Book Review: Get Out of the Way

Get Out of the Way
by: Daniel Dinges
Tate Publishing
ISBN: 9781615662746
Audience: Teens through Adult
Rating: 5 out of 5
Release date: February 16, 2010

Synopsis:

Tom Daniels sat in the waiting room of the VA hospital. While waiting to be seen by the doctor, he remembers back to his two years of service in the time of the Vietnam War.

Tom, as well as his family, did not support the Vietnam War. It wasn't because they weren't patriotic, as Tom came from a family of soldiers, but because of the politics behind the war. Tom knew the way to stay out of the war and how to stay out of the clutches of the draft board, but he grew tired of the game and decided to enlist. Because of his education and age, he's quite sure that since he enlisted, his chances will be good to stay out of combat. He spends his next 2 years trying to "Get Out of the Way" of being sent to Vietnam and to survive his enlisted time.

My comments:

I was too young to remember the Vietnam war. Those that came home didn't speak about it. I was excited to be able to review this book, but at the same time, a bit apprehensive, because I was concerned about the political views, especially since this book is fiction. I had no reason to worry. Get Out of the Way was an amazingly enjoyable read. Written from Tom's point of view, Daniel Dinges did a wonderful job capturing the spirit of a young man and his struggle to survive the war. Written from the first person point of view, Tom was a likable voice. His walk down memory lane brought to life his problems, fears, and struggles of his choice to enlist. His account was so lifelike, that I felt like I was there along with him throughout his two years of service.

I enjoyed Mr. Dinges captivating style of writing. I look forward to seeing more from this author and will be keeping him on my watch list.

If you would like to find out more about Daniel Dinges, you can visit his website at: http://danieldinges.tatepublishing.net.

This book was supplied to me for a review. Thank you, Stephanie Barko, for sending me this copy.