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comments.
sorry, but i had to respond to jason's dec. 4, 2000 posting. at some point, you will have more years of life experience, you will have had your black and white morals and situations and realities challenged and twisted and rearranged, and you will then understand the amazing beauty and truth to tim o'brien's stories, style, and perspective on life. when you've lived by your hard and fast rules of existence and they have failed you - when your heart has overrun your brain - you will look back and understand that perspective is everything. that what we feel CAN color and even create what we believe to be real.
and by the way - your use of homophobic langauge is offensive and unfortunate. please think twice before using "gay" and other words as negative descriptions.
Riley Love <rileycathryn@hotmail.com>
New York, NY USA - Saturday, December 30, 2000 at 12:31:10 (CST)
Dear Mr. O'Brien I am a history student who is training to also be a teacher. I have read your short story "The Things They Carried". I have also written a thesis on it for one of my college classes. I am a student of history which means I have at one time been a student of the Vietnam War. Your writtings have completed my education on the War. I have further read If I Die in a Combat Zone and I found your memoir moving. I know that you will probably never read this but you have really helped me understand some issues that I have been going through with in regards to my own service to my country. I have served in the Persian Gulf as part Operation Southern Watch. My issues are alote lighter then what Vietnam Veterans have been faced with but when I read "The Vietnam in Me" I felt like I wasn't alone and that it is ok to have the feelings that I have. Your writtngs make me feel normal and that is something that I haven't felt since I volunteered to be in the military.
Thank you Mr. O'Brien for having the courage to write about the Vietnam War. You have given inspiration to us the sons and daughters of another continually meanigless conflict.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey S. Crompton
Abington, Pennsylvania
Jeff Crompton <Wloader@Hotmail.com>
Abington, PA USA - Thursday, December 28, 2000 at 19:44:53 (CST)
Dear Mr. O'Brien I am a history student who is training to also be a teacher. I have read your short story "The Things They Carried". I have also written a thesis on it for one of my college classes. I am a student of history which means I have at one time been a student of the Vietnam War. Your writtings have completed my education on the War. I have further read If I Die in a Combat Zone and I found your memoir moving. I know that you will probably never read this but you have really helped me understand some issues that have been going through with my own service to my country. I have served in the Persian Gulf as part Operation Southern Watch. My issues are alote lighter then what Vietnam Veterans have been faced with but when I read "The Vietnam in Me" I felt like I wasn't alone and that it is ok to have the feelings that I have. Your writtngs make me feel normal and that is something that I haven't felt since I volunteered to be in the military.
Thank you Mr. O'Brien for having the courage to write about the Vietnam War. You have given inspiration to us the sons and daughters of another meanigless conflict.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey S. Crompton
Abington, Pennsylvania
Jeff Crompton <Wloader@Hotmail.com>
Abington, PA USA - Thursday, December 28, 2000 at 19:42:25 (CST)
As an Americal combat medic, I think you write great stories. As I once said in a letter that I wrote to you, I think we both pissed in the same river--just at different times. Good Luck. Doc
jim badorek <clydebador @ cs.com>
Parma Hts,, OH USA - Thursday, December 28, 2000 at 13:03:51 (CST)
To: "Why do Americans?" If you want to live your life in a closet and in fear, so be it. The rest of us live as life is suppose to be.
Dave Hammond <PACWESTHI@aol.com>
Beaverton, OR USA - Wednesday, December 27, 2000 at 18:58:20 (CST)
Why do Americans let an employee or student come to work or school and kill many people?
Hasn't anyone heard of a metal detector in places of business,schools, and churches. Every day people's lives are at risk because of security reasons.
Jenifer Bone <Jenifer@voyager.net>
Lansing, MI USA - Wednesday, December 27, 2000 at 00:01:26 (CST)
As a USMC vet who served in Vietnamin 1968-69 I have a sincere interest and deep feeling for Tim O'Brien's work. I have recently completed my MFA at Chapman University and share the need to tell the stories of my past and be hopeful for the future.
Michael L. Welch <michaelwelch@earthlink,net>
Orange, CA USA - Sunday, December 24, 2000 at 15:53:29 (CST)
Would like to know about publishing a book.
Elginal Williams
New York, N.Y USA - Friday, December 22, 2000 at 13:51:11 (CST)
Had the immense pleasure of hearing Mr O'Brien speak at Roanoke College.Pleasurable yet painful.Such is the way of the world.
Lynne Bernadette
goodview, va USA - Tuesday, December 12, 2000 at 12:57:10 (CST)
I thought "the things they carried" would be another war book, however, it opened my mind and filled me with questions. Being in the military and a student, i'm just unsure of where to begin!!
Brian Duchaney <bduchaney@bridgew.edu>
HANOVER, MA USA - Sunday, December 10, 2000 at 21:08:38 (CST)
Mr. O'Brien,
Along with my fellow students from Mrs. Solomon's eleventh grade english class at Yosemite High School, I too have recently finished reading your book, The Things They Carried. I have never enjoyed reading a book as much as I did yours. It truly grasped my attention the way no other book, whether it be a war story or not, has. You allowed me to feel as if I was there in your story watching everything that you wrote down. Your description and narration held my attention so well that I couldn't put your book down until I was finished. I'm not much of a reader. To be honest I never enjoyed reading books until I read yours. I just wanted to thank you and give you my personal opinion on your awesome writing ability.
Sara Kyllonen <lilroo24@hotmail.com>
Coarsegold, Ca USA - Sunday, December 10, 2000 at 15:03:13 (CST)
I just like to say I enjoyed your site. I served in Vietnam From apr 69 to may 70. I was in the 101st airborne division 1/501st C co. I have struggled with PTSD for close to 30 years. I couldn't keep a job. Ifound myself homeless at one time. Today I am doing alot better. I am Married to beautiful woman and we just just bought a home. Today I am a Minister I help others who have had PTSD or other emotional problems. God bless you Minister Jose
Jose Mireles <jose50us@prodigy.net>
SAN ANTONIO, Texas USA - Friday, December 08, 2000 at 23:31:31 (CST)
I began to use the short story, "The Things They Carried," as a tool for instruction in symbolism. I then found it as a great tool for pointing out the change in a protatonist from events occurring in a work. Finally, I realized that it would also be great as an example of most aspects of literature!
To "simply" fulfill the technicalities of writing is not enough, however! The INTEREST OF THE STUDENTS IS ESSENTIAL, and you cover THAT area with distinction!
In addition to these features, I am a VietNam ERA (!) Veteran of the US ARMY (as a woman, I was NOT forced to undergo that which YOU had to take, so I make NO claim of ANY sort to have any greater understanding of your trauma than would have any other reader!). In this position, I was able to give definitions and explainations of the military terminology and nuiances privy to all soldiers of the time.
I do go on, but I simply wanted to thank you for that which you offer.
GREAT STORY (and great book!)
B. Meier <bmeier@onemain.com>
Bakersfield, CA USA - Thursday, December 07, 2000 at 22:35:28 (CST)
My best to the students in Mrs. Solomon's class at Yosemite High in Coarsegold CA. (And to the students from Oakhurst CA.) I can tell that whether you liked it or not, you thought about "The Things They Carried." And some of you got it. Every year your teachers take the time to explain this complex book to, I suspect, the brightest kids in the school. To paraphrase a friend of mine "My wish for you -- may you never, ever, have any war stories to tell." (Not from O'Brien, but Dusty,ANC,RVN)
Marilyn ~ The Webmaster
Chicago, IL USA - Wednesday, December 06, 2000 at 22:11:13 (CST)
I'm a 17 year old high school senior who read "In the Lake
of the Woods." It's a fantastic novel. I'm a Canadian, and
not particularly interested in American history, but your
book compelled me to find out all I could about My Lai.
Derek Johnson <drkj@home.com>
Winnipeg, Mb CANADA - Wednesday, December 06, 2000 at 21:31:34 (CST)
Tim- I just finished reading your book "The Things They Carried" and it really made me look at war differently. When you hear old people talking about the war sometimes it can sound like they are making things sound worse then they really are. But after reading the book and seeing the war through a field soldiers eyes it really opened me up to how the things they did weren't just physical but mental. I always thought war would be a very tuff time for anyone who was involved but just the mental factor involved in war alone is enough to make people go crazy, and it did. My great uncle fought in world war II and he came back ok, but I guess it just seemed that way to me because I obviously never knew him before the war. I guess how the war affects you all depends on how you take it. But I would just like to say that your book is one of the best I have ever read about any war ever. I would also like to thank Mrs. Solomon for giving us the opportunity to read such a great book.
ryan newell
Coarsegold, California USA - Tuesday, December 05, 2000 at 23:57:04 (CST)
Hi,
I am teaching The Things They Carried with my 12th grade Language Arts class at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South. The kids are receptive to it. Thanks for writing a great book and being honest about it, even if it is metafiction.
Jamie McCulloch
Jamie McCulloch <jmccullo@wwprsd.mercernet.net>
Princeton Jct., NJ USA - Tuesday, December 05, 2000 at 11:24:53 (CST)
Dear Tim O'brien,
I am a student at Yosemite High School and we just finished reading your book, "The things they carried." I have to say, that book was very different from any other book I have ever read. It was a very real,and intense book. You describe things in such detail that The reader can actually see what is going on. The way that you described the stories you were talking about, I can't believe that you just made them up. Everything you talked about seemed so real. You are such a talanted writer, like no other that I have ever seen. I really enjoyed your book and I plan to look into your others novels as well.
R. Collins <Starrbeck@Yahoo.com>
Coarsegold, C.A. USA - Tuesday, December 05, 2000 at 00:03:13 (CST)
"The Things They Carried" eh? not much of a book. I don't see what all the fussy was about. It was very realistic and descriptive, but it lacked qualities to make it intersting. Some of the stories just pissed me off, because they didn't have anything to do with why they were in Vietnam or with any of the other stories. It's like they were put in there just to take up space. Like the story "Style", what was the damn point of that story? It was pointless, it added nothing to the book, and it didn't make sense. Now y'all don't think I'm ignorant, but you have to agree that some of thouse stories were just plain gay. "Good Form" was dumb cause his comparison of "happening-truth" and "story-truth". It is dumb how he TRIES to make somthing that was made up sound like it's could be truer than the real-truth. Sounds like this guy has found a way to twist around the truth to lie to without having guilt or to where the inferior mind cannot argue with. How can anything be truer than the complete truth? And in the book when he was describing the different truths, he was so bias. He didn't put any effort into the "happening-truth", it was like the first sentacne off the top of his head. The the "story-truth" got some major creativity. What it sounds like to me is that he is saying that the "happening-truth" cannot be written with as much detail as a "story-truth". When in fact it is they opposite, if you have good obsevation skills you could detail anything a lot better that a made up situation. Because in fact there is things you would never think of putting if you just thought it up in your mind. Because when you think of anything in your mind you always seem to think of the typical way the thing is usually represented. I think this guy was just trying to start some philosophic crap to look cool or somthing , as you can see I think my philosophic thinkings are far supirior and far harder to falsify than his wanna be gay crap. But he is a good writer. The accual wording was very good, besides his attempt to sound like a prophet or philosipher, it was an alright book. My mom who also read it, and who is an avid read also agrees with me that it wasn't such a great book. She said that some stories were good, but if he had stuck to the facts and not go on a fag pirade with his lame ass way of telling the truth, then the stoies would have been great. As for me I think this book should be taken off the book list for high schoolers to read. *excuse if there are any spelling mistakes, When I'm going off on someone I tend to type fast, from which I mis-spell some words. Thank You.
JASON LINHARES <jason_linhares@hotmail.com>
Coarsegold, CA USA - Monday, December 04, 2000 at 22:41:17 (CST)
I have read all of your books except your most recent
one, and I am onto that now. Your books have educated me in
no way a textbook could have. I think that you are one of
the greatest novelists of our time. In the Nuclear Age, I felt
as if I had lived that exact life. I know there are probably
a million and one fools extolling all the virtues of your novels,
and you might get sick of it, but please don't. Everyone of
your books has said something to me and they've kept me alive
and in the present. I haven't been to war, and I've never
even experienced what you and other vets have. Your books
constantly remind me that; they remind me that I am just a nascent
snail, hardly formed. I am only 20 years old and I live in the
plains of Kansas. When you describe Kansas burning, I know
exactly what you mean. When you say that know body in the midwest
knows what's going on, I realize that now.
Anyway, I don't know you as a person, and I probably never
will, but I know your stories, and I know the truth in them.
I know that they are all really non-fiction. Thank you for
being a teacher of mine.
Sincerely
Nathan
Nathan Fosse <nef9677@ksu.edu>
Manhattan, KS USA - Monday, December 04, 2000 at 15:37:46 (CST)
Tim, I've never read your work, but I was there. Vietnam made me a writer, and the first book I ever wrote was about that trip. I wanted to inflict it on all who hadn't gone. Well, I was never able to find a publisher, and went on to write and publish other books (Calling Crow, Putnam/Berkley, Flight Of The Crow, Jove/Berkley, and Calling Crow Nation, Putnam/Berkley), but I could never get that Nam novel published. I even managed to get the late Willie Morris to read it and he liked it enough to send it out under his own letterhead, to Algonquin, who declined. Then he died. But he did like it, and I have the letter to prove it. Well, the novel will be "published" in March in Electric ebook, Canada's Premier e-book publisher. Can you provide a link, or a review? Thanks.
Paul Clayton <Callingcro@aol.com>
South San Francisco, CA USA - Monday, December 04, 2000 at 14:26:21 (CST)
i liked your book Tim
Derek Denheyer <derekstrip@yahoo.com>
Oakhurst, ca USA - Sunday, December 03, 2000 at 22:20:57 (CST)
ithought the things they carried was a pretty good book.I think it will probally the best book well ever read in high school.I thought that everything in the book was real because the way you made it sound.I still thin most of it is true even after readingg the book. It was a great book.
Tyler Harlan
Tyler Harlan <Harlan13@sierratel.com>
Oakhurst, CA USA - Friday, December 01, 2000 at 10:51:23 (CST)
Mr. O'Brien, thank you for sharing a fraction of your experiences and thoughts on the Vietnam War. I know that none of us who haven't actually seen combat will EVER understand what it is truly like, so I appreciate your efforts in helping us to see a fraction of the magnitude that we can't imagine.
Sara <SStrickland99>
NC USA - Thursday, November 30, 2000 at 21:34:08 (CST)
I truly loved reading this novle I would have to say it was one of the best books on vietnam the sense put in to the book seemed so real it made my stomach turn. I like the style that he used and how he used descriptive words.
TRAVIS (AKA) T-REX
oakhurst, CA USA - Wednesday, November 29, 2000 at 18:44:42 (CST)
Mr. O'Brien
I want to thank you for writing such a wonderful book that has touched my heart. I read this book when I was a senior in high school, and didn't understand it too well. Now that I am reading it again in college, it made me feel it in my stomach. Thank you for helping my understand what Vietnam was really about.
Judy Valdovinos <Valdovin@students.sonoma.edu>
Rohnert Park, CA USA - Wednesday, November 29, 2000 at 18:38:41 (CST)
I thought the book was really good. I like the way you write fiction yet you make it sound so real trhe only reason I didn't think it was real was because you told me at the end of the book.The Things They Carried was a great story on Vietnam it made me change my mind on wars.
Tyson sonderland <hdnmdws@sierratel.com>
oakhurst, ca USA - Wednesday, November 29, 2000 at 17:29:18 (CST)
your book was alright i give it a 7 out of 10
David Fuller <PhDTHUG@yahoo.com>
Coarsegold, Ca USA - Wednesday, November 29, 2000 at 16:43:09 (CST)
i liked your book you got very detailed in your description about the war
Dylan Boyd <Donkeys_R_US@yahoo.com >
Coarsegold, Ca USA - Wednesday, November 29, 2000 at 16:41:06 (CST)
i liked your book you got very detailed in your description about the war enclosing i am flitterpated about your books i like to read them in a warm bubble bath sipping champaign with the candles lit
Dylan Boyd <Donkeys_R_US@yahoo.com >
Coarsegold, Ca USA - Wednesday, November 29, 2000 at 16:39:27 (CST)
Tim your book was good you got really detailed which was what kept me interested i will try to find more of your books to read
John Kanaley <pipdoggy@hotmail.com>
coarsegold, ca USA - Wednesday, November 29, 2000 at 16:31:50 (CST)
Dear Tim O,Brien, Your book was interesting to say the least. I have never read a book that went into so much detail about a person drowning in a "shit field" or a water buffalo being slowly mutilated in anger(only book I've read that said anything about that sort of thing actually). All in all I enjoyed the book except for one thing, the ending. The ending ruined the whole damn story for me. You tell this geat war story that, until about half way through, I thought was real and then you go off and say that the whole story has to do with some girl he knew dieing of a brain tumor? That blew.
Bobby Myers
Oakhurst, CA USA - Tuesday, November 28, 2000 at 19:20:55 (CST)
Tim-I just finished reading "The Things They Carried", and I really enjoyed it. It seemed so real. It is a great book. You are an exelent writer and I plan to read more of your books
Samantha Grijalva
Coarsegold, CA USA - Monday, November 27, 2000 at 20:18:00 (CST)
Your book was very interesting. Although it was well
written I was very disappointed in the fact that is
was a fiction story. I am always interested in the
Vietnam War and I enjoyed your book very much. It
was a marvelous story and I believed a lot of it. You
are a credit to your profession.
Matt Grote <Drac489@yahoo.com>
Cousegold, CA USA - Monday, November 27, 2000 at 14:26:56 (CST)
“ I don’t care for many books, but Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried was wonderful. I liked it because his choice of words showed us what was going on. Not only could we see in our minds what was going on in the soldiers lives, we could feel their emotions and fears. This book got me involved in the story and made me feel like I was part of it.”
Carolyn Musgrave <bebop@sierratel.com>
Coarsegold, Ca USA - Monday, November 27, 2000 at 11:24:24 (CST)
Tim-I have to say I really enjoyed your book. "The Things They Carried" is my faviorite book to date. I'm doing a report on the book and I'm finding even more little things that I didn't pick up on while reading it. It has very good description and attention to detail. This is my second time reading the book and I have enjoyed it throughly both times. Thanks for writing such a good book.
kyle ZIMMER <kmz_13@hotmail.com>
Coarsegold, Ca USA - Monday, November 27, 2000 at 00:09:58 (CST)
I just read The Things They Carried and I think it is a great book. The way little things are described in such detail makes this book incredibly realistic. The words painted extremely vivid pictures and I could feel the frustration and emotion conveyed. I have often wondered what war would be like, and although a book is no substitute for the real thing, I feel this book is as close as it gets.
Jennie Knowles <spazlovesbugs@hotmail.com>
Bass Lake, CA USA - Sunday, November 26, 2000 at 20:42:49 (CST)
I am a student at Yosemite High School and we just recently finished reading your book "The Things They Carried." I enjoyed the book very much because you went into great detal
about all different aspects of the story. You really cleared my mind on what the Vietnam war was really about. Thank you very much. I give your book an A+
Matt Troutner <trout@sierraltel.com/>
Oakhurst, Ca USA - Sunday, November 26, 2000 at 12:10:42 (CST)
This was an inspiring book to me because Tim O'Brien's true colors were shown in his life-changing experience. I commend O'Brien for his efforts and hard work towards making this piece of writing a job well done. Inside each chapter is something trying to be said and the deeper you look the more brighter and clearer that meaning is. Most everything said and done has a significant meaning that reoccures at some other point so it is important to catch everything the first time.
Greg Lanson <greglanson@hotmail.com>
Coarsegold, CA USA - Saturday, November 25, 2000 at 15:46:07 (CST)
I just finished reading "The Things They Carried" and I thought it was the best book that described the Vietnam War, and showed a lot of the feelings that the soldiers felt during and after the war.It has been the best book I have ever read, I could hardly ever put it down.It was also very discriptive in every chapter Know matter what was happening you always made a clear picture for the reader.
Daniel Steele
Oakhurst, CA USA - Saturday, November 25, 2000 at 14:45:29 (CST)
I just finished reading "The Things They Carried" and I thought it was the best book that described the Vietnam War, and showed a lot of the feelings that the soldiers felt during and after the war.It has been the best book I have ever read, I could hardly ever put it down.It was also very discriptive in every chapter Know matter what was happening you always made a clear picture for the reader.
Daniel Steele <
Oakhurst, CA USA - Saturday, November 25, 2000 at 14:44:33 (CST)
I read "The Things They Carried" for an assignment in my American Literature class. I am a junior at College of the Ozarks and contracted with ROTC. This novel inspires deep thoughts that all people should think about. As a future 2nd Lt. in the United States Army, I feel that your novel has and will make me a better person and leader.
Thank you very much!
Michael Hazen <MLHazen@hotmail.com>
Branson, MO USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2000 at 11:59:25 (CST)
Hi Tim.
I just finished Tomcat in Love. That has to be the greatest book I have ever read. Keep it up buddy. Your awesome.
Greg Messa <gpthebigkid@hotmail.com>
Tucson, AZ USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2000 at 09:58:35 (CST)
Hi Tim.
Greg Messa <gpthebigkid@hotmail.com>
Tucson, AZ USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2000 at 09:57:31 (CST)
ONCE AGAIN I WOULD LIKE TO STATE THAT YOU ARE THE STUPIDEST WIRTER OF ALL TIME. MAYBE YOU NEED TO THINK ABOUT A CAREER IN FICTION WRITING. IT SEEMS THAT YOU ARE GOOD AT THAT.
George Lucos <biggerandbigger@yahoo.cokm>
Denver, CO USA - Wednesday, November 22, 2000 at 09:55:40 (CST)
Tim-I just read "The Things they Carried" in english, and it made everything so much clearer to me about the Vietnam War. I always knew that it was a war that shouldn't have happened, but I didn't know how dramatic it was and you pointed out that part very clearly. I understand so much about the war now. Thanks-
Alicia Sanchez <latnshera@hotmail.com>
Bass Lake, Ca USA - Tuesday, November 21, 2000 at 13:12:08 (CST)
Tim
I Love your books. You ahve to be the greatest writer of all time. Keep it up. You are awesome
Don't let anyone else think otherwise.
Greg Messa <gpthebigkid@hotmail.com>
Tucson, AZ USA - Tuesday, November 21, 2000 at 10:07:50 (CST)
Tim
Greg Messa <gpthebigkid@hotmail.com>
Tucson, AZ USA - Tuesday, November 21, 2000 at 10:06:30 (CST)
Tim
Greg Messa <gpthebigkid@hotmail.com>
Tucson, AZ USA - Tuesday, November 21, 2000 at 10:06:29 (CST)
Tim
Greg Messa <gpthebigkid@hotmail.com>
Tucson, AZ USA - Tuesday, November 21, 2000 at 10:06:29 (CST)
TIM
YOU ARE THE DUMBEST WRTITER. WHY DON'T YOU GET A CLUE
ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT. yOUR BOOKS ARE POINTLESS.
George Lucos <biggerandbigger@yahoo.com>
Denver, CO USA - Tuesday, November 21, 2000 at 10:05:17 (CST)
The Things They Carried-I thought that the book was well written and gave you a feel of what it would have
been like to have been there. Every chapter/story was very descrptive and detailed.
This book was very realistic and interesting to read. I enjoyed reading it.
Donell Grizz <booshaba@africamail.com>
Coarsegold, CA USA - Monday, November 20, 2000 at 16:17:01 (CST)
I thought that the book was well written and gave you a feel of what it would have
been like to have been there. Every chapter/story was very descrptive and detailed.
This book was very realistic and interesting to read. I enjoyed reading it.
Donell Grizz <booshaba@africamail.com>
Coarsegold, CA USA - Monday, November 20, 2000 at 16:16:15 (CST)
I really enjoyed this book, it definatly gave me a new outlook on Vietnam. I never really thought a person could go into so much detail and explaining. But thats what I love about your book, "The Things They Carried". I love the way you describe every little object and every person so you know exactly what they look like. I usually am not interested in books of any kind but yours had a way of getting my attention-it made me want to read it. You are very talented and I love your style.
kara smalley
Ahwahnee, CA USA - Sunday, November 19, 2000 at 22:36:04 (CST)
I never understud this book until today. A close friend of mine pased away today. It's so hard to handle a death. Your book has all the same feelings I have right now!For example the empty feeling in my stomic,the feeling of blame dwells inside my heart. All I can do now is sit in my room and think of all the great times we spent. He was a mager role model in my life. I love him so much!!! It's so hard to try not to pick up the phone and call his house. It's like a bad dream, I think he'll pick up the phone and say "Hey HACKSAW(thats my nickname)hows it going?" but he can't. Your book is a wonderful book. It shows lots of true feelings about life. THANKS for taking time to read this.
Lyndsey Gordon <Beam-me-over@sierra tel.com>
Oakhurst, ca USA - Sunday, November 19, 2000 at 17:30:22 (CST)
I am a student at YHS and we recently read "The Things They Carried". I like the book for the most part, especially the very god detail and use of words. It was a very convincing story and the charters seemed like real people with historical backgrounds. He used his Vietnam experience to add a realistic effect to the book. The only negative for me would be at some parts of the book I found it hard to follow. Over all I enjoyed the book and I would recommend it to anyone interested in the Vietnam war or someone that just wants to read a good book. I think more schools should have the chance to read it.
Daniel Jagd <junk_sale24@hotmail.com>
Ahwahnee, ca USA - Saturday, November 18, 2000 at 14:18:14 (CST)
a leading question to ponder: what difference is there between your books and conventional histories?
douglas higbee <jhigbee@uci.edu>
irvine, ca USA - Saturday, November 18, 2000 at 12:21:25 (CST)
I thought that "The Things They Carried" was a great book. I liked the last chapter, because of the detail, and how it drew you into the story.
Andrew Cuthbert <cptncuthbert@hotmail.com>
Ahwahnnee, CA USA - Friday, November 17, 2000 at 16:03:05 (CST)
I think that the book, “The Things They Carried” was a very exciting book to read. It confused me how you would write a story and then tell the reader that it wasn’t true. Other then that it was a great book to read.
Krystal Montoya <china_31@hotmail.com>
Oakhurst, CA USA - Thursday, November 16, 2000 at 19:47:23 (CST)
Im a student at Yosemite High School, we just finished reading, "The Things They Carried." I dont care for many books, but I really did enjoy this book. It seemed so real. You have your own, different writing technique, which makes it really interesting to read.
Shara Borden
Ahwahnee, CA USA - Thursday, November 16, 2000 at 18:31:50 (CST)
Im an 11th grade student at Yosemite High School, and we just finished your book "The Things They Carried", last week. And i have to say it is one of the best books i have ever read, i enjoyed all the different stories, they gave me such a new look on Vietnam. I just wanted to let you know that you are a very talented writer and i admire you so much!
Darcy Jordan <lady_bug_06@hotmail.com>
Ahwahnee, CA USA - Wednesday, November 15, 2000 at 22:52:30 (CST)
Great work on this site.keep at it.
Jacob Asogonnde <belogh@hotmail.com>
Kadjebi, V|R Ghana - Sunday, November 12, 2000 at 14:49:21 (CST)
Hi,
I'm a student from Germany, working on my final paper, which will deal with Tim O'Brien's works. If there're people who are interested in reading my paper (it is going to be finished next year in June) please contact me - see e-mail above.
Christina Meyer <christina.meyer@stud.uni-hannover.de>
Hannover, Germany - Sunday, November 12, 2000 at 14:48:22 (CST)
Tim --
I'm from a small town in Minnesota, so I feel especially proud of writers from this area of the world. It is truly one unlike any other, and I love it up here. You capture it so well in your writing. My boyfriend is also from the same small Minnesota town and is currenly in the military. He's read _The Things They Carried_ numerous times, and he could not wait to talk to me about _In the Lake of the Woods_ right after he finished it. Your writing means so much to him -- he finds it to be beautiful and fascinating while at the same time poignant and thought provoking. I just bought _Northern Lights_ to give to him as a gift, and I would love nothing more than to hear from you so I could include a few of your words intended for him. I have much admiration and respect for your work. Thanks for doing us proud in more ways than one.
Michelle <michelle_rhea@email.com>
Thief River Falls, MN USA - Saturday, November 11, 2000 at 01:28:38 (CST)
Tim, I'll dispense with any gushing appreciation of your fine works...I want to contact you a bout scripting one of the stories from The things they carried for a London stage play
and possible film production. Please get back to me,
Thanks mate, Joe.
Joe Matthews <joe@wildiris.co.uk>
USA - Friday, November 10, 2000 at 06:36:27 (CST)
Hi Tim,
I don't know if you actually read this, and somebody has probably told you this before, but your book title is actually used in a song by a band called Big Country. It is called "Where the Rose is Sown" from the album Steeltown. It was written by the lead singer of the band Stuart Adamson.
The lyric goes:-If I die in a combat zone
Box me up and ship me home
If I die and still come home
Lay me where the rose is sown
the whole song is brilliant.
I will hopefully be able to read your book because of this.
your David Penfold
P.S. If stuart has ripped you off and you sue don't mention my name.
David Penfold <dgpenfold@yahoo.com>
Glasgow, UK - Wednesday, November 08, 2000 at 07:02:23 (CST)
Dear Tim, I absolutely enjoyed reading "On the Rainy River" with my high school LD students. Your descriptive writing provides excellent opportunities for visualization, which keeps the students engaged. The story is perfect for Veterans' Day & to show appreciation for our beloved veterans. Thank you for sharing your inner most thoughts & experiences. Mrs. B
mb <buccheri@massed.net>
Somerville, MA USA - Monday, November 06, 2000 at 20:26:29 (CST)
I would just like to say that your work is outstanding! I am a mother of three boys and am working on my teaching cred. I am in my last class and have decided to use your book for my paper. My very first class in college I wrote on the same book, "The Things They Carried". I find it interesting that I'm doing the same book at the begining of my college career and again at the end of my college career. Thank you for fighting for our country. Jennifer Browning
Jennifer Browning <senorb66@hotmail.com>
Oakhurst, CA USA - Monday, November 06, 2000 at 17:09:30 (CST)
I teach American history at the John F. Kennedy Institute for North American Studies of the Free University in Berlin. Would it be possible to send me a mailing address (c/o a publisher would be fine)? I would like to get in touch with you concerning a possible invitation to our institute.
Andreas Etges <aetges@zedat.fu-berlin.de>
Berlin, Germany - Monday, November 06, 2000 at 11:04:06 (CST)
I aver that the UK Tim O'Brien Resources Page is heading right on the way to glory. Great stuff, Lindy Lou!
(Now do I get a better grade on my essay?.....)
Jack <thelad_jack@hotmail.com>
Winchester, UK - Saturday, November 04, 2000 at 03:50:23 (CST)
Dear Mr. O'Brien,
I am reading "The Things they Carried" for my Freshman English Class. It is a truely eye opening book. You should be very proud of the work you have done and the life you have lived.
I consider myself a bit of an author and wonder if you get a chance maybe you could send me some electronic mail at my electronic mail address with some hints or tips. Keep up the good work.
p.s. "The Things They Carried" is the topic of my Final Paper. Thanks for giving so much to write about. Best of luck.
Karl Williams <othervoice@hotmail.com>
Lithia Springs , Ga USA - Wednesday, November 01, 2000 at 09:18:25 (CST)
Thanks for "The Things They Carried" read for a creatibe writing course at Columbus State Commnity College online.
The detail aand description of life on the ground in Vietnam helped me understand that conflict. I lived through that era and served in the last war we ever won. I did 18 months in the U.S. Air Corpsw, 1946-47. I served in Philippines as a 17-18 year old kid. The bastion of Corregidor impressed me with the horror of war as a spectator.
Thanks for you skill.
Don
Donald W. Houk <Doon928@aol.com>
Whitehall, OH USA - Tuesday, October 31, 2000 at 10:20:46 (CST)
I found a great Tim O'Brien resources page here in the UK. It's still under construction but there's lots of useful info.
Chrissie <csnamuk@yahoo.com>
UK - Saturday, October 28, 2000 at 10:53:52 (GMT)
Tim,
I love Tomcat in Love and my teacher Tony Vinci at SUNY Brockport read a segment of The Things They Carried. It was very moving. Tony mentioned that you visit Brockport every so often and I would love to meet you. Can you tell me the next time you will be in the Rochester area? Thanks.
Nichole Holden <ticklemenikki219@hotmail.com>
Brockport, NY USA - Saturday, October 28, 2000 at 00:37:20 (CDT)
Tim,
I was in Charlie co 1st/20th 11th LIB 68-69, we ate the same dirt I guess. Welcome home dude! Do you ever get to the ADVA reunion's?
Willy
willam r. allen <wallen@gatecom.com>
Taylor, mi USA - Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 14:01:43 (CDT)
Tim,
I really love your books. I'm in juniors honors english.
We're required to research an American auhor. I chose you.
The project is worth 300 some points. I was wondering if
I could ask you some questions. Go ahead and email me if I
can. You're writing is awesome.
Rob Einterz <reinterz@hotmail.com>
Zionsville, IN USA - Monday, October 23, 2000 at 19:09:57 (CDT)
I was wondering if you had any info on W.W.2 on how the soilders lived during the war and what they went through
wendy <sugie_baby1@yahoo.com>
south australia, Adelaide australia - Saturday, October 21, 2000 at 00:55:22 (CDT)
Whats up B im listening to you right now. Welp got to go.
Travis
RWC, USA - Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 12:48:35 (CDT)
What up Ms. Buchanan!!! This is your student Matt. The web site is cool. I am listening to you talk right now.. lol!!!!! yuo dont even know im writing this right now . see ya
Bboy Skip It <Methner1@excite.com>
RWC, CA USA - Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 12:44:53 (CDT)
Tim- my 14 year old son was required to read an unedited segment of "The
Things They Carried" for 9th grade English. Although I found it very
riviting, I wish they would have waited till he was older to make it required,
due to the graphic nature of it. Was wondering if you had any thoughts on it's
apropriatness for kids that young. Either way, thanks for a great read.
Roger <ccym@lts.net>
Piqua, OH USA - Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 10:49:56 (CDT)
Tim, Just heard "Still in Saigon" on the radio. Do you remember the band's performance on the beach in Ocean City in 1970? I've been thinking about you. Take care.
Bobbie <Bobbie2828@aol.com>
USA - Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 09:40:06 (CDT)
Tim, just wanted to say that I'm doing a research paper on you and "The things they carried" for my english class. The topic is how you use your own experience to create characters to show that war impairs one's ability to reason and function as normal in soiety. During my research I have become very interested in your writing. I plan to read the nuclear age soon and plenty more in the future. So long.
Kyle Davies <Daddyd3@dellnet.com>
Berkeley, ca USA - Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 18:43:57 (CDT)
I have recently read your book for my HUmanities class, and found it one of the best books I have ever read. In the next week, I am to do an interview and report on someone who has experienced the Vietnam War, and I believe you would be the best candidate, please email me as soon as possible. Thank you very much
Julianne Balatti <italnpr1ncess@aol.com>
San Anselmo, CA USA - Monday, October 09, 2000 at 18:44:39 (CDT)
Tim,
I grew up in Worthington,Minnesota and so know your home territory.If you are ever in the Houston,Texas area would love to sit and visit with you and talk to you about Vietnam.
I have many POW/MIA pages on the web and since I finally found your site I will send you some links.
I am a poetry writer and some of my poems are just now being published.
I admire the works you have published and am proud to know a citizen from Worthington has made it successfully as a writer.
Also lived up by the Lake of The Woods area,Baudette, Minnesota for almost two years when Hubby was stationed at a small radar base there.Nothing more Beautiful then Northern Lights amazing site to see.
Thank You,
Mary M Kappes
Mary M Kappes <Angelnites69@yahoo.com>
Tomball, TX USA - Tuesday, October 03, 2000 at 14:08:43 (CDT)
I loved your novel, "Going After Cacciato". We read it in my English class and I'm also doing a teaching seminar based on you and your novels. I've have been having some trouble finding biographical information about your life and what influences it has had on your work. If you or any of your fans who read this can help me find a site or know something that might be of help it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, I will be reading more of your books in the future.
Natalie Wisdo <MVW6@concentric.net>
Apopka, FL USA - Monday, October 02, 2000 at 14:10:40 (CDT)
Since we're in Northwest Austin, we'd like Tim to give a reading; how can I get in touch with him re. availability and speaker fee!?!?
F. J. Schaack <aschaack@texas.net>
Austin, TX USA - Friday, September 29, 2000 at 17:58:50 (CDT)
Thank you for the insight provided in "Things They Carried", after being asked to read it in my college English Comp II class, I discovered I didn't want to put it down. The feelings poured out from the pages and touched my heart. Thank you!
Teresa Clark <clark@uark.edu>
Fayetteville, AR USA - Tuesday, September 26, 2000 at 12:45:09 (CDT)
Has anyone had experience with parents challenging the use of The Things They Carried with high school students? My school district is presently being asked to defend the use of the book. A few (very few) parents object to the graphic violence, obscene language, abusive treatment of animals, derogatory attitudes toward women and the Vietnamese people, etc. Instead of being satisfied with an alternate reading assignment, they are requesting that no students be permitted to read it, not even as an independent reading assignment. Information about how other high schools use the book as well as information about any other challenges to the book would be appreciated. Thank you.
Cheryl Winn Royer <croyer@cbsd.org>
Doylestown, PA USA - Tuesday, September 26, 2000 at 07:03:34 (CDT)
To whom it may concern,
I am pleased to find so many fellow readers of O'brien. His deeply thought out stories of Vietnam are a truly wonderful read. I personnally have read everything he has written.
I have also read most of everything written about him. I was inspired by his writting to return to school to get a English degree. Basically if there is anyone out there who is a deep
thinker who would like to discuss his works in depth e-mail me. Mr. O'Brien, if you do happen to read this, my mother sent you an e-mail of mine last April. Love to hear from you. Tcsimple@yahoo.com
Tim Carlisle <Tcsimple@yahoo.com>
Beaumont , Tx USA - Monday, September 25, 2000 at 17:51:40 (CDT)
Mr. O'Brien, I was wondering where I can find an interview about you, preferable on the web or in a magazine somewhere. I am working on a paper and I would like to use your work in it. In order to use it, however, I have to have an interview about you, hopefully where you're talking about your work.....your creative process. Thank you for your time.
Karen <ksminpa@hotmail.com>
Erie, PA USA - Saturday, September 23, 2000 at 14:00:15 (CDT)
I am currently writing my Master's Thesis on Tim O'Brien and his treatment of women in his books, specifically The Things They Carried and In the Lake of the Woods. Any suggestions on additional resources would be helpful. Please email me.
Dianna <diannakris@aol.com>
NY USA - Friday, September 22, 2000 at 22:37:47 (CDT)
I have just finished reading "The Things They Carried" for my Asian Literature class at the Singapore American School. I really enjoyed the book and I am looking for tips about how to present it to my class. So, if anyone has any suggestions please let me know! Thanks!
Meg <meglesueur@hotmail.com>
Singapore, - Friday, September 22, 2000 at 01:18:26 (CDT)
Hi Tim. I really loved your book "The Things They Carried," and plan on reading the rest. I am a sophmore at Eastern High School, and our englidh teacher gave us this to read. It was very informative, and really opened my eyes as to why my uncle acts the way he does sometimes. Thank you, and I hope you keep up the good work.
Andrew Baker <bigpuff@home.com>
USA - Thursday, September 21, 2000 at 10:49:06 (CDT)
Tim,
We have exchanged letters twice during the last decade. I sent you my comments about "The Things They Carried" and "In the Lake of the Woods." On both occasions, you chose to write back with appreciation that your "work is reaching people, that it finds its way into human hearts." We met in Denver during your tour for the paperback edition of "In the Lake of the Woods."
Your work has more than found its way into my heart. It has inspired me to finish and publish a manuscript this month entitled "Noble Chaos," to my knowledge the first and only work of fiction to present the Vietnam War era from another battlefield perspective -- America's universities.
I would like to send you a copy with my appreciation for your substantial influence on my writing. There will be no strings attached. I understand that you may not want to provide your mailing address, so I will mail the book to a third party of your choosing.
I expect nothing in return; please don't feel compelled to provide a critique -- or write back.
In weighing your decision to accept this gift, you're welcome to visit a Web site now under construction for the novel: www.noblechaos.com. Also, you may check my credentials through my business Web sites: www.bgassociates.com and www.managemedia.com.
I hope this message finds you in good spirits and enjoying your current writing challenges.
Thanks again.
Brent Green <brentlance@aol.com>
Denver, CO USA - Wednesday, September 20, 2000 at 21:40:36 (CDT)
Mr O'brian
I am In collage and my class is Reading your book "The things they Carried" It is a great book and I will sugjest it to all my friend. I have a had tim reading and my teacher wants me to get a tape to lissen to. Can you till me where I can get one. Your Friend Jonathan Isom
Jonathan Isom <adolfisom@altavista.com>
Santa Rosa, ca USA - Wednesday, September 20, 2000 at 15:25:09 (CDT)
Dear Mr. O'Brien,
I was born and raised in Windom, MN. I'm a senior at U.W. River Falls. My english lit. class is reading "The Things They Carried." I found the book very enjoyable. Did ypu really have to work at Monfort? I enjoyed hearing you describe what it is like back home.
Take care,
Shawn Hogan
Shawn Hogan <shawn.m.hogan@uwrf.edu>
Woodbury, MN USA - Wednesday, September 20, 2000 at 10:59:49 (CDT)
Mr. O'Brien- I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed "The Things..." I read it for a college Eng. class, and I must say that your storytelling ability is amazing and that you posess a unique ability to really make a reader 'feel.' I must say, however, that my father went to Vietnam. I was always proud of that fact, because I was proud for him- because he was proud that he was able to serve his country, even though he did not know what he was getting into. My father died two years ago; his death was ruled service connected. He never told me about the things he saw or how he really felt about all of it. However, after reading your novel, I really hope that it was not just my assumption that he was proud and I am now struggling with that because I really hope that my father, as well as the many men who died in Vietnam and here at home of service connected deaths, did not die for the simple fact that they were too cowardly to not go to war.
Amy <Lyric1710@aol.com>
Grand Forks, ND USA - Sunday, September 17, 2000 at 21:14:53 (CDT)
Hi, this is Jean from Monta Vista High, CA. I had to read your 'The Things They Carried' during summer for the American Literature Honors class. First, I didn't really enjoy the book, thinking the each story was too confusing because each chapter had different topic, story, or theme. When the school began, the teacher assigned me on the position to defend this book. (the class is having debates whether to include a book to the high school curriculum or not) For my arguments, I had to do a lot of researches. Reading through a lot of reviews and interviews, I finally GOT IT!!! This is an amazing book!! I'm really thankful..
Jean <jeaniepune@cs.com>
Cupertino, CA USA - Sunday, September 17, 2000 at 00:14:05 (CDT)
sorry- I accidentally hit the 'submit' key. So here is W.S. Merwin's Finding A Teacher:In the woods I came on an old friend fishing/ and I asked him a question/ and he said Wait/ fish were rising int he deep stream/ but his line was not stirring/ but I waited/ it was a question about the sun/ about my two eyes/ my ears my mouth/ my heart the earth with its four seasons/ my feet where I was standing/ where I was going/ it slepped through my hands as though it were water/ into the river/ it flowed under the trees/ it sank under hulls far away/ and was gone without me/ then where I stood night fell/ I no longer knew what to ask/ I could not longer tell that his line had no hook/ I understood that I was to stay and eat with him
My class and my teacher would love to hear back from you if you have any comments. Thanks!
Katie Baylin <baylinc@brynmawrschool.org>
USA - Friday, September 15, 2000 at 12:55:26 (CDT)
Mr. O'Brien,
I am a junior in high school English and my class just read The Things They Carried. As part of a younger generation I didn't feel like I understood what the war was like until I read your book. My teacher gave us some poems to read in conjuction with The Things They Carried, including "Finding a Teacher" by L.S.Merwin. He suggested that we try to contact you because of the similarity between the poem and Elroy Berdahl. Elroy meets the discription of a good teacher presented in Merwin's poem. So here it is:
Katie Baylin <baylinc@brynmawrschool.ort>
Baltimore, MD USA - Friday, September 15, 2000 at 12:44:37 (CDT)
I've read two of your/his books and hope to read more. that's not why I'm posting however. I would like to know if In the Lake of the Woods (the book, not the location as the web seems to think) was ever challenged or banned anytime, anywhere. This is a school project. anyone know? my email is Nlieblievs@aol.com please tell me or send me a site or link if you know.
Natalie <NlieBlievs@aol.com >
Leawood, ks USA - Thursday, September 14, 2000 at 21:05:48 (CDT)
HI,
My name is Matthew Chea and as part of our literature group project,
we need to do an analysis of the story of "How to Tell a True War Story."
I would appreciate if people can direct me or have information to where I can find them.
Thanks
Matthew Chea <mattchea@hotmail.com>
W. Chester, PA USA - Thursday, September 14, 2000 at 12:17:18 (CDT)
I am an English teacher at Central Bucks East High School, and we have assigned The Things They Carried to all of our tenth-grade students to read over the summer. Some parents have been trying to challenge our choice, saying it is not appropriate for ANY high school students to read.
Catherine Goodbody <cgoodbody@cbsd.org>
Doylestown, PA USA - Tuesday, September 12, 2000 at 07:05:55 (CDT)
As a Viet Nam vet [1st Inf. Div 1965-66] a had never read any books concerning Viet Nam. It always seemed thast there were plenty of good books not about Viet Nam to read. The Mercantile Library in Cincinnati asked me to lead a discussion group and suggested I pick "The Things They Carried." This was a great way to break the ice and thank you for making me confront the perceived conflict of truth and imagination. I just thought that I could have picked a better cliche-metaphor than "Break the ice" when referring to Viet Nam when the dominant thing was heat.
Jim Wellinghoff <wellinghoff@fuse.net>
Cincinnati, OH USA - Sunday, September 10, 2000 at 08:57:21 (CDT)
One of the greatest novelists, and owner of words and magic that I have ever read. Luckily he is being read and taught more. All his books are wonderful and must be read.
Christopher C. DeVore <devore@elltel.net>
Ellensburg, WA USA - Thursday, September 07, 2000 at 20:06:55 (CDT)
You led me to take an interest in something that I should have a long time ago. Thanks.
Brian Bartels <bcbartels@yahoo.com>
Valley Mills, TX USA - Tuesday, September 05, 2000 at 00:28:20 (CDT)
I'll write short in hope to not crowd the abundant praise that Mr. O'Brien so earnestly deserves. I only have to say that I love to write, that his heartbreaking honesty pulled tears from me - something no work of written words has ever done. And that it is novels like THE THINGS THEY CARRIED that I will carry within me to verify the indispuitable power of literature for the rest of my life. Thank you, however typical that may seem. Thank you.
Ben Jacobson, Junior, SHS <ChromaKey3684@aol.com>
Flagstaff, Az USA - Monday, September 04, 2000 at 17:12:43 (CDT)
I feel that Tomcat in Love is Mr. O'Brien's best work to date. I've enjoyed each of his other novels immensely. However, the emotions evkoked from this tale are some that can never be squelched.
Chris Mash <urban_legend1976@yahoo.com>
USA - Thursday, August 31, 2000 at 06:36:02 (CDT)
"Going After Cacciato" is a classic, a book that will probably stay with me forever, as will the short story "The Things They Carried." Brilliant work. Thanks for your work; it has meant a lot to innumberable readers.
--Mitchell Waldman (author of the new novel, A FACE IN THE MOON; for more information, see http://members.aol.com/mitchwaldman/indexmain.html)
Mitchell Waldman <mitchwaldman@aol.com>
Rochester, NY USA - Tuesday, August 29, 2000 at 11:43:00 (CDT)
Thank you Mr. O'Brien. The Things They Carried helped me to understand the depth of war that I will never understand.
Jeanne <rkep@home.com>
SC, CA USA - Monday, August 28, 2000 at 12:27:19 (CDT)
Dear Mr O'brien
I have read ,enjoyed and translated three short stories of yours into farsi,namely GOING AFTER CACCIATO,THE MAN I KILLED and SOCKING.I tried so much to find you and ask your permission prior to publishing them.But in vain.
Please give me an address to send a copy of the magazine.
Although you may not know farsi but it it is a coolectible item.
Thank you
Asadollah Amraee
Translator/Journalist
asadollah amraee <asad_leon@yahoo.com>
Tehran, iran - Sunday, August 20, 2000 at 23:37:47 (CDT)
Truth is what you make it. If you want to turn it into a series of lies or deceptions, that is easy as pie to do. But you have to take the chance that it might turn into a custard pie thrown back into your face. Tim O'Brien understands this. Not all of his faithful followers do.
Jean Winter
Washington, DC USA - Sunday, August 20, 2000 at 06:59:42 (CDT)
In order to do research for a project on the Vietnam War a few years ago, I made friends with some Vets who told me I had to read "The Things They Carried." Simply brilliant. I have since read many more of your works and own my own worn out copy of "The Things They Carried." Please keep writing always, the world needs more people like you to write these truths. Take Care - Shannon
Shannon <thatsparklychick@att.net>
NJ USA - Friday, August 04, 2000 at 01:25:14 (CDT)
The Things They Carried is required summer reading for entering juniors at a private local school. I am 50 and was horrified that these "kids" were being forced to read a book about Viet Nam. My classmates fought and died "over there". I decided to read the book first, readying myself to edit whole pages when necessary. As I entered Tim O'Brien's space, I found myself moved in ways I had not known existed. My ambivalent feelings and what I thought I knew about the war became a foggy fairy tale replaced with deep emotion and a personal passion for the soldiers. I highly recommend this book to anyone who was not there. You will never be the same. And that's a good thing.
Patricia L. Hickey <buppyom1@aol.com>
Epsom, NH USA - Wednesday, August 02, 2000 at 06:21:09 (CDT)
See you on the links.
Allister McNeish <amacneish@compuserve.com>
Austin, TX USA - Monday, July 17, 2000 at 15:19:06 (CDT)
Tim I served in Eco.Recon 5/46TH 198TH LIB..I 69/70 we chewed some of the same dirt...LZ Gator..Minuteman..Dottie..Cap135..Baatangan peninsula..pinkville...my lais to name just a few...just wanted to say Welcome Home Bro..Were proud of you.
Bobby Giles <MountainStation@aol.com>
Tulsa, OK USA - Friday, July 07, 2000 at 21:33:01 (CDT)
Hello again! I'll also be in Boston in September for a long weekend if you will be appearing there would appreciate hearing.
Jim Herrick
Jim Herrick <jvherric@smig.net>
Austin, Mn USA - Wednesday, July 05, 2000 at 23:43:56 (CDT)
Hi: I am wondering if you will be coming to or near Austin. I have a nice collection of your books and would love to meet you and have them signed. I grew up near where you lived the first few years of your life. Hope to hear.
Jim Herrick
Jim Herrick <jvherric@smig.net>
Austin, MN USA - Wednesday, July 05, 2000 at 23:40:54 (CDT)
Tom O’Brien’s Reflections on Death in The Things They Carried and Their Relationship
to my own Personal Experience
Tim O’Brien in his short story, an exerpt from his book The Things They Carried
presents his feelings and observations about the men in his platoon in Vietnam. O’Brien’s
portrayal Lieutenant Jimmy Cross’ fantasy relationship with “a girl named Martha” and his
telling of the impact on the platoon of the death of Ted Lavender, brought back to me my
memories of my first encounter with death which led to my own questioning of my
relationship with my lover.
Lt. Cross, while performing his duties, uses every spare minute pretending and imagining a
relationship with Martha. O’Brien explains that the letters Martha has written “were not
love letters, but Lieutenant Cross was hoping, so he kept them folded in plastic at the
bottom of his rucksack.” Lt. Cross ponders often the question of Martha’s purity and
wants Martha “to love him as he loved her, but the letters were mostly chatty, elusive on
the matter of love.”
In my own love relationship, I was finding myself in Lt. Cross’ position. I wanted my
lover to love me as much as I loved him, I wanted commitment and he was very elusive
and superficial in his plans for “us”. I was also in nursing school, just finishing my
med-surg clinicals and eligible now to work as a nurse/tech in a hospital. I had gotten a
job in my community hospital, very close to where my lover and I lived. It was great
experience for me, a chance to better my newly learned skills, and the nurses were willing
to give me every opportunity to test my skills. They welcomed the help as they were short
staffed most of the time. Although we were not in a battlefield situation as in Vietnam, we
were challenged daily with patients who were very sick, some critical, requiring careful
monitoring, some sicker, requiring only comfort measures. A patient arrived on our unit,
who I’ll call “Sam”. Sam was 74 years old and had a terminal lung disease. He was in a
private room and I became one of his regular care givers. I took care of Sam for 16 days,
bathing him, positioning him so that he could breathe better, buying him chocolate ice
cream from Brahms even though he could only eat one or two bites. He battled, he fought
and he kept his humor. He carried with him his pictures of his dead wife “of 52 years”, his
two sons and one picture of a family gathering with all of the clan. He carried his King
James bible, worn from use with a bookmark in the shape of a cross that his eight year old
granddaughter gave him for his birthday last year. He enjoyed looking at his family
pictures and all of the get well cards sent by friends, family and well wishers. The nurses
taped all the cards on the wall opposite his bed for him to see. He would send most of his
flowers out to “those who don’t have any, because too many of them make me sneeze.”
He kept the flowers from his sons and grandchildren. He also had to carry with him his
nasal canula for the constant flow of oxygen his body required. He carried it to the
shower and he carried it when he was wheeled to the sunroom along with the portable
oxygen tank He carried a cup for sputum, on a good day when he was able to have a
productive cough.
As in O’Briens story, the things Sam carried “were largely determined by necessity” but
some of the things for both Sam and the soldiers were things necessary for coping. Things
to help each one of them get through their present situation. For Sam it was the family
remembrances and his bible which gave him comfort. Lieutenant Cross used Martha’s
letters and pictures to envision another time when he was loving her and to give him hope
that this could possibly happen in the future. Ted Lavender, who’s last name symbolizes
to me femininity and a fragileness, used dope to help him deal with what he was
experiencing. Others in O’Brien’s story coped with comic books, slingshots and hunting
hatchets. We nurses coped by staying busy, and giving all we could to make Sam
comfortable. We carried bedpans, bandages, medicines, ice cream and room freshener. On
the 15th day, Sam looked at me after a particularly difficult bout with shortness of breath
and said, “Why does it take so long?” I didn’t know why, I had little to say, instead, I
kept wiping his forehead and holding on to his hand, keeping tearful eye contact with Sam
until he broke the connection himself. On the 16th day, at the beginning of my shift, Sam
died. He just died. He was sleeping only fifteen minutes before, I know this because I had
come in to check on him. He was not in distress, his vital signs promised me that he
would continue to be with us for awhile. He just died. He didn’t say goodbye, or thank
me for caring so much for him, he just died.
When I read Kiowa’s statement regarding Lavender’s death, “the poor bastard just
flat-fuck fell, Boom. Down. Nothing else.”, I jumped back to that moment when Sam
died. It was the nurse’s aide who found him, he didn’t even give me that, to allow me to
be with him until the last. He just died. I went to his room with another nurse to begin
cleaning him, bagging him and gathering his belongings for his family to take with them. I
took one of the roses in a vase and put it in my pocket for later when I was alone. As I
worked with his body, putting him in the body bag, I realized that Sam’s eyes would never
see again, it was really over, this was it and as O’Brien writes, “Boom-down, and you
were dead, never partly dead.” I got through my shift on automatic pilot. I experienced
bouts of hyperventilation, I wasn’t able to speak very well, I remember one of the nurses
asking me a question and I nodded to her, affirming I had performed the task at hand,
unable to converse. When I arrived home, my lover was cooking me a steak dinner and
expecting a romantic evening. I was so full of my feelings, the shock of my first patient
death, a patient I had had a relationship with. I had bathed him, helped him with all his
body functions, wished him young and healthy again, cried for him and hated him for
dying too fast. I wanted to talk about all of this to my lover so I began, “Honey, I had
something happen today, a patient died on me, I need to tell.....” My lover started, “I
knew this was going to happen, you coming home, telling those hospital stories. I don’t
want to hear it. I’m in a good mood and you’re going to spoil it by telling me about sick
people dying. That’s what sick people do, they die and I don’t want to know it. You
need to leave all that at the hospital.” I told my lover that sometimes I just couldn’t do
that, I needed to talk about it. “Then call some other nurse or something, because I am
not going to listen to it.” I said to him, “that makes me so sad to hear you say that.” He
said, “Well if you don’t like it, leave.”
Lieutenant Cross’ correspondence from Martha, who never mentions Vietnam or his
situation except to remind him to “take care of yourself” speaks of the superficiality of
their relationship, much like my own. For that moment with my lover I felt as Lt. Cross
did about Martha. I saw my lover’s eyes as he saw Martha’s “flat and uninvolved”. I felt
both love and hate as did Lt. Cross, because like him, I realized he did not love me and
never would. I moved out the following week and never looked back.
I kept the rose from Sam’s flower arrangement, something of his to use as a talisman to
try and understand my first experience with the death of a patient. As the soldiers
realized, I did too, that death is not like the movies or TV where the character plays out
the death scene for the entertainment of the viewers. Death merely is, no more, no less.
“There it is, they’d say. Over and over--there it is, my friend, there it is--as if the repetition
itself were an act of poise, a balance between crazy and almost crazy, knowing without
going, there it is, which meant be cool, let it ride, because Oh yeah, man, you can’t change
what can’t be changed, there it is, there it absolutely and positively and fucking well is.”
Alicia Tabbara <zenawoo@home.com>
Addison, TX USA - Saturday, July 01, 2000 at 20:05:36 (CDT)
Thank you for insights. Many Viet Nam veterans share my views. 101st Airborne, 42nd Scout Dog Plt. Camp Eagle 1970
John Bowman <JBowman18@aol.com>
Bettendorf, IA USA - Monday, June 26, 2000 at 07:01:47 (CDT)
Very nice site. Great source of useful information pertaining to my term papee on The Things They Carried. It has also informed me of other books by O'Brien which I would like to read.
Christien Louviere <nogent1@bigfoot.com>
River Ridge, LA USA - Sunday, June 25, 2000 at 19:26:40 (CDT)
While reading The Things They Carried I found myself realizing why this war was so painful to many. It also reminded me of the first time I saw my father cry, I was in 6th grade and my school had taken a trip to Washington D.C. My father came along. We were at the American History Muesem in the room where all the items left at the WALL are put, I turned to look at my dad and he was crying. I find The Things They Carried very emotional and can not wait to read the other books and short stories.
Melissa Goundrey <lissarose01@yahoo.com>
Orford , NH USA - Friday, June 02, 2000 at 13:43:16 (CDT)
I realize this is not actually Tim O'Brien's very own page, but I'm hoping that he will see it. Currently I am reading, "If I Die..." and before that I read "Tomcat in Love," and before that, "The Things They Carried," and before that, "In the Lake of the Woods" (which was prompted by a recommendation from Howard Frank Mosher, another excellent writer). I plan on reading all of them in succession. You could say Mr. O'Brien's books are for me somewhat of a pleasant obsession. They're not really about war, but about life and beauty and death and fear.... I guess I just wanted to let him know how much his books have truly touched me. The thing I admire most about his writing is the magical way in which he involves the reader in the story. And GEE WHIZ you guys, get it straight. Mr. O'Brien states very clearly in the beginning of "The Things They Carried" that the book is fiction. So don't get mad at him when you finally figure it out.
Carrie <cprice2860@aol.com>
Baltimore, MD USA - Thursday, June 01, 2000 at 23:40:56 (CDT)
In the book "Going after Cacciato" I was confused about the
ending. Just as the squad enters Cacciato's room,they find
nothing. Then, they Paul is shaking back in the Jungles
and the LT, who I thought had left with Sakin Aung Wan,
calls headquarters with a radio. He says that they are
calling off the search for Cacciato and that he is
offically MIA. How can he be in Cacciato's Room one Minute
and back in the Jungle the next. I hope you can shead some
light on this for me. Thank you.
Kevin <Brokevin@yahoo.com>
MN USA - Thursday, June 01, 2000 at 10:33:15 (CDT)
I wanted to say that I really enjoyed your book THE THINGS THEY CARRIED. I picked it to read in my english class for our final project and it was so moving. There were moments when I was laughing out loud and I wanted to cry. Some of your thoughts were exactly the same as what my father told me about his feelings about the war. He also thougt of running away to Canada. I also wanted to say that you wrote many things that I included in my report about Post Traumatic Stress Disorders among Vietnam Vets. Thank you agian for your excellent wrting and oh yah say hello to your daughter Kathleen (I believe).
sincerely a MVHS Student
Michelle Leon
Michelle Leon <micaelaL@writeme.com>
San Diego , CA USA - Tuesday, May 30, 2000 at 20:35:09 (CDT)
Mr. O'Brien- I simply wanted to say thank you to you and all veterans on this Memorial Day. I recently read your short story titled, "How to Tell a True War Story".
One question, was Mr. Kiley true to life or a part of the ghost story? Either way did he make it back from the war? Sean
Sean H Cresswell <sean.h.cresswell@firstar.com>
north little rock, ar USA - Monday, May 29, 2000 at 15:07:13 (CDT)
Mr. Obrien,
I am a sophomore in HS, and my english class is in the process of reading your novel The Things they Carried. As part of the assignment, my english teacher asked me to find a way to email you in order to see if you would like to come speak to our High School, in the 'best of all possible words' as my teacher is telling me now. If you could, please write me back and tell me if you would be interested so I could tell my teacher, or you could email my teacher directly at kelleymichael_@hotmail.com. Thank you for your time, Mr. Obrien.
Steven Bagley <SBManga_SteveB@yahoo.com>
Weston, MA USA - Tuesday, May 23, 2000 at 07:01:26 (CDT)
Tim, i was just wondering if the Tip Top Lodge in The Things They Carried Really exsists. Not as a typical lodge in northern MN, but that that one that you wrote about is the lodge you've been to. If so, does it still exsist and where is it, if you can tell me. Thanks! And I loved the book, by the way.
-Bailey
heather bailey <heatherdawn21@hotmail.com>
Columbia, MO USA - Monday, May 22, 2000 at 02:18:52 (CDT)
Tim,
Just finishing The Things... Introduced to it in a
community college English lit class just after Desert Storm,
but at that time only to "How To Tell A True War Story".
Fleshes out the nonfiction of *Achilles In Vietnam*. All my
Navy-USMC training (joined the Navy, spent it with the
Marines!) from you survivors, made a BIG difference in
'Storm from the top down, I think.
Thanks... until I can put it into better words. And I can,
time's the thing, today (public e-terminals).
Tom - wyoman@hotmail.com
Tom J. Kuzma <wyoman@hotmail.com>
Sheridan, WY USA - Sunday, May 21, 2000 at 16:15:34 (CDT)
Dear Mr. O'Brien, At the end of my senior year my teacher suggested that since we have finished all our required work we should settle down on a book to end the year. My first thought was to groan, another military book of white guys complaint, but your book isn't like that. My dad was a soilder in his teenage years in vietnam, and he never really talked about it, he was apart of the group of hmong whose duty was to rescue downed pilots and then later he was somehow involved with the ho chi minh trail. He never told us much about it that is pretty much all i know but i talked to him about your book and through each story i told to him he told me one of his. It was amazing and i guess you already know how much people love your book, but i want to say thank you, it made me understand why my dad does what he does and atleast part of the struggles he went through, it also helped him release some of the i guess i would call "aftershock" and it helped him at least to me seem to be more peaceful with himself. Thank you so very much!
Susan Vang <winterdreams@gurlmail.com>
Minneapolis, MN USA - Friday, May 19, 2000 at 11:19:16 (CDT)
Mr.O'Brien,
I just fifnished reading your book "The Things They Carried" and I have to say i enjoyed it a lot. many of the subjects you wrote about were debated between me and my teacher as being true or not; but either way it was a wonderful book. My techer and I also talked about the prospect of you being a speaker at my school because there are so many things the students wanted to know about your book. There isn't much of a chance, but I thought I'd give it a try. If you or one of your people could contact me no matter what the outcome that would be great! Thank you!
Alejandra Galletti <laislena@yahoo.com>
Ct USA - Thursday, May 18, 2000 at 16:13:38 (CDT)
TIm youe a wonderful person. you brought me out of darkness
man. i wish everyone was like you. god love you friend.
annonomous <spock311@mailcity.com>
us navy, Pa USA - Wednesday, May 17, 2000 at 02:25:11 (CDT)
This is a very nice place !
Protector 1uno <spavle@nightmail.com>
Gospic, Li Croatia - Tuesday, May 16, 2000 at 23:34:16 (CDT)
Tim...I am a returning student getting my Masters in English Literature. Your short story "The Things They Carried" was selected as one of our required readings. Tim, I was so overcome with emotion during the first reading that I found myself sobbing deeply. I have decided to select your story for my final essay on theme. You have gained a lifelong fan and I intend to read all your work. Thank you for sharing your talent and recording a piece of history so eloquently...I will carry it with me for the rest of my life.
Ronda Walters <ReadingReading@aol.com>
Rancho Cucamonga, CA USA - Friday, May 12, 2000 at 22:40:28 (CDT)
We were required to read your book, The Things They Carried,
in my advanced English class this past semester. It knocked
every person in the class on their respective asses.
I agree with you completely that war is one of, if not
THE, most horrifying aspect of human behavior.
Blackeagle <Kitsune83@hotmail.com>
Mowcow, ID USA - Friday, May 12, 2000 at 21:37:47 (CDT)
Hi!
Lindsay Thruston <Birdieg1rl7@aol.com>
Locust Grove, VA USA - Monday, May 08, 2000 at 13:13:23 (CDT)
As a student at Minnesota State University-Mankato, Terry Davis required us to
read Things They Carried. I've since been to O'Brien readings & receptions & am
now teaching this novel to my high school students. His portrayal of Nam serves
as a useful teaching tool to those too young to remember or understand.
Linda Draper <lfdraper@smig.net>
Austin, MN USA - Wednesday, May 03, 2000 at 09:18:48 (CDT)
I am a senior in high school. Last summer I read 'In the Lake of the Woods' and LOVED it. I spent my Christmas reading 'The Things They Carried' and I'm alsmost through my second read.
Joanna
CT USA - Saturday, April 29, 2000 at 09:24:52 (CDT)
My Dad served in Nam in 68 and 69 and limits the stories he tells because he does not like to druge up the painfull memories. O'Briens works are the most influencial works that I have ever read. They make a person realize what one must go through in a war. The soldiers of Vietnam deserve way more credit than they ever were given. For Mr. O'Brien, I thank you, keep up the outstanding work.
Blake Clark <kap00131@kaplantel.net>
Kaplan, La USA - Thursday, April 27, 2000 at 17:26:45 (CDT)
I attended Notre Dame college in Manchester,NH. My english prof. loves your work and baseball cap. If you are ever in the area she would love to see you speak. Her name is J. Morton. I would like to thank you for educating me on what my father never talks about, it makes him a little more clear.
Lois <Lowiejean@aol.com>
NH USA - Wednesday, April 26, 2000 at 15:05:14 (CDT)
Hey Timmy I loved you book "I The Lake of The Woods" I'm doing a biography on you for english class. Its gonna be awesome cuz you're awesome!!!! :-) Love Pablo
Pablo <Albi@aol.com>
Havana, Cuba - Wednesday, April 26, 2000 at 08:12:08 (CDT)
I have heard about a screenplay and a movie for Going After Cacciato. Does anyone know anything about it? PLEASE e mail me if you do.
John <willtax@oklahoma.net>
OK USA - Tuesday, April 25, 2000 at 18:46:35 (CDT)
In my class we had to do a report on an great american authur and I choose you and I read "The Things They Carried" and I loved the book. I read the fantasy more but your book showed me what war is like. You said you reacted about the same way that I would of in your shoes.
your friend,
Chris
Chris Wingenbach <Cartoonmutt@aol.com>
albuquerque, NM USA - Tuesday, April 25, 2000 at 17:02:54 (CDT)
I have read The Things They Carried and have now been
forever changed by the way I feel about the Vietnam War.
Sometimes I sit out side and read and when I was reading
The Things They Carried I couldn't help but look up every
once and a while to think about how a world could change
a person so much and yet still expect them to be normal.
Tim O'Brien has a way of writing war stories that can move
a persons soal and open their heart to all who went.
Dan Zuck <Dan847@aol.com>
NY USA - Tuesday, April 25, 2000 at 07:40:30 (CDT)
Hey,
Whats goin on. I'm a 17 guy that read "The Things They
Carried" for a school term paper. I read mostly fantacy books
like dragon lance and forgotten realms. I am not really into
war books because I don't like reading about all the killing
that actually happened. The fake stuff doesn't bother me at
all. But reading about all that sensless killing doesn't sit
well. Even though I'm not old enough to even pretend to know
what the Vietnam war was like, I think I would have responded
the same way you did in a lot of those situations, like being
drafted. Anyway, I really liked your book even though I was
about all that real killing in that stupid ass "police action."
I just thought you might like to know that your work gets
through to a generation that doesn't know war. Maybe if enough
of my generation gets the message that you help to give in
your books then stupid shit like that won't happen again.
Probably not though.
Sincerely,
Chris
Chris Frederick <gfrederick@dragnet.net>
Bealeton, VA USA - Sunday, April 23, 2000 at 19:17:23 (CDT)
Great site! Keep up the good work!! Check out some of my writing when you have a chance. . . ;)
Michael <michael@lubys.net>
IL USA - Friday, April 21, 2000 at 18:18:01 (CDT)
I am writing a review of your book In The Lake of the Woods and have found several for and against opinions re this. I personally find your style of writing very intriguing and I look forward to my next adventure.
Theresa Doctors <>
Los Angeles, CA USA - Tuesday, April 18, 2000 at 16:43:03 (CDT)
I am doing a research paper on "How to Tell a True War Story"
and would appreciate any comments or suggestions
Thanks
PEACE
Greg <gmburnham@hotmail.com>
Kenosha, WI USA - Monday, April 17, 2000 at 09:26:03 (CDT)
I really enjoy your work.
Richard Philabaum <rephilabaum1@hotmail.com>
Muncie, IN USA - Sunday, April 16, 2000 at 13:35:50 (CDT)
GO
mikel
USA - Thursday, April 13, 2000 at 22:25:13 (CDT)
I AM DOING A RESEARCH PAPER ON "THE THINGS THEY CARRIED" IF ANYONE HAS ANY INFO,ESPECIALLY ON WHY THE BOOK HAS BEEN BANNED OR CHALLENGED PLEASE MAIL ME--MOLLYWOODARD@HOTMAIL.COM. AND TO THE LADY WHO DID NOT WANT TO GIVE HER NAME--I CAN SEE WHY, IF YOU HAD DONE YOUR RESEARCH YOU WOULD KNOW THAT THE STORY HE TOLD ABOUT GOING TO THE CANADIAN BORDER WAS SIMPLY THAT- A STORY.THE REAL TIM O'BRIEN PACKED HIS BAGS AND WENT TO THE BUS STATION. GET YOU FACTS STRAIGHT BEFORE YOU OPEN YOUR UNEDUCATED MOUTH.
MOLLY WOODARD <MOLLYWOODARD@HOTMAIL.COM>
CULLMAN, AL USA - Wednesday, April 12, 2000 at 17:47:40 (CDT)
Your work rocks...keep it up!
Aaron Mensh <Mensh512@aol.com>
Williamstown, MA USA - Tuesday, April 11, 2000 at 20:54:48 (CDT)
I liked your sotry, WHERE ARE YOU CHARMING BILLY? I thought it was a good story.
Joel Klein <kleinjoel@hotmail.com>
Elgin, ND USA - Tuesday, April 11, 2000 at 12:20:56 (CDT)
Hi Timmy ol boy. How's it going. I have to do stuff on your for english. Wow exciting huh, I can tell your thrilled
Josh <tiki_god7@yahoo.com>
redfield, SD USA - Tuesday, April 11, 2000 at 09:58:19 (CDT)
I love his book!!! They are the best ever!!! I can not seem to put them down!!
Jess <Daig529116@aol.com>
Worcester, MA USA - Friday, April 07, 2000 at 07:45:29 (CDT)
I have been an admirer of O'Brien's work since I first read "Going After Cacciato" last year. I am a student of history at the University of Toronto and have a somewhat obsessive interest in the Vietnam conflict. O'Brien's work has helped to focus my approach to studying the war from its many different angles. The war obviously had profound effects on both the American people and political system, but to study the conflict, one must first separate these two aspects before you can see how they fit together. O'Brien has provided us with powerful accounts of the war, but qualifies his work by restating over and over that he does not expect to provide anyone with the ultimate reasons why the war occured. Like other vets, he can only tell a war story. He is treating his experience in Vietnam as a personal rather than a national trauma. This helps to put his accounts into perspective and helps to place them into their appropriate and vital places in the overall history of the conflict. As a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces (Royal Canadian Artillery) I can relate to his work on a personal level as well as an intellectual. I was never in combat, but I knew men like the characters in O'Brien's work. I could relate to many of the dilemmas faced by them which made the work seem more real to me. He is a powerful author and one who, I hope, will continue to write his accounts of Vietnam and contribute even further to the written history of the war.
Matt Walters <armymatt73@hotmail>
Toronto, On Canada - Wednesday, April 05, 2000 at 13:58:04 (CDT)
I am a great admirer of Tim O'Brien's work. In fact My school would like to have him as a guest speaker. If anyone can help me to contact him I would really appreciate it. Please, keep in mind that time is a factor and we would aprreciate and e-mail address as soon as possible. Thank You for your time.
Michelle Diaz <mich@coqui.net>
San Juan, PR USA - Tuesday, April 04, 2000 at 22:15:28 (CDT)
I am looking for Tim O'Brien's email adress. If somebody has it please email it to me at eigu@hotmail.com . I need it as soon as possible.
br0diE <eigu@hotmail.com>
USA - Tuesday, April 04, 2000 at 19:23:16 (CDT)
I think this site is pretty cool and I enjoyed reading Tim O'Brien's "The things that they carried".
David Coone <Djcoone@mail.saumag.edu>
Magnolia, Co USA - Tuesday, April 04, 2000 at 10:07:19 (CDT)
This is one the the best books I have ever read and it really taought me about the war. Social Studies and history teachers have treid to teach me about war but this gave the best posible wxplaination of what the men went through.
jeff <uno2121@aol.com>
Chicago, IL USA - Monday, April 03, 2000 at 21:38:42 (CDT)
Hey folks! Go to Amazon.com if you want a video copy of "A Soldier's Sweetheart," the film adaptation of Mr. Obrien's "Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong." It's expensive at $65, but it is available.
Tim White <twhite@georgiadogs.com>
Herndon, VA USA - Wednesday, March 22, 2000 at 11:38:22 (CST)
Mr O'Brien, I am doing (or attempting to do) a research paper on your short story "The Things They Carried." I am a retired Marine and currently back in school. Upon reading this story, I found that I could relate to some of the things we carried, even though I did not go to Vietnam, or any other war theater for that matter. I also read "If I Die...Send Me Home." What I really could use some help on from you would be a couple of websites that have criticisms (legitimate) of "The Things...." I would greatly appreciate any assistance you could give me in this matter. My address is gramms69@hotmail.com for anything you can send. I really enjoyed your works and look forward to reading more AFTER I get this paper finished. Thanks.
Nita <gramms69@hotmail.com>
Jacksonville, NC USA - Tuesday, March 21, 2000 at 16:45:54 (CST)
Outstanding work.....keep it up.
Sgt. Greg Kraljev USMC 69 - 70 RVN
Greg Kraljev <Tkraljev@aol.com>
USA - Monday, March 20, 2000 at 17:10:56 (CST)
TIM
IF YOU DO IN FACT READ THIS, I THINK YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN A DAILY DIARY THAT I KEPT DURING MY STUNT IN VIETNAM AS AN AIR MOBLE GRUNT. I HAVE OVER 200 COMBAT ASSULTS AND HAVE BEEN IN TO MANY "TRUE" FIRE FIGHTS TO COUNT, MY SELF AND 16 OTHER 11BS SAW MORE ACTION THAN ANY OTHER AIR MOBILE INFANTRY GRUNTS EVER. MY TIME IN NAM WAS 1967 THRU 1968, AND YES I WAS IN HUE BEFOR,DURING AND AFTER TET, THE AHN LO VALLEY, THE AH SHAW VALLEY, LAOS, DUC PHO, AND MANY PLACES THAT DONT EXIST TODAY, IF YOU READ MILITARY HISTORY LOOK UP THE 1ST SQUADRON 9TH CAVALRY "B" TROOP. PLEASE DONT GET ME WRONG, I AM NOT TRYING TO SELL THE DIARY, BUT THERE ARE MANY STORIES IN IT THAT MIGHT BE OF INTEREST TO YOUR SELF AND YOUR READERS. LIKE THE TIME WE CAPTURED AND KEPT THE PAYROLL FOR A NORTH VIETNAM REGEMENT,(WITH A ENEMY BODY COUNT THAT IS HARD TO BELEVE), OR WHEN WE WERE SENT OUT TO BRING BACK THE HEADS OF VIET CONG SO THE MESS COULD CLEAN THE SKULLS AND THE REAR BRASS COULD USE THEM FOR DESK PAPER WEIGHTS, OR THE MILITARY COURT MARTIAL THAT SENT 4 MEMBERS OF MY SQUAD TO LEVENWORTH FOR 20 TO 25 YEARS EACH,(ONE ,NOT ME, GOT NO TIME AS HE TESTIFIED AGAINST THE REST) OR THE TIME WHEN TWO TEAMS OF 5 MEN (TEN TOTAL )PLUS MYSELF AS SQUAD LEADER, WERE DROPPED FROM HELOCOPTERS ON TOP OF A NORTH VIET NAM REGAMENT , AND WE ALL LIVED TO RECIEVE METALS FOR VALOR,OR JUST SOME OF THE OVER ALL STORIES OF THE DAILY KIA OR WIA OR MIAS. THE STORIES GO ON BUT ONE FINAL THING,LOOK UNDER THE US POST OFFICES WEB SITE COLLECTORS EDITION OF "COMMERATIVE STAMPS FOR THE 1960" "THE WAR IN VIETNAM" AND SEE US BLUES AS WE CAME IN TO AN LZ OVER 250 TIME( THATS SOMETIME 4 TO 5 TIMES A DAY FOR A YEAR OR WATCH THE MOVIE "APOCALYPSE NOW". THE BEACH LANDING WITH ROBERT DUVAL IS TRUE AND "B" TROOP BLUES WERE THE ONES DIPLICTED, RIGHT DOWN TO ROBERT DEVALS BLACK STETSON WITH THE CROSS SABORS AND THE ROCK MUSIC FROM THE SLICKS, NOTE THE CROSS SABORS ON THE FRONT OF THE SLICKS AND THE YELLOW SQUARE ON THE PILOTS DOORS. PLEASE E-MAIL ME IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.
THANK YOU .
CODE NAME BLUE3/2 <VICTORPAM@MSN.COM>
USA - Thursday, March 16, 2000 at 23:30:32 (CST)
Hello, I need help. I am doing a research paper on Going After Cacciato. I am trying to analyze it and need help. If anyone can offer help please contact me at Master2045@aol.com. Any help would be greatly appreciated thank you.
Sean <Master2045@aol.com>
USA - Thursday, March 16, 2000 at 18:24:12 (CST)
As a woman photojournalist in several war zones, I have identified with your novels to find "my place" in the States. I greatly appreciate you sharing your experiences and talent.
Alyx Kellington <alyxk9@aol.com>
Austin, TX USA - Wednesday, March 15, 2000 at 16:07:35 (CST)
I very much respect your work in "The Things They Carried".I am looking forward to your visit to the College of Charleston this month. I have to do a research paper on your book.
Margaret M. McMenamin
Chas., sc USA - Tuesday, March 14, 2000 at 11:50:06 (CST)
I am looking for anyone who may have served in Vietnam in the 1st Bn. 6th Inf Americal Divsion in Chu Lai. Especially between November 1968 and November 1969. My dad has filed for a service connected disability and I am needing to get in touch with anyone who may have been there. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you all and God Bless Contact: Kelly Carpenter; 18878 King Rd. Siloam Springs, AR 72761; 1 (501)549-4262. E-mail me at vveteran@hotmail.com
Kelly Carpenter <vveteran@hotmail.com>
Siloam Springs, AR USA - Monday, March 13, 2000 at 21:26:11 (CST)
I spent the majority of the nineties in the U.S. MarineCorps in their Reconnaissance branch, and I now attend the University of Colorado. As a gulf war and Somalia vet whose job put him in more dangerous situations than most, I was struck buy your short story "How to Tell a True War Story." The majority of my class was critical of it, but after I read it, I put it down and said to myself, "he hit the nail square on the head."
Gibb Clarke <Moopsy@aol.com>
USA - Saturday, March 11, 2000 at 11:22:11 (CST)
I Would love to find out more about Tina.
John Lynch <John@yahoo.com>
Bexley, Britain - Friday, March 10, 2000 at 08:59:02 (CST)
I'm a student of Translation and Interpretation and I am translating The Things They Carried into Spanish.
I have some questions to ask to the author, so I would be very glad if he answered myself. Thank you in advantage.
PD: The Things They Carried is a great, superb book.
Ruben Giro <surfzone@usa.net>
Prats, Spain - Monday, March 06, 2000 at 10:23:02 (CST)
People, please, THIS IS NOT TIM O'BRIEN's WEBPAGE! You have
to stop taking everything at face value... just because it
SAYS it's his webpage, doesn't mean that it is his webpage...
You notice the line off to the side on the main section for
"Webmaster" leads to http://www.illyria.com/mkl.html. Take
a look, its some woman and her mother. And how bout in the
links section... theres a link to a paper she wrote
(http://www.illyria.com/tobmkl.html). Tim O'Brien is not a
she and i doubt he would write a critical paper about himself
and post it on his web page... Please get a clue. Thankyou.
Sean <soneil@sjs.org>
Houston, Tx USA - Wednesday, March 01, 2000 at 10:45:55 (CST)
Mr. Tim O'Brien,
My name is Renae Hoglen and I attend Battle Creek Central in Battle creek Michigan. I am a senior and will be graduating June 2, 2000.
But anyways...right now in my Advanced Placement Senior English we are doing a term paper about any author we chose, I picked you.
I have already read The Things they Carried and just finished In the Lake of the Woods. Both very interesting and page turning books.
Our paper has to be 10 to 15 pages long and needs to inform our teacher on our author and the styles in which you wrote the books.
I thought it would be a grand idea to e-mail you and hopefully get some personal responses from you. My main question is what inspired you
to write about the Vietnam war and it's hardships and tragities? How much of the books are from your 'adventures', writen through your eyes
or told by buddies? I would just really like to hear from you and may be get a bit of information on your ideas that deal with writing and the
importance of it to you and the effect it will have on your readers. Thank you for your time. I hope to hear from you soon. Have a wonderful day.
Sincerely,
Renae Hoglen
Battle Creek Central
Battle Creek Michigan
Principal: Bruce Z. Barney
Teacher: Jennifer Bowmen
Renae Hoglen <blondie_5676@yahoo.com>
Battle Creek, MI USA - Friday, February 25, 2000 at 09:47:15 (CST)
I know this isn't a chat page, but in response to "Don't want to give my name." After reading your comments I can see why!
My name is Dave Hammond and I am proud to have been a Vietnam Vet.
Dave Hammond <PACWESTHI@aol.com>
Beaverton, OR USA - Wednesday, February 23, 2000 at 10:55:16 (CST)
Tim I would like to thank-you for helping me get a First for my dissertation at University in Winchester a few years ago. It was a long winded affair examining "The Things They Carried" as a modernist text, and "In the Lake of the Woods" as a postmodern one.
As you can imagine it was a real barrel of laughs, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank-you for writing in such sublime and rich material. I hope that they have exorcised a few demons for you, as they have certainly put mine in perspective. Fg Off Marshall
Tom Marshall <tom-marshall@lineone.net>
Brampton, England - Wednesday, February 23, 2000 at 07:51:16 (CST)
Dear Tim O'Brien
just finished your wonderful book "What They Carried".
Thank your for such great writing.
Daniel Nufer
Daniel Nufer <DanielNufer@bluewin.ch>
Zurich, Switzerland - Monday, February 21, 2000 at 09:44:53 (CST)
Hello Tim, Your book, well written, is pissing me off. I choose your book 'They Things They Carried' to do my thesis english literature report on. I am 45 years old and remember the Vietnam war quite clearly. You should have jumped off the boat and swam to Canada...saved yourself alot of grief. I have family and friends who served. One uncle was shot in the leg, he was an air force mechanic...he's 68 now and just underwent a quadruple bypass. One friend of mine was Navy and he came back real f**ked up in the head. A few didn't come back. Another friend, in his 50's, is still on 'happy pills' to help him sleep at night. My husband got out it and almost successfuly committed sucide from the guilt of getting out of the draft...remember the lottery...we'd hold our breath and pray and sometimes you just pulled the short straw out of the pile. I picked you because you spill your guts and don't put bows and ribbons on the reality of war. You understand there is beauty in the silent moments when you are left with nothing but your fear. Meanwhile, pal, while defending our country (from what great diaster I don't know, odds are communisim would never have reached our puritanical shores) you betrayed yourself and at the same time while laying in the fields of s**t at times, grew up into something never anticipated by the coming of another day. You went over "In Country' as the vets call it, with a journalistic eye and a poet's heart, what a combination. Just think, you could have been safely hidden away in Canada and turned an imaginary stoic face to the world while suffering your guilt and no one would be the wiser. Perhaps you would have written cookbooks on venison instead books of war memories for a cathartic. Do not be offended, I like your book. I am just trying to figure out if it was all worth it to you? I am still angry over the war, can you tell? I was one of those good old girls back home and when one friend returned he swore he would marry me and the funny thing is I never dated this guy...but he went there with the illusion in his head that he would come back and I would fall at his feet enthralled by his stories of being a navy cook on a ship...I wasn't enthralled or attracted to him at all. He would visit me on leave, with his cousin, who I was dating (go figure that one out) and show me pictures of 'poontang' he had had and the sypallis sores, how very pretty. This was supposed to impress me? The crudeness and the language never made me flinch, some people are just plain old f**ked up, war or no war, hahaha. I just have one question and it won't even matter in my thesis, it's to settle my own curiosity. If you had to do it all again, would you?
Don't want to give my real name <Fryanegg@AOL.com>
PA USA - Sunday, February 20, 2000 at 15:31:44 (CST)
Tim,
Just finished reading "The Things That They Carried". As a former US ARMY infantryman, I enjoyed it very much. Reading some of the notes on the guestbook pages, it appears others have had the same overall opinion.
My father was a combat helicopter pilot and Vietnam veteran. In fact, that is probably why I took to your book in the first place. Different from your experience, in Dad's case, he was in Canada playing professional football with a wife and two young children when the US Army came knocking. Being a mid-western boy, he never faltered on the decision to leave the "good life" and go to Vietnam. He certainly didn't consider himself any more patriotic than the next guy, just thought it was his duty. Even with the experience that war brings, Dad did make peace with his personal actions surrounding Vietnam. And, isn't that what everybody struggles to achieve in their day to day life?
Dad died 30 years to the day he returned from Vietnam (Aug 1968). His death hit me from left field. It was very unexpected. I find it ironic that the last chapter of your book reveals a lot of the same feelings I have struggled with over the past year since Dad died. Death does 'suck'. It is good for me to read that a 'bloated body' in a casket doesn't, shouldn't, seem real. But of course it is. All too real in fact. I am glad that I am not alone in my practice of telling 'stories', looking at pictures, and dreaming... keeping certain people young, healthy and alive.
Good book Tim. It really affected me on many emotional levels. Thanks
Pat LaRoue <plaroue@netcom.ca>
Vancouver, BC Canada - Wednesday, February 16, 2000 at 21:56:23 (CST)
Dear Tim O'Brien
I am writing you in response to your novel They Things They Carried. I just finished the chapter about your meeting of the old man on your way to Canada. I think that your decisions were good ones, because I have thought about leaving in order to get away from a problem as well. About 2 years ago my home life was not at all desirable. I found that I would rather just sit on a cold street rather than be in a warm house with a computer, T.V., lights, a bed...etc. For a while I was considering leaving, because I was tired of my parents taking my things and having the idea that if we were both arguing and being rude to each other that only they were wronged. I finaly left on Thanksgiving day, but returned that night at 10:00. I came back because even after they told me that if I left I would get all my things back, and of course they didn't. The things that I wanted back were mine, bought and paid for, and legal. These were things such as $180.00 worth of knives (3 total), a couple of lighters ($20.00 Zippo's), and just other little things. I collect knives and Zippo lighters, I don't stab people or smoke, I just like both these things alot.
I think I know why you returned home, that reason being fear of rejection from others if you had run away from the war. I also felt somewhat the same way. I knew that my family would most likely look down upon me. I knew that I wouldn't be able to make it without a job or some kind of cash flow. I felt pretty much the same way, and I just wanted to write you and tell you that even though i didn't experience anything as horrible as you did, that I have felt the same way as you. I hope that you have been able to put these things behind you as I have. Thank you for your time and the best luck to you with your writing career.
Sincerely,
"The Juggalo"
Karupt Juggalo <Juggalo129@hotmail.com>
Boulder, Co USA - Wednesday, February 16, 2000 at 15:14:01 (CST)
Dear Tim,
After reading part of your Novel The Things They Carried, I was thinking about how Love, friendship, and the people in my life, make me who I am.
Love. Is one of biggest and best parts of my life. To see how much people can love one another, and then to see how much they can hate each other. Some people would rather kill someone that they don't know, then to take the timeto get to know them. As I see it, if I take the time to talk with someone even over the internet, I wouldn't want to do anything bad to them. I think that sometimes people need to be put back into their place. Think about it!! If someone had put us back in your place, we wouldn't think that we are the kings of the world, because we are not.
I know that my grilfriend, Becky, has made me see the world in new way, now thankS to Becky I have stuff to look forward to, LOVE.
Frineds and Friendships. People and relationships, are a huge part of everyones life. What would our lives be like if we lived alone, not knowing anyone, or if we hated everyone that we met. We wouldn't even have anyone to talk to, or just kick back and joke with. Just think about stuff that you do with your friends. How differently are most people around their friends? Most people are more have more balls with they friend. The bottom line is that friends make life so much better.
Wicked Schupp <supaballz99@hotmail.com>
Longmont, Co USA - Wednesday, February 16, 2000 at 14:58:58 (CST)
After reading some of the quest book entries, it is obvious that I am the last person in America to read The Things They Carried. (Sometimes you are first, and sometimes you are last.)
After reading this book, I spiraled back through time and landed in Smalltown, USA and remembered things I had forgotten. So many years later and I still have the same questions and concerns I had as a young woman: How did Americans let Vietnam happen? Why didn't we do something about it sooner?
We lost so many--neighbors we will never know, friends never encountered, the future of so many souls without fulfillment and ideas dead and buried in a strange and foreign land. So sad. So incredibly sad.
It breaks the heart to think about these things now. Mostly, I avoid remembering that time but occasionally, a body needs to remember and mourn the death and devastation.
Kathleen Germano <kagey@worldnet.att.net>
Concord Twp., , OH USA - Sunday, February 13, 2000 at 07:38:31 (CST)
Man.. I feel a little young on this list.. But anyhow, this is the only place I could really find that I could get a remote chance of thanking Tim O'Brien for writing the many books he has.. He writes to the point, something alot of writers lack, something I love to read and hear. Anyhow, great list of books and short stories that you have out there..
Ryan Busby <luckysmurf@yahoo.com>
Little Rock, AR USA - Saturday, February 12, 2000 at 05:52:49 (CST)
Mr. O'Brien, Tim ( I take that liberty- 716th MPs Saigon- 1965-66 ) Have read all save one of your books and I am looking for it now. Great stuff man! Going After... the real deal, wacky as the Nam. Tomcat a hoot. The letter to our Commander-In-Chief priceless. Chippering must have read and been influenced by A Confederacy of Dunces. Small minds abound! Write!
Jon May <jonvan123@aol.com>
Sarasota, Fl USA - Friday, February 11, 2000 at 14:38:12 (CST)
Thank you so much for creating this website. It is very informative and a well-deserved tribute to a wonderful writer. I am a part-time instructor for the English department at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, GA, and am teaching three sections of ENGL 1102 (Writing About Literature) this semester. I recently assigned "How to Tell a True War Story" to my students, and their response was wonderful. O'Brien's work really gives a sense of the Viet Nam era to these young people who have never known what it was like to live through our contry's involvement in a war. Thank you again.
Lisa Carswel <lcarswel@mail.gcsu.edu>
Milledgeville, GA USA - Friday, February 11, 2000 at 13:48:37 (CST)
I have read The Things They Carried and I just want to say this just became one of my favorite books. I'm not much of a reader and I found this book to be awesome! We are reading this book in my English class and it's a classic! O'Brien knows how to tell stories to a T!
Austin <promispunk@aol.com>
Brewster, NY USA - Thursday, February 10, 2000 at 17:41:01 (CST)
I wanted to send a message to all of the students who have posted their praise on Tim's Books. We veterans that served in the same capacity as Tim are thankful also to have found someone who tells it like it really was. No Hollywood glamour, etc. His stories help us understand the things we did and the emotions we felt long ago. Vietnam Vets, especially Grunts, are proud to have the stories told only like Tim can.
Dave Hammond <PACWESTHI@aol.com>
Beaverton, OR USA - Wednesday, February 09, 2000 at 17:59:39 (CST)
Dear Tim,
I am a student at Swarthmore College and I´m wondering if you´d be interested in doing a reading at our school sometime during the fall 2000 or spring 2001 semester. I would like to write a proposal for a grant for you to come through the english department and our literary arts publication but I´d need to start working on it soon if you are interested. Swarthmore is a great place and we would love it if you´d come, please let me know if you´re interested.
-Talia
Talia Weiner <tweiner1@swarthmore.edu>
new york, NY USA - Wednesday, February 09, 2000 at 16:53:43 (CST)
I first discovered Tim O'Brien in a creative writing class I was taking at Eastern Washington University. We were reading past copies of Granta, and the one I read had "Speaking Of Courage." After class I went to a bookstore and purchased my first O'Brien book, The Things They Carried. I put off all my school work and read the whole book in a night. The next morning I went and bought all the Tim O'Brien books that I could find. I have loved the writing of many authors, but as far as I am concerned nothing compares to Mr. O'Brien. As a beginning writer I hope I can effect somebody the way that he has effected me. Thank you.
Josh Caple <rjcaple@u.washington.edu>
Puyallup, WA USA - Wednesday, February 09, 2000 at 02:53:46 (CST)
Dear Mr. O'Brien,
I'm a Hungarian B.A. student and a few years ago I was a student
in the USA. I was in Bradenton, Florida. I was a student in
Manatee Community College, Bradenton, Fl. This was in 1997.
At that time in my English class we read your book The Things They Carried.
My school, the MCC, invited you to give two lectures to the
students. I went both of your lectures and they were really amazing for me.
Why? Until then I didn't understand the whole thing that goes arond Vietnam in the USA.
As a native Europian I couldn't cope with the idea of Vietnam and I why Americans think so much about the past. Especially
When it is about a war. And then You came and I just listened your lectures and as a sudden I understood everything.
Your lecture amazed me. It was really special for me to sit in the auditorium and listen to your speech.
You probably not remember but me and my friend from Hong Kong made a photo with You as well!
Now, as I almost finished my college - I have 1 more year to go, I will need to write a paper on a certain
theme to get my B.A. degree. I will want to write it in American Literature.
And I was thinking of writing it on Vietnam: how Vietnam appears in the American literature. I think this is
a good idea. What do you think?
Anyway, thanks for your books, I love them!
Love,
Bea
Bea <nbeata@hotmail.com>
Miskolc, Hungary, Europe - Thursday, February 03, 2000 at 14:46:03 (CST)
good book.
steve fowler
USA - Wednesday, February 02, 2000 at 23:38:02 (CST)
i really like "The things they carried away" ! i'm a french student and in my english class we have worked on the book and we will take our english exams on excerpts of the book. thanks for this page because it is quite difficult to find information on Tim in france !
Romain <Rmtk21@aol.com>
Lyon, France - Wednesday, February 02, 2000 at 13:46:25 (CST)
Just wanted to say I enjoyed Things they carried.I am a 41 year old student at Ohio State University and our English
class is using your book for our developing writting skills
Thanks Tim
Sanford Hornbeck <sjhd@gte.net>
Marion, OH USA - Tuesday, February 01, 2000 at 19:58:19 (CST)
You are awesome, you inspired me to start reading again. your book "the things they carried" was outstanding and it should be recognized. you have a gift, keep using it. thanks brandon age 17
Brandon Morton <dork_monkey@hotmail.com>
Willmar, MN USA - Monday, January 31, 2000 at 23:18:28 (CST)
hi tim
your web site is very well put together and informative.i myself was a vietnam era army veteran.my father,my brothers -in-law,and my neighbor all went to nam.unfortunately my neighbor never made it back.as for me i was spared the horror that was nam ,i was sent to germany instead,but the guilt still remains today because of all my brothers and sisters who went and died and are still suffering today.
the them i say thank you and GOD has a special place for you in his heart.
arnaido pardo <ARNALDO-P@webtv.net>
salnas, ca USA - Sunday, January 30, 2000 at 13:00:03 (CST)
Good site, great author, I'm particularly delighted to see a comments box which seems to be the only place where I can review the review of Tomcat in Love by NY Times critic K. Machuani. It was crap, a building permit would have shed more light on the subject.
Regards, J. Dolin
John Dolin <j-k@myna.com>
Toronto, Canada - Saturday, January 29, 2000 at 08:45:05 (CST)
Great page! I am a big fan of Tim O'Brien, and I can't tell you how much I appreciated his works! Thanks for creating this page! I'll surely come back visit soon.
Liren <letitia98@yahoo.com>
Rochester, NY USA - Friday, January 28, 2000 at 10:05:18 (CST)
cool
matt creamer <creamer@prodigy.net>
burlington, ma USA - Thursday, January 27, 2000 at 10:44:00 (CST)
Tim O'Brian is the best author that I've come across.
Ken KeMoine III <KennyDog@MailCity.com>
Swan's Island, ME USA - Tuesday, January 25, 2000 at 15:25:23 (CST)
Am rereading *The Things They Carried* prior to dropping it like a bombshell on my earnest anti-war students. After many readings, I am still stunned and confused. My favorite section? "Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong."
Clover <aspidistra6242@my-deja.com>
somewhere, MI USA - Monday, January 24, 2000 at 00:52:01 (CST)
I just want to say that I think your work is awsome. i am 18 years of age and I was never interested in reading until I read "The Things They Carried" Now I am reading "If I Die In A Combat Zone" I plan on reading all your books. My history teacher and myself are both fasatated by your great work. It inspired me.
Serena Gallagher <Ghettochick33@Yahoo.com>
Braintree, VT USA - Friday, January 21, 2000 at 12:42:12 (CST)
I would just like to say that there is something all of you are missing and I have been sitting here forever trying to figure it out so that I can write a paper. The chapter "Notes" means something and the last chapter does as well. He's telling us something that has to do with everyone of us and even if I can't figure out exactly what it is, I like what I think it is (kind of :) Anyhow, great book, confusing, but great!
Michelle <Nothing264@aol.com>
USA - Thursday, January 20, 2000 at 19:40:07 (CST)
My eyes were open through the eyes of "The Things They Carried." I found the book to be very educational and at the same time interesting. This book made me look at the Vietnam War in a whole different way. In a good way, but at the same time in a bad and sad way. Thank you for the wonderful book Mr. O'Brien, and the knowledge that you gave.
Natalie Herrera<<>
Ahwahnee, CA USA - Wednesday, January 12, 2000 at 21:53:58 (CST)
I am very sorry that I inconvenienced you by writing to my high school classmate on your guestbook. Please excuse the inconvenience.
Shari Nunes
USA - Wednesday, January 12, 2000 at 10:31:21 (CST)
Tim,
This is a "voice" from the past sending you greetings. For several years I have planned to write to you to tell you how much my students have enjoyed reading your books. Of course I have also had the priviledge of reading and enjoying them.
Much has happened in the years since the 1964 graduating class of Worthington High School headed on to bigger and better things. I am no longer married but am dating a really special man. My sons are Paul (age 17) and Tim (age 12) so things keep really busy at our house. I continue to teach English, journalism, and theater at Sioux Valley-Round Lake-Brewster High School.
This note is to touch base with you again. Earlier this week Jim Gay showed a video of the 1966 Turkey Day when Bobby Kennedy was in Worthington. We were at a Nobles County Historical Society meeting. (I am on the board of directors with Jim Gay and Alan Swanson.) On that tape was a clip of Dave Kanellis. That brought back memories of our high school years.
I am looking forward to reading your upcoming works and re-reading those I have already read.
Shari Dalin Nunes--Worthington High School Class of 1964.
Shari Dalin Nunes <nuness@svrlb.mntm.org>
Worthington area, MN USA - Wednesday, January 12, 2000 at 10:27:48 (CST)
To all you students and "educators" out there,
please do your research before you go firing off emails
trying to hunt down your favorite author. I am a
computer programmer in Miami and I get 6-10 emails a month
from people looking for the author Tim O'Brien. The worst
of them have even accused me of being "stuck up" or worse
because I would not provide them with info or come to
their classes --- and would not believe that I am >not<
their favorite author. >>>There is more than one Tim
O'Brien's in the world, folks!<<<
Now if only his publishers would send me his royalty checks!
Tim O'Brien
Miami, FL USA - Tuesday, January 11, 2000 at 16:12:53 (CST)
Dear Tim O'Brien,
I really hate this chapter "notes" because it really makes you think that this entire book is a lie, and the readers of this book don't want to think that this book is fiction I think that once this book becomes a classic that the only criticism you will receive will come from this chapter like Robert Louis Stevenson when he changed narrators in the middle of Treasure Island
Roosevelt Cooks <slapaho@edmail.com>
Coarsgold , CA USA - Thursday, January 06, 2000 at 16:40:35 (CST)
tim:
read your page with great interest. being a former member of 1/52
myself, i had to touch base with you. a gathering of 1/52 vets will be taking place in june of this year
in granby mass. for any and all that are interested please contact me
peace bros and welcome home to all
bob "grasshopper" salstead c co. 1/52 198th americal 70-71
bob salstead <riflenut@juno.com>
springfield, ma USA - Thursday, January 06, 2000 at 04:43:08 (CST)
In english class we just got done reading "THE THINGS THEY CARRIED". It was an exceptional book, I really enjoyed reading it but it made me wounder what really went on in that crazy war we call vietnam. This book confused me becuase when I really thought he was telling the truth he then wrote that he was just yanking my chain and I would have to say that would be the part of the book I didn't really care for. Other than that I liked the book.
justin demeusy
oakurst, ca USA - Wednesday, January 05, 2000 at 23:13:07 (CST)
I and my fellow classmates have just finished reading "THE THINGS WE CARRIED" by Tim O'Brian. The book kept me interested most of the time but at moments it wasn't to incredibly interesting. The book had great details at times but at other times it was not very detailed at all witch kind of surrprised me because all I did was here good things about this book. The book makes a person wounder what really happend over at vietnam. It could also get confusing because sometimes it will tell you that things that he wrote in the book aren't true at all.
jeff wolf
coarsgold, ca USA - Wednesday, January 05, 2000 at 22:56:04 (CST)
I have just read "The Things They Carried" in my highschool english class. This book has let me look at the Vietnam War in many different ways. If you have not read this book i highly recommend it.
Steven Johnson <yhs_snowboarding@hotmail.com>
Oakhurst, Ca USA - Wednesday, January 05, 2000 at 20:11:24 (CST)
the novel "the things thay carried" was i think a well portreayed version of the vietnam war. from the letters to carnige of the infintory. although it seemed to drag at some parts and was probably intended for an older and more mature audience it still held the attention of this small mind!
andrew pierce
oakhurst, ca USA - Wednesday, January 05, 2000 at 20:09:28 (CST)
A very contrived novel. It had everything from love to death. But all was bogus, O'Brien set us up for a cruel misleading of the truth, when in the truth, it was fiction he was writing. I have to say it was rather a fascinating story, I could hardly put it down. It caught me in a way to where I thought I was in the story, indeed I felt like I had been at his side from the start.
Jenifer Collins
Coarsegold, Ca USA - Wednesday, January 05, 2000 at 19:18:59 (CST)
Although the truth to his statements was sometimes questionable, and that may bother some people, I found it drew me further into the book. It enticed me to read the next page and maybe find the truth. His vivid descriptions of the war truly captivated, and educated me. I found myself having such passionate feelings about the Vietnam war and the soldiers in it, where I have never given it a second thought before. Not only did the pages in this novel open the eyes of the readers to the pain of death, but it had so many deeper, hidden meanings that only made the true essence of the book that much stronger. The raw emothion was outstanding, I loved it.
Melanie Miller
Coarsegold, Ca USA - Wednesday, January 05, 2000 at 19:02:05 (CST)
I really enjoyed the book. It gave me a real look at how bad or how good the war was. Tim Obrien didn't seem to skip any details. I feel it was an appropriate book for a high school student to read. It didn't give the soft version to the war like they do in grade school. I liked how he would be very descriptive in how he described how someone died, the scenery or even a general description of a man. I really like war stories because they keep you wanting to read more. Tim Obriens book did just that.
JOEL GREATHOUSE
COARSEGOLD, CA USA - Wednesday, January 05, 2000 at 17:38:19 (CST)
This book was one of the best books I have ever read. Other books I lose focus after the first chapter. This book kept me into it the whole time. The best chapter was The Song Tra Bong. Even though I know it wasn't real. It was a good, exciting and interesting chapter. To tell you the truth this was the best book I've ever read. Tim writes it in a good way too. I would recommend that book to anybody.
Adam Ruiz
Oakhurst, CA USA - Wednesday, January 05, 2000 at 17:07:44 (CST)
I liked the book, "The Things They Carried" because of the nice amount of violence that he used in the book. Unfortunately he did have some bad chapters, such as the chapter "Love." It was just too boring for me.
Chris Duncanson
Oakhurst, CA USA - Wednesday, January 05, 2000 at 16:03:25 (CST)
I just read Tim o Brians book the things they carried. It was a great book. It really gave the reader a feel of what it was like to be in the vietnam war. Although the details were sometimes more than one could bare. But i found the book to be very informing as to what the soldiers went through in the vietnam war.
Cody Nagel <Blink31@hotmail.com>
oakhurst, ca USA - Wednesday, January 05, 2000 at 16:01:43 (CST)
O' Brian's book, "The Things the Carried" was a very interesting book. What I found most interesting was the way he arranged the book. Although the book didn't go along the time line it still made since and that's what made it interesting. Also his use of detail when describing the gore of war, no censorship of it.
Paul Scott <dranis@sierratel.com>
Oakhurst, CA USA - Wednesday, January 05, 2000 at 16:01:36 (CST)
I just Finished the book called THE THING THEY CARRIED. It was a great book. It was very in-depth and interesting book. The first chapter I found very informational. And the last chapter I liked the most. This is the best book I have read in my time at high school.
Joey Wilder <Jwilder_e11@hotmail.com>
Coarsegold, ca USA - Wednesday, January 05, 2000 at 13:10:59 (CST)
Your book, "The Things They Carried" provided a very in-depth look at the aspect of war for me. It provided me with a great feeling of the emotions that people experience when in a situation such as the Vietnam War. I really enjoyed your book and encourage you to continue writing. Good luck and goodbye!
Ben Armstrong
Coarsegold, CA USA - Wednesday, January 05, 2000 at 10:13:44 (CST)
I thought your book was the bomb diggy. It was both fly and chillin'. The tubularness of it blew my freakin' mind. As a hard-core collector of pogs, I totally related with that chick who collected tongues. I hope you continue to keep it real in the future. As for me, I will keep on keepin' on. P.S.- Stern rules!!!!!!! P.P.S.- please write a book about me and my magic flute
Chuck "Daddy" Hilton <talkingheads77@aol.com>
Burlington, VT USA - Wednesday, January 05, 2000 at 09:09:15 (CST)
Dear Tim
I thought that the book The Things They Carried was a cool and intense book. I liked the way you decribed everything and how you used your words. I liked how specific you were. Like how you went into detail. I liked how you made up stuff and added in some true facts to it. I thought the book was very gory, and the foul words were used,thats something you usually don't read in the 11th grade much.I really liked how you would talk about Jim and how he had that thing for Martha's knee. All together I give the book two thunb up...............
Jason Lagow <lagow@sierratel.com>
Ahwahnee, Ca USA - Tuesday, January 04, 2000 at 22:57:52 (CST)
I believe this was a good book it had plenty of detail and even though some of it was made up it still kept me interested
David espe <sk8terboy9@hotmail.com>
Oakhurst, CA USA - Tuesday, January 04, 2000 at 21:37:51 (CST)
this was a very well written book "The Thing They Carried" in my opion. I have been looking for a book that would help me understand the vietnam war excperience.
tim O'brien seem to be very articulate and able to use war vocabulary in an intresting way. my favorite part would have to be the "How to tell a real war story".
It made me think twice on somthing that I would just believe some one would do(expl.jump on grenade to save the plattoon).
I would encourage anybody that is looking for a book that will help them understand the mental and phisical stress of vietnam.
tom payne
coarsegold, ca USA - Tuesday, January 04, 2000 at 20:49:54 (CST)
I don't know how to explain it but I know that words would
hardly do. I didn't understand very much about the Vietnam
War until I read "The Things They Carried." Everything
became so real to me just in the first story of the book.
I think the whole war was defined in the story "The Things
They Carried," and then continued in the rest of the stories.
I can't fathom that any of the stories are fiction, so I
choose to think that they aren't. I now look at Vietnam in
a different way. It just isn't some war; it was a way of
life. I feel like I was there just in the way that your
words mesmorized me. Thank you.
Jondee B. <princessskyla@hotmail.com>
Coarsegold, Ca USA - Tuesday, January 04, 2000 at 16:30:00 (CST)
I just taught The Things They Carried and my students loved it. They were so moved that they all wanted to write letters to Mr. O'Brien, which they did and now I would like to know where I can send the letters. Thank you!
Erica Ebert <ericaebert@hotmail.com>
Rochester, NY USA - Tuesday, January 04, 2000 at 12:32:12 (CST)
"The Things They Carried" was extremely emotional for me. Even though I wasn't alive during the Vietnam War and I didn't experience any of the heartache and grief of it, I still feel like I was able to get a taste of the tragic events that took place, through your writing. Each story was so real to me, I find it hard to believe that this book was fictional. The stories would stay with me, but I have to be honest, I did get them all mixed up. I know everyone mentions the baby buffalo, but the way you described the whites of it's eyes and how it wouldn't die, just stays in your memory. My favorite chapter was "On the Rainy River," because I just can't imagine having to choose between life and home. I have no idea what I would have done and just knowing that thousands of men had to make that decision. I think you did a beautiful job in expressing the emotions of the soldiers and what it would have been like in Vietnam. Thank you for sharing your experiences with the rest of the world!
Elizabeth Gonzalez <gonzalez@sierratel.com>
Coarsegold, Ca USA - Tuesday, January 04, 2000 at 00:52:05 (CST)
I read your book in my english class. I found it to be very informative and entertaining. It has been a favorit for 10th graders for the last couple years. Feel free to write me. I would love to spread your words of wisdom to my class.
Alex McCabe <pyramidam@hotmail.com>
Oakhurst, ca USA - Monday, January 03, 2000 at 23:11:57 (CST)
Dear Tim, you are a very talented writter and I enjoyed reading your book "The Things They Carried"- this book was so graphic, you described everythings to the extent- as I read the book I looked for quotes and I found that in each chapter there were several quotes! My favorite quote was in the chapter "How to tell a true war story", "A true war story is never moral. It does not instruct, nor incourage virtue, nor suggest models of proper human behavior, nor restrain men from doing the things men have always done. If a story seems moral, do not believe it. If at the end of a war story you feel uplifted, or if you feel that some small bitt of rectitude has been salvaged from the larger waste, than you have been made victim of a very old and terrible lie" .... I really enjoy reading your books, you are a very talented person so keep up the good work....
Brandon Culverson
Brandon Culverson <cuttiebc@hotmail.com>
Oakhurst, Ca USA - Sunday, January 02, 2000 at 19:03:33 (CST)
This book was a really good book and I reccomend this book to anyone that would be interested in the Vietnam War. B.C
Brandon Culverson <cuttiebc@hotmail.com>
Oakhurst , Ca USA - Sunday, January 02, 2000 at 18:44:48 (CST)
I loved the book, the things they carried, it showed a lot about vietnam. Before reading your book, i thought veitnam was just another war, i was wrong, this is certainly something to remember. I had read your book once, and i am now looking for it in book stores so i can read it again. it is very well written and proved many points, i felt some of the feelings you felt just by the way you describe things
Eddie Maurer <eddiemaurer@cs.com>
greenwich, ct USA - Sunday, January 02, 2000 at 18:11:59 (CST)
I don't like to read books,but after reading your book The Things They Carried I still don't like to read books. Your book was quite helpful in showing how Vietnam was. Though you were very descriptive your book, you could of shown some pictures and/or photography of the bases,air fields,aircraft,or some home photos. Anything would have been better then nothing.
John Danenhauer
Coarsegold, CA USA - Sunday, January 02, 2000 at 15:18:56 (CST)
I had no idea what NAM was about until I read your book The Things They Carried. I hope you include some pictures in your next book.
John Danenhauer
Coarsegold, CA USA - Sunday, January 02, 2000 at 14:19:24 (CST)
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