Zack and Tally

[Alys Sterk]

I think it was very powerful, so much that he was able to, at the age of 18-20, resist all the other temptations while deployed. Many of them lose their minds when away from home for the first time. While deployed there is the extra stress, and they need some kind of release from that, too.

[djr6090]

***spoiler***
Their relationship was beautiful. They were truly meant to be together. I was glad Tally’s mom supported their relationship. She recognized true love. It was sweet when Zack encouraged Tally to find love again after he was gone.

I liked that, too. I was confused, however. He must have gotten sick years after serving, or perhaps he survived longer than I thought. Tally was 55 at his funeral? That's where I was lost.

I was surprised so much time had passed as well.

This was not a mistake in the timeline. Science is discovering that the carcinogens in agent orange remain in the fatty tissue of the body and break up chromosomes decades later. In fact, Vietnamese women are still passing dioxins to their babies in breast milk..

[Brenda Creech]

I think their relationship was awesome. Not many male/female relationships lasted through that war. So many guys didn't come home and those who did come home changed in some way.

And it's amazing how applicable a statement that continues to be today. Even the modern day battles fought in Iraq and Afghanistan have led to the dissolution of many a marital union. I was one of those casualties myself. Reading the success stories of couples like Zack and Tally are heartwarming reminders that not every relationship will become a sad statistic.

So very true! It is really sad the adjustment back to civilian life is so difficult for some.

[Jeremie Mondejar]

I think it was very powerful, so much that he was able to, at the age of 18-20, resist all the other temptations while deployed. Many of them lose their minds when away from home for the first time. While deployed there is the extra stress, and they need some kind of release from that, too.

I am happy if a type of Zach's attitude towards women (their relationship with a lover) will increase enormously. How happy it might be to have a family with a smooth relationship with your lover for yielding into temptation has resulted in a troublesome life.

[wordslinger42]

I loved their relationship! You don't often come across that kind of love story in a book, where the characters are willing to remain loyal and steadfast to each other over a long period of time, and I thought that was really lovely to see. It made me love Zack all the more for showing such respect for Tally while he was overseas.

[wordslinger42]

I think their relationship was awesome. Not many male/female relationships lasted through that war. So many guys didn't come home and those who did come home changed in some way.

And it's amazing how applicable a statement that continues to be today. Even the modern day battles fought in Iraq and Afghanistan have led to the dissolution of many a marital union. I was one of those casualties myself. Reading the success stories of couples like Zack and Tally are heartwarming reminders that not every relationship will become a sad statistic.

I agree! It was so refreshing to read a love story that didn't have a cynical spin on it.

[Abacus]

Zach and Tally both seemed mature for their age. They were sensible and sensitive and understanding them through their letters was poignant.

[chelhack]

My opinion is that Zack and Tally did not really get to have a relationship. I feel that they had a strong bond that kept them together.

[wordslinger42]

I think their relationship was awesome. Not many male/female relationships lasted through that war. So many guys didn't come home and those who did come home changed in some way.

I agree! It was nice to see that their love was a steadying force for both of them that kept them grounded and hopeful for so long.

[wordslinger42]

I liked that, too. I was confused, however. He must have gotten sick years after serving, or perhaps he survived longer than I thought. Tally was 55 at his funeral? That's where I was lost.

I was surprised so much time had passed as well.

This was not a mistake in the timeline. Science is discovering that the carcinogens in agent orange remain in the fatty tissue of the body and break up chromosomes decades later. In fact, Vietnamese women are still passing dioxins to their babies in breast milk..

Wow, that's heartbreaking that Agent Orange is still causing so much pain for so many all these years later

[wordslinger42]

I also liked that Zach remained faithful to Tally alone. I liked that they wrote to each other and occasionally got to spend time together before Zach had served his time in the Navy and was able to marry Tally. I thought it was really good that Tally got her nursing degree and was able to work.

I agree with you! Their story was so heartwarming and endearing, and I think it was nice how their story offered hope in the midst of such terrible circumstances.

[wordslinger42]

I also liked that Zach remained faithful to Tally alone. I liked that they wrote to each other and occasionally got to spend time together before Zach had served his time in the Navy and was able to marry Tally. I thought it was really good that Tally got her nursing degree and was able to work.

Yes! I was suprised that he remained faithful considering the pressure he experienced. Even in California when Rhonda came around, I thought for sure he was going to mess it up.

How great that he didn't, though! I loved that the author chose to go that route.

[OliviaLouise]

I think "opposites attract" is really the best descriptor for their relationship! It is possible to be very different but very well suited.

[Paige Alvarado]

I also liked that Zach remained faithful to Tally alone. I liked that they wrote to each other and occasionally got to spend time together before Zach had served his time in the Navy and was able to marry Tally. I thought it was really good that Tally got her nursing degree and was able to work.

Yes! I was suprised that he remained faithful considering the pressure he experienced. Even in California when Rhonda came around, I thought for sure he was going to mess it up.

How great that he didn't, though! I loved that the author chose to go that route.

Me too. I feel it would have made Zack's experiences too depressing, as he wouldn't have Tally to look forward to.

[Akpome1]

Their relationship is that of true love. They both love each other. Were it not so, Zack's heart would have been stolen by the bar girls.