In a very matter of fact style, which makes the storyteller seem so human yet so amazing at the same time, he doesn't glorify war and doesn't judge too harshly on the actions of others. It shows some insights into the way history books may not tell the entire story, how you could not believe a city was about to fall if you were in it, and how people behave when their hand is forced. At one point it made me laugh out loud with delight, when I finally understood the title (Don't read any of the blurbs, just have it all unfold, and you will too!).
Without giving anything away, he admits as a rule follower and a conservative personality, the only justification he can give to why he did what he did was because "It was the right thing to do". It was a simple as that. This book has restored my faith in humanity a little, that perhaps, when push comes to shove, we will stop turning our backs on those in need, we will put our cameras down, stop filming and actually help, we will speak out on behalf of others.
If one person can make a difference to so many people, imagine what we all could do?
(I stumbled across this book when I was looking to get some background on the pending trip to Vietnam, I've opted for some of the French history, and some modern books, as I don't want the understanding of the country to focus on just one war. Yet as I'm not a fan of war stories, I'm surprised at how much I loved this. Definitely worth a listen!)
Linking with #Whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge Linking this book because he describes an airport scene identical to what happened in Kabul - 100% exactly what we saw this week. Riorden even said 'if you are going to go into a country, you better make sure you have a proper exit plan'. Evidnetly we have learnt nothing in the 50 years since the Vietnam war.
"If one person can make a difference to so many, imagine what we can all do." That in itself is the power statement of the day ...
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Thanks for this - I'm always looking for things to listen to in the car as the radio can drive me nuts sometimes.
ReplyDeleteHave the best day xox
The Builder loves audio books, I'll have to put this one on the list, thank youxx
ReplyDeleteI am yet to try an audio book! Sounds great!
ReplyDeleteAudio books sound (pun intended) like a great idea for when I'm driving to and from work and to and from all the kids activities. I'll have to borrow some from the library and try them.
ReplyDeleteI love audio books, they are great to listen too in the car. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm going to recommend this to my friend Belinda, she is a huge fan of audio books.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like an interesting story.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting. I actually am a fan of war books so I may have to check it out. I can't sit still for audio books though for some reason.
ReplyDeleteIn the car...I spend a lot of time on the road!!
DeleteHow interesting. I have a friend who would love to listen to this one. I'll have to share it with her and her hubby.
DeleteMy husband is a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam war so historical accounts interest me.I have not heard of this and will look for it.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting book. Thanks for sharing. #lifethisweek
ReplyDeleteMy husband was called up for Australian National Service and spent a year over in Vietnam. He never spoke of his time there and had no desire to go back. However, in 2012 we took a cruise which took in Vietnam and stopped where he was stationed in the war. Like many, although he was hesitant to return, he was glad he went back.
ReplyDeleteThat's good he was glad. It could have gone either way. Hopefully it was a little theraputic in putting demons to rest. I can't imagine what that must have been like. That must have been awful for him.
DeleteWhat an interesting story! It's a genre I'm not that fond of reading but should read more of, if you get what I mean. #lifethisweek
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued Lydia but don't tend to read (or listen to) non-fiction. I read a fabulous book about a photographer or journalist in the Vietnam War a few years ago - not Graham Greene or someone like that, but by an Australian I think and I really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteNice to revisit a post you loved. I am currently listening to Rick Morton narrate his latest after One Hundred Years of Dirt is My Year of Living Vulnerably. If I lived as close to Better Dead Than Read as you do, I would be at the launch on Sat night! Thank you for linking up for Life This Week, and as we approach the changing month to April, may you have some good weather where it's enjoyable to be outside. Next week, the optional prompt is the second of the Self Care stories. Are you self caring enough? See you on Monday 5 April for #lifethisweek link up. Denyse.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really interesting. I have to admit to never having listened to an audio book- perhaps it's something I could do on the school run (as it's pretty much the only time it's quiet enough for me to actually listen to something!). Thanks for linking up with #BWBR, hope to see you again next month.
ReplyDeleteKatrina x
This sounds fascinating - particularly in light of what's happened this week. Off to look for it in Audible.
ReplyDelete