What do you think?
Rate this book
America Series #3
Revolution
“A testament to the effect the politics and moral revolution have had on America.” – MIAMI TIMES The 1968 Tet uprising plunges America deeper into the abyss of Vietnam. Martin Luther King is shot, and riots rage in 130 burning American cities. Students protesting the War take over American universities, and street battles in Paris nearly topple the French government. Senator Eugene McCarthy enters the Democratic presidential race against Lyndon Johnson, followed by Bobby Kennedy, who goes on to win the California Democratic primary. Mick joins the Paris student street battles, then returns to the US to work in Kennedy’s presidential campaign. Daisy leaves Stanford to work also in Bobby’s campaign. Troy faces increasing dangers as the Vietnam War widens into Cambodia and Laos. American astronauts land on the moon and safely return to earth. Tara and her band shine at Woodstock. The My Lai massacre is revealed, further darkening the tragedy in Vietnam, and America teeters on the edge of revolution.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2022
About the author
Mike Bond
39 books459 followersMIKE BOND has been called the “master of the existential thriller” by the BBC and “one of the 21st century’s most exciting authors” by the Washington Times. He is a bestselling novelist, environmental activist, international energy expert, war and human rights correspondent and award-winning poet who has lived and worked in many remote and dangerous parts of the world. His critically acclaimed novels depict the innate hunger of the human heart for what is good, the intense joys of love, the terror and fury of battle, the sinister vagaries of international politics and multinational corporations, and the beauty of the vanishing natural world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 5, 2022
Mike Bond's REVOLUTION is a sprawling narrative that covers a number of important issues and events from the 1960s--the Vietnam War, the political conflict over that overseas conflict, women's lib, huge changes in popular music, and more. Bond represented each of these stories through the perspective of a different character, and each of these characters' issues represents, in its own way, some kind of revolution. The Vietnam War began as a revolutionary war on the part of The NVA to overthrow an invading force (France), whose armies the US ended up supporting. The political conflict over the war created historic divisions between US citizens as different candidates sought the presidential ticket over the issue, some (Bobby Kennedy) choosing to run against his own party in a nearly unprecedented move, and a hippie Independent candidate (Eugene McCarthy) becoming a major contender in the election. Women's lib was in part a sexual revolution--women eschewed monogomy as a statement to themselves and the world that no one else owns their bodies. Music, especially popular forms like rock and roll and soul, underwent its own revolution, with musicians throwing off the old methods and producing sounds no one had ever heard before--in part because creators sought to recreate or describe the altered states of consciousness they achieved when they took narcotics.
In REVOLUTION, Bond covers all this revolutionary ground of the 1960s through the eyes of his characters, each of them representing the major issues he covers in the book. REVOLUTION is compelling and well research. Often, I looked things up to learn more, because I was interested in what I was reading. I learned a lot about the Vietnam War and I'm glad for that. For me, this was a good read.
A combination of form (so many perspectives) and length (less than 300 pages) leaves the characters feeling a bit hollow. Likewise, the plot is spare. I wasn't quite sure what the characters were trying to accomplish, other than to represent the writer's various points about how this time period gave rise revolution. Characters need more material than that, and so does story.
Also, there is *so* much sex in this book, but it isn't written in a sexy way. I don't think it is meant for the reader to enjoy it, so much as observe it. I'm tempted to give it only one chili, but Bond uses really foul language for women's genitals. It's kind of graphic, so I thought it deserved a note.
Rating 3.5 stars rounded up, 1 chili
Finished November 2022
Recommended for fans of journalistic fiction, historical fiction, political themes, war themes
TW foul language, war, harem cults, elections, excessive drug use, excessive drinking, DV
Thank you KatieandBreyPA and Mike Bond for an ARC of this book.
*Follow my Instagram book blog for all my reviews, challenges, and book lists! http://www.instagram.com/donasbooks *
In REVOLUTION, Bond covers all this revolutionary ground of the 1960s through the eyes of his characters, each of them representing the major issues he covers in the book. REVOLUTION is compelling and well research. Often, I looked things up to learn more, because I was interested in what I was reading. I learned a lot about the Vietnam War and I'm glad for that. For me, this was a good read.
A combination of form (so many perspectives) and length (less than 300 pages) leaves the characters feeling a bit hollow. Likewise, the plot is spare. I wasn't quite sure what the characters were trying to accomplish, other than to represent the writer's various points about how this time period gave rise revolution. Characters need more material than that, and so does story.
Also, there is *so* much sex in this book, but it isn't written in a sexy way. I don't think it is meant for the reader to enjoy it, so much as observe it. I'm tempted to give it only one chili, but Bond uses really foul language for women's genitals. It's kind of graphic, so I thought it deserved a note.
Rating 3.5 stars rounded up, 1 chili
Finished November 2022
Recommended for fans of journalistic fiction, historical fiction, political themes, war themes
TW foul language, war, harem cults, elections, excessive drug use, excessive drinking, DV
Thank you KatieandBreyPA and Mike Bond for an ARC of this book.
*Follow my Instagram book blog for all my reviews, challenges, and book lists! http://www.instagram.com/donasbooks *
January 11, 2023
Too much "me" in this one to not rate it highly. Not only does the main protagonist carry my nickname "Mick" he is a boomer like me, growing up in some of the most turbulent times in our history, namely the '60s. Issues like Vietnam, the assassination of King and the Kennedys, days of protest and confrontation, sex, drugs and rock and roll. I found the philosophical ruminations interesting as he experiences exposure to a wide variety of people and personalities. "To go from the American Christian worldview to a Zen monastery's was simply changing one's jailer." Another interesting observation - "And because good people will not do evil to win, and evil people will do anything to win, evil usually wins."
At his soul, Bond is a poet and the excellent quality of his writing shows this. This is the third and last in his America series. Frankly, sorry to see it end.
At his soul, Bond is a poet and the excellent quality of his writing shows this. This is the third and last in his America series. Frankly, sorry to see it end.
November 7, 2022
My favorite book in this series so far. This book is relevant. The story line focuses on the hopelessness that young people felt during the Vietnam war- the killing of JFK, MLK, and Bobby Kennedy at a time when political power was strongly held by leaders that turned a deaf ear to the young constituency. It reminded me that our political system is cyclical and that things were much worse in the 1970’s when young people were dying as a result of decisions they didn’t make nor believe in.
I was happy that all of the siblings figured prominently in this book, rather than just focusing on one or two of them. Their struggles continue to be interesting and real. I very much look forward to what happens next.
Thank you NetGalley for a ARC.
I was happy that all of the siblings figured prominently in this book, rather than just focusing on one or two of them. Their struggles continue to be interesting and real. I very much look forward to what happens next.
Thank you NetGalley for a ARC.
December 28, 2022
Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
The draft is actuated in the mid-1960s and deferments were hard to get. Troy has re-upped for a second hitch in Vietnam because he is in love with a Vietnamese woman named Su Li.
The political climate was supercharged with political parties split between following the French into Vietnam or allowing the country to unify under one communist government. The justification was to forestall the entire Asian continent become communist. Meanwhile, the flower of American youth is being sent to this war with no opportunity to say no.
Mike’s older brother Troy is listed as a casualty of war. Mike does not want to go into the military although he has been issued a summons to have a physical examination prior to being inducted. His avoiding this summons results in his arrest and potential ten-year sentence in a maximum federal prison for draft evasion.
This novel is a long overdue diatribe regarding the Vietnam War and the way that the American people were duped and lied to. Anti-war sentiments at most major universities highlighted the angst born by the average draft-age citizens. Read this enlightening exposé of corporate America making billions on the sale of war materiel. 4.5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.
The draft is actuated in the mid-1960s and deferments were hard to get. Troy has re-upped for a second hitch in Vietnam because he is in love with a Vietnamese woman named Su Li.
The political climate was supercharged with political parties split between following the French into Vietnam or allowing the country to unify under one communist government. The justification was to forestall the entire Asian continent become communist. Meanwhile, the flower of American youth is being sent to this war with no opportunity to say no.
Mike’s older brother Troy is listed as a casualty of war. Mike does not want to go into the military although he has been issued a summons to have a physical examination prior to being inducted. His avoiding this summons results in his arrest and potential ten-year sentence in a maximum federal prison for draft evasion.
This novel is a long overdue diatribe regarding the Vietnam War and the way that the American people were duped and lied to. Anti-war sentiments at most major universities highlighted the angst born by the average draft-age citizens. Read this enlightening exposé of corporate America making billions on the sale of war materiel. 4.5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 16, 2023
Revolution by Mike Bond is the third entry in his America series. Set in turbulent times, the scope of the story begins at the Tet uprising in Vietnam, MLK and RFK’s assassinations, Nixon’s presidency, and the American moon landing.
Mick is a protestor and is hunted as a draft-dodging insurgent. Troy is back for a 2nd tour in Nam, Tara is struggling with heroin addiction, and Daisy’s distress after RFK’s murder motivates her to leave Stanford to write her thesis and bartend in North Beach, San Francisco. While this novel, like the previous two, is strongly character-driven, the setting of the unsettled late 60s and its highs and lows gravely impacts these young adults. Their search for something honest and noble to believe in is absolutely accurate for many folks of that era, my era. Their disillusionment with “the System” is acute and palpable as they drift from sadness to finding some goodness and light in their fellow men.
This is another powerful, well-researched historical novel by Bond, and while it can be read as a stand-alone, I would recommend reading the America series in book order to appreciate these young people and their struggles—and growth—into adulthood in a rapidly changing world.
Thank you to Big City Press, Mike Bond and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.
Mick is a protestor and is hunted as a draft-dodging insurgent. Troy is back for a 2nd tour in Nam, Tara is struggling with heroin addiction, and Daisy’s distress after RFK’s murder motivates her to leave Stanford to write her thesis and bartend in North Beach, San Francisco. While this novel, like the previous two, is strongly character-driven, the setting of the unsettled late 60s and its highs and lows gravely impacts these young adults. Their search for something honest and noble to believe in is absolutely accurate for many folks of that era, my era. Their disillusionment with “the System” is acute and palpable as they drift from sadness to finding some goodness and light in their fellow men.
This is another powerful, well-researched historical novel by Bond, and while it can be read as a stand-alone, I would recommend reading the America series in book order to appreciate these young people and their struggles—and growth—into adulthood in a rapidly changing world.
Thank you to Big City Press, Mike Bond and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.
Read
October 25, 2022Revolution
By Mike Bond
Set during the Vietnam War, "Revolution" is the story of family; choices made; and how we learn to understand the how and why of what we choose.
Tara, Mick, and Troy – a sister and her two brothers, one by blood and one by choice. Their backstory is told in earlier books. In this book, Troy is on his second tour of duty as a Marine in Vietnam. He is disillusioned about why America is even in Vietnam and becoming horrified by the misery war is bringing to the Vietnamese people.
Tara is a successful musician who has taken too many drugs and needs to find her way out of that particular hole. Mick is a sometime journalist who has seen strife and suffering all over the globe, and is committed to ending the war and making America a better place.
The author describes each of their struggles with their individual demons, but this is primarily Mick's journey. Through the good and bad, ups and downs, love and loss, Mick's life takes him to a place of understanding. And as indicated by the ending, the saga will continue in another book.
"Revolution" is worth the read for a different perspective of America in that time – but also as it is today.
By Mike Bond
Set during the Vietnam War, "Revolution" is the story of family; choices made; and how we learn to understand the how and why of what we choose.
Tara, Mick, and Troy – a sister and her two brothers, one by blood and one by choice. Their backstory is told in earlier books. In this book, Troy is on his second tour of duty as a Marine in Vietnam. He is disillusioned about why America is even in Vietnam and becoming horrified by the misery war is bringing to the Vietnamese people.
Tara is a successful musician who has taken too many drugs and needs to find her way out of that particular hole. Mick is a sometime journalist who has seen strife and suffering all over the globe, and is committed to ending the war and making America a better place.
The author describes each of their struggles with their individual demons, but this is primarily Mick's journey. Through the good and bad, ups and downs, love and loss, Mick's life takes him to a place of understanding. And as indicated by the ending, the saga will continue in another book.
"Revolution" is worth the read for a different perspective of America in that time – but also as it is today.
November 2, 2022
At first, I hated it. The social elements of the 60s alienate and repulse me, and they are so well projected through the characters in Revolution, that I continuously fought the desire to toss the book aside. Persevering was good, though, because although I still hate the self-indulgence, moral turpitude, drugs and sex and ignorant violence and rebellion, anchorlessness, self-serving politicians, and near loss of the greatest civilization known to mankind, I found the story gave me a useful insight into a period I lived through but never understood and drew me within observation distance of characters I first found strange and alien and would never have associated with or tried to get to know or understand in real life and eventually found curious and sometimes enlightening. It is, for me, a strange but interesting read which I am glad to have read for both the entertainment and education inspite of my Christian, conservative nature which would otherwise have me reject such material. If you want to get a visceral exposure to the lifescape of the 60s, Revolution is your book.
December 13, 2022
I did’nt read book one when I read book 2 but after reading the second book I knew I wanted to read the third I thought this book was great and although I want to be honest and say I was a little over Nick and his worrying about his girlfriend and I just wanted there to be a conclusion to that story so when the book began with that exact story I almost didn’t want to keep going but I did and I’m glad I did this is such a great book I loved Reading about the evolution of the characters whether it was good or bad it was always intriguing a truly great trilogy. I do think Mike Bond has really out done himself this time to capture the essence of the time and the different personalities of these characters shows what a truly talented author he is.. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
November 1, 2022
With REVOLUTION, Mike Bond brings to live the hard choices, tough experiences, and lived reality of a tumultuous time in America and the world when nothing delivered as promised and the happy version of reality promised to children wastheirs as long as they toed the line and listened to what they were told blew up in their faces, literally and figuratively. Through characters connected by blood and by friendship, we are dropped with authority into what it was to live the nightmares, the dreams, and the unexpected. While the 60s and the 70s are too often summarized in terms of quick visuals of Woodstock, the war, riots and protests and unrest, Bond summons the felt individual experiences in compelling, believable ways. Not an easy read, but a gripping one. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.
November 12, 2022
I received a complimentary electronic copy of this extraordinary book on October 17, 2022, from Netgalley, author Mike Bond, and Publisher Big City Press. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. Book three of a trilogy series 'America', This book stands on its own, but as part of the series, the piece is richer and more nuanced.
This is a brief depiction of the tumultuous world in which we American baby boomers reached our majority. Interspersed among the life steps of our fictitious characters we have the flow of history beginning in the mid-1950s and heading into the 1970s. This is a world still in flux, with really no end in sight. I can only hope your generation does a better job of getting it right. For my part, I am very sorry. We did what we could when we could, but it was never enough.
Reviewed on November 8, 2022, at Goodreads, Netgalley, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, and Kobo.
This is a brief depiction of the tumultuous world in which we American baby boomers reached our majority. Interspersed among the life steps of our fictitious characters we have the flow of history beginning in the mid-1950s and heading into the 1970s. This is a world still in flux, with really no end in sight. I can only hope your generation does a better job of getting it right. For my part, I am very sorry. We did what we could when we could, but it was never enough.
Reviewed on November 8, 2022, at Goodreads, Netgalley, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, and Kobo.
July 14, 2022
I received a kindle copy of this book from a Goodreads Giveaway. Having missed the fact that it was part of a series I immediately ordered the first two books and read them in order. Although it has been written that Book 3 could be read as a standalone, I would not recommend that option.
In doing so you will miss all the background information on the characters and times. Too much focus on sex for my reading pleasure. Thank you for the opportunity to read the free copy.
Actual rating 2.5
In doing so you will miss all the background information on the characters and times. Too much focus on sex for my reading pleasure. Thank you for the opportunity to read the free copy.
Actual rating 2.5
November 16, 2022
The 3rd in a series, I was easily able to read this as a standalone. With sweeping prose, Bond paints a poignant picture of life in the 60s and the fracture of the American Dream. As a Gen-Xer myself, I felt like I was there. He makes you feel for his characters and their circumstances. Tara was my favorite, and her struggle with addiction was heartbreaking.
I received this eBook for a virtual book tour. These opinions are my own and are being expressed without bias.
I received this eBook for a virtual book tour. These opinions are my own and are being expressed without bias.
May 20, 2024
Amazing Book 3 revolution. Everybody should read these books. And expose our governmeu
Just an amazing 3 books. I thought I knew so much my father being in the military. My father was a blind believer. I was proud of him But what he came to was sheer hell. I've enjoyed these books so much it's open I eyes so many things that I always questioned but never had answers for. I highly recommend these books to anybody that would like to read remember America could have been like
Just an amazing 3 books. I thought I knew so much my father being in the military. My father was a blind believer. I was proud of him But what he came to was sheer hell. I've enjoyed these books so much it's open I eyes so many things that I always questioned but never had answers for. I highly recommend these books to anybody that would like to read remember America could have been like
April 22, 2025
I read the series and I liked it but it wasn't my favorite - it was a little too meaning of life/philosophical for me - I just want to read a good, entertaining story. I don't want to give anything away - I won't give any details, but if you haven't read it yet, don't read this part - I was hoping for more resolution in the ending. Not necessarily a happy ending, but at least some closure, especially with one character. Maybe he's leaving it open for a fourth book?
June 16, 2024
Having lived through these turbulent years, I found myself Googling events and names to refresh my memory. Great fact based fiction story with a writer who leans toward my way of thinking. Even if you don't lean "that way" read it with an open mind and learn something...about yourself. Can't wait for book #4.
December 16, 2024
I can't put any fair rating on this yet... But the software will not allow a post without one-so I'm 5ing it just to not tank author or book standing.
Not enough time in for a true analysis. But so far... It's got my attention!!! Considering the books I've been reading that's a supreme compliment.
I'll update once I have real take on plot and character and all the other goodies.
Not enough time in for a true analysis. But so far... It's got my attention!!! Considering the books I've been reading that's a supreme compliment.
I'll update once I have real take on plot and character and all the other goodies.
June 18, 2022
I enjoyed this book immensely and now I have a another new favorite author in Mike Bond. If you get the chance to read " Revolution: America Book 3 " don't pass it up because I believe you will have another favorite author also!
July 24, 2022
This book 3 was great. So were 1 and 2. I grew up in the sixties and thus was a re-visit of those times. Can’t wait for book 4. Mike set it up. Looks like mick is off to vietnam. Mick, take rambo with you.
Mike
Mike
October 8, 2022
I'd like to say this was a walk through memory lane, but it's really a walk though an historical nightmare. These four characters were a lot truer to their past ties and histories than I ever was. I wonder how they'd be today at my age 75 and counting down...
November 13, 2022
Difficult reading. Though I welcomed the opportunity to learn more about the brutality and impact of events during the Vietnam Nam era, I found this book to be very painful reading. Not sure I could recommend it to others.
June 17, 2023
****The conclusion of an excellent series****
Growing up in that time period it was so relatable it was surreal.
The American series were the first books that I've read by Mike Bond,
very enjoyable, and for only .89 cents, can't wait to start another Mike Bond novel
Growing up in that time period it was so relatable it was surreal.
The American series were the first books that I've read by Mike Bond,
very enjoyable, and for only .89 cents, can't wait to start another Mike Bond novel
April 18, 2026
Great read
Lived through this time in our history and to look at it from another angle is very interesting. Easy to separate the fact from fiction and the characters are believable.
Lived through this time in our history and to look at it from another angle is very interesting. Easy to separate the fact from fiction and the characters are believable.
November 13, 2022
Ca de obicei, o carte excelentă. Mike Bond scrie bine, documentat, profund.
December 1, 2022
History through fiction
Major events are told through the eyes and minds of the characters . Many events that I was too young to recall. Good read.
Major events are told through the eyes and minds of the characters . Many events that I was too young to recall. Good read.
January 5, 2025
Because I grew up in the 70's I could remember and relate to events in the book. Well written. Would recommend
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews