnam, and it has also recorded the heroic deeds of the Hmong people who saved many American lives. In this fictional story (which reads like fact), George is one of the people who is saved.
The story very well interweaves the likenesses from the minority Hmong people to the minority Native American population. In fact, there appears to be more in common than differences as you might expect.
The book is well written and will draw you in slowly, and then captivate you.
History has recorded the horrors of what happened in Vietnam, and it has also recorded the heroic deeds of the Hmong people who saved many American lives. In this fictional story (which reads like fact), George is one of the people who is saved.
The story very well interweaves the likenesses from the minority Hmong people to the minority Native American population. In fact, there appears to be more in common than differences as you might expect.
The book is well written and will draw you in slowly, and then captivate you.
January 4, 2020
Fascinating story about parts of history and current social issues that are not regularly discussed. George Downwind is part Sioux and part Obijwe and grew up on a reservation in Minnesota. His warrior training when sent to fight in the Vietnam War. Badly wounded, he is saved by a group of Hmong who are also survivalists, persecuted by many. Many parts of the story, I really thought and wanted to believe George Downwind was a true person. The story is told simply and through many perspectives and was definitely thoughtful but also hard to put down reading.
March 8, 2018
Unique Story Line, must read book!!!
I read, a lot! This book was right up there with my all time favorites! It was so darn good! A really unique story line and had a little bit of everything in it! Lots of action, yet lots of emotions! I loved the comparison of the Native American Indians to the group from Laos!
I read, a lot! This book was right up there with my all time favorites! It was so darn good! A really unique story line and had a little bit of everything in it! Lots of action, yet lots of emotions! I loved the comparison of the Native American Indians to the group from Laos!
December 26, 2017
I"been to Viet Nam. No one can write a story that doesn't have a portion of truth.
This book was direct,well organised and more real than I believe it was fictional. I would highly recommend it's purchase.
This book was direct,well organised and more real than I believe it was fictional. I would highly recommend it's purchase.
May 28, 2018
I gave Making Payments: An American Indian, the Vietnam War, Laos, and the Hmong by John Oventile five stars, despite the fact of the few qualms I had with the story. I was blown away by Oventile’s storytelling skills overall. I love a good story, especially one looking back over someone’s life.
Making Payments starts off with George’s life growing up on the reservation raised by his maternal Grandfather, a Sioux Indian. The story follow’s George life off the “rez” as he is sent to fight in the Vietnam war. Not long after arriving he is injured and rescued by the Hmong people. For the next decade he lives among the Hmong people where he finds a connections with the stories his Grandfather shared of his Native American Indian ancestors. After the war, when the Hmong are driven from their land by the violent locals, he is discovered as a deserter and sent back to the U.S. Later in life he has an opportunity to ‘make payments’ to some Hmong families that were relocated to the U.S., post war.
George is very intelligent, strategic, and quiet; carrying for the people in his charge. There were some violent scenes that didn’t seemed to phase George, or seems a little out of character. One thing I did not read in the story was the transition time for George, after a decade of living in the deep jungle to life on the streets of L.A.; one doesn’t just slip back into city life. A few things left the reader in the dark, such as the D.C. trip, what was his wife’s reaction after the trip? How old was Cheryl at the time? Did George ever visit Red Lake, take his family? The end was a bit short. It may have been better to write it as an Epilogue.
Now on to the Pros. As the story begins with his coming of age, we first learn of George’s survival skills and draw to solitude. We also learn of his deterrence from special recognition when he braved a Minnesota winter storm with the downed pilot, saving his life. Later as George lives among the Hmong, his story is interwoven with other American solders near the area of the Hmong villages and how his heroic actions impact their lives. For me the best part of the story was the time with the Hmong people and the connection George made with them. From a more peaceful time of acceptance by the villagers, to a time when George helped strengthen the weakened clans, which was caused from when their stronger clansman and women being abducted, leaving the old and the very young. As the story unfolds we see how the Hmong are unable to ultimately run from the effects of the war and the constant abuse by other cultures in and around Laos, especially after American pulled out of Vietnam. That seems to come full circle later in life when George becomes a teacher in an older area of town where many Hmong were relocated in the U.S. and poorly integrated into the culture.
So much is covered over the span of the story maintaining a good pace without data dump or losing the interest of the reader. Oventile does a great job at tying up loose ends. There are only a few times I would have like a scene expanded on. I could easily see this story made into a mini series or show. If you haven’t already, grab a copy of this story. After you’ve read it I would love to read your take on this story.
I won this kindle book via a Goodreads giveaway and this is my honest review.
Making Payments starts off with George’s life growing up on the reservation raised by his maternal Grandfather, a Sioux Indian. The story follow’s George life off the “rez” as he is sent to fight in the Vietnam war. Not long after arriving he is injured and rescued by the Hmong people. For the next decade he lives among the Hmong people where he finds a connections with the stories his Grandfather shared of his Native American Indian ancestors. After the war, when the Hmong are driven from their land by the violent locals, he is discovered as a deserter and sent back to the U.S. Later in life he has an opportunity to ‘make payments’ to some Hmong families that were relocated to the U.S., post war.
George is very intelligent, strategic, and quiet; carrying for the people in his charge. There were some violent scenes that didn’t seemed to phase George, or seems a little out of character. One thing I did not read in the story was the transition time for George, after a decade of living in the deep jungle to life on the streets of L.A.; one doesn’t just slip back into city life. A few things left the reader in the dark, such as the D.C. trip, what was his wife’s reaction after the trip? How old was Cheryl at the time? Did George ever visit Red Lake, take his family? The end was a bit short. It may have been better to write it as an Epilogue.
Now on to the Pros. As the story begins with his coming of age, we first learn of George’s survival skills and draw to solitude. We also learn of his deterrence from special recognition when he braved a Minnesota winter storm with the downed pilot, saving his life. Later as George lives among the Hmong, his story is interwoven with other American solders near the area of the Hmong villages and how his heroic actions impact their lives. For me the best part of the story was the time with the Hmong people and the connection George made with them. From a more peaceful time of acceptance by the villagers, to a time when George helped strengthen the weakened clans, which was caused from when their stronger clansman and women being abducted, leaving the old and the very young. As the story unfolds we see how the Hmong are unable to ultimately run from the effects of the war and the constant abuse by other cultures in and around Laos, especially after American pulled out of Vietnam. That seems to come full circle later in life when George becomes a teacher in an older area of town where many Hmong were relocated in the U.S. and poorly integrated into the culture.
So much is covered over the span of the story maintaining a good pace without data dump or losing the interest of the reader. Oventile does a great job at tying up loose ends. There are only a few times I would have like a scene expanded on. I could easily see this story made into a mini series or show. If you haven’t already, grab a copy of this story. After you’ve read it I would love to read your take on this story.
I won this kindle book via a Goodreads giveaway and this is my honest review.
May 26, 2018
Inspiring, gripping tale
A moving story, told of the span of one man’s life. Cultural differences, war, disgrace, as well as deep caring and displaced people’s stories told through the main character, George Downwind. It reminded me of the possibilities in life when we thing things are impossible.
The writing is good, and the story is riveting. This story is unforgettable.
Highly recommended!
A moving story, told of the span of one man’s life. Cultural differences, war, disgrace, as well as deep caring and displaced people’s stories told through the main character, George Downwind. It reminded me of the possibilities in life when we thing things are impossible.
The writing is good, and the story is riveting. This story is unforgettable.
Highly recommended!
February 20, 2018
Intriguing read
The author weaves together the lives of many people whose paths would never cross into an interesting patchwork. It is skillfully written and it intriguingly holds the reader's attention.
The author weaves together the lives of many people whose paths would never cross into an interesting patchwork. It is skillfully written and it intriguingly holds the reader's attention.
June 24, 2018
I could sum up this book with one word. Wow! I've read several books about Vietnam and the men who fought there but this one was truly exceptional. It follows the life of George Downwind, an American Indian from Minnesota. He decides to follow the old ways as much as is possible, learns how to survive in the wilderness, uses that knowledge to save a life, and finally goes to Vietnam. There he is injured and saved by the Hmong. He stays with them and eventually uses his knowledge of the land and the people to save more lives.
Downwind's struggles, failures and triumphs are a fascinating read. Oventile says this is based on a true story and is written more like a nonfiction book than a fiction story. That gives the story a different perspective and works for "Making Payments."
I would recommend this book for those interested in Vietnam or Hmong stories, those interested in stories of the triumph of the human spirit, and those interested in books on Native Americans in modern times.
My caveat: I won this book on Goodreads. This is a fair and honest review.
Downwind's struggles, failures and triumphs are a fascinating read. Oventile says this is based on a true story and is written more like a nonfiction book than a fiction story. That gives the story a different perspective and works for "Making Payments."
I would recommend this book for those interested in Vietnam or Hmong stories, those interested in stories of the triumph of the human spirit, and those interested in books on Native Americans in modern times.
My caveat: I won this book on Goodreads. This is a fair and honest review.
April 8, 2018
I was a goodreads giveaway winner of this book. I would give it a 4.5. A very good story with interesting characters that kept me wanting to keep reading. George is an native American. He was born in 1946 in Minnesota. He was drafted at 19 and sent to Vietnam. When his troupe was attacked he was rescued by a group of Hmong who took him in the forest and saved his life. For a decade he lived with this gentle group of people who were shunned by the Vietnamese. Different characters interact with each other in this book, including two men who were P.O.W. and rescued by George and the Hmong tribe. Years later George is back in the USA and the two men he helped rescue have gone on with their lives. after getting back to the USA{George was considered a runaway in the eyes of the army}George has to start from the bottom and find a way to work is way up. He vows to find a way to help the Hmong citizens in the area he lives. A very good story I recommend to other readers.
April 21, 2018
I received this book as part of Goodreads Giveaway.
I was so pleasantly surprised by this story and also surprised that it isn't as widely read as I expected. Making Payments is about the journey of an American Indian who grows up in hardship with the guidance of his grandfather before being sent to Vietnam as a soldier. From there, the story increases in complexity and many threads come together to tell a compelling tale. I couldn't put it down and found myself very attached to the characters and their journeys, and even looking up if it was based on a true story. Highly recommend as a different perspective on the Vietnam War and life in general, and as a great read.
I was so pleasantly surprised by this story and also surprised that it isn't as widely read as I expected. Making Payments is about the journey of an American Indian who grows up in hardship with the guidance of his grandfather before being sent to Vietnam as a soldier. From there, the story increases in complexity and many threads come together to tell a compelling tale. I couldn't put it down and found myself very attached to the characters and their journeys, and even looking up if it was based on a true story. Highly recommend as a different perspective on the Vietnam War and life in general, and as a great read.
June 13, 2019
A wonderful book, on so many levels. Thank you, Mr. Oventile!
Over the course of my life, I have read hundreds of great books, in many different genres. This book has taken it's place among the very best of them. The story was mesmerizing. This was a special glimpse into the Viet Nam Conflict, the plight of the Hmong and the Native American peoples. A great illustration of love and self-sacrifice. It was impossible to stop reading, and I was sad when the end came too soon.
I'm excited to read more of your work, Sir!
Over the course of my life, I have read hundreds of great books, in many different genres. This book has taken it's place among the very best of them. The story was mesmerizing. This was a special glimpse into the Viet Nam Conflict, the plight of the Hmong and the Native American peoples. A great illustration of love and self-sacrifice. It was impossible to stop reading, and I was sad when the end came too soon.
I'm excited to read more of your work, Sir!
June 8, 2018
I was an Air Force ground equipment repairman for 16 months in Thailand during my 4 year enlistment. It was after my discharge I found myself volunteering my spare time helping Cambodian, Lao, and Hmong refugees transition from the refugee camps in Thailand to new homes in the Central Valley of California. This book reminded me of many of the stories I heard when spending time with them.
Received a complementary copy via #GoodreadsGiveaway
Received a complementary copy via #GoodreadsGiveaway
December 1, 2018
Laos
My husband served in Laos from 1965-1967. Much of what happened to George happened to him.Not as dramatic but along the same lines as serving closely with the hmung and living closely with them during his time with the air force.
My husband served in Laos from 1965-1967. Much of what happened to George happened to him.Not as dramatic but along the same lines as serving closely with the hmung and living closely with them during his time with the air force.
May 17, 2018
George Downwind never really fit in. He was an American Indian with suspiciously dark skin and curly hair. For years he lived among the Hmong in Laos, the only person from outside their clan. He deliberately chose to teach at the worst schools in the worst neighborhoods. Despite his otherness, he was an integral part of each of the groups that he was part of. He was fully committed to caring for and protecting the people around him. He never expected or asked for recognition or payment for all the things that he did for others. But over time, his good deeds were repaid.
June 7, 2022
First off, I LOVED how the author got so much history in this book. Oventile included American Indian and Hmong culture, and then he also included important details from the Vietnam war. It shows that the author put a lot of effort into writing this book. Not only is it factual, but it is also entertaining. The book follows the life of American Indian George Downwind, a life that is not dull. From reservations in the U.S to the deep jungle in Laos, this book takes you on an amazing and entertaining adventure through the eyes of George and others.
May 29, 2021
Interesting, well written book
I do not have an abundance of knowledge about the Vietnam War so I cannot attest to the historical aspects being 100%. If you want a really interesting story about a man overcoming hardship and going on to help others, I highly recommend this book. I really enjoyed the tactical and strategic elements both during the war and afterwards. I liked the notion of hard work paying off and good intentions coming full circle.
I do not have an abundance of knowledge about the Vietnam War so I cannot attest to the historical aspects being 100%. If you want a really interesting story about a man overcoming hardship and going on to help others, I highly recommend this book. I really enjoyed the tactical and strategic elements both during the war and afterwards. I liked the notion of hard work paying off and good intentions coming full circle.
April 14, 2018
What a unique and engaging story this was. I literally could not put it down. The characters became real, the sights and sounds of Vietnam became a vivid kaleidoscope of fear, joy, rage and focused adrenaline.
It does need some editing and perhaps a few less adverbs. I definitely would read another book by the author. This was received from Goodreads.
It does need some editing and perhaps a few less adverbs. I definitely would read another book by the author. This was received from Goodreads.
May 8, 2018
I was very impressed with this book : revealing and cherishing the life of an. Outstanding man. The book is about solitude, being at home
of an outstanding man. To me the book was about solitude, and being determined to confront your life, prevail and be generous. Something I am striving for. In short an inspiring and engrossing tale.
of an outstanding man. To me the book was about solitude, and being determined to confront your life, prevail and be generous. Something I am striving for. In short an inspiring and engrossing tale.
May 28, 2018
Well written and holds your attention start to finish. Overtile catches the feeling of the time and is spot on in his portrayal of those "in charge". The story does have its weak spots but those are easy to ignore.
There is a lot to contemplate and further ideas to investigate. All in all it's still a easy yet worth while read. Enjoy.
There is a lot to contemplate and further ideas to investigate. All in all it's still a easy yet worth while read. Enjoy.
December 11, 2018
Was not sure what to expect with this one, but i am very pleased that i decided to give it a try. There are many stories about Vietnam, this particular book is from the view of the indigenous people of the inner jungle and an American soldier. That time does come full circle and the end do justify the mean.
March 29, 2019
Tears
What a emotional read. A story of ancient cultures at work in the twentieth century. A story that spanned deep emotion and equally deep divides that resolve in a wonderful way that the next reader must find for themself. Many tears shed during and after. A truly interesting book.
What a emotional read. A story of ancient cultures at work in the twentieth century. A story that spanned deep emotion and equally deep divides that resolve in a wonderful way that the next reader must find for themself. Many tears shed during and after. A truly interesting book.
June 2, 2019
I will never forget.
This story made my heart soar ,my heart laugh ,made me sad ,made me wonder about so much ,made me wish I had asked my husband so much more than I did about his time in Vietnam In my heart I know this read will stay in my heart for the rest of my life. I want to thank this author for such a passionate read.
This story made my heart soar ,my heart laugh ,made me sad ,made me wonder about so much ,made me wish I had asked my husband so much more than I did about his time in Vietnam In my heart I know this read will stay in my heart for the rest of my life. I want to thank this author for such a passionate read.
July 6, 2020
Excellent Adventure
I so enjoyed reading this book that I considered reading it at work on company time, I was desperate to know what happened next! Note to author: this story line would make an interesting series (of which I would have been anxiously waiting to buy the next book of the sequel).
I so enjoyed reading this book that I considered reading it at work on company time, I was desperate to know what happened next! Note to author: this story line would make an interesting series (of which I would have been anxiously waiting to buy the next book of the sequel).
March 26, 2021
Interesting and unusual book
I guess it's fiction, but it seems like fact. It's a riveting story of a native American from Minnesota who is drafted and sent to Viet Name in the late sixties, is severely wounded and nursed back to health by the Huong, a stone age level group of people in the remote mountains of Laos. And that's just the beginning. Good book!
I guess it's fiction, but it seems like fact. It's a riveting story of a native American from Minnesota who is drafted and sent to Viet Name in the late sixties, is severely wounded and nursed back to health by the Huong, a stone age level group of people in the remote mountains of Laos. And that's just the beginning. Good book!
December 27, 2021
Great book!
This book is really good in showing how the government and military dealt with the Hmong people during the American involvement in SE Asia. It also showed the challenges for the main character both growing up, time in the military and afterwards as a Native American. Very well written and authentic.
I recommend this book for anyone interested in the Vietnam War.
This book is really good in showing how the government and military dealt with the Hmong people during the American involvement in SE Asia. It also showed the challenges for the main character both growing up, time in the military and afterwards as a Native American. Very well written and authentic.
I recommend this book for anyone interested in the Vietnam War.
December 7, 2024
The overall story was good, and I was impressed by the amount of historical research that must have gone into it. However, at times the writing style pulled me out of the story, preventing me from connecting fully with the characters. As engaging as this book was, it felt longer than it was and took me a long time to finish.
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
April 17, 2018
WOW
The best book I have read in many many years, if you like Vietnam war stories ,you're going to love this,I read five plus books a week and I am at a loss for words you have to read this,you won't be disappointed,WOW
The best book I have read in many many years, if you like Vietnam war stories ,you're going to love this,I read five plus books a week and I am at a loss for words you have to read this,you won't be disappointed,WOW
June 5, 2018
This was a very interesting book . I had previously read only a couple of books about the Vietnam War and certainly not about US participation in Laos
I have also never heard of the Hmong people . A great story about sticking to one's convictions and perseverance
I have also never heard of the Hmong people . A great story about sticking to one's convictions and perseverance
August 12, 2018
Couldn’t put this book down
This wonderful story of bravery and compassion had me hooked. George Downwind is quite a charCter. The book stopped abruptly with some characters but over all it was an excellent read
This wonderful story of bravery and compassion had me hooked. George Downwind is quite a charCter. The book stopped abruptly with some characters but over all it was an excellent read
August 21, 2018
A Great Book
This is an incredible storY. I don't know if it is fact of fiction, but I do know it will keep any reader enthralled from beginning to end. I spent time in Vietnam and Laos; for some reason I feel better about that time now.
This is an incredible storY. I don't know if it is fact of fiction, but I do know it will keep any reader enthralled from beginning to end. I spent time in Vietnam and Laos; for some reason I feel better about that time now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews