A Powerful Account | The Proud Bastards

Review by HM3 A.H. Garnett(Vietnam 1965 A/1/1/1 | The Proud Bastards | E. M. Helms

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	• The Proud Bastards E. M. Helms Zebra, 1990 average customer review:based on 14 reviews
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highly recommended

A powerfully written story

Helms' writing engages the reader from the beginning, and draws them into the story. I laughed with him in boot camp, had a knot in my stomach as he trudged through the rain and fighting in Vietnam, and hoped the best for him at the end. I've read the book several times, and each time feel the same strong emotions. The best book about Vietnam I've read. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to know what grunts went through during the war.

A Powerful Account

Never have I read a more gripping combat account. It's a wild, unfettered ride. From the author's numbing, raunchy belittlement at Parris Island Marine boot camp to fighting in a faraway country he found "luring, lovely, and lethal," Helms pulls no punches. I especially like "Mikey's" biting, insightful running dialogue with himself.

Often as I read a book I will pause and thumb through a few pages to see how soon the chapter will end; perhaps because I've lost focus and I'm ready for it to end. I never did that while reading "The Proud Bastards" because Mr. Helms spared me the bother. He has the blessed knack to know when his readers are ready for a chapter to end and he writes accordingly.

Helms is observant in other ways that made reading this book an adventure. Seldom have I read a brutal war story graced with so many coloful descriptive passages about the lay of the land: the trees, birds, mountains, ocean, stars, and the weather. Such contrasting lends realism that "takes the reader there." I think it both sets the stage for and respites the gruesome battle scenes to follow.

I owe E. Michael Helms. He took me to Vietnam, showed me around, then got me out of there when he knew it was time for both of us to leave. He is an especially gifted writer, which "The Proud Bastards" proves abundantly.

I highly recommend this book.

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Review by HM3 A.H. Garnett(Vietnam 1965 A/1/1/1

This book really tells it like it Was.Very possibly the
best account I've read. Highly recommended,Vets or civilian!Three thumbs up!

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A Terrific Book

Perhaps the best book about combat I've ever read. The writing is superb, and like all good writing, becomes transparent as you are carried into the story. The setting is horrific, the language raw, as you share a teenager's thoughts and emotions in the face of violent death. Words are not wasted here - the writing is spare and accurate.

There is no moralizing about the "meaning" of the war. In effect, the author says, "Here's my story. Draw your own conclusions." My conclusion is that Mr. Helms is one hell of a writer!

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Strong

This is the type of Vietnam book that I have been searching for. No nonsense, to the point, and not afraid to offend. Funny, sad and anger provoking all at once. Quick moving and an easy read. I have let friends borrow this book and they have all enjoyed it.

The true story of one young marine's harrowing journey from boot camp at Parris Island through the hell of combat in Vietnam during the height of the war. This is no run- of-the-mill "guts and glory" war story. Helms' powerful narrative rips off the blinders and shows war as it really is! The military details are accurate. The emotional details are extraordinary. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to know about Vietnam, about war, about life in the military.

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3

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