Ever Vigilant: Tales of the Vietnam War by Michael J. Hebert

2022 BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR (PenCraft Awards) In Ever Vigilant, Tales of the Vietnam War, Specialist-4 Michael Hebert has written a compelling view of his tour of Vietnam, from his draft to his return Stateside. Done in vignette format, this exceptionally talented non-fiction writer covers his multifaceted experience with a rare honesty and self-effacing humor that makes reading his stories a joy. Although the rest of the book absolutely covers the traumas of life in Vietnam, it does so in Hebert’s charming style. Never grotesque, always respectful and entertaining (though be forewarned, it does use some of the racial terminology of the time in dialogue and thought segments). The book is not Platoon or Full Metal Jacket; neither is it Good Morning, Vietnam. It neither pretends nor needs to be. Hebert brings his own experience as a Patrol Boat Specialist to the field, with his own voice, and that is more than sufficient. I heartily recommend this book to anyone interested in Vietnam history─or who simply enjoys a good story well-told. J. Hoover, MD, EdM Reedsy Reviewer