My Detachment: A Memoir Audiobook

" Tracy Kidder's masterpiece. Unconventional. Highly recommended! "

" Great write, but not a particularly interesting story. No coming of age, no lessons learned, no action (except in writer's mind). Only OK. "

" Having also served in a unit much like Tracy Kidder's, I expected to be at one with this story; I wasn't. Then again, I wasn't a Lieutenant. In fact, much of my life differs substantially from this Author. His Harvard education is apparent in his sophisticated writing. The Army for him was a severe step down; for me, it was an opportunity for a better future. My service in Vietnam also earned me an ARCOM, but I revered that accomplishment, rather than mocked it. I had so hoped to favor this book, and perhaps win favor of this highly acclaimed author, that he might choose to review my own book. Mine is simple, uncomplicated story telling; he would be bored stiff. But, I am the average Joe; therefore I wasn't able to appreciate the verbal artistry of Tracy Kidder. I'm sure this book is better than I rated it. I do want to read Mountains Beyond Mountains. I hear that book is enthralling. We'll see. "

" Pulitzer prize winning writer Tracey Kidder impresses with non flattering honesty in this memoir surrounding his days in Vietnam. From a rather lost, but generally accepted young man in prep school to a rather lost and somewhat accepted college student and army lieutenant, Kidder's journey wraps around a search for identity, purpose and respect. The wry humor of the work suffers in the audio version. Kidder reads the work in a monotonous, apathetic cadence that while fitting the work, does little to enhance it or help the reader follow or care. Very few authors read their own works as well as professional vocalists, and he sure isn't one of them. Still, this is a worthwhile read, particularly for those of us too young to remember Vietnam and the political and social quagmire of the time. Kidder's version is less spitting protestors, self medicating veterans, and PTS we've. One to expect from Hollywood, and more of the quietly confusing world of the average John. "

" This book is about the author's experience in Vietnam as an army intelligence officer. He was over there at a pretty low level, mainly intercepting and interpreting Vietcong radio signals. He was based near Chu Lai at an outlying operating base. He never saw combat like most of the other people who went over there. "

" I found this book highly disappointing by comparison to "Mountains beyond Mountains" which I liked very much. "

" Short account of Tracy Kidder's time in Vietnam. Not much to say about it other than that. "

" I listenedd to this narrated by Kidder. I wanted to hate it because of his "detachment" from the events in vietnam. Only later did I realize his subtle genius. Overwhelming and very moving. "

" Good book, not great. Not as entertaining as House. I think the best thing is it gives a perspective of the war from someone who was well educated, not thrilled to be there, but still felt a responsibility to his duties and detachment. "

" Pretty good book on the Vietnam war. A little too much information on the author's sexual experiences. "

" tracy kidder is one of the best writers I've ever read. I will read anything by him, so this memoir was high on my list. "

" Tells of Tracy Kidder's time serving in the Vietnam War. Tracy Kidder is a great writer. "

" I will say it again. This man knows how to write. "

" Tracy Kidder is such a genius, but not a memoirist. "

" Not my favorite Tracy Kidder book, but I'm glad I read it. I finished it. that should count. "

" Listened to this as a book on tape - interesting and revealing about the author in his youth. Didn't always admire him but did appreciate hearing one man's view of what went on in Vietnam. "

" Started Februrary 12, 2011 "

" IRONICALLY, THIS BOOK ABOUT A YOUNG INTEL LT IN VIETNAM REMINDED ME OF MY TIME IN THE MIDDLE EAST...... "

" Some really great moments, but on the whole not remarkable. "

" We all love Kidder for his genius portrayal of other people's internal crevasses, but this book open ups his own life and his own vulnerability and it's truly unforgettable! "

" A very different book from Kidder, his experiences of Viet Nam during one of the US's darker periods. Kidder tells his candid story away from the front lines and provides a view of the very different life within the military. "

" Interesting perspective of the Vietnam years "

" This was really interesting. I've always liked Tracy Kidder's books, especially House and Among Schoolchildren. I haven't read much about Vietnam, and this inspired me to read more. "