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The Vietnam Reader: The Definitive Collection of Fiction and Nonfiction on the War
An extraordinary selection of the finest and best-known art from the American war in Vietnam, from Tim O'Brien to Marvin Gaye, from mainstream bestsellers to radical poetry.
This authoritative and accessible volume includes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, film, photography, and popular song lyrics from the Vietnam War era, covering a breadth of experiences and perspectives. Also included are incisive reader's questions--useful for educators and book clubs--in a volume that makes an essential contribution to a wider understanding of the Vietnam War.
An indispensable and provocative read for anyone who wants to know more about the war that changed the face of late-twentieth-century America.
This authoritative and accessible volume includes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, film, photography, and popular song lyrics from the Vietnam War era, covering a breadth of experiences and perspectives. Also included are incisive reader's questions--useful for educators and book clubs--in a volume that makes an essential contribution to a wider understanding of the Vietnam War.
An indispensable and provocative read for anyone who wants to know more about the war that changed the face of late-twentieth-century America.
736 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1965
About the author
Stewart O'Nan
71 books1,396 followersStewart O'Nan is the author of eighteen novels, including Emily, Alone; Last Night at the Lobster; A Prayer for the Dying; Snow Angels; and the forthcoming Ocean State, due out from Grove/Atlantic on March 8th, 2022.
With Stephen King, I’ve also co-written Faithful, a nonfiction account of the 2004 Boston Red Sox, and the e-story “A Face in the Crowd.”
You can catch me at stewart-onan.com, on Twitter @stewartonan and on Facebook @stewartONanAuthor
With Stephen King, I’ve also co-written Faithful, a nonfiction account of the 2004 Boston Red Sox, and the e-story “A Face in the Crowd.”
You can catch me at stewart-onan.com, on Twitter @stewartonan and on Facebook @stewartONanAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
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July 31, 2008Not for the faint at heart. Cruelly honest, with wrenching accounts, both fictional and otherwise. I had to stop reading at several points because it was overwhelming. And I've read a lot of Vietnam literature.
August 7, 2016
About as good a collection and summary as there could be of the literature up until that point in time of the Vietnam War. I'd be a little careful of using this book in a high school class on the literature of the Vietnam War. The language and the violence could be an issue. There is also the question brought up in the book whether or not there is such a thing as truthfully telling what happens in war. I like how the editor even acknowledged that people lie about their war experiences, sort of like fishing.
Another problem is that I don't like reading just a section of a book. However, I knew the book was like that. I have a new list of books I want to read now.
Another problem is that I don't like reading just a section of a book. However, I knew the book was like that. I have a new list of books I want to read now.
July 4, 2015
How can one call this a great book, which it is, without feeling the pain of a very difficult era in American history? In a nutshell, war is the ultimate human failure and a failed war without rationale is beyond failure.
May 26, 2022
I knew what I was getting into when I bought this book. I knew I could never know what it was like to have fought in that war. And I didn't expect to understand it any better. But I did want to hear about it from those who were there, and this book allowed me to do that. I have cousins who served there, and they have never mentioned it to me in all these years.
This book is an anthology, full of accounts, novels, film descriptions, poems, and songs. Like the war itself, you hear different points of view and you sense changing attitudes. You see the effects of a war fought not against soldiers in uniform, but against civilians, who may or may not be the enemy. Most heartbreaking is how so many came to dehumanize an entire race of people, and the resulting atrocities that followed.
The debate over the Vietnam War continues. The editor, Stewart O'Nan, has compiled a list of well over 100 discussion questions at the end of the book, by which in his words, "the reader will not only be able to join in that debate but to understand the issues that created and sustain it". This would make great required reading for a high school social studies or history class, if the book is not banned by legislators.
One thing I did expect, and did receive, was a heightened appreciation for those who served. They were put into a situation in which it was difficult, if not impossible, to reconcile their beliefs about goodness and decency with orders from superiors and the mandate to honor their country.
It is often a difficult book to read, but well worth it.
This book is an anthology, full of accounts, novels, film descriptions, poems, and songs. Like the war itself, you hear different points of view and you sense changing attitudes. You see the effects of a war fought not against soldiers in uniform, but against civilians, who may or may not be the enemy. Most heartbreaking is how so many came to dehumanize an entire race of people, and the resulting atrocities that followed.
The debate over the Vietnam War continues. The editor, Stewart O'Nan, has compiled a list of well over 100 discussion questions at the end of the book, by which in his words, "the reader will not only be able to join in that debate but to understand the issues that created and sustain it". This would make great required reading for a high school social studies or history class, if the book is not banned by legislators.
One thing I did expect, and did receive, was a heightened appreciation for those who served. They were put into a situation in which it was difficult, if not impossible, to reconcile their beliefs about goodness and decency with orders from superiors and the mandate to honor their country.
It is often a difficult book to read, but well worth it.
May 19, 2023
He had a highly interesting writing career
+(1962) The Limits of Defense, with Arthur Waskow
+(1965) The Viet-Nam Reader: Articles and Documents on American Foreign Policy and the Viet-Nam Crisis
(1965) A Citizen's White Paper on American Policy in Vietnam and Southeast Asia
+(1965) After 20 Years: Alternatives to the Cold War in Europe, with by Richard J. Barnet
+(1971) Being and Doing: An Inquiry Into the Colonization, Decolonization and Reconstruction of American Society and Its State
+(1971) Washington Plans An Aggressive War, with Ralph L. Stavins and Richard J. Barnet
+(1971) An American Manifesto, with Richard Barnet
+(1974) Notes on the Old System: To Transform American Politics
(1975) The American Political Deadlock: Colloquium on Latin America and the United States: Present and Future of their Economic and Political Relations
+(1976) Next Steps for a New Administration
(1978) The Federal Budget and Social Reconstruction: The People and the State
+(1979) The Politics of National Security
+(1986) The Common Good: Its Politics, Policies, and Philosophy
(1987) New Ways of Knowing: The Sciences, Society, and Reconstructive Knowledge, with Herbert J. Bernstein
+(1988) Winning America: Ideas and Leadership for the 1990s, with Chester Hartman
+(1991) Essays of a Citizen: From National Security State to Democracy
(1992) Abolishing the War System: The Disarmament and International Law Project of the Institute for Policy Studies and the Lawyers Committee on Nuclear Policy
+(1995) Visions and Revisions: Reflections on Culture and Democracy at the End of the Century
+(1997) Presidential Disrespect: From Thomas Paine to Rush Limbaugh – How and Why We Insult, Scorn and Ridicule Our Chief Executives, with Sushila Nayak
(2003) Liberalism: The Genius of American Ideals
+(2005) In Democracy's Shadow: The Secret World of National Security, with Carl LeVan
+(2006) The Four Freedoms Under Siege: The Clear and Present Danger from Our National Security State, with Robert Spero
+(2012) Warfare Welfare: The Not-So-Hidden Costs of America's Permanent War Economy, with Gregory D. Squires (Editor)
---
I haven't seen much about
A Citizen's White Paper on American Policy in Vietnam and Southeast Asia
it's largely vaporware on google
----
anything with an + seems to be a book of his better works
+(1962) The Limits of Defense, with Arthur Waskow
+(1965) The Viet-Nam Reader: Articles and Documents on American Foreign Policy and the Viet-Nam Crisis
(1965) A Citizen's White Paper on American Policy in Vietnam and Southeast Asia
+(1965) After 20 Years: Alternatives to the Cold War in Europe, with by Richard J. Barnet
+(1971) Being and Doing: An Inquiry Into the Colonization, Decolonization and Reconstruction of American Society and Its State
+(1971) Washington Plans An Aggressive War, with Ralph L. Stavins and Richard J. Barnet
+(1971) An American Manifesto, with Richard Barnet
+(1974) Notes on the Old System: To Transform American Politics
(1975) The American Political Deadlock: Colloquium on Latin America and the United States: Present and Future of their Economic and Political Relations
+(1976) Next Steps for a New Administration
(1978) The Federal Budget and Social Reconstruction: The People and the State
+(1979) The Politics of National Security
+(1986) The Common Good: Its Politics, Policies, and Philosophy
(1987) New Ways of Knowing: The Sciences, Society, and Reconstructive Knowledge, with Herbert J. Bernstein
+(1988) Winning America: Ideas and Leadership for the 1990s, with Chester Hartman
+(1991) Essays of a Citizen: From National Security State to Democracy
(1992) Abolishing the War System: The Disarmament and International Law Project of the Institute for Policy Studies and the Lawyers Committee on Nuclear Policy
+(1995) Visions and Revisions: Reflections on Culture and Democracy at the End of the Century
+(1997) Presidential Disrespect: From Thomas Paine to Rush Limbaugh – How and Why We Insult, Scorn and Ridicule Our Chief Executives, with Sushila Nayak
(2003) Liberalism: The Genius of American Ideals
+(2005) In Democracy's Shadow: The Secret World of National Security, with Carl LeVan
+(2006) The Four Freedoms Under Siege: The Clear and Present Danger from Our National Security State, with Robert Spero
+(2012) Warfare Welfare: The Not-So-Hidden Costs of America's Permanent War Economy, with Gregory D. Squires (Editor)
---
I haven't seen much about
A Citizen's White Paper on American Policy in Vietnam and Southeast Asia
it's largely vaporware on google
----
anything with an + seems to be a book of his better works
June 12, 2014
Though these stories span generations and viewpoints, I was struck by how similar their themes were. These selections are dominated by coming-of-age stories -- what editor Stewart O'Nan described using the fancier term of bildungsroman, or German learning-novel.
I found these selections to be powerful and overwhelming dark, which isn't surprising considering the heartbreak and savagery of the Vietnam War. It also jumped out to me how little the Vietnamese play a role in American accounts of the war.
One criticism I have: While the book proclaims itself "the definitive collection of American fiction and nonfiction" about Vietnam, there really isn't a whole lot of nonfiction included. Largely, the oeuvre is made up of literary accounts of the war, which is a little less than promised.
For comedy, there was Robin Moore's The Green Berets, which was made into a much panned 1968 John Wayne movie. It's no surprise it didn't play well, considering cliched I-don't-play-by-the-rules dialogue like this:
"'Kornie has killed more VC than any other A team in the three weeks since we've taken over here,' Fenz pointed out.
"'Kornie is too damned independent and unorthodox,' Train said.
"'That's what they taught us at Bragg, Colonel,' I put in. 'Or did I spend three months misunderstanding the message?'
"'There are limits. I don't agree with all the School teaches.'"
I found these selections to be powerful and overwhelming dark, which isn't surprising considering the heartbreak and savagery of the Vietnam War. It also jumped out to me how little the Vietnamese play a role in American accounts of the war.
One criticism I have: While the book proclaims itself "the definitive collection of American fiction and nonfiction" about Vietnam, there really isn't a whole lot of nonfiction included. Largely, the oeuvre is made up of literary accounts of the war, which is a little less than promised.
For comedy, there was Robin Moore's The Green Berets, which was made into a much panned 1968 John Wayne movie. It's no surprise it didn't play well, considering cliched I-don't-play-by-the-rules dialogue like this:
"'Kornie has killed more VC than any other A team in the three weeks since we've taken over here,' Fenz pointed out.
"'Kornie is too damned independent and unorthodox,' Train said.
"'That's what they taught us at Bragg, Colonel,' I put in. 'Or did I spend three months misunderstanding the message?'
"'There are limits. I don't agree with all the School teaches.'"
March 11, 2009
I read this when it came out, and it pointed me toward buying and reading several works I probably wouldn't have otherwise. Of course, this work contains fiction and nonfiction, plus movie reviews, and song lyrics.
It is a noble effort indeed to try and waken the consciousness of some readers who would otherwise be ignorant of the important works herein, and/or the Vietnam war era. If O'Nan's book helps the reading public to pick up other books on Vietnam, then he has succeeded admirably.
The movie reviews are his own with supplementary comments by others. If readers have a problem with the content, direct that ire toward the individual authors, and not the compiler.
Buy the book, it's great!
It is a noble effort indeed to try and waken the consciousness of some readers who would otherwise be ignorant of the important works herein, and/or the Vietnam war era. If O'Nan's book helps the reading public to pick up other books on Vietnam, then he has succeeded admirably.
The movie reviews are his own with supplementary comments by others. If readers have a problem with the content, direct that ire toward the individual authors, and not the compiler.
Buy the book, it's great!
May 5, 2013
Excellent anthology of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and even songs from the Vietnam War. Editor Stewart O'Nan made a great selection from the vast material that is out there. Though I wouldn't agree with some of his selections (did he really need to include the book that was the basis for U.S. government-touted movie The Green Berets?), the breadth and diversity of his choices give a good sense of the war from the American soldiers' point of view. Especially valuable are the poetry of Yusef Kumanyakaa and Tim O'Brien's chilling rendition of the My Lai massacre and subsequent trial, "In the Lake of the Woods."
September 1, 2007
A compilation of clips from works treating the Vietnam War, including letters, poetry, oral histories, works of fiction, short stories, etc. This gives a well-rounded look at writing that treats a very controversial period in US history. From government-hired journalists to soldiers on the frontline, to disabled vets living out the rest of their lives in government hospitals, this anthology provides a range of perspectives. Very gruesome. Very essential to understanding the Vietnam experience.
December 5, 2013
If you want to know about Vietnam, and don't have the patience for Karnow's "Vietnam: a History," this is the place to start. The selections include excerpts from novels, short stories, newspaper reports, lyrics and poems.
I read this for the first time when preparing to teach a seminar about the Vietnam conflict, and I'm rereading it now to prepare for another class.
My only quibble is that the book doesn't contain much of anything about the French war. I don't think the American war makes much sense unless placed in the context of the continuing struggle.
I read this for the first time when preparing to teach a seminar about the Vietnam conflict, and I'm rereading it now to prepare for another class.
My only quibble is that the book doesn't contain much of anything about the French war. I don't think the American war makes much sense unless placed in the context of the continuing struggle.
September 24, 2009
Impressive in both depth and breadth of scope, this collection includes works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, film, still photos, and popular song lyrics in its balanced examination of the war from a variety of viewpoints. Essential reading for those interested in the history and impact of the Vietnam war.
July 18, 2007
If I were a teacher putting together a unit on the Vietnam War, I would snatch up a copy of this immediately. Poems, films, essays, bits of novels and memoirs, photographs, song lyrics--all thematically organized and ready for classroom use.
March 19, 2008
This is a fantastic anthology of fiction, poems, and stories of the Vietnam War. There are many authors in this book; one of them is Tim O'Brien who is a renowned Vietnam War author. This is simply a fantastic look at the Vietnam War through a vet's eyes.
December 17, 2008
I have always loved books about the Vietnam War... this was the book used in one of my classes in college and I have picked it up again trying to finish all of the stories I did not get a chance to read in the class.
October 4, 2013
Biedt een duiding van alles wat verschenen is over de Vietnamoorlog op het gebied van proza, poëzie, songteksten, films. Daarom moeilijk te overschatten. Als je jezelf een beeld wilt vormen van de (verandering van de) receptie van de Vietnamoorlog in de VS, is dit het boek dat je wilt lezen.
Want to Read
August 2, 2011Stephen King friend and recommended author.
December 23, 2013
Most honest pieces of writing from this time in history. Everyone should read this.
September 6, 2021
Synopsis: The Vietnam Reader is a collection of literature that focuses on America's involvement in Vietnam. Edited by Stewart O'Nan, the collection includes selections that span approximately thirty years. O'nan includes short stories; poetry; song lyrics; film synopsis; and excerpts from memoirs, novels, and dramas. I used this book as the principal reader for a second year college composition course I taught. The school encouraged the instructors of the course to develop a course that was thematic in nature and I chose the Vietnam War. Students were reluctant at first, but once they had the background knowledge they needed and started reading many of the selections collected here, they saw the value of learning and reading about this controversial and fascinating period of American history.
Themes/Curriculum connections: American History, War, Vietnam, Soldiers, PTSD
Age/Grade Recommendation: High School and up.
Themes/Curriculum connections: American History, War, Vietnam, Soldiers, PTSD
Age/Grade Recommendation: High School and up.
January 14, 2025
I thought this was the best idea ever. Because I am a teacher, I thought that every teacher should be paid to accumulate readings from books, poems, songs, or any type of material that would well illustrate a period. There is fiction here, nonfiction, poetry, song references, movie references. I was depressed when I finished because the book portrayed the futility of this whole thing. The one point of view missing was the powers-that-be, so I would like to see a Volume 2 with pieces from Martin Luther King, Jr., LBJ, McNamara, Ho Chi Minh, and various others. Oh, and the Pentagon papers.
June 15, 2020
The Vietnam Reader is a compilation of the historical and first person accounts of the service members that served in the American army. Also included is significant works of fiction, poetry, music, and reviews of the movies that were made. Anyone interested in the literature that came from the war combined with other histories, helps to give a scholar a more well rounded view of the conflict and the people that sacrificed their lives while in service to the country at this time. Included are the voices of protest, but not so much from the politicians that chose to send are country in this decades old quagmire.
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September 14, 2021Well this sure is an American perspective on the Vietnam War.
If I were teaching a high school-level unit on the subject, in the US, I'd definitely include this book in the syllabus.
If I were teaching a high school-level unit on the subject, in the US, I'd definitely include this book in the syllabus.
October 15, 2024
this took so long to read i feel like i actually served a tour in vietnam
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews