The Book
“The war in Vietnam changed the history of the United States in ways that affect us still today. Its influence remains greater for those who served there. Out of that conflict have come many films, books, and histories. R.M. “Cook” Barela’s Dreams of Glory: Fields of Fire offers a riveting account of one Marine’s tour of duty that provides a clearer understanding of what our figthing men endured. The detailed historical research combines with personal experience to provide a narrative written in gripping prose. Anecdotes of all sorts break up the combat narratives.
Some provide humor, others inspiration, and some provoke tears. Barela writes of combat in graphic detail that sometimes borders on the mystic. At times the writing approaches the spiritual level in a discussion of good and evil. As a civilian, I can’ t share the camaraderie of those who have fought in combat, but Barela’s writing pulled me in
and put me uncomfortably close to the action. The book may be easy to read, but it is not an easy read. When I
finished the book, I found myself moved by the experience of reading it. It made this civilian grateful and eternally thankful to those who served in that long ago place.”
Darrel Walker, Educator, Riverside, Ca.
“So many books on Vietnam give you the big picture on operations, Washington politics, anti-war movement, etc. Leaders always dress up war to such lofty heights. Your book cuts through all that and takes the reader down to the tip of the spear, where people get killed. The Marines in the book are human and interesting. You expose the weak and brave, and the competent and incompetent. But on the whole these Marines clearly uphold their training and the bond all Marines have had for so many wars and actions. Anyone wanting to know why the Marines are such a different organization can find the answers in your book. If someone wanted to know how 30 or 40 years later, you could still be traumatized by Vietnam, they should read your book.”
U.S. Marine officer, Ted Rathbun, Danville, California
“I love your book and will be happy to buy a number of copies to support your excellent writing ability and story telling. I have read this non-stop taking only breaks to eat, sleep, and shower. You should not have to give any copies to anyone as this book deserves no discounts.”
Semper Fi, John Wilkerson, (US Navy Corpsman), Cape Coral, Florida
As a Marine’s Mom, whose son served in Iraq, I was leery about reading a book about war and history. But, I’ve read Cook Barela's writings before, and this book is just as beautifully written as anything he's ever written. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED IN THIS BOOK!!!!!!! It’s good, no it's better than good, it's great, you will laugh, cry, wonder and you will feel like you are right there, back in 1967 in Vietnam! I highly recommend it.
Darrel Walker, Educator, Riverside, Ca.
“So many books on Vietnam give you the big picture on operations, Washington politics, anti-war movement, etc. Leaders always dress up war to such lofty heights. Your book cuts through all that and takes the reader down to the tip of the spear, where people get killed. The Marines in the book are human and interesting. You expose the weak and brave, and the competent and incompetent. But on the whole these Marines clearly uphold their training and the bond all Marines have had for so many wars and actions. Anyone wanting to know why the Marines are such a different organization can find the answers in your book. If someone wanted to know how 30 or 40 years later, you could still be traumatized by Vietnam, they should read your book.”
U.S. Marine officer, Ted Rathbun, Danville, California
“I love your book and will be happy to buy a number of copies to support your excellent writing ability and story telling. I have read this non-stop taking only breaks to eat, sleep, and shower. You should not have to give any copies to anyone as this book deserves no discounts.”
Semper Fi, John Wilkerson, (US Navy Corpsman), Cape Coral, Florida
As a Marine’s Mom, whose son served in Iraq, I was leery about reading a book about war and history. But, I’ve read Cook Barela's writings before, and this book is just as beautifully written as anything he's ever written. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED IN THIS BOOK!!!!!!! It’s good, no it's better than good, it's great, you will laugh, cry, wonder and you will feel like you are right there, back in 1967 in Vietnam! I highly recommend it.
Lara Roehl, Princeton, WI.
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