Veterans of War, Veterans of Peace

This is an outstanding collection of writing on a very timely topic. Most are first-person recollections of war, with a few short stories as well as poetry. This should be required reading for everyone connected to the military, from the President down. You will feel the truth of war, the horror of violence, and everpresent, the hope of redemption and renewal. This book is not to be forgotten.

I've often wished for what "Veterans of War Veterans of Peace" offers, honest and eloquent testimonies of war's myriad sorrows and transformations, to guide my own healing as a daughter of the war in Viet Nam. I am stunned by these eighty brave and beautifully-written offerings from combat soldiers, medics, conscientous objectors, and family members of war. Their collective wisdom is a triumph to the power of witness. Their biographical introductions are humanizing, and almost as compelling as their stories and poems. This collection would make a gracious & affirming gift to someone whose life is touched by armed conflict ~ including veterans (past, present, and future,) family members, and advocates for peace. We are among many, yet our struggle to heal war's ongoing wounds & repercussions can sometimes be isolating and disheartening. "Veterans of War Veterans of Peace" is deeply heartening instead, full of hope and life.

In a world of increasing violence, we need this book more than ever. We need it to remind us of the consequences of war and those left behind in the tragic aftermath. What surprised me most was the hope that some of the stories and poems deliver. Buy this book! And give it as a gift to anyone considering joining the military.

This is a beautiful book that embodies a bridge-building effort of years: by meeting regularly as veteran writers, these men and women have transformed themselves and each other from "Veterans of War" into "Veterans of Peace," and Maxine Hong Kingston, as their convenor, is to be hailed and thanked for contributing to a culture of peace that-- soft-spoken but powerful-- got the House and Senate out of the hands of the warmongers this past fall. Brava! And there are so many astonishing poems and stories here! Among their many many excellent companions, be sure to check out pieces by Grace Paley, Chun Yu, Fred Marchant, and James Janko. Enjoy!

I attended some of Maxine Hong Kingston's Veterans' Writing Group in Northern California some years ago and I have fond memories of our walking meditation, and the groups' writing. Which brings me to this collection of some of the most healing words I have experienced. "Veteran of War, Veteran of Peace." This is one of the most beautiful and healing books I have ever seen, and as a Vietnam veteran, and ex-clinical social worker for the Department of Veteran Affairs, I have read my share. This book has soul, and is very real, and relevant. Peace, doug yelmen