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Liked It1 of 1 members found this review helpful “This is a looping, visceral, mind-twisting book. It really gets to you emotionally and then makes you question the author's motivations and your own motivations as a reader. Worth the read if you care about war and/or about the craft of writing.” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It “This was a book about the Vietnam war. I really didn't care for it. Nothing stood out to me as particularly poignant.” see full review » see other reviews » |
Newest Reviews
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“A book that normally doesn't catch my interest but I couldn't put it down. It takes you on an emotional ride with soliders as they are met with so much during war.”
Haley O wrote this review 10 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“If you don't read anything else this year, read The Things They Carried.”
Abinadi Ayerdis wrote this review 13 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
0 of 1 members found this review helpful“Re-reading for AP English 12”
Amanda B wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“The things they carried by Tim O’Brien is a story O’Brien writs about his experience while fighting in the Vietnam War. This retelling is based on what he and his peers carried throughout the war. These items are sometimes material objects such as drugs, food, and other comforting devices. However, other times, these ‘things’ that are carried are not material objects at all. Some of the men carry with them regrets of their childhood, guilt, and most importantly fear. These notions that the men were carrying around made battle very hard at times. Trying to focus on your troubles could easily conflict with the soldiers’ ability to fight properly with a clear mind. O’Brien does not spend the whole book however discussing what the men carry with them. Those stories and ideas lead to other themes, which are explored in the book. The idea of love is talked about a lot throughout the book. Whether the characters are trying to forget or remember what love felt like, it’s something that they (for the most part) have in common. O’Brien himself looks to forget his prior experiences with love. When you love someone so desperately but that person doesn’t love you back, it can be very traumatic. The book also deals with death. Because the story takes place during a very deadly war and death is inevitable, much of the story revolves around death and the effects it has on people. Although the relationship between someone and the deceased may not be blood, the effects can be just as damaging. The men in this story fought side by side and risked their lives for one another every day. That connection will bring two people close very quickly. The closer one becomes to another person. The harder it is when that connection is forced apart by nature.
Nell B wrote this review Thursday, November 12 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
I really enjoyed reading this book. It held a new and interesting perspective as to what war is truly like. Whenever I think of what war or soldiers are like, I get a very rough image in my mind. The thought of soldiers to me, means men that are very serious about what they do and have the power to do what they need in order to hurt their enemy. This book gave me a new picture however. The idea that soldiers have a softer more gentle side to them was very fascinating to see these men exposing their softer sides. The men that this book follows are very harsh warriors and heroes on the outside but are very different on the inside. They are tender men who have fears just like everyone else. This book also gave me the ability to look at love through new eyes. The men in this book, specifically Tim O’Brien have to deal with the pains and scars that love leaves behind. Their recovery cannot be healed with junk food and television. They have to deal with their pains while fighting for their country.
In conclusion, this book would be good for anyone to read who enjoys a fast-paced about emotions and hardships.
”“This was a book about the Vietnam war. I really didn't care for it. Nothing stood out to me as particularly poignant.”
Nick Woodall wrote this review Saturday, October 17 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I liked this book a lot. In the begining it was hard to get into, but after the first chapter or two it was really a good read. Tim O'Brien really gets you into the story and you can see whats going on in your head. I recomend this for people who are into war stories.”
Tess B wrote this review Wednesday, October 7 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“The way the words were put in the book in certain sections was not the best spot to put them. Though there was spots were they did and that was good. I liked several chapters but some were not so interesting just telling what they had. If you like fiction that sounds almost true, and if you like wars. This is the book for you.”
Alex N wrote this review Tuesday, September 29 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Reread it this Spring. VERY teachable, very high-interest. The narrative is so authentic in O'Brien's "story truth." There's this deep swirl of underlying questions: morality, authenticity, validity, honor, humor, survival, responsibility. Brilliantly done, gut-wrenching from time to time, and an absolute success.”
Matt K wrote this review Monday, September 28 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No0 of 1 members found this review helpful“I hated this book. It was profane, vulgar, crude, and brutal. It was also fiction. I can't believe this suggested reading for my high school student. Terrible.”
Kristin W wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
