Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel - Revised Edition

by John Podlaski

Overview

When a soldier leaves for war, those left behind often wonder what their loved ones are experiencing. Letters home are always cheerful and vague - no sense in worrying the family. Then upon returning home, these young soldiers do not want to talk about their experiences. Family and friends allege they are now distant, changed, and not the same person they remember from several months earlier. What causes this?
Although the backdrop for this novel is the Vietnam War, "Cherries" exist in every war. They are the young "Newbie" soldiers, who are trained for war. However, most are not ready to absorb the harsh physical, mental and emotional stress of war. 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 sometimes laugh at their humor.
No two war experiences are the same, but after finishing "Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel", readers will have a much better understanding as to why these changes occur and why our military heroes are different upon their return home. Veterans will relate!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781452477947
Publisher:	John Podlaski
Publication date:	03/20/2010
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	453
Sales rank:	492,496
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

John Podlaski served in Vietnam during 1970 and 1971 as an infantryman with both the Wolfhounds of the 25th Division and the 501st Infantry Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, two Air Medals, and a Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He has spent the years since Vietnam working in various management positions within the automotive industry, and he recently received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. John is a member of both the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 and The Great Lakes South East Michigan Chapter of Harley Owners Group (HOG) and lives with his wife, Janice, in Sterling Heights, Michigan. This is his first novel.

Editorial Reviews

This is an amazing book that I could never have written. When I told my story I had to fill it full of the emotion I felt but never expressed in Vietnam. Podlaski, on the other hand, managed to stay true to the original experience by telling his story with little or no emotion. The effect is that Cherries is an excellent primer for students of the Vietnam War that are interested in the grunt experience. The last chapter alone is well worth the price of this book.

Terry Rizzuti

With striking detail and brutal honesty, Cherries is nothing if not
compelling. Every bit as gritty and shocking as can be imagined, Cherries: A Vietnam
War Novel is a refreshingly honest account of a life few of us would ever choose
to live – and, thus, should feel fortunate that we don't have to. A highly
recommended read.

karynda Lewis

With striking detail and brutal honesty, Cherries is nothing if not
compelling. Every bit as gritty and shocking as can be imagined, Cherries: A Vietnam
War Novel is a refreshingly honest account of a life few of us would ever choose
to live – and, thus, should feel fortunate that we don't have to. A highly
recommended read.

Karynda Lewis

I am not quite sure where to start with John Podlaski's blockbuster book "Cherries", a fictionalized account of his 1970 to 1971 tour as a foot soldier in South Vietnam. As an avid reader of many historical memoirs, both fiction and autobiographical, rarely have I found one as in depth and revealing as Mr. Podlaski's work...Regardless of the aspect of fiction being the backdrop, this story is so real, with nothing missed. Cherries is more accurate than 100 memoirs combined.

Bernie Weisz