Reddit reviews Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War

Assuming you are looking for non-fiction but the best fictional book I have read on Vietnam War is Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes. Changed my view of the war and everyone who fought in it. Took author 30 years to write.

http://www.amazon.com/Matterhorn-A-Novel-Vietnam-War/dp/0802145310

Matterhorn is a great read, but on the long side.

One option for the human perspective is Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes

It is a novel, not a retelling of actual events, but it is based on personal experience, the author was an Infantry officer during the war. It is long but a fast and compelling read, very human too.

Same author who wrote Matterhorn.

Definitely worth reading.

I'd like to add another book recommendation, Matterhorn. This book was written by a Marine who served as a Lieutenant in 1969 and is probably one of the best novels about war I have ever read. Some scenarios it includes are jungle ambushes, weeks-long patrols to establish new firebases, and building up a firebase only to abandon it the enemy and then be ordered to retake it. If you're looking for infantry combat scenarios in Vietnam you'll find plenty there.

A few more to add to your list!


Books:

Matterhorn

We Were Soldiers Once and Young

Fields of Fire

If you have time to read/listen to a large novel, check out Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes. It's historic fiction focusing on a company of US Marines during their time in 1969. Great read, one of my favorite war novels.

i am/ never gonna be published/ won't change names because it takes the reality out of it.

edit: these are the best out there, hands-down, period.

http://zarqawisicecream.com/

http://www.amazon.com/Matterhorn-Novel-Vietnam-Karl-Marlantes/dp/0802145310

http://www.amazon.com/Things-They-Carried-Tim-OBrien/dp/0618706410

If you are a reader, '[Matterhorn] (https://www.amazon.com/Matterhorn-Novel-Vietnam-Karl-Marlantes/dp/0802145310)' covers this spectacularly.

War Is A Force That Gives Us Meaning by Chris Hedges.

A succinct essay about the horror of war and its paradoxical allure.

Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes.

Probably one of the best war novels I've ever read. Based on the author's own experiences as a platoon leader in Vietnam.

Have you read Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War? If so, did you think it was accurate? It's billed as "fiction" but it's not truly fictional. If that makes sense. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. In fact, it should be required reading for anyone involved in any decisions regarding U.S. involvement in war.

Also, my dad was drafted for Vietnam right out of high school along with most of his buddies (poor Catholics). He "lucked out", however, and ended up stationed in Germany as a radio operator. I can tell he's always felt guilty about that.

Thanks for the AMA. If more people would speak honestly about the atrocities of war, maybe ...

EDIT: Added link to book: http://www.amazon.com/Matterhorn-Novel-Vietnam-Karl-Marlantes/dp/0802145310/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369853520&sr=1-1&keywords=matterhorn

Keeping with the vein of historical fiction, Matterhorn is an awesome historical fiction of a marine's experience in the Vietnam war, and told in a similar style to ASoIaF

I just finished reading Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes. Before, I had no interest in Vietnam, especially not being American. Now I do. He's the reason I just ordered a copy of your book. I hope it's good!

Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes. Vietnam Era.

I consider him a troll because he's not interested in a debate or discussion... he's only interested in how much better he in than anyone else and how much more weight his opinions carry than other people's opinions.

• "Better to collect coins than read modernist literature."
  
  
• "To disagree is to go against the ideas of classicism, which leaves you with modern and ignorant trash."
  
  
• "What a waste of time."
  
  The first two quotes are responses he made to me when I was trying to suggest that other people's opinions were as valid as his own. The third quote was in response to me saying I was reading Matterhorn.
  
  He's only interested in making himself seem better than everyone else and not in an exchange of ideas. THAT is what makes him a troll.