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“Vietnam has faded to an abstraction in the common perspective. Sacrifices, horrors and lunacy are trivialized and reduced to senseless idiom. Nothing is real.
Without preaching or explaining, this book simply takes the reader there, unlike anything I have ever read about any war. It's called a novel, but it reads as truth -- almost a personal journal. Nothing is spared. Crittenden made me care about these men and their condition, and wonder how they lived it, as half a World away we sat contented watching edited, manipulated two-dimensional image-bites on a 20" screen.
If you care about what happens to young men thrust into the face of violent death by whatever political inanity happens to govern at the moment, and the split second survival choices they are forced to make and pay for for the rest of their lives, buy this book -- then pass it to a friend.“
Gary E. Sharpe ”Gsharpe” (Cohasset, MA)
“It is hard for a civilian to understand what it must be like to serve in our country's armed forces during military conflict. The work of the men and women who are risking their lives each day is beyond comprehension. Sacrifices are made and we all hope they are for just and good causes. Sometimes, however, basic survival is the cause.
Many books have been written about Vietnam and there are many strong opinions about our country's involvement in that conflict. Some glorify the roles of soldiers in battle while others dwell on the absurdity of war. A few report on the atrocities committed by our soldiers. But until now, nothing that I have read captures the psychological and emotional process that transforms a normal young man into a hardcore boonierat.
Gaz Crittenden's JUNGLE RULES is a brilliantly written story and is of great current interest as it helps put into perspective the difficulties our military personnel face on a daily basis. For example, after reading this story, one may begin to have different understanding how the alleged events at Haditha could have occurred. This is an excellent book, a true book, and a must read for anyone who wants to have a better appreciation for what war is really like and for the conditions under which our soldiers do their work.”
Anthony Benedetto (Boston, MA)
“JUNGLE RULES builds a bridge of understanding between civilians and military personnel, enlightening the former to the harsh realities that transform an individual faced with battle and/or the threat thereof. Crittenden takes his reader for a brief journey into the front lines of the Vietnam War, where through Andy; we learn the complexity, the fear and the human side of a soldier's experience in war.
From the perspective of an individual that straddles the x and y generation, who has not had to experience war either voluntarily or involuntarily, who shudders at the thought of watching a war movie, I found myself devouring JUNGLE RULES. But that is not to say that the book is only valuable to those who have not experienced war. My guess is that soldiers, veterans and ex-military alike could all benefit from a journey with Andy.”
Julia Rix "Book Collector" (Nashville, TN)
“JUNGLE RULES arrived a few days ago. I was in the middle of reading, "Breaking the Spell" by Dennett a professor of philosophy and cognitive studies at Tufts. An interesting read but heavy at times. While reading a particularly convoluted argument I decided to put down that book and for a change of pace read at least the first chapter of Gaz's book.
I found the book so good I couldn't put it down. What a story. Through Andy, Gaz describes a war, personal anxieties, behavior under stress, a country, leadership styles, in fact pretty much most facets of life.
It is a great story about the transition in Andy. Movies have exhausted the Viet Nam war, but this book should be a movie. The story is just as applicable today. I bet there are hundreds of Andys in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Looking forward to the sequel.”
S. Lyle (Naples, Florida)
“I began to read JUNGLE RULES with trepidation as I lived this divisive part of our nation's history (at least vicariously) as a young teen and into my adult years. Other books have been so horrific that I had to put them down. While this does not sugarcoat what our boys went through it is an honest and open examination told by a fictional 20 year old of the horrors of war, the importance of humor (Black though it may have been) and the ultimate survival of the human spirit. I laughed, I cried; it is one of the best books I have read this year and holds it's own with MASH as a reflection of what the men in our lives (and now women) experience. Gaz speaks with a strong voice and my only disappointment was when the book ended as I wanted to savor it. I look forward to more books by this writer.”
Carolena
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