'Vietnam: An Epic Tragedy, 1945 - 1975' by Max Hastings is popular for those who want a more comprehensive view of the entire war. It covers not just the military aspects but also the political, social, and international context that led to and surrounded the Vietnam War.
Then there's 'In Pharaoh's Army: Memories of the Lost War' by Tobias Wolff. It's a memoir that gives an honest account of Wolff's time in Vietnam, including his interactions with the local people and his struggle to come to terms with the war.
Definitely 'The Things They Carried'. It's widely read and studied in many schools and universities. Its popularity stems from its unique narrative style and the deep insights into the soldiers' psyches.
A very popular one is 'Apocalypse Now' in book form. Based on the famous movie, it delves deep into the heart of darkness of the Vietnam War. It shows the psychological and moral decay that the war brought about, with vivid and often disturbing descriptions.
There are many powerful stories in Vietnam War books. Some focus on the experiences of soldiers on the front lines, like the harrowing tales of combat, facing the enemy in the thick jungles. Others might tell of the civilians caught in the middle, their lives disrupted by the war.
A popular one is 'The Sympathizer' by Viet Thanh Nguyen. It won the Pulitzer Prize. The story follows a communist double agent in the aftermath of the Vietnam War, exploring themes of identity, loyalty, and the immigrant experience in America.
The most famous one is probably 'The Things They Carried'. It has been widely read and studied in schools. It's so well - loved because of its unique way of telling the story through the items the soldiers carried, which gives deep insights into their lives.
The accounts of the Vietnamese people's resilience during the war are quite impactful as well. Some books that include the Vietnamese perspective show how they endured years of bombing and fighting, and still managed to hold on to their culture and hope. It gives a more complete picture of the war as not just an American - centric event.
One of the most popular is 'The Quiet American' by Graham Greene. It's a classic that looks at the political and personal aspects of the Vietnam situation. It was also made into a movie.
There's also 'Matterhorn' by Karl Marlantes. It's a fictional account that focuses on the soldiers' lives and the military operations. It does an excellent job of showing the complex relationships between the soldiers, the harsh conditions they faced, and the overall insanity of the war.
The story of a LRRP team that saved a group of pinned - down friendly soldiers is quite heroic. They moved swiftly through enemy territory, ignoring the danger. They managed to reach the trapped soldiers and then fought their way out together. It was a selfless act of courage.