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John Podlaski's CHERRIES details the events surrounding a young, scared eighteen year old's arrival and survival in Vietnam. Though "grunt" novels about the Vietnam war are common, this book is unique in that it views the war solely through the eyes of a single new arrival, called a "Cherry," as he moves through all the emotions that go through an indoctrination into war. From arriving "in-country" to receiving initial training, being wounded, going on that first "R&R," and finally "getting short," the author does an excellent job of conveying the new emotions of almost every experience. The main character is John "Pollack" Kowalski, who arrives in Vietnam as an infantryman and sent to the Wolfhounds of the 25th infantry division. Later he is transferred to the 101st Airborne Division. In both units, he finds leadership and cowardice, laughter and loss, and learns who and what he is inside. I particularly enjoyed how the author was able to illustrate the "newness" of everything Kowalski experienced. That ability absolutely separates this book from most every other infantry novel this reviewer has read. There's no doubt that the author called upon his experience as a grunt in Vietnam while writing his first novel, because it's too real to be otherwise. The author was a young soldier of Polish descent when he went to Vietnam to serve with the Wolfhounds and the Screaming Eagles, and he wrote about what he knows. And, he wrote it well. Vietnam vets and anyone who has been a young soldier in any war will appreciate the sentiments here.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 3, 2012
Matterhorn please that book cant stand up to how good this book is! This book is the best war book I've ever read even know it is fiction it still gives good detail on the vietnam war. great for people who love books about the vietnam war.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 9, 2011
I've read alot of Vietam Novels. Great Read.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 7, 2011
Yes this book was well written good read
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 9, 2011
as a vet enjoyed reading.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 29, 2012
I thought this author had a good story to tell, but I was a little disappointed in the his style. The dialog just didn't ring true.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.VietVet
Posted September 18, 2011
As a combat infantry veteran of the Vietnam War (1st Cavalry 1968-69) I found this novel a compelling read. Originally I was a bit wary of a novel, as some like The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien tend to get a bit "carried away" with the story-telling aspects, leaving very large doubts about any reality of the content. But within the first fifteen minutes of Cherries I was totally "hooked". While a novel is by definition fictitious, this book meets that criterion only in the use of fictitious names and perhaps a bit of license in the narratives. However, it is totally evident the author is describing events he actually experienced.. You cannot hide that from a fellow "grunt". The book is entertaining, colorful, educational, highly descriptive and convincing. The author delivers his story with such style and realism you feel you are standing alongside him throughout his transition from a young draftee "Cherry" to a seasoned combat veteran of both the 25th Infantry Division Wolfhounds and subsequently the Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne Division. This "dual service" was the result of the time period known as Vietnamization, or the process of turning military responsibilities back over to the ARVN (Southern Vietnamese) troops as American forces withdrew. When the 25th left, soldiers with less than a predetermined time in service were transferred to other units. What makes this book exceptionally interesting to another veteran is the comparison of serving with both divisions, as operating procedures in the two areas (the South vs. the rugged Central Highlands)were significantly different. While events can be communicated in various ways by different authors, Mr. Podlaski is an artist, creating a detailed illustration as opposed to a rough sketch, adding the appropriate narrative to bring the entire story to life. His accounts are highly accurate in their description of not only the infantry soldier but so much more. To summarize this book in a one-liner.. It grabs you by the belt buckle and pulls you as close to a war experience as you can get, without having been there. I highly recommend this book to all readers - veterans, non-veterans, students, history buffs, and anyone else interested in the Vietnam War era. You will learn many things you likely didn't know, or have your dimming memory from forty - some years earlier refreshed. David B. Simmons - Author Our Turn to Serve - An Army Veteran's Memoir of the Vietnam War (Xlibris 8.15.2011)
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.pipeliner
Posted August 29, 2011
This book reads like a six year old wrote it. I made it about 50 pages in before I couldnt take it anymore. If you want to read a well written book about Vietnam, read Matterhorn.
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Overview
It's 1970 - they're 18 years old - drafted and trained by the Army Infantry for five months - sent to Vietnam with others their age to fight in an unpopular war - dubbed "Cherries" by their more seasoned peers - nothing had prepared them for this nightmare - forced to become men overnight - working hard to learn the ropes and earn the acceptance and trust of fellow soldiers. Once they come under fire and witness death firsthand, a life-changing transition begins.This eye-opening account offers readers an in-depth look into the everyday struggles of these young infantry soldiers. You'll feel their fear, awe, drama, and sorrow, witness the bravery and ...