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.
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.
Sure. 'The Sympathizer' by Viet Thanh Nguyen is highly popular. It offers a different perspective as it's written from the point of view of a Vietnamese communist sympathizer. It delves deep into the political and cultural aspects of the war and its aftermath in Vietnam.
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.
Many books on Vietnam War fiction often have a strong sense of realism. They describe the harsh conditions of the war, like the dense jungles and the constant threat of ambush. For example, in 'The Things They Carried', the author details the heavy equipment the soldiers had to lug around, which was a very real aspect of the war.
One of the best is 'The Things They Carried' by Tim O'Brien. It's a collection of short stories that really gives you a sense of the soldiers' experiences, both on the battlefield and in their minds.
'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.
A third one could be 'Matterhorn' by Karl Marlantes. It focuses on the military aspects as well as the personal growth and struggles of the soldiers in the Vietnam War context.
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.
One popular Vietnam fiction book is 'The Sorrow of War' by Bao Ninh. It offers a poignant and realistic view of the Vietnam War from the perspective of a North Vietnamese soldier.