Judy Bauer

This is an outstanding novel showing the agony of war for the participants and families. The contrasts between the once beautiful cherished American lifestyle and the suffering lives of those who fought in the Vietnam War, who lost their lives, limbs, minds and hearts is devastating to read about. Why we fought so long, ignored the contribution of women and were not able to help those deeply wounded to reintegrate into a normal life is a great mystery. This sober read honors all of these issues as they remain in the interstices of all their efforts to return to normal life. The baggage is heavy. Kristin Hannah wrote a beautiful informative book.