Review of Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath
Posted: 01 Mar 2024, 06:53
[Following is a volunteer review of "Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath" by Randy Miller.]
Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath by Randy Miller
This is a fiction based on the real events that occurred during the Vietnam War. The main plot of the book is about how the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs cheated 229,000 Vietnam Blue Water Navy Sailors by denying any compensation for illnesses caused by Agent Orange. The US Military had used this defoliant in Vietnam without any proper research and ended up exposing numerous sailors to poisoned waters, which led to various health issues like cancer and Parkinson's.
The author, Randy Miller, had served four tours in Vietnam. He was stationed on two destroyers and two cruisers. So, he has first-hand experience of the happenings in Vietnam during "Operation Market Time." He had poured out his observations and crafted a stunning book, which I immensely enjoyed.
The main protagonist is Zachariah Martin. He is a 17-year-old Vermont boy who leaves his family farm and enlists in the Navy out of his love for his country. He first serves as a deck ape on a destroyer named Hawke and later joins Providence, a cruiser. He progresses from a deck ape and a gunner to a skilled quartermaster. After he is discharged from his duties, he marries his childhood sweetheart, Tally Goodwin. The book follows the adventurous and emotional journey of Zack. It also portrays the strong love between Zack and Tally.
I adored the book completely. Firstly, it was awesome to know about the destroyers and cruisers. I have never read about it before. So it was enlightening to have insight into the structure and the workings of these majestic beauties. I was amazed to learn about the various roles and duties in the Navy. I was unaware of most of the Navy terms, and I was enthralled to discover their meanings.
The author has a knack for describing, and I appreciate his vivid descriptions. With his intricate detailing, he visualized everything before my eyes. I was captivated by the scuba diving scene. The action sequences involving the gunning and refueling were well-written.
The language style was difficult to follow at first. But after a few pages, it got easier.
The author had splashed humor here and there, which I relished.
Many characters impressed me, especially Tally and Barb. Zack is one of those characters that lingers in your heart long after you close the book.
I noticed only a few negative issues. Sometimes I got confused as there were many characters. But I believe that the story demanded such an ensemble of characters. In the glossary section, photos and maps could have been added for additional information. When reading, I felt a little sluggishness in the initial part. But these are all minor issues that didn't deter me from enjoying the book. I was just glued to the book.
I didn't notice any typo errors. The editing is incredibly good.
Towards the end, I can perceive the anger the author felt towards the authorities. The author conveys the pain and sorrow of the ill veterans. I can imagine the grief they experienced, and my heart heaves with despair. They had gone to war, believing their organization would take care of them. But they were just cut off and left stranded by the VA. I am just disheartened to see how the public administration works selfishly. Following the author's wish, I sincerely hope that Blue Water Naval Agent Orange Veterans receive the necessary compensation they rightly deserve.
My rating for this book is 5 out of 5.
I recommend this book to all history and action lovers.
******
Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath by Randy Miller
This is a fiction based on the real events that occurred during the Vietnam War. The main plot of the book is about how the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs cheated 229,000 Vietnam Blue Water Navy Sailors by denying any compensation for illnesses caused by Agent Orange. The US Military had used this defoliant in Vietnam without any proper research and ended up exposing numerous sailors to poisoned waters, which led to various health issues like cancer and Parkinson's.
The author, Randy Miller, had served four tours in Vietnam. He was stationed on two destroyers and two cruisers. So, he has first-hand experience of the happenings in Vietnam during "Operation Market Time." He had poured out his observations and crafted a stunning book, which I immensely enjoyed.
The main protagonist is Zachariah Martin. He is a 17-year-old Vermont boy who leaves his family farm and enlists in the Navy out of his love for his country. He first serves as a deck ape on a destroyer named Hawke and later joins Providence, a cruiser. He progresses from a deck ape and a gunner to a skilled quartermaster. After he is discharged from his duties, he marries his childhood sweetheart, Tally Goodwin. The book follows the adventurous and emotional journey of Zack. It also portrays the strong love between Zack and Tally.
I adored the book completely. Firstly, it was awesome to know about the destroyers and cruisers. I have never read about it before. So it was enlightening to have insight into the structure and the workings of these majestic beauties. I was amazed to learn about the various roles and duties in the Navy. I was unaware of most of the Navy terms, and I was enthralled to discover their meanings.
The author has a knack for describing, and I appreciate his vivid descriptions. With his intricate detailing, he visualized everything before my eyes. I was captivated by the scuba diving scene. The action sequences involving the gunning and refueling were well-written.
The language style was difficult to follow at first. But after a few pages, it got easier.
The author had splashed humor here and there, which I relished.
Many characters impressed me, especially Tally and Barb. Zack is one of those characters that lingers in your heart long after you close the book.
I noticed only a few negative issues. Sometimes I got confused as there were many characters. But I believe that the story demanded such an ensemble of characters. In the glossary section, photos and maps could have been added for additional information. When reading, I felt a little sluggishness in the initial part. But these are all minor issues that didn't deter me from enjoying the book. I was just glued to the book.
I didn't notice any typo errors. The editing is incredibly good.
Towards the end, I can perceive the anger the author felt towards the authorities. The author conveys the pain and sorrow of the ill veterans. I can imagine the grief they experienced, and my heart heaves with despair. They had gone to war, believing their organization would take care of them. But they were just cut off and left stranded by the VA. I am just disheartened to see how the public administration works selfishly. Following the author's wish, I sincerely hope that Blue Water Naval Agent Orange Veterans receive the necessary compensation they rightly deserve.
My rating for this book is 5 out of 5.
I recommend this book to all history and action lovers.
******
Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
