Review of Sh*t Happens

[Bobbie Wolf]

Great Review! Your quick summary of the book is wonderful. You describe the characters in such a way that I feel like I already know them. This helps me decide whether to read the book or not. 500 pages is a daunting amount of pages, but it also tells me the author probably did not skimp on details, which is good. I guess he didn't skimp until the end. That is so disappointing to hear that the ending was a major letdown after committing all that time to reading the book. You described it perfectly: "I felt like someone threw a wet rag on my face." I have had that feeling when reading books that abruptly end. I liked that you called out a warning regarding the violence and the profanity. A great review for a great book with a disappointing ending.

[Sara Rispo]

It seems an interesting reading. It shows the lives of people from different layers of society. Congrats on BOTD!

[Shanesha Sammerson]

Thank you for your detailed review of "Sh*t Happens" by Gavin L James. Your vivid portrayal of the characters and the intricate layers of society during the Vietnam War era is appreciated. It's fantastic to hear that the book skillfully weaves complex political and societal issues into a compelling narrative. Your praise for the author's insightful touch, clear narration, and dry humor adds to the allure of the story.

I understand your disappointment with the ending, and I appreciate your honesty in deducting a star for that reason. It's intriguing that you pondered the possibility of a sequel and expressed your willingness to adjust the rating if one surfaces.

Your recommendation for readers with a connection to the Vietnam War era and those interested in historical fiction or societal and political themes is valuable. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and here's to hoping for a satisfying sequel or future works from Gavin L James! #ShitHappens #GavinLJames #BookReview #HistoricalFiction

[Fanny Lebura Ueh]

Transporting us to bygone eras, historical fiction vividly reconstructs events from the past, and this particular book is a testament to well-crafted storytelling in this genre. However, the abrupt ending leaves behind a lingering sense of disappointment.

[Jay Lu]

Fascinating take on "Sh*t Happens" by Gavin L James! The reviewer insightfully captures the essence of the novel, highlighting its rich tapestry of characters, intricate plotlines, and the vivid depiction of the 1970s era. The point about the abrupt ending leaving questions unanswered is particularly thought-provoking. It opens up a discussion on whether the unresolved threads were a deliberate choice by the author to reflect the unpredictability of life or a missed opportunity for a more satisfying conclusion. The comparison of Rachel turning into her mother adds depth to our understanding of character development within the narrative.

[Jennifer Coxon]

I've not read much set around the Vietnam War, although I do like historical fiction. I appreciated the author’s brief historical recap at the beginning dealing with the facts and culture that brought us to and through the Vietnam War.

[Misael Carlos]

Rachel’s and Steve’s stories are interesting so I’m looking forward to digging into this novel to find out how their lives will pan out as they address the seemingly insurmountable difficulties in their paths.

[azza lia]

It seems like a very well-written historical-fiction book. But I'm not a fan of politic and war stories. Also, I agree that 500 pages with abrubt ending is frustrating. Anyways, thank you for a captivating review.

[Moisés Alcántara Ayre]

A story that takes place around the years of the Vietnam War, and a story that reminds us of the power to make decisions and their consequences. Although the end looks a little disappointing, the whole book is worth the read.

[Surabhi Rani]

'Official Review: Sh*t Happens' by Gavin L. James has a thought-provoking introduction. It thoroughly examines the story of historical fiction for readers. The point that this is the story of Rachel Hanson, a teenager from an upper-middle-class family during the Vietnam War is worth mentioning in the review. Readers would enjoy the author's dry humor. Also, as mentioned in the review, we get a glimpse of Vietnam War veterans dealing with the consequences of war, the rise of the peace generation, their anti-war protests, and the sad destinies of Amerasians. Learning that the book would appeal to anyone interested in societal and political themes was great!

[mrlefty0706]

“Sh*t Happens” by Gavin L. James is a book about life and the fact that we are sometimes dealt a bad hand of cards. I was a teenager in 1969 and lived through the Vietnam protests and the possibility that I would be drafted and sent to Vietnam. I was in college and had a student deferment or with my draft number I would probably have gone to Vietnam. I participated in peaceful protests and sit-ins like some of the characters in this book. The draft ended while I was a college sophomore so I no longer had to worry about serving in Vietnam. I had friends that went to Vietnam and did not return, the same was true for older brothers of friends. Was I opposed to Vietnam? Absolutely! Would I have served? Absolutely because I was raised to believe in America and I would not run away from my responsibilities. I look forward to reading this 500-page book or ebook. The sample was good and introduced the main characters: Jamie, Rachel, Spanner and Jenny in the U.S.; Lien and Phuc in Vietnam. Many 18-year-old boys avoided Vietnam because their families had money, their fathers were important people or they had doctors write letters about medical issues like Cadet Bone Spurs that is vying for the White House with 91 indictable charges that will hopefully send him to prison and end his desire to become a dictator. Very good review.

[Alex Lynn]

I appreciate the honesty in the review and would go into the book with tempered expectations regarding the conclusion. The historical backdrop, the exploration of various social strata, and the characters' internal struggles seem like elements that would make this book a compelling read. Congrats on today's BOTD.

[Aremu Titilopemi Funmilayo]

It's the first paragraph of this review that made me feel lighter and encourage me tonight. This is because today has been one hell of a roller coaster day. Its as if the whole universe is against me, I just kept trying to stay sane by telling myself that Life's a battle and I just have to keep fighting. Thanks for this wonderful review.

[Ram Uday Mahajan]

Your review of "Sh*t Happens" by Gavin L James is thorough and insightful. Your ability to delve into the characters and the historical context is commendable. I appreciate your detailed analysis and honest assessment of the book's strengths and weaknesses. Keep up the great work!

[Naushin Moledina]

"Sh*t Happens" by Gavin L James delves into life's unpredictable twists, set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War era. Through vivid characters like Rachel and Spanner, it explores the consequences of choices and societal upheaval. Despite a disappointing ending, the book's insightful storytelling earns it a rating of 3 out of 4 stars. This is a very informative and honest review. Thank you.