The North

by J.J. Zerr

Navy lieutenant Jon Zachery is making a second deployment to Vietnam as a carrier pilot. On his first cruise, most of his combat missions involved bombing trees, making toothpicks. The Intel Officers are saying this second deployment will not involve making toothpicks. They will be flying UP NORTH, where they shoot everything, including the kitchen sink, at you. At home Teresa worries and waits. And prays.

208 pages, Paperback

Published July 8, 2022

About the author

John Zerr (J.J. Zerr) was born in St. Peters, Missouri, and graduated from Duchesne High School. In 1959, he began a thirty-six year career in the Navy, during which he completed two tours on destroyers. After joining the aviation community, he flew 330 combat missions over Vietnam. Across his Navy career, he accumulated 1017 carrier landings.

Following the service, he worked in the aerospace industry for eleven years. He began his third career with the publication of The Ensign Locker in September 2010. The story is set on a US Navy destroyer operating in the Tonkin Gulf in 1966. His second novel, Sundown Town Duty Station, was published in 2013.

Reviews

[Stacy Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

J.J. Zerr’sThe North is set in the Naval Air Station, Leemore, California, where Teresa Zachery, a Navy wife, and mother of three, awaits her husband’s return. U.S. Navy Lieutenant Jon Zachery is getting ready for a second deployment, which is a dangerous, life-threatening mission. When Teresa receives a phone call informing her about the level of risk, she must face an uncertain future. As Jon’s deployment is extended, Teresa struggles with the reality that her husband will spend more time in combat than expected.

Teresa realizes the importance of maintaining regular contact with Jon, and they stay in touch more than other soldiers and their wives. The book details the letters between the couple and the intensity of their love for one another. It’s also a story of resilience and inner strength and how this can transcend war. Teresa took great comfort in her husband’s letters, and much of the story is told from her perspective.

As an active member of the Warhouse Wives’ Group, where she continues writing to keep her hope alive and find peace. Amid the grim reality of war, Teresa finds strength in her support, in between contact with her husband. The plot is developed well, with intimate snapshots of their lives despite stressful and difficult times. The North offers an extraordinary and personal journey into a realm that only a few people understand, and clear and concise writing is aimed at a larger audience.

J.J. Zerr offers an energetic writing style that displays his skills as a veteran and author. He details the intricate tasks of his duties while reflecting on his battles with alcoholism, facing battles, and other challenges faced by Naval officers. He writes each scene with just the right build-up to keep readers engaged and anticipating what to expect next.

The North by J.J. Zerr is a war story focused on the bonds of a husband and wife, separated by deployment. It’s a story that is multifaceted and complex, with lots of action, planning, and suspense. I truly enjoyed the rich characters and rate this book 4 out of 5 stars for its incredible writing and engrossing plot.

[Märtha Custis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The North by J.J. Zerr stays with you. It makes a serious impact on the reader and leaves an impression that you won’t soon forget. This novel is an exciting and, at times, heartbreaking story of a military couple that’s separated by war. The story follows Jon Zachery, a Navy pilot, who embarks on his second deployment during the Vietnam War. His wife, Teresa, remains by his side loyally and keeps watch over their children while anxiously awaiting Jon’s return. As Jon is tasked with bombing raids in an incredibly dangerous stretch of the northern region, his wife must wait to hear from him to ensure that he’s safe.

While this book is exciting, it’s also an emotional read. The North will linger in your thoughts and emotions long after you finish reading it. As Jon’s mission grows more dangerous, the suspense and intensity of the moment become difficult to endure for Teresa, who must contemplate the realities of war. Will her husband survive this challenging mission, or must she plan for the worst-case scenario?

Jon’s journey makes him face some unsettling truths within himself, and he soon realizes that there’s also a war inside, in addition to the combat that surrounds him. He must choose to come through the fire and rise from the ashes or consider the alternatives. Teresa must also learn and suffer in her own way, and while she finds strength in her faith as a means of keeping the peace, she must also endure much during the process.

I found the book to be incredibly well written and really poignant in the emotions expressed. The author conveys, and multiple levels, what is means to be at war on various levels. He writes a powerful and impactful storyline that’s very similar to a memoir. I really enjoyed the relationships between the military wives and their partners and how they all look out for one another in their own way. As a child of military parents, I found the book to be quite realistic and relatable on a personal level. The North by J.J. Zerr is worth 5 out of 5 stars for its honest, realistic portrayal of military life and the impact of war on families.

[Kourtney Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

exceptionally well written

The North by J.J. Zerr is a historical fiction novel written by a well-qualified author with a well-rounded career and experience in the military. The author’s life-long experience in service to the Navy and the military gifted him with the ability to portray a deeply human yet vivid story about life as a soldier, and their families. I found the story suspenseful, with lots of nail-biting scenes and thought-provoking images that present readers with a glimpse into this challenging and difficult world.

Teresa, Jon’s wife, displays the complex emotions of a military wife, and while she struggles to keep in touch with Jon, she must raise their children and maintain a stable life. The emotions captured through Teresa’s thoughts and actions are wonderfully written in the storyline and kept me thoroughly connected to her uncertainty and humanity. Understandably, this is a difficult read in some respects but a very rewarding story for fans of historical fiction.

What I really liked about this book is how the author explained all the technical terms, along with the flying experience in the military, which is essential for readers with little or no military knowledge or background. The fear of the unknown is powerful in this story, especially since Teresa is now alone with small children at home and must continue to care for while she is a constant theme throughout the book.

For readers with military knowledge and experience, this book is relatable, and the author does a great job of explaining the specific language, strategies, and emotional impact of war to readers who are without experience or prior understanding. It’s an emotional read that leaves a lasting impression and maintains a great story structure while not blurring the characters together, but allowing them to narrate their own side of the experience. I rate The North by J.J. Zerr 5 out of 5 stars for its excellent writing and exceptional development of the plot and characters.

[S Tyty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The North by J.J Zerr is a historical fiction story about a navy lieutenant named Jon Zachery, who is getting ready for his second deployment to Vietnam as a carrier pilot. His second mission is considerably more dangerous than the first, which involves more combat and risk. Teresa, Jon’s wife, is constantly worried about him and the developing situation. She senses something unusual is going on and worries about the outcome.

What I enjoyed most about this book is how the author touches on the importance of family, and how the book begins with Teresa’s narration, then starts first with the details of war. This perspective is essential for readers to understand what it’s like for a military family and how they cope with a difficult situation.

I feel this book is one of the most important stories I’ve read in the past few years, as it focuses on a topic that’s familiar to many Americans. The author describes succinctly and concisely how war affects people, their families, and the communities they live in. Many emotions awaken during this story, which leaves an impact on the readers. The idea of leaving a family behind is a challenging situation that weighs on a soldier, which lasts throughout their mission and beyond.

Teresa is an exceptionally strong character, and the book captures the essence of her development and how the war changes her from afar. While Jon’s journey as a Navy pilot is a focal point throughout the book, Teresa captures the heart of readers by showing the humanity and love that prevails in such an uncertain time. The core of the storyline is the emotional tone that prevails in each chapter, which is well written and keeps the reader engaged.

I rate J.J. Zerr’sThe North a stellar 5 out of 5 stars because the story is so good I didn’t want it to end! It’s a fantastic read that’s worth diving into if you’re a fan of historical dramas and romance.

[Ivan M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The North by J.J. Kerr follows the story of Navy Lieutenant Jon Zachery, a skilled pilot who develops his expertise throughout his career in the military. The Lieutenant is determined and sets out to do what he plans. He’s seen everything trying to stay alive, from strategic planning to bomb deployment in the north of Vietnam. As he tries to balance his life between professional duties and family, Jon also struggles to stay alive. 

 

J.J. Zerr writes with extensive knowledge and understanding of the subject and in great detail, which gives the reader a vivid visual of the Lieutenant’s world, including aircraft navigation as a Navy pilot, intense scenes of war, and the anticipation and anxiety of not knowing what to expect next. The author narrates this story from a deeply personal perspective, which entails the emotional impact of war, facing the possibility of imminent death while holding out hope for family and survival.  

 

My favorite aspect of this book is between Jon and Teresa, their children, and how they handle the difficulties around them. Teresa is an inspiration to Jon, a beacon of hope that keeps him focused on his mission and returning home safely. I felt that the author involved many of his personal experiences, almost like an autobiography, but through the life of Jon. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and the author’s perspective on war and how it affects family and life in general.  

 

I rate The North by J.J. Kerr 5 out of 5 stars for its interesting characters, honesty, and raw, emotional impact of a soldier at war. It’s a great read that’s thought-provoking, even controversial at times, though it’s a riveting read for anyone interested in the dynamics of being a soldier with a family. The author does a great job of presenting the effects of war mentally, physically, and emotionally in a way that readers can understand. 

[Conscientious · Rating 5 out of 5]

The North by J.J. Zerr is a story that follows the in-depth lives of a military family and so much more. It’s a tale about Jon Zachary, and his second deployment to Vietnam as a carrier pilot, where the stakes are higher, and his mission becomes more dangerous. As Jon makes his rounds in combat, his wife, Teresa, and their three kids, await his return. They share a bond of trust and compassion, which makes the experience so emotionally powerful for everyone involved, including the wives of soldiers who hold onto the hope that their husbands will return safely.
The author is an amazing storyteller, and I felt his tone embraced the seriousness and upheaval of emotions throughout Jon’s mission. It’s impossible not to finish this book in one reading because it’s such a great read! The trials and tribulations of Jon and Teresa, along with their kids is, heart rendering and touching. I found that J.J. Zerr exquisitely demonstrates Jon’s inner conflict and his compassionate side, especially in the couple’s communication during short phone calls that display their care and love for one another. The flight and combat scenarios, in stark contrast to Jon and Teresa’s heart-warming love, show the precision and trust between military personnel, which really struck me as raw and human.
One of the lines from the book that left an impression on me is “Survivor’s remorse comes from a strong sense of duty and a loving heart.” I felt that the author exceeded my expectations and did a commendable job in building this amazing story. It’s an exceptional story with incredible characters that contribute to this masterpiece of a story. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in military history and human connection, and rate this brilliant book, The North by J.J. Zerr, 5 out of 5 stars for its excellent writing style and narration, with heartfelt moments throughout the book.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The North by J.J. Zerr is a book that portrays how war reaches beyond the soldiers on the frontlines, impacting their families. The story is set in 1972, during the Vietnam War, and narrated by an author with extensive history and experience as a veteran and a Navy pilot. J.J. Zerr tells the story of Jon, a Lieutenant is aboard the aircraft carrier USS Solomons. Teresa, Jon’s wife, and the couple’s children are understandably worried about him and the uncertainty of his mission.

Teresa understands that anything can change at any moment, which creates an air of suspense and tension, despite the couple’s strong love and adoration for each other. Jon calls his wife as often as he can to reassure her,he’s fine while dealing with his battles and the unpredictability of his future. I’ve always been a fan of war stories, including tales about World War I and II. When I came across the cover of this book, I didn’t hesitate to buy it, and I was very impressed with the read. It’s an important story that’s more than fiction; it details the importance of understanding the consequences of war and its complex outcomes of it.

I found this book contained a few unexpected twists, which kept the reader engaged throughout the story. It’s a hard book to put down! The scene descriptions were well written, and the dialogues provided an in-depth glimpse into each character and how they cope with their realities. One of the most fascinating parts of the book was the use of Navy abbreviations and acronyms, which helps readers get a better understanding of the camaraderie and connection all the soldiers and their families share.

This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a realistic war history tale, and I rate The North by J.J. Zerr 5 out of 5 stars for its exceptional portrayal of war, the connection between soldiers, and the effect on their families.

[Aneley Sánchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

An awesome historical fiction novel.

The North by J.J. Zerr is an awesome historical fiction novel. The author is a former U.S. soldier who had a long and extensive career with the aviation community and the Navy. Following his military experience, Zerr also worked in the aerospace industry. Zerr’s unique expertise makes him an ideal author for a fictional war story, which mirrors the realities of combat and how everyone on all levels is impacted by it.
The story follows Navy Lieutenant Jon Zachery, who is making a second deployment to Vietnam as a carrier pilot. It’s a much more complex and dangerous mission than previously, which created a lot of emotional tension and complexities, which resonates with his family and the impact of his mission. As Jon’s wife, Teresa, is at home with their young children, Jon must navigate his new journey while reassuring her that he’s safe as often as possible.
Zerr writes a compelling story, and it’s one of those stories that I enjoyed immensely. This book caused me to reflect on the realities of war and how there is so much beyond the frontlines that’s affected. The author writes an intense but deeply emotional novel that integrates action, adventure, and war with the reality of emotion, fear, encouragement, and uncertainty in such a profound way. It’s easily relatable to anyone with military experience and to anyone who has a family.
The North by J.J. Zerr is an entertaining and fast-paced read that remains interesting from the beginning to the end. I rate the book 4 out of 5 stars for the author’s incredible contributions learned from his military experience and the relatability to families and people impacted by war and its challenges. I definitely recommend The North to people who enjoy a blend of fiction and history and I look forward to reading more from J.J. Zerr.

[Mayra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The North by J.J. Zerr is a historical novel about a Navy pilot preparing for his second deployment into Vietnam. The main character, Jon Zachery, is about to embark on a dangerous mission as a carrier pilot, and his wife, Teresa, must await his return and cope with the uncertainty while raising their children. From my point of view, the author did a great job writing this narrative from many perspectives, including Jon’s wife.

Zerr does a great job of using the right vocabulary and description for this story, which highlights the author’s personal experience as a military vet and his knowledge of combat. When I think of soldiers who fight for their country, my thoughts often shift to their families and friends, and how war impacts them personally. Throughout the book, the author does an amazing job of conveying the feelings and experiences of everyone involved. Zerr’s unique understanding of his character’s situation makes this book an incredible story and one that’s worthwhile for anybody interested in war and historical fiction.

The author offers decades of knowledge and expertise about the military and the Navy. He was born in St. Peters, Missouri, and graduated from Duchesne High School. He began his thirty-six-year career in aviation, which included combat in Vietnam and working in the aerospace industry. Combined with his excellent writing skills, the author pens an exceptionally good story about the challenges of living as a soldier, and the effects this has on the family.

As I learned about the author, I only enjoyed the book more. I rate The North by J.J. Zerr 5 out of 5 stars for an amazing story that details the impact of war on soldiers and their families. I highly recommend this book for its honest portrayal of military life and the emotional effects of combat.

[Mar · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you read The North by J.J. Zerr, you’ll be immersed in the world of military aviation. During his 36 years as a pilot in the Navy, the author offers an incredible amount of expertise and experience in the military and writes a stellar book featuring Jon, the Lieutenant, and his wife Teresa. The author’s background entrail numerous missions, tours, and hours of flying in combat over Vietnam. He understands the technicalities and details of these roles and shares a well-crafted story with great enthusiasm.

J.J. Zerr gives the reader a riveting story of a navy vet in Vietnam during two deployments, which transitions well from the character’s first-hand experience to the perspective of Teresa, awaiting her husband’s safe arrival home. The plethora of emotions and how all the elements of war, family, and the unknown are connected is expressed with such perfection that I felt the effects of conflicted emotions and the dynamics of Jon’s life story deeply.

The author delivers a beautiful narrative, featuring a delicate balance between the frontline action and the family’s feelings of despair mixed with hope and fear. The main characters work well together, and you can sense the forces at play in their relationship and there is so much at stake. It’s also interesting to learn more about the Vietnam war through the experience of a skilled pilot with first-hand experience.

I really appreciated the tremendous amount of work the author put into his novel, and I plan on reading more of his work. There are several of J.J. Zerr’s books in my shopping cart, and I look forward to more of his incredible stories. I give The North by J.J. Zerr 4 out of 5 stars for the realistic, intense portrayal of Vietnam in personal life and decisions.

[Nela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The North by J.J. Zerr is a story that reflects, and is inspired by, the author’s long, multi-faceted, and interesting career in the U.S. Navy. The North is a fictional story that closely mirrors many of the challenges faced by J.J. Zerr and his combat missions in Vietnam and his experience in the aerospace industry for more than a decade. As a writer, he crafts these incredible experiences into a solid tale about love, endurance, tragedy, and action.

This historical fiction story is captivating and credible, with a fantastically vivid portrayal of life in the military and those impacted by it. I found the book hard to put down, as it's a very cohesive and exciting story that articulates all the elements of war, from the soldiers at the frontlines to the family and loved ones awaiting their return. The author establishes a clear tone and a realistic, raw atmosphere for the plot and its development.

J.J. Zerr writes a story that’s easy to read, with great visual description, so that the reader can vividly imagine each scene. I found myself completely immersed in the book, which moves at a steady, but quick pace and provides lots of dialogue and interaction between the characters. Despite the brutal theme of war and fatalities, the author addresses human emotion and the raw sense of fear and plunging into the unknown.

The North by J.J. Zerr is the ideal book for anyone who enjoys war history and the human side of living in an unstable situation, and the people who are affected by it. The North is an original story, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and I rate his book 5 out of 5 stars for its excellent narration and dynamic storytelling, which is a must-read for anyone interested in this topic.

[Lucia Maranghello · Rating 5 out of 5]

The North by J.J. Zerr is a story about Jon and Teresa’s life as a military family. Jon must accept a second deployment as a carrier pilot, where he is sent to fly up north in Vietnam. Once he arrives, he is well aware of his task, which may appear straightforward, though there are physical, mental, and emotional consequences that become increasingly complex. As the Lieutenant fulfills his duties, his wife, Teresa, is left to wait in suspense, along with their children.

It’s a tragic yet hopeful story of love and endurance that will keep the reader anticipating Jon’s next move and if each mission following will be his last or if he’ll survive. It’s an intense love story that centers around the drama and suspense of a military family, with all the challenges of waiting for a loved one at war, while managing everyday life.

The author handles the subject matter of war from a very personal perspective, with lots of passion, action, and detailing of the seemingly never-ending loop of not knowing what the next day, or hour, will bring. It’s a fantastic read that brings together suspense, tragedy, drama, and hope all in one incredible story. I especially enjoyed the bond between Jon and Teresa and how the challenges of their lives only strengthened their love for one another and their children.

I found the writing balanced and well-paced, every step of the way, with the right amount of escalation during suspenseful scenes. It’s an intriguing story told from the viewpoint of a veteran and an intriguing read for anyone who enjoys a good love story with thrilling action. I give The North by J.J. Zerr 5 out of 5 stars for its remarkable storyline and well-written elements of intense drama, family love, thrilling action, and suspense.

[Dani Savante · Rating 5 out of 5]

The North by J.J. Zerr is a novel that narrates the story of a war pilot during the Vietnam War. In his first deployment, he had to execute missions that were risky but not as significant as when he went to the northern region for a major event. In his second deployment, the story takes a different direction as his journey becomes increasingly more dangerous. Jon must navigate this new reality while his wife, Teresa, waits at home, full of hope and despair.
I enjoyed this book a lot, and I am a passionate reader of historical fiction. I especially enjoy war fiction and noticed that his novel was written heavily based on personal experience. The author of military affairs provides a substantial amount of substance to this story, and his talent really shines as a writer, which is excellent and entertaining. While the story focuses primarily on Jon’s mission, the narration is from the perspective of Teresa, Jon’s wife, who awaits his return.
Zerr sets the tone for his book by stressing the importance of family during combat and how they can be an anchor in the storm. All the aspects of war are described through the eyes of realistic and colorful characters. I found the vivid descriptions of all the settings and events created a masterpiece, including the author’s writing style, which is clear and straightforward. The tale tugs at the readers’ heartstrings and questions all that they may believe about the military and what happens in armed conflict.
I rate The North by J.J. Zerr 4 out of 5 stars for its realistic portrayal of a terrible situation from both sides, with impeccable detail and expertise. It’s a story that makes readers reflect on the devastating effects of war and all the lives involved. I highly recommend it.

[Alfredo R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of life at war

The North by J.J. Zerr is an intriguing read. It’s an excellent novel about how the unexpected can happen at any time and how absorbing life can be, especially during war. The main character, Navy Lieutenant Jon Zachery, is sent to war, and after some experience, he is sent on a dangerous mission, his second deployment. He knows this unique work could be fatal, which weighs heavily on him and his wife, Teresa, who must support their children while he is in combat. Jon’s mission takes him north, where there are enemies everywhere and unpredictable situations that blur the line between life and death.



This book kept me on the edge of my seat, as the author has extensive, firsthand knowledge of war and includes compelling descriptions of places, events, and feelings throughout the story. The plot is filled with unexpected situations and life-threatening assignments, and some developments are intense yet riveting, leaving the reader with vivid pictures of difficult scenes, yet in a way that’s necessary and well conveyed. Many of the developments are captured through the experience of Jon’s wife, Teresa, and the emotional impact of war on her and their children.



I enjoyed the writing style and structure of the book overall. The chapters are short so that they can be read quickly and in one sitting. I tried reading just one or two chapters at a time but quickly found myself unable to put the book down, as it is an unbelievably entertaining read that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking at once. I believe The North is a good read for people who want to get into historical fiction or who are already a fan of this genre. I rate The North by J.J. Zerr 5 out of 5 stars for an exceptional piece of writing and a good story.

[Huda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The North by J.J. Zerr follows a Navy Lieutenant, Jon Zachery, on his second deployment to Vietnam. As a carrier pilot, Jon quickly learns how risky his mission will be, and this impact ripples throughout the lives of all soldiers, including their families. The author writes from the perspective of Teresa, Jon’s wife, who must learn to prepare for the worst in terms of Jon’s mission. While the previous deployment presented risks, Jon must face one of the most dangerous missions of his career. The novel goes into great detail about his squad and how they will strategically attack as they move up north in Vietnam, where there is more combat and enemies. As Jon adjusts and plans for his mission, he often thinks of his family back home and how they wait for his return.

Zerr’s book is action-packed, with lots of twists and turns and details about his first tour in Vietnam. While Jon begins to prepare for real combat, he realizes the stakes are high, and he needs to carefully manage every move safely and carefully if he wants to survive. The author provides a great deal of his experience as a Navy veteran throughout the book, which makes the story realistic as Jon faces danger, which was only imagined before, but soon becomes his life. He must make split-second decisions that will either kill him or move him in the right direction and out of harm’s way.

I found this book was an excellent read, which is a great story for anyone interested in the history of the cold war and fighter jets. There is plenty of suspense and heartfelt emotion throughout the story, including how Teresa holds onto hope and her faith, awaiting her husband’s return. I rate the book 4 out of 5 stars for an excellent read and highly recommend the book.