I have avoided this book for many years, mostly becaue Tom Cruise starred in the movie, and I am not a Cruise fan. I also mistakenly believed it would be a lengthy discourse on the evils of America. However, the book surprised me completely and touched me deeply and I wish I'd picked it up sooner!
Kovic was indeed born on the 4th of July, and grew up a typical kid of the 50s and 60s, emeshed in patriotism, very idealistic, believing in good guys and all-American heroes. This book begins with his injury--he was paralyzed from the chest down on his second tour in Vietnam--and chronicles the horrors of his hospitalizations (honestly, this book is an indictment of the often inhumane and deplorable treatment he received and witnessed--and should be required reading for all hospitals staffs, aides, doctors and nurses), plus his utter heartbreak over his lost body. It wasn't until years afterward, as he struggled with the additional burdens of several incidents on the battlefield that haunted him, that he came to believe the war was morally wrong.
His writing style is clear, simple, descriptive, thoroughly moving and very very readable. I highly recommend this book.
***** Five stars!
Kovic was indeed born on the 4th of July, and grew up a typical kid of the 50s and 60s, emeshed in patriotism, very idealistic, believing in good guys and all-American heroes. This book begins with his injury--he was paralyzed from the chest down on his second tour in Vietnam--and chronicles the horrors of his hospitalizations (honestly, this book is an indictment of the often inhumane and deplorable treatment he received and witnessed--and should be required reading for all hospitals staffs, aides, doctors and nurses), plus his utter heartbreak over his lost body. It wasn't until years afterward, as he struggled with the additional burdens of several incidents on the battlefield that haunted him, that he came to believe the war was morally wrong.
His writing style is clear, simple, descriptive, thoroughly moving and very very readable. I highly recommend this book.
***** Five stars!
