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Fiction in Honor of Memorial Day
Stories of brave and broken soldiers exploring what it means to serve.
Published on June 15, 2023
A Farewell to Arms: The Hemingway Library Edition
Ernest HemingwayMemorial Day is all about remembering those lost in combat, and so it may be strange to some to see me include Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms” here instead of “For Whom the Bell Tolls” (which you should also read!). But “Farewell” touchingly shows the inescapability of war and just how much can be taken during wartime besides your life, including your sanity and spirituality, friends and family. This semi-autobiographical account is Hemingway at his finest.
Catch-22: 50th Anniversary Edition
Joseph HellerIf you haven’t read the tragically hilarious “Catch-22” yet, can I ask you how and why? It’s had such a profound impact on our culture — how many times have you heard someone say “that’s a catch-22” while raging against bureaucratic BS? — and it’s about a dude named John Yossarian, which is, quite frankly, a fantastic name, worthy of its iconic status. You will laugh, and maybe cry, and probably do both at the same time since this is satire at its best. (It’s also becoming a Hulu original series this May!)
The Things They Carried
Tim O'BrienThere are a lot of stories out there about the Vietnam War, one of the most politicized and polarizing wars in America’s history. But few of those stories are as empathetic and vivid as Tim O’Brien’s collection of short stories, based on his personal experiences during the war. The evocative imagery will leave an imprint on you.
Tree of Smoke: A Novel
Denis JohnsonThis epic National Book Award winner from Denis Johnson about the Vietnam War is on my to-read list this year. Where each generation must have its definitive war novel, the sprawling “Tree of Smoke” is a strong contender as it grapples with shifting alliances through decades and across continents.