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The Greatest Beer Run Ever: A Memoir of Friendship, Loyalty and War―A Wildly Entertaining Memoir of an Insane, Yet Heartwarming, Beer Delivery to Vietnam
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER
“Chickie takes us thousands of miles on a hilarious quest laced with sorrow, but never dull. You will laugh and cry, but you will not be sorry that you read this rollicking story.”—Malachy McCourt
Soon to be a major motion picture from Peter Farrelly, director of the Academy Award–winning Green Book—a wildly entertaining, feel-good memoir of an Irish-American New Yorker and former U.S. marine who embarked on a courageous, hare-brained scheme to deliver beer to his pals serving Vietnam in the late 1960s.
One night in 1967, twenty-six-year-old John Donohue—known as Chick—was out with friends, drinking in a New York City bar. The friends gathered there had lost loved ones in Vietnam. Now they watched as anti-war protesters turned on the troops themselves.
One neighborhood patriot came up with an inspired—some would call it insane—idea. Someone should sneak into Vietnam, track down their buddies there, give them messages of support from back home, and share a few laughs over a can of beer.
It would be the Greatest Beer Run Ever.
But who’d be crazy enough to do it?
One man was up for the challenge—a U.S. Marine Corps veteran turned merchant mariner who wasn’t about to desert his buddies on the front lines when they needed him.
Chick volunteered.
A day later, he was on a cargo ship headed to Vietnam, armed with Irish luck and a backpack full of alcohol. Landing in Qui Nho’n, Chick set off on an adventure that would change his life forever—an odyssey that took him through a series of hilarious escapades and harrowing close calls, including the Tet Offensive. But none of that mattered if he could bring some cheer to his pals and show them how much the folks back home appreciated them.
This is the story of that epic beer run, told in Chick’s own words and those of the men he visited in Vietnam.
INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER
“Chickie takes us thousands of miles on a hilarious quest laced with sorrow, but never dull. You will laugh and cry, but you will not be sorry that you read this rollicking story.”—Malachy McCourt
Soon to be a major motion picture from Peter Farrelly, director of the Academy Award–winning Green Book—a wildly entertaining, feel-good memoir of an Irish-American New Yorker and former U.S. marine who embarked on a courageous, hare-brained scheme to deliver beer to his pals serving Vietnam in the late 1960s.
One night in 1967, twenty-six-year-old John Donohue—known as Chick—was out with friends, drinking in a New York City bar. The friends gathered there had lost loved ones in Vietnam. Now they watched as anti-war protesters turned on the troops themselves.
One neighborhood patriot came up with an inspired—some would call it insane—idea. Someone should sneak into Vietnam, track down their buddies there, give them messages of support from back home, and share a few laughs over a can of beer.
It would be the Greatest Beer Run Ever.
But who’d be crazy enough to do it?
One man was up for the challenge—a U.S. Marine Corps veteran turned merchant mariner who wasn’t about to desert his buddies on the front lines when they needed him.
Chick volunteered.
A day later, he was on a cargo ship headed to Vietnam, armed with Irish luck and a backpack full of alcohol. Landing in Qui Nho’n, Chick set off on an adventure that would change his life forever—an odyssey that took him through a series of hilarious escapades and harrowing close calls, including the Tet Offensive. But none of that mattered if he could bring some cheer to his pals and show them how much the folks back home appreciated them.
This is the story of that epic beer run, told in Chick’s own words and those of the men he visited in Vietnam.
243 pages, Paperback
First published May 2, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,513 reviews
October 3, 2022
Fascinating and funny true story of selflessness and friendship!
“Peter Farrelly (Green Book) is set to write and direct The Greatest Beer Run Ever (working title), based on the novel The Greatest Beer Run Ever: A True Story of Friendship Stronger Than War by Joanna Molloy and John “Chickie” Donohue.”; IMDB shows stars (Russell Crowe, Zac Efron & Bill Murray). Though it says “Rumored” so it isn’t official yet. .
This book was a nice change from my usual romance novels. It was a strange but true story of a man who went to vietnam during the height of the conflict to bring some joy to his neighborhood friends while they served their country. Many of the boys in the neighborhood had been dying after being shipped off to Vietnam and John “Chickie” Donovan and a few others were in a local bar chatting about the sad state of affairs in the country when boys are overseas fighting and dying then come home to be yelled at and spit on.
One of the guys, nicknamed the Colonel, said that something should be done to lift their spirits and since they couldn’t come around the neighborhood and join the guys for a beer, that someone should bring one to them. A good old american beer instead of the crap they get in Vietnam which could taste like vinegar one day and fine the next. Not only that, but a hug, a message from home and some camaraderie. Chickie happened to have been in Vietnam before and was currently in possession of a merchant marine card.
This meant he could sign on to any merchant marine vessel heading out to Vietnam to deliver ammo and supplies. So Chickie did just that. He picked up a case of beer and got on a merchant ship bound for Vietnam. He had a list of the neighborhood boys and what companies they were each in, so he could track them down. Chickie knew it wouldn’t be as easy as stopping in and finding them right away in the Port town. However, he lucked out right away in finding one of the guys who was an MP in the port town.
The rest of the story is of Chickie’s outrageous and sometimes perilous adventures while trying to get to the rest of the boys. Chickie often had to resort to conning his way into and out of situations and at first he was surprised that some of his ad libbing even worked, but soon found out the reason.
What follows is a truly informative and sometimes hilarious story of Chickie’s journey through Vietnam. It is quite an interesting tale of a regular guy going out of his way at his own expense and putting himself in danger in order to bring a bit of hope and home to his fellow man. I really liked this story and the fact that it is true makes it even better. I was laughing hysterically at times, the storytelling is so good. See below for a link to a youTube documentary featuring Chickie and friends telling a shortened version of the story in their own words...
Documentary video by featuring Chickie: https://youtu.be/D4WAUmyKDq0
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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“Peter Farrelly (Green Book) is set to write and direct The Greatest Beer Run Ever (working title), based on the novel The Greatest Beer Run Ever: A True Story of Friendship Stronger Than War by Joanna Molloy and John “Chickie” Donohue.”; IMDB shows stars (Russell Crowe, Zac Efron & Bill Murray). Though it says “Rumored” so it isn’t official yet. .
This book was a nice change from my usual romance novels. It was a strange but true story of a man who went to vietnam during the height of the conflict to bring some joy to his neighborhood friends while they served their country. Many of the boys in the neighborhood had been dying after being shipped off to Vietnam and John “Chickie” Donovan and a few others were in a local bar chatting about the sad state of affairs in the country when boys are overseas fighting and dying then come home to be yelled at and spit on.
One of the guys, nicknamed the Colonel, said that something should be done to lift their spirits and since they couldn’t come around the neighborhood and join the guys for a beer, that someone should bring one to them. A good old american beer instead of the crap they get in Vietnam which could taste like vinegar one day and fine the next. Not only that, but a hug, a message from home and some camaraderie. Chickie happened to have been in Vietnam before and was currently in possession of a merchant marine card.
This meant he could sign on to any merchant marine vessel heading out to Vietnam to deliver ammo and supplies. So Chickie did just that. He picked up a case of beer and got on a merchant ship bound for Vietnam. He had a list of the neighborhood boys and what companies they were each in, so he could track them down. Chickie knew it wouldn’t be as easy as stopping in and finding them right away in the Port town. However, he lucked out right away in finding one of the guys who was an MP in the port town.
The rest of the story is of Chickie’s outrageous and sometimes perilous adventures while trying to get to the rest of the boys. Chickie often had to resort to conning his way into and out of situations and at first he was surprised that some of his ad libbing even worked, but soon found out the reason.
It was the first of many instances in Vietnam where officers would treat me with the utmost deference, and, at first, I couldn’t understand why.
Then one day somebody told me: “Don’t you get it, pal? They think you’re CIA! Because why the hell else would you be here? In jeans and a plaid shirt, no less.”
What follows is a truly informative and sometimes hilarious story of Chickie’s journey through Vietnam. It is quite an interesting tale of a regular guy going out of his way at his own expense and putting himself in danger in order to bring a bit of hope and home to his fellow man. I really liked this story and the fact that it is true makes it even better. I was laughing hysterically at times, the storytelling is so good. See below for a link to a youTube documentary featuring Chickie and friends telling a shortened version of the story in their own words...
Documentary video by featuring Chickie: https://youtu.be/D4WAUmyKDq0
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
January 10, 2022
I have been on some good beer runs, and I have heard of some great ones. but this is truly the most epic beer run ever!! Chick Donuhue tells this story beautifully and never in this story is he the center of attention, but always it is his buddies and the soldiers fighting in Vietnam who are. His acts was selfless and really must have raised the morale of the troops he encountered after them being villainized by the media and public during the dark days of the Vietnam War. A great part about the story, is that he tells what happened to the guys he visited after he left during the rest of their tours in Vietnam. Highly recommended if you are looking for something different to read and also want some laughs while being serious.
May 27, 2021
“Somebody ought to go over to ’Nam, track down our boys from the neighborhood, and bring them each a beer!” “Yeah!!—Wait. What?” “You heard me! Bring them excellent beer, bring them messages from back home. Bring them . . . encouragement. Tell them we’re with them every step of the way!”
And that’s just what Chick Donohue attempted to do. Gathering names, units and last known military postal addresses Chick bought a mixed case of beer and used his seaman’s card to board a Victory boat, working in the engine room in exchange for transport to Vietnam.
This story is probably at least 50% bullshit, but who gives an eff. It was a light take on such a dark time in the United States’ history and I loved it. If you have a reluctant reader who is still obligated to pick up a non-fiction book or two for school assignments, I would highly recommend this one. It’s an easy read, it’s informative, and the content is told using the PG rating system.
Only 0.5 percent of Americans serve in the military, but 100 percent of us benefit.
It’s important to read their stories.
To me this was just like sitting around listening to a favorite family member spin a yarn. Cheers to you, Uncle Rod, and I hope you’ve got an endless supply of Hamm’s wherever you are . . . .
Hope to see you one day on the other side.
And that’s just what Chick Donohue attempted to do. Gathering names, units and last known military postal addresses Chick bought a mixed case of beer and used his seaman’s card to board a Victory boat, working in the engine room in exchange for transport to Vietnam.
This story is probably at least 50% bullshit, but who gives an eff. It was a light take on such a dark time in the United States’ history and I loved it. If you have a reluctant reader who is still obligated to pick up a non-fiction book or two for school assignments, I would highly recommend this one. It’s an easy read, it’s informative, and the content is told using the PG rating system.
Only 0.5 percent of Americans serve in the military, but 100 percent of us benefit.
It’s important to read their stories.
To me this was just like sitting around listening to a favorite family member spin a yarn. Cheers to you, Uncle Rod, and I hope you’ve got an endless supply of Hamm’s wherever you are . . . .
Hope to see you one day on the other side.
February 27, 2023
Outstanding memoir by John "Chick" Donohue, The Greatest Beer Run Ever: A Memoir of Friendship, Loyalty, and War, that I highly recommend!! It was recently made into a movie in 2022 starring Zac Efron and Russell Crowe. I haven't seen the movie yet but plan on watching it.
Donohue was a merchant seaman and while visiting his neighborhood bar, Doc Fiddler's, in NYC in 1967, the bartender (known as The Colonel) mentioned that someone should visit the troops in Vietnam and locate those who were serving who were from their neighborhood and give them hope, encouragement and a beer. Donohue, with several drinks in him, volunteered and actually did that!
Donohue collected names from mothers, fathers, and friends in the neighborhood so he would know who he was looking for while in Vietnam. Their locations spanned from right near the DMZ (demilitarized zone) to Saigon. By hook and crook, he found his way into Vietnam and moved throughout the country. He was ready to leave Vietnam when the Tet Offensive occurred which involved many cities in South Vietnam being ambushed by the VC on the Lunar holiday.
Fantastic, incredible story!!
Donohue was a merchant seaman and while visiting his neighborhood bar, Doc Fiddler's, in NYC in 1967, the bartender (known as The Colonel) mentioned that someone should visit the troops in Vietnam and locate those who were serving who were from their neighborhood and give them hope, encouragement and a beer. Donohue, with several drinks in him, volunteered and actually did that!
Donohue collected names from mothers, fathers, and friends in the neighborhood so he would know who he was looking for while in Vietnam. Their locations spanned from right near the DMZ (demilitarized zone) to Saigon. By hook and crook, he found his way into Vietnam and moved throughout the country. He was ready to leave Vietnam when the Tet Offensive occurred which involved many cities in South Vietnam being ambushed by the VC on the Lunar holiday.
Fantastic, incredible story!!
December 4, 2020
Great read. A different war story. This is my first book relating to Vietnam War and it's WILD!
One November night in 1967 John "Chick" Donahue was at a local bar in Inwood New York City. A superpatriotic bartender, George "Colonel" Lynch was unhappy that the antiwar protest had turned into anti-soldier. He believed the narrative was demoralizing their boys overseas and wanted to borrow a Seaman's Card from Chickie so he could sail off to the war zone and bring their neighborhood boys a drink and words of encouragement. Chick couldn't just let "the Colonel" borrow his ID card so he volunteered.
Sounds unbelievable and I wouldn't believe anyone would risks his life doing this. Chickie did! What a journey.
One November night in 1967 John "Chick" Donahue was at a local bar in Inwood New York City. A superpatriotic bartender, George "Colonel" Lynch was unhappy that the antiwar protest had turned into anti-soldier. He believed the narrative was demoralizing their boys overseas and wanted to borrow a Seaman's Card from Chickie so he could sail off to the war zone and bring their neighborhood boys a drink and words of encouragement. Chick couldn't just let "the Colonel" borrow his ID card so he volunteered.
Sounds unbelievable and I wouldn't believe anyone would risks his life doing this. Chickie did! What a journey.
September 23, 2024
The Greatest Beer Run Ever
By John "Chick " Donohue
This is a memoir of the author's adventure from New York to the Vietnam War to encourage his friends and bring them a beer. A crazy scheme thought up with his drinking buddies at the local bar.
This follows his travels, detailing how he made his way with help from several people along the way. A very interesting read. It's a truly scary adventure if you really think about it!
By John "Chick " Donohue
This is a memoir of the author's adventure from New York to the Vietnam War to encourage his friends and bring them a beer. A crazy scheme thought up with his drinking buddies at the local bar.
This follows his travels, detailing how he made his way with help from several people along the way. A very interesting read. It's a truly scary adventure if you really think about it!
August 31, 2022
I don't have anyone in my life like Chickie and, chances are, you probably don't either. Somebody with the love, the moxie, the street smarts, and the sheer dumb luck that propelled them, at the age of 20, into an active warzone to deliver beer and greetings from home to his lucky friends.
Those boys had a bond clear and present throughout the story of their lives. I really started to focus on this and just marveled at the conditions that built such a strong sense of friendship and community in the New York City locus of the story. Luckily, this book includes a chapter devoted to the unusual conditions of time and place that strengthened the social network of the residents of Inwood, Manhattan. Inwood is described as a densely populated urban center adjacent to a large old-growth forest park and a creek. Kids growing up here could run straight from their closely packed homes to a forest playground at a time when they were encouraged to stay out of the house all day. The area was somewhat stable and home to generations of relatives and families with many children. This was a tribe which probably maxed out the number of social connections the brain can handle.
This book made me nostalgic for something I never had, but at least I enjoyed the vicarious experience.
Those boys had a bond clear and present throughout the story of their lives. I really started to focus on this and just marveled at the conditions that built such a strong sense of friendship and community in the New York City locus of the story. Luckily, this book includes a chapter devoted to the unusual conditions of time and place that strengthened the social network of the residents of Inwood, Manhattan. Inwood is described as a densely populated urban center adjacent to a large old-growth forest park and a creek. Kids growing up here could run straight from their closely packed homes to a forest playground at a time when they were encouraged to stay out of the house all day. The area was somewhat stable and home to generations of relatives and families with many children. This was a tribe which probably maxed out the number of social connections the brain can handle.
This book made me nostalgic for something I never had, but at least I enjoyed the vicarious experience.
June 23, 2017
I got lucky. My draft number came up when I turned nineteen, but by then it was a lottery and my number was high. I never got the call, but despite protesting against the War, I always thought of those who were sent overseas, and then dumped on when they returned home... if they returned home. I knew many of them. It wasn't fair. It hadn't been their choice at all, so I have had a conflicted collection of feelings over VietNam since those days. This book, a memoir that tells an outrageous story of loyalty and friendship, was truly healing for me. Written in as authentic a NY neighborhood voice as could be imagined, it feels right in every way. There's a Pete Hamill-ish journalistic focus at work here, and for anyone who would want to read something revealing about the VietNam war AND about NYC, this will be a great read.
June 3, 2025
“I went to Vietnam with a smile and a six-pack. I came back with stories I’ll never stop telling.”
I didn’t expect to enjoy THE GREATEST BEER RUN EVER as much as I did. My experience with this book was such a delightful surprise. What starts as a seemingly absurd premise, bringing beer to friends serving in Vietnam, turns into a fast-paced, heartfelt, and unexpectedly informative memoir.
John “Chick” Donohue was both a former Marine and a merchant mariner when he set out on the improbable journey that forms the heart of this book. He wasn’t naïve or reckless, and that’s precisely what makes his decision to travel to Vietnam, beer in hand, during the height of the war so astonishingly bold and deeply sincere. Through his eyes, we witness the raw humanity of the Vietnam War, as he navigates danger and chaos with a singular mission: to find his friends and remind them that people back home still cared. Unbeknownst to him, his trip coincided with what would later be known as the Tet Offensive—an unexpected twist he never could have foreseen.
The book offers real insight into the conflict, the confusion back home, and the deep bonds of friendship and loyalty that compelled one man to do the unthinkable. The storytelling is punchy, honest, and often hilarious, yet never loses sight of the emotional undercurrents. I found myself tearing through chapters. It’s easy to see why the book was adapted for film.
Quotes:
• “It sounded crazy, because it was. But back then, crazy was just part of the plan.”
• “I didn’t know where they were exactly. I figured I’d ask around when I got there. How hard could it be?”
• “When you’re walking through a war zone with a bag of beer, you realize pretty quickly you’ve made some questionable life choices.”
• “The world felt upside down, and maybe the only sane thing left to do was something insane.”
I’m genuinely glad someone put this book in my hands. I never would have picked it up on my own, and I would have missed out on a wild, true tale that’s ultimately about courage, camaraderie, and conscience. If you’re looking for a memoir that’s both outrageous and earnest, THE GREATEST BEER RUN EVER is worth a look.
I didn’t expect to enjoy THE GREATEST BEER RUN EVER as much as I did. My experience with this book was such a delightful surprise. What starts as a seemingly absurd premise, bringing beer to friends serving in Vietnam, turns into a fast-paced, heartfelt, and unexpectedly informative memoir.
John “Chick” Donohue was both a former Marine and a merchant mariner when he set out on the improbable journey that forms the heart of this book. He wasn’t naïve or reckless, and that’s precisely what makes his decision to travel to Vietnam, beer in hand, during the height of the war so astonishingly bold and deeply sincere. Through his eyes, we witness the raw humanity of the Vietnam War, as he navigates danger and chaos with a singular mission: to find his friends and remind them that people back home still cared. Unbeknownst to him, his trip coincided with what would later be known as the Tet Offensive—an unexpected twist he never could have foreseen.
The book offers real insight into the conflict, the confusion back home, and the deep bonds of friendship and loyalty that compelled one man to do the unthinkable. The storytelling is punchy, honest, and often hilarious, yet never loses sight of the emotional undercurrents. I found myself tearing through chapters. It’s easy to see why the book was adapted for film.
Quotes:
• “It sounded crazy, because it was. But back then, crazy was just part of the plan.”
• “I didn’t know where they were exactly. I figured I’d ask around when I got there. How hard could it be?”
• “When you’re walking through a war zone with a bag of beer, you realize pretty quickly you’ve made some questionable life choices.”
• “The world felt upside down, and maybe the only sane thing left to do was something insane.”
I’m genuinely glad someone put this book in my hands. I never would have picked it up on my own, and I would have missed out on a wild, true tale that’s ultimately about courage, camaraderie, and conscience. If you’re looking for a memoir that’s both outrageous and earnest, THE GREATEST BEER RUN EVER is worth a look.
September 29, 2021
Any interest I had in the story was ruined by the godawful writing
June 22, 2022
Excellent storytelling! I had no idea this was being made into a movie until I started researching Chick online. I am not surprised, and I hope it is successful when it is released later this year.
This is a colourful tale with some fantastic characters and historical detail—both informative and heartbreaking. Chick took a back seat in this story and made it clear that this book is about honouring the guys who bravely fought and lost their lives in Vietnam. This is the first book I have read about Vietnam in a long time, and I found it engaging while concise and factual without being tedious. The author's reflections on Irish history and the Troubles were fitting.
The Audible version is very good and brings the story to life. In addition, it has an accompanying pdf file with a map and an extensive bibliography for additional reading.
In my research, I found this little 13-minute gem. YouTube Video: 47 Year reunion of Chickie and his mates in Inwood Produced by Makuhari Media and Pabst Blue Ribbon
This is a colourful tale with some fantastic characters and historical detail—both informative and heartbreaking. Chick took a back seat in this story and made it clear that this book is about honouring the guys who bravely fought and lost their lives in Vietnam. This is the first book I have read about Vietnam in a long time, and I found it engaging while concise and factual without being tedious. The author's reflections on Irish history and the Troubles were fitting.
The Audible version is very good and brings the story to life. In addition, it has an accompanying pdf file with a map and an extensive bibliography for additional reading.
In my research, I found this little 13-minute gem. YouTube Video: 47 Year reunion of Chickie and his mates in Inwood Produced by Makuhari Media and Pabst Blue Ribbon
January 16, 2023
An exceptional concept for a story. And what makes it really special is that it’s true.
As a Vietnam era veteran, I find very few stories that are pro soldiers. This one is!
I very much enjoyed and recommend this book.
As a Vietnam era veteran, I find very few stories that are pro soldiers. This one is!
I very much enjoyed and recommend this book.
August 31, 2025
This was excellent! It was such an incredible story-- what a life like Chick Donohue has lived, and what a great friend!
I usually feel uncomfortable rating a memoir, but I am going to think on it and may give it one when I write my full review. Update: I've decided to give it a 4-star. I really, really enjoyed my time with it. I perhaps wanted even more, and parts of it felt a little choppy.
Overall, so, so good and I'm really glad I read it.
Full review to come...stay tuned!!!
I usually feel uncomfortable rating a memoir, but I am going to think on it and may give it one when I write my full review. Update: I've decided to give it a 4-star. I really, really enjoyed my time with it. I perhaps wanted even more, and parts of it felt a little choppy.
Overall, so, so good and I'm really glad I read it.
Full review to come...stay tuned!!!
January 28, 2022
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
In 1967, the protests against the Vietnam War are gaining steam. The guys in the neighborhood don't like that, so one of them volunteers to go to Vietnam and bring the boys they know a beer and let them know people are thinking about them.
He's in the merchant marines and hops a boat just about the time of the Tet Offensive. I could see where this book could make a pretty good movie. It's strange how mention of the Vietnamese version of Bigfoot, Batutut, is becoming prevalent in books about the war. I'm not sure when this trend started, but it's becoming almost a genre convention.
I also noticed that once on his way home, he mentions he has a Vietnamese girlfriend. He barely mentions the entire relationship. He also leaves her in Vietnam, even though he thinks the war was already lost. What the heck is that? Did he leave her to die? That's terrible.
On the whole a good book, a slightly different look at the Vietnam War.
In 1967, the protests against the Vietnam War are gaining steam. The guys in the neighborhood don't like that, so one of them volunteers to go to Vietnam and bring the boys they know a beer and let them know people are thinking about them.
He's in the merchant marines and hops a boat just about the time of the Tet Offensive. I could see where this book could make a pretty good movie. It's strange how mention of the Vietnamese version of Bigfoot, Batutut, is becoming prevalent in books about the war. I'm not sure when this trend started, but it's becoming almost a genre convention.
I also noticed that once on his way home, he mentions he has a Vietnamese girlfriend. He barely mentions the entire relationship. He also leaves her in Vietnam, even though he thinks the war was already lost. What the heck is that? Did he leave her to die? That's terrible.
On the whole a good book, a slightly different look at the Vietnam War.
November 10, 2020
thanks to the publishers and netgalley for a free copy in return for an open and honest review.
This book had me gripped as sometimes funny and other times serious as its an ex marine and merchant seaman travels around war torn south Vietnam in 1967 as a bet in a New York bar to have a beer with friends who were stationed in the country.
This book had me gripped as sometimes funny and other times serious as its an ex marine and merchant seaman travels around war torn south Vietnam in 1967 as a bet in a New York bar to have a beer with friends who were stationed in the country.
November 16, 2022
From https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/27/mo...
Chickie Donohue, 81, has been telling saloon stories since his teens, but there’s one he no longer has to tell.
It is about his preposterously unlikely trip to Vietnam in 1967 to bring his soldier friends a beer and a hug of support from their home neighborhood of Inwood in Upper Manhattan.
The soldiers, all stationed with different units, were gobsmacked to see their neighborhood buddy in well-worn dungarees and a checked shirt suddenly show up in foxholes and tent barracks and hand them a warm one from his duffel bag.
I read the book and watched the movie. Both awesome. It reminds me of my life in 1967. I was still in college and dating a guy who graduated from college in 1967. He decided to teach in the inner city of Chicago rather than be drafted. It is his experience that forms my memory of my feelings about the war.
The book and movie are a walk down memory lane. Not necessarily painless as it reminds me of how I felt in that era.
5 stars
Chickie Donohue, 81, has been telling saloon stories since his teens, but there’s one he no longer has to tell.
It is about his preposterously unlikely trip to Vietnam in 1967 to bring his soldier friends a beer and a hug of support from their home neighborhood of Inwood in Upper Manhattan.
The soldiers, all stationed with different units, were gobsmacked to see their neighborhood buddy in well-worn dungarees and a checked shirt suddenly show up in foxholes and tent barracks and hand them a warm one from his duffel bag.
I read the book and watched the movie. Both awesome. It reminds me of my life in 1967. I was still in college and dating a guy who graduated from college in 1967. He decided to teach in the inner city of Chicago rather than be drafted. It is his experience that forms my memory of my feelings about the war.
The book and movie are a walk down memory lane. Not necessarily painless as it reminds me of how I felt in that era.
5 stars
February 8, 2022
A wonderful story. Well written. Chickie Donahue showed his love & respect for his friends serving in Vietnam during the war by bringing them a beer from New York. His adventures that turned what he thought would be a 3 day trip into a much longer adventure makes for a wonderful read.
November 22, 2020
Donohue was 26 years old and already a veteran. He was an ex-marine and now a merchant seaman, and he had got together with his friends in the Doc Fiddler Bar in Manhattan. They had gathered there to drink, tell jokes and stories, have a laugh and share the craic. Something that their Irish and Scottish ancestors would have understood completely. They had all seen the protestors who were making a stand against the ongoing Vietnam war, a war that a number of their friends were still fighting in.
One of the guys at the bar suggested that someone, one of the guys present here ideally, should sneak into Vietnam, find their friends, give them a bear hug, let them know they were missed back home, have a few laughs and to hand them a beer. ‘Chick’ volunteered for the mission. It’ll be the greatest beer run ever.
It seemed like a good idea at the time…
Word got around that he was going and people started to pass him names of family members and the units that they were in. He collected them together but in the cold light of day nerves were setting in. He made a promise to the mother of one of his best friends that he would find him, so he really had to go now. He managed to get a passage on the SS Drake Victory. It was leaving very soon, so he grabbed some things and hurried down to the port. He stopped at a bar to get some beers and after he explained to the barman what he was doing he gave him a great price on them. He was soon on the way in the ammo ship to Vietnam.
They anchored of Qui Nhon and he thought of a ruse to get ashore. He found the captain and told him about the family news that he wanted to pass on to his step-brother in person. The captain fumed a little and as he had arranged for the shift to be covered let him go ashore for three days. He thought that would be all the time he needed to catch up with the guys and hand them a fine New York beer. Little did he know how wrong he was.
He jumped on the water taxi that had dropped off some MP to help guard the ship. The other guys on the boat were from the 127th MP Company, Tommy Collins unit. And it turns out they knew him and the ship they were going to next he was on! If it was that easy finding his friends he would have this wrapped up in no time. To say Tommy was shocked to see him was an understatement, it was quite an emotional reunion, and he really liked the beer.
He wanted to head north to find Rick Duggan and manages to bump into another of the friends in the jeep that stops to offer him a lift. Kevin is also shocked to see him, but he knows lots of people and helps him blag a lift of a Huey Helicopter that is heading north. In fact, being in civilian clothes seemed to be helping as most of the military personnel though he was from the CIA. The ride in the helicopter was pretty scary and they don’t shut the doors, and the pilots turned off the big fan up top just to scare him. It was early evening when they landed and the guy they spoke to knew where Duggan was. Donohue was told to jump in a fox hole and they radioed Duggan to return.
He only had a day left to return to his ship though and he manages to blag a lift of a chinook, and then wangles his way onto another plane that took him to Phu Cat. That was 17 miles from his destination. He decided to walk overnight, but gave up and headed back to the camp. He was lucky not to have been captured or shot. Arriving at the port the next day he sees that his ship has already departed. He is in so much trouble.
The harbour master recommends that he heads to Saigon and speak to the American Consulate. They would be able to get his out of there. But his arrived in the city happens at the time of the Tet Offensive by the Vietcong. He is now in the middle of a war zone and he is really not sure if he is going to live, let alone make it home.
He survived. We wouldn’t be reading this book otherwise.
It was an experience that changed him and the guys to deliver the beers too and this book is a warm and generous account of his travels. I can imagine that it was terrifying at times. He is a good storyteller, the writing is full of anecdotes about the people that he meets and helps him in his task of delivering the beers to his friends. The photos that he took enhance the writing. I liked this a lot, the writing is light-hearted and conversational. Whilst he was not in the thick of the fighting, he manages to convey the tensions in the country, in particular, the descriptions of the war.
One of the guys at the bar suggested that someone, one of the guys present here ideally, should sneak into Vietnam, find their friends, give them a bear hug, let them know they were missed back home, have a few laughs and to hand them a beer. ‘Chick’ volunteered for the mission. It’ll be the greatest beer run ever.
It seemed like a good idea at the time…
Word got around that he was going and people started to pass him names of family members and the units that they were in. He collected them together but in the cold light of day nerves were setting in. He made a promise to the mother of one of his best friends that he would find him, so he really had to go now. He managed to get a passage on the SS Drake Victory. It was leaving very soon, so he grabbed some things and hurried down to the port. He stopped at a bar to get some beers and after he explained to the barman what he was doing he gave him a great price on them. He was soon on the way in the ammo ship to Vietnam.
They anchored of Qui Nhon and he thought of a ruse to get ashore. He found the captain and told him about the family news that he wanted to pass on to his step-brother in person. The captain fumed a little and as he had arranged for the shift to be covered let him go ashore for three days. He thought that would be all the time he needed to catch up with the guys and hand them a fine New York beer. Little did he know how wrong he was.
He jumped on the water taxi that had dropped off some MP to help guard the ship. The other guys on the boat were from the 127th MP Company, Tommy Collins unit. And it turns out they knew him and the ship they were going to next he was on! If it was that easy finding his friends he would have this wrapped up in no time. To say Tommy was shocked to see him was an understatement, it was quite an emotional reunion, and he really liked the beer.
He wanted to head north to find Rick Duggan and manages to bump into another of the friends in the jeep that stops to offer him a lift. Kevin is also shocked to see him, but he knows lots of people and helps him blag a lift of a Huey Helicopter that is heading north. In fact, being in civilian clothes seemed to be helping as most of the military personnel though he was from the CIA. The ride in the helicopter was pretty scary and they don’t shut the doors, and the pilots turned off the big fan up top just to scare him. It was early evening when they landed and the guy they spoke to knew where Duggan was. Donohue was told to jump in a fox hole and they radioed Duggan to return.
He only had a day left to return to his ship though and he manages to blag a lift of a chinook, and then wangles his way onto another plane that took him to Phu Cat. That was 17 miles from his destination. He decided to walk overnight, but gave up and headed back to the camp. He was lucky not to have been captured or shot. Arriving at the port the next day he sees that his ship has already departed. He is in so much trouble.
The harbour master recommends that he heads to Saigon and speak to the American Consulate. They would be able to get his out of there. But his arrived in the city happens at the time of the Tet Offensive by the Vietcong. He is now in the middle of a war zone and he is really not sure if he is going to live, let alone make it home.
He survived. We wouldn’t be reading this book otherwise.
It was an experience that changed him and the guys to deliver the beers too and this book is a warm and generous account of his travels. I can imagine that it was terrifying at times. He is a good storyteller, the writing is full of anecdotes about the people that he meets and helps him in his task of delivering the beers to his friends. The photos that he took enhance the writing. I liked this a lot, the writing is light-hearted and conversational. Whilst he was not in the thick of the fighting, he manages to convey the tensions in the country, in particular, the descriptions of the war.
October 3, 2023
I listened to this in one sitting. What a fun read about Chick insisting on checking on his friends in Vietnam and share a beer with them.
July 28, 2020
1967. After a former Vietnam veteran volunteers to return to that war torn country to deliver beer and good cheer to his pals, John “Chickie” Donohue finds himself up against extreme challenges, dangers, and the occasional dumb luck. Filled with deep devotion and extreme loyalty, this is a fascinating and somewhat insane story of friendship, allegiance, and heroism.
November 10, 2021
The Beaumont Bookworms September theme/genre is nonfiction and we selected The Greatest Beer Run Ever by John “Chick” Donohue. I went back and forth on how to write this review. Well. Here it goes. A bunch of guys are in a bar in 1967. They are all discouraged by the protesting of the Vietnam War, especially when their friends are over there fighting. After a few drinks too many, one of the men says they should take their buddies a beer. So what does Chick do? THE DUDE GOES TO VIETNAM TO DELIVER BEER TO HIS BUDDIES. That’s it. That is the story. He goes into a warzone. To deliver beer. He goes into a warzone!!! I have no clue how he survived!! It makes no sense!!!
Here is the thing. I don’t doubt that this happened. There are pictures and witnesses to corroborate the story. However, I am calling bs on some of the details. It felt like a tall tale. Especially with how they all talk to each other. It felt like some things may have been exaggerated. However, one thing is for sure this dude is bat shit crazy. I have to admit that this story is entertaining. It makes sense that it is going to be made into a movie!
While some parts were repetitive, I did appreciate his point-of-view of the war. He was there during the Tet Offensive which marked a turning point in the war. Trigger Warnings: He does describe the horrific detail. I did appreciate how his views changed after his journey. He still supported the troops, but he knew we shouldn’t have been there. So many lives were lost. He started to understand why people were protesting.
This is a mesh of history, friendship, and humor. It is a quick read and can’t wait to watch the adaptation. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars!
Here is the thing. I don’t doubt that this happened. There are pictures and witnesses to corroborate the story. However, I am calling bs on some of the details. It felt like a tall tale. Especially with how they all talk to each other. It felt like some things may have been exaggerated. However, one thing is for sure this dude is bat shit crazy. I have to admit that this story is entertaining. It makes sense that it is going to be made into a movie!
While some parts were repetitive, I did appreciate his point-of-view of the war. He was there during the Tet Offensive which marked a turning point in the war. Trigger Warnings: He does describe the horrific detail. I did appreciate how his views changed after his journey. He still supported the troops, but he knew we shouldn’t have been there. So many lives were lost. He started to understand why people were protesting.
This is a mesh of history, friendship, and humor. It is a quick read and can’t wait to watch the adaptation. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars!
February 11, 2023
Cool story, pretty terrible writing.
"The Greatest Beer Run Ever" is an autobiographical telling of "Chick" Donohue's bumbling around Vietnam in the midst of war, trying to deliver beer to some of his neighborhood buddies. The amount of stupid shit he pulled is an incredible story of itself, add the fact that he got away with it, didn't stumble into being dead, and managed to stay out of one brig or another... this should be an absolutely amazing memoir.
It isn't, the story keeps the book afloat, but the writing is absolutely brutal. It reads and feels like a drunken braggart story, is overly repetitive, and lacks just about everything else that makes a book worth reading. But the story still makes it worth reading, I guess.
Maybe watch the movie instead? I have no idea if it's any good, but I can totally see how this story would work on screen. And since it was definitely not done justice in the book... maybe the movie will actually be better this time?
"The Greatest Beer Run Ever" is an autobiographical telling of "Chick" Donohue's bumbling around Vietnam in the midst of war, trying to deliver beer to some of his neighborhood buddies. The amount of stupid shit he pulled is an incredible story of itself, add the fact that he got away with it, didn't stumble into being dead, and managed to stay out of one brig or another... this should be an absolutely amazing memoir.
It isn't, the story keeps the book afloat, but the writing is absolutely brutal. It reads and feels like a drunken braggart story, is overly repetitive, and lacks just about everything else that makes a book worth reading. But the story still makes it worth reading, I guess.
Maybe watch the movie instead? I have no idea if it's any good, but I can totally see how this story would work on screen. And since it was definitely not done justice in the book... maybe the movie will actually be better this time?
May 29, 2024
With all due respect to this man, all his veteran friends, and this story… the book wasn’t good. This is an incredible story and has the capacity to be a great movie, but I was so bored. It wasn’t written well — that’s the best way I can describe it.
Either I have horrible reading retention (which is very possible because I was homeschooled and never read a book on my own till I was 17 years old) or it was so scattered and written in a way where it forces you to read super slowly or reread paragraphs.
Again, with ALL THE LOVE AND RESPECT for these vets🤝🏼 happy Memorial Day🫡
Either I have horrible reading retention (which is very possible because I was homeschooled and never read a book on my own till I was 17 years old) or it was so scattered and written in a way where it forces you to read super slowly or reread paragraphs.
Again, with ALL THE LOVE AND RESPECT for these vets🤝🏼 happy Memorial Day🫡
April 3, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
What an amazing beer run to show support for friends and fellow soldiers. "Chick' Donohue writes of his journey to Vietnam and gives a good history lesson while providing an entertaining experience.
What an amazing beer run to show support for friends and fellow soldiers. "Chick' Donohue writes of his journey to Vietnam and gives a good history lesson while providing an entertaining experience.
June 25, 2021
#1 This story is absolutely amazing!
#2 This guy was bat shit crazy
What John Donohue set out to do, in a crazy and scary time, was admiral but at the same time crazy stupid. Hearing his journey was crazy, and I'm so glad that he lived to tell the tale.
#2 This guy was bat shit crazy
What John Donohue set out to do, in a crazy and scary time, was admiral but at the same time crazy stupid. Hearing his journey was crazy, and I'm so glad that he lived to tell the tale.
January 12, 2021
Vietnam... what a terrible time. I love the ending when Chick offers his opinions of those in political power, regardless of who they are or the party they represent... he seems to hold a popular position that they all lie. What a story, what a time. A bit of history that has been silenced and lied about...
I was in middle school at the height of Vietnam and it ended as I came of high school age.. but I remember the neighbor boys that went, some came home and some came back but never really returned.
It is a 5-star read... for sure..
Happy Reading!
14. Written by an author over 65 (when published)
The book says...
"Chickie takes us thousands of miles on a hilarious quest laced with sorrow, but never dull. You will laugh and cry, but you will not be sorry that you read this rollicking story."—Malachy McCourt
Soon to be a major motion picture written and directed by Peter Farrelly, who won two Academy Awards for Green Book—a wildly entertaining, feel-good memoir of an Irish-American New Yorker and former U.S. marine who embarked on a courageous, hare-brained scheme to deliver beer to his pals serving Vietnam in the late 1960s.
One night in 1967, twenty-six-year-old John Donohue—known as Chick—was out with friends, drinking in a New York City bar. The friends gathered there had lost loved ones in Vietnam. Now, they watched as anti-war protesters turned on the troops themselves.
One neighborhood patriot came up with an inspired—some would call it insane—idea. Someone should sneak into Vietnam, track down their buddies there, give them messages of support from back home, and share a few laughs over a can of beer.
It would be the Greatest Beer Run Ever.
But who'd be crazy enough to do it?
One man was up for the challenge—a U. S. Marine Corps veteran turned merchant mariner who wasn't about to desert his buddies on the front lines when they needed him.
Chick volunteered.
A day later, he was on a cargo ship headed to Vietnam, armed with Irish luck and a backpack full of alcohol. Landing in Qui Nho'n, Chick set off on an adventure that would change his life forever—an odyssey that took him through a series of hilarious escapades and harrowing close calls, including the Tet Offensive. But none of that mattered if he could bring some cheer to his pals and show them how much the folks back home appreciated them.
This is the story of that epic beer run, told in Chick's own words and those of the men he visited in Vietnam.
I was in middle school at the height of Vietnam and it ended as I came of high school age.. but I remember the neighbor boys that went, some came home and some came back but never really returned.
It is a 5-star read... for sure..
Happy Reading!
14. Written by an author over 65 (when published)
The book says...
"Chickie takes us thousands of miles on a hilarious quest laced with sorrow, but never dull. You will laugh and cry, but you will not be sorry that you read this rollicking story."—Malachy McCourt
Soon to be a major motion picture written and directed by Peter Farrelly, who won two Academy Awards for Green Book—a wildly entertaining, feel-good memoir of an Irish-American New Yorker and former U.S. marine who embarked on a courageous, hare-brained scheme to deliver beer to his pals serving Vietnam in the late 1960s.
One night in 1967, twenty-six-year-old John Donohue—known as Chick—was out with friends, drinking in a New York City bar. The friends gathered there had lost loved ones in Vietnam. Now, they watched as anti-war protesters turned on the troops themselves.
One neighborhood patriot came up with an inspired—some would call it insane—idea. Someone should sneak into Vietnam, track down their buddies there, give them messages of support from back home, and share a few laughs over a can of beer.
It would be the Greatest Beer Run Ever.
But who'd be crazy enough to do it?
One man was up for the challenge—a U. S. Marine Corps veteran turned merchant mariner who wasn't about to desert his buddies on the front lines when they needed him.
Chick volunteered.
A day later, he was on a cargo ship headed to Vietnam, armed with Irish luck and a backpack full of alcohol. Landing in Qui Nho'n, Chick set off on an adventure that would change his life forever—an odyssey that took him through a series of hilarious escapades and harrowing close calls, including the Tet Offensive. But none of that mattered if he could bring some cheer to his pals and show them how much the folks back home appreciated them.
This is the story of that epic beer run, told in Chick's own words and those of the men he visited in Vietnam.
November 11, 2024
As Chick was out with friends at a small neighborhood bar in NY, someone came up with the idea to visit fellow military buddies from their neighborhood still serving in Vietnam. He was up for the challenge—a U. S. Marine Corps veteran turned merchant mariner who wasn’t about to desert his buddies on the front lines. He wanted to take them messages from home and a beer than could not be had in Vietnam.
The Goodreads blurb says "You will laugh and cry..." and that isn't a lie. I could also suggest it may make you angry for those who lost their lives following orders and for the government that allows things like this to happen as well as those spitting at and protesting our people as they came home. I love how Chick was able to surprise his buddies as he literally was flying by the seat of his pants to move around in Vietnam as well and even being able to get over there from the very start of his journey.
Highly recommend if you want a real lived experience of the war. The audio was great!
The Goodreads blurb says "You will laugh and cry..." and that isn't a lie. I could also suggest it may make you angry for those who lost their lives following orders and for the government that allows things like this to happen as well as those spitting at and protesting our people as they came home. I love how Chick was able to surprise his buddies as he literally was flying by the seat of his pants to move around in Vietnam as well and even being able to get over there from the very start of his journey.
Highly recommend if you want a real lived experience of the war. The audio was great!
June 30, 2022
Not great literature, but then The Greatest Beer Run Ever never pretends to be anything other than what it is - the adventures of an idiot young merchant marine who makes a (probably drunken) promise to deliver some New York beer to his neighborhood pals serving in 'Nam. He gets himself a gig on a merchant ship and then after arrival he gets a three-day pass to go visit his friends up-country; but then things take a turn and he ends up staying there…well, WAY longer.
In parts amusing - if not laugh-out-loud funny - the "shit gets real" when he's stuck in Saigon during the 1968 Tet Offensive…anyway, a pleasant read for those of us who pulled their own mid-20s dumb stunts - in comparison to which, Donohue both literally and figuratively says "hold my beer."
PERSONAL NOTE: Donohue's descriptions of Saigon - Cholon, the Continental Hotel overlooking the Notre Dame cathedral, the French-style buildings along tree-lined streets - are much closer to my memories of 1987 Saigon (when I first visited); but sadly (at least for us tourists), when I revisited in 2014 it had just "modernized" into another traffic-clogged, high-rise Southeast Asian city with a 7-11 on every corner. I realize that life was gotten measurably better for the VIetnamese people, but just wish then could respect the past while embracing the future more like post-Communist Eastern Europe or even Japan has done.
(For more such rambling, see my review of The Quiet American (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), much of which I actually read in the rooftop restaurant of the Continental Hotel, which at the time - I believe - was the highest building in Saigon!)
In parts amusing - if not laugh-out-loud funny - the "shit gets real" when he's stuck in Saigon during the 1968 Tet Offensive…anyway, a pleasant read for those of us who pulled their own mid-20s dumb stunts - in comparison to which, Donohue both literally and figuratively says "hold my beer."
PERSONAL NOTE: Donohue's descriptions of Saigon - Cholon, the Continental Hotel overlooking the Notre Dame cathedral, the French-style buildings along tree-lined streets - are much closer to my memories of 1987 Saigon (when I first visited); but sadly (at least for us tourists), when I revisited in 2014 it had just "modernized" into another traffic-clogged, high-rise Southeast Asian city with a 7-11 on every corner. I realize that life was gotten measurably better for the VIetnamese people, but just wish then could respect the past while embracing the future more like post-Communist Eastern Europe or even Japan has done.
(For more such rambling, see my review of The Quiet American (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), much of which I actually read in the rooftop restaurant of the Continental Hotel, which at the time - I believe - was the highest building in Saigon!)
January 5, 2023
I will say that when I first was told about the title of this book, I was intrigued but skeptical I'd like it. Well, I liked it, folks, LOL.
This is a memoir about Chick, who was in a New York pub one night with some friends talking about the Vietnam War and a few other friends who were overseas fighting. They discussed the brutality of what they were seeing on TV since the Vietnam War happened to be the first war ever fully televised and how awful the protestors of the time were to the soldiers. They joked that they wished they could go find their buddies in Vietnam and give a beer. Well, Chick attempts it, and this is that story. This definitely gives off Forrest Gump vibes, which I enjoyed, and had moments that were mind-blowing. The war parts were interesting because I'm not super familiar with the Vietnam War and learned a lot about that time but there were times he's goes off on the War jargon to the point it loses me. If you enjoy War time stories of ex-soliders and their journey through it and/or Forrest Gump, I think you'll enjoy this.
This is a memoir about Chick, who was in a New York pub one night with some friends talking about the Vietnam War and a few other friends who were overseas fighting. They discussed the brutality of what they were seeing on TV since the Vietnam War happened to be the first war ever fully televised and how awful the protestors of the time were to the soldiers. They joked that they wished they could go find their buddies in Vietnam and give a beer. Well, Chick attempts it, and this is that story. This definitely gives off Forrest Gump vibes, which I enjoyed, and had moments that were mind-blowing. The war parts were interesting because I'm not super familiar with the Vietnam War and learned a lot about that time but there were times he's goes off on the War jargon to the point it loses me. If you enjoy War time stories of ex-soliders and their journey through it and/or Forrest Gump, I think you'll enjoy this.
August 5, 2021
An unbelievable true story of a man traveling to Vietnam during the war to give his buddies some beer from home.
What a wild ride from start to finish! I highly recommend this to anyone interested in nonfiction that reads like fiction because this was so entertaining. Also decently informative of the Vietnam war and what it was like for the soldiers fighting in it.
I'm not really into war stories or history books, so that speaks volumes of how well this story was told. I am just amazed at how idiotic (and maybe brave) Chick Donohue was all those years ago. Even if there were some exaggerations or lies, it made quite a story.
Cheers!
What a wild ride from start to finish! I highly recommend this to anyone interested in nonfiction that reads like fiction because this was so entertaining. Also decently informative of the Vietnam war and what it was like for the soldiers fighting in it.
I'm not really into war stories or history books, so that speaks volumes of how well this story was told. I am just amazed at how idiotic (and maybe brave) Chick Donohue was all those years ago. Even if there were some exaggerations or lies, it made quite a story.
Cheers!
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