I read this book about an 18-year-old drafted to fight in the Vietnam War when I was a teenager, which was many years ago. I recently remembered the series and recalled being surprised by how much I liked it, so I tracked it down to read again. It really was far outside of the type of books I read back then and is still quite different from my normal preference today. And just like when I was younger, I really liked this book.

The story opens with the MC, Michael Jennings, newly arrived in Vietnam after basic training in the States. He's shuttled through various bases until he ends up with the people with whom he'll be spending most of his time. That's where the story, and series, really begins, as he meets those who have already been near the DMZ for some time and have developed different ways to cope. Michael earns the nickname "Meat" (as in Fresh Meat), which sticks through the rest of the book. I kinda rolled my eyes, though, because it's a trope that annoys me a little that this one new guy out of all the new guys they have gotten happens to keep the new-guy nickname.

Early in the book, I wasn't sure I'd want to continue the series. The narration is often choppy, but it's purposely so. Now and then the author will write a sentence or paragraph as Michael's train of thought, including stopping mid-thought to switch to another one, sometimes several times. It feels very real and is how I think and even talk sometimes, but reading it can be a little frustrating. However, by halfway or so, Michael had really grown on me. Though the book is dark (what book about war, particularly this war, isn't?), it's also a poignant glimpse at a war that isn't written about as much, fought by teenagers who didn't really understand why they were there, and written for teenagers. For those who are wondering, though there is some language in it, it's not nearly as much as I'd imagine adult books about the same subject would have. I don't remember being bothered by that when I was a teenager, even though I was never one to use that kind of language myself. I'm not sure how much of the series I read as a teen, but I'm looking forward to continuing it now. ( )

Fast-paced, compelling and unexpectedly fascinating. Eighteen year old Michael Jennings is conscripted to fight in Vietnam.

When faced with all-male narratives, I am inclined to wonder: “But where are the female characters?” I suspect what I really mean is: “I haven’t found any characters that I relate to yet”. But I didn’t feel that way here. I wasn’t impatiently waiting for the female protagonist to show up. I just wanted to see Michael to find his feet, make friends and survive.

I can relate to how much he cares about his dog, and his sense of humour makes him an entertaining character to spend time with, even though he’s been thrown into a terrible, terrifying situation. Even knowing what wars can be like, I was still surprised by some of the conditions the soldiers faced.

I was also surprised by how interesting I found it all. It left me thinking about a lot. Such as how Michael, like most of the people around him, hasn’t chosen to enlist nor has he joined up with all his buddies. He doesn’t believe that he is doing the right thing. In other wars I’ve read about -- the world wars or fictional wars in SFF -- people fighting tend to believe that what they’re doing is noble and heroic and worthwhile. That doesn’t make the hardships any less terrible, but I think sometimes it makes enduring them a bit easier.

This book also left me wanting to immediately embark upon the sequel. I ended up reading all five books in two days.

The guys seem —
Like every guy everywhere, and like no guys he had ever met. What was the word for that? Began with “d”? Oh, hell, he wasn’t a book guy. He should just use a word he knew.
— cool.
Oh, yeah, great word choice. Anyway. They seemed like kids, and they seemed like tired old men. They made jokes, but they were also very serious. ( )

In Welcome to Vietnam, we meet Private Michael Jennings - 18 years old and fresh off the plane for his year-long tour of duty in Vietnam. Wishing he had done anything to escape being sent there, (gone to college or even gone to Canada) Michael misses his family, good food and most of all his dog Otis. Just his luck, he is assigned to Echo Company, the ones who are currently in the middle of the jungle fighting for their lives. Never one to miss an opportunity to make a slick comeback (what's the worst they'll do? send him to Vietnam?) Michael is surly, irreverent, and more intelligent than he gives himself credit for. He is also scared silly and in way over his head - but hey, so is everyone else. Snoopy, a black kid from New Jersey, is put in charge of showing Michael the ropes which leads to some pretty humorous conversations since Snoopy is also something of a excitable puppy with a smart mouth. But all too soon, Michael and his squad are putting their life on the line while on patrol and during attacks. Holding back nothing, Michael sets down in painful detail the loss of friends and the grisly aftermath."The sound of the explosion sent everyone diving to the ground, looking for cover. And, at first, when - stuff - rained down, Michael wasn't sure what it was. Then, he realized who is was. Who it had been."There's no misunderstanding the horrors of war here. That said, Michael's oh so human reaction to death reminds you that he is only 18 years old. 18! Even though he's sickened, Michael responds with a ingrained sense of loyalty and compassion for the guys around him - showing his make without a second thought. Just wait, it gets better. ( )

One of the best books about Vietnam. The language is at time profane and humorous and gives a full picture of the conflict ( )