July July Author:Tim O'Brien Tim O'Brien is widely acclaimed as our finest chronicler of the Vietnam War and its afermath. In his ambitious, compassionate, and terrifically compelling new novel, this American master returns to his signature themes -- passion, memory, and yearning -- in a brilliant ensemble piece. July, July tells the heart-rending and often hilarious st... more »ory of a group of men and women who came into adulthood at a moment when American ideals and innocence began to fade. Their lives will ring familiar to anyone who has dreamed big dreams, suffered disappointment, and still struggled toward a happy ending.
At the thirtieth reunion of Minnesota's Darton Hall College class of 1969, ten old friends join their classmates for a July weekend of dancing, drinking, flirting, reminiscing, regretting. The three decades since their graduation have seen marriage and divorce, children and careers, hopes deferred and abandoned. Two best friends toast their ex-husbands with vodka and set out for a good time. A damaged war veteran opens his soul to a Republican trophy wife recovering from a radical mastectomy. An overweight mop manufacturer with a large yet failing heart reignites his passion for a hyperkinetic housewife. And whispering in the background is the elusive Johnny Ever, part cynical angel, part conscience, the cosmic soul of ages past and of ages future.« less
I really enjoyed "The things they Carried" and figured I couldn't lose with this book. Boy, was I wrong. O'Brien continues his nostalgia-laden writing style, looking back to the days of (his?) youth. It seems the entire story is about infidelity and mid life crisis. I found myself not caring about the endless parade of characters that I couldn't begin to keep up with.
I love Tim O'Brien. This book takes place at a college reunion, flashing back to each main character's life "then" and coming back to present day. It is done in a very clever manner. It is also exceedingly honest and realistic. O'Brien is a gem.