Readers’ Reviews
#hopeintheshadowsofwar
“In Hope in the Shadow of War, Thomas Paul Reilly chronicles the struggles of Tim O’Rourke, a former helicopter pilot and one of many veterans who returned from Vietnam to a society that was at best indifferent and often hostile to him and his comrades. This was particularly hard on those like O’Rourke who, wounded and permanently injured, had to fight his way to an education while supporting himself and his mother as best he could. With grit, a little luck, the support of friends and the love of a good woman, he come through as his kind invariably will. Hope in the Shadow of War is uplifting and well worth reading.”
Neal F. Thompson, Vietnam helicopter pilot, 1st Aviation Brigade
Author, Reckoning: Vietnam and America’s Cold War Experience, 1945-1991
“So I’m in the middle of reading this book, and as a veteran I can identify with Tim, the main character. The characters are real and the issues they grapple with I’ve seen firsthand with Vietnam veterans while serving in the Corps. Tom does a great job with the settings and references that make you feel like you are back in 1973. Can’t wait to finish this book!”
Scott Morris, USMC ’77-‘81, 1st Floor Manager, Central Library St. Louis, MO
“Amazing, Awesome, WOW, what GREAT BOOK! You hit it out of the park, and bases were loaded! Thanks for sharing, what a wonderful story!”
Jon Alexander, Combat Engineer, 9th Infantry, Vietnam
“Finally a book written by someone who not only was there, but understands the personal changes wrought by combat from a professional psychological perspective. This is an easy and believable read because Tom Reilly does not embellish any of the real life experiences of a vet. He does not try to make the story one of extreme heroics, dramatic recounts of serious combat aimed at a movie deal, or anything but, ‘If you were there, you will understand, and maybe this will help you.’ We can remove the word ‘Maybe,’ because it will.”
Barry Bruns, Col. USAF (Ret) Command Pilot, Wing Vice-Commander
“I can identify with many of the situations Timothy was in after Vietnam. I had 7 or 8 jobs my first year back from Nam. Loved the different characters. Spot on and a great read.”
Carl Gordon, Sgt. USMC, Vietnam 1969-70
“This is a for real book about the Vietnam War and its after effects on veterans’ struggles to readjust and cope with the emotional toll of war that effect family, friends, and jobs. Well-written, easy to read.”
Charles l. Bess Sr. United States Air Force, sergeant 35th security police, air base defense Phan Rang Vietnam 1967-1968
“Having served in Vietnam, what impresses me most is the accuracy with which Tom brings the realism of not only Vietnam, but life after Vietnam to us. Tom is a unique author that brings facts to the forefront in an enjoyable and flowing manner. This is a ‘page turner’ that will be difficult to put down.”
Doug Harper, SSgt, USMC Veteran
“This book should be read by veterans and non veterans of not only the Vietnam era but of all periods of conflict. It should be read by Vietnam vets and Vietnam protesters. I feel this is the best story about young men returning from war since “The best years of our lives.” As a Marine during the Tet Offensive, I felt as if I had just returned home after reading this wonderful book. I came home in 1969. In 45 years, I had about 30 different jobs. I did not get help for my PTSD until I was 62 years old. I read Tim’s story and felt like I was there with him. If we really want to continue to send young men to war, we need to consider the consequences. I give this book five very large thumbs up!!”
Larry Decker, sergeant USMC and Vietnam veteran, February 1968 – March 1969
THE MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW FOR HOPE IN THE SHADOWS OF WAR
READERS’ FAVORITE REVIEW OF HOPE IN THE SHADOWS OF WAR
VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA REVIEW OF HOPE IN THE SHADOWS OF WAR
