Of all the books Tim O’Brien has written, I think The Things They Carried is the most well-known and well-read (but that’s just me). When I said I planned to read all of Tim O’Brien this summer, there was a lot of enthusiasm for this book in particular.
Because of that, I decided to encourage more people to join me in reading the book. My plan is to have it read by Monday, July 26 and put up a post that day. I’ll do a Mr. Linky so others can leave reviews or discussions, then I hope we’ll have a good chat in the comments.
If you can’t read the whole book, at least check out the short story it take the title from. You can read it online here, or King Rat (Rat’s Reading) pointed to a site where you can download an audio to listen to as well.
Nothing big, just the chance to read and discuss a book I think is amazing and is better when you have someone to talk about it with.
And with that, I am unplugged for the 4th of July weekend! I’ll be at my cabin, soaking up the sun and delving into some great books. See you Monday with another link-tastic edition of Monday Tally!
In case you’re wondering, I’m bringing Denial by Jessica Stern, Finny by Justin Kramon, The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, and Cart and Cwidder by Diana Wynne Jones.
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I hope you enjoy it, and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts. I love this book. I first read what was an excerpt as a short story. That’s w I was hooked because the part they anthologized was just a list of what soldiers carry in war. Totally fascinating. It was a while before I discovered the entire novel, but I loved that as well. Enjoy your cabin Kim, sounds divine!
Nicole: That story is one of my favorites from the whole piece because it’s just so perfectly done. I love the way the rest of the book plays off it.
As it turns out, I have “The Things They Carried” out from the library RIGHT NOW. So count me in! Enjoy your holiday weekend at the cabin … sounds absolutely perfect.
Melissa: That’s great! I can’t wait to hear what you have to say.
Have a great weekend! Of the books you mention, I’ve only read The Nanny Diaries, and I alctually liked it. It was some years ago, though, but maybe I should re-read it.
Louise: My sister likes tat book and it’s one she suggested I read. I just haven’t been able to bring myself to do it yet.
I’m in! Have a great weekend at the cabin!
Lisa: Awesome, and thanks, I did!
Gonna try my best to work this readalong into my scheduel. I’ve never read any of his work, and it seems this is the place to start.
Enjoy your weekend!
Andi: I think it is. From what I’ve gathered, it’s his most well known and most critically impressive book, although Going After Cacciato was big too.
I’ve been wanting to read this one for a while so I will try and have it read by July 26 to join in!
Shelley; Great! And if you’re not done in time, the post and discussion will be ongoing, I hope!
I am really tempted by this but I feel like I’m doing a lot of read alongs this month. I’ll think about it over the weekend!
Ash: July seems to have turned into a busy month for read-a-longs, but I hope you join if it works in your schedule.
Count me in for the read-along!
Vasilly: Yay!
I have this book checked out from the library right now, too — so I’m in! Looking forward to the discussion —
Unruly Reader: Awesome!
Happy 4th.
Esme: Same to you, a little late 🙂
I hope you had a great holiday weekend!
THE THINGS THEY CARRIED is on my ‘to read’ this summer, especially with the Vietnam Challenge I joined (and am failing miserably). I might take KingRat’s suggestion and download the audio.
Dawn: I think the audio of the short story would be good, and at least give part of the discussion. I’ll probably listen to it myself if I remember before the 26th.
I’ve been planning to read this for the Vietnam War Reading Challenge anyway, so I’d be happy to join the Read-a-Long. I’ll post about it (hopefully today) on War Through the Generations. Thanks for hosting!
Anna: Awesome, thanks for doing that. I should have let you guys know I was thinking about it earlier, but it slipped my mind!
No problem! I set it to post tomorrow morning.
I’m going to try and fit this in. We’ll see how it goes. Will you be posting discussion questions?
Serena: Yes, I will put up a few discussion questions a few days before, and then try to answer them myself to start out the discussion. Thanks for the reminder to find questions!
I have this book on my list to read for the Vietnam War challenge, so I think I’ll read it next and join in. I’ve read his book In the Lake of the Woods and thought it was really well written.
Cheryl: That’s what I’ve found with my reading project — even if the plots aren’t especially interesting, his writing style is always just fantastic.
I’m in and I’m starting the audio this week. 🙂
Heather: Awesome! I’ll be interested to read about the experience of listening versus reading. I think the book could be really powerful that way.