Posted by LAZ on November 25, 2014 at 11:06:21:
In Reply to: Two Vietnam Books: Tree of Smoke Versus My Vitenam War posted by WJH on November 23, 2014 at 13:19:59:
: I’m interested in the Vietnam War, so after Denis Johnson’s book, “Tree of Smoke” won the National Book Award, I had to read it. What a disappointment. The book is totally boring, overly long, and it lacks any passion or plot (read the review at the Atlantic Monthly). Then, last year, another book about the Vietnam War came out, “My Vietnam War,” by E.E. “doc” Murdock. What a difference: the story is powerfully told and totally engrossing from the first page to the last. Truly a great book. Read them both and decide for yourself: which one of these books about the Vietnam War should have won the National Book Award.
I agree with you re the "Tree of Smoke" book. Tried to read it, but found it too boring. How the heck did it win the National Book Award? Haven't read the "My Vietnam War" book yet but will on your recommendation.