Vietnam Veterans of America Books in Review II (Jan. 7, 2019): Walking Point by Robert Kunkel, review by Henry Zeybel.
(Excerpt) "Bob Kunkel is a savvy guy. His recollections of infantry life are as informative as any Vietnam War memoir I have read. A stickler for detail, he presents an unfiltered view of what took place in his own mind and speculates about the thoughts of others. His descriptions of combat, suffering, and death leave little to the imagination. His stories describe meaningful encounters on and off the battlefield. Bad actors generally receive a comeuppance." Read the full review here, or read the original online here.
(Excerpt) "Bob Kunkel is a savvy guy. His recollections of infantry life are as informative as any Vietnam War memoir I have read. A stickler for detail, he presents an unfiltered view of what took place in his own mind and speculates about the thoughts of others. His descriptions of combat, suffering, and death leave little to the imagination. His stories describe meaningful encounters on and off the battlefield. Bad actors generally receive a comeuppance." Read the full review here, or read the original online here.
Midwest Book Review (March 19, 2019): Walking Point, review by James A. Cox, Editor.
(Excerpt) "Walking Point: A Vietnam Memoir is a candid, honest, and sobering firsthand account of the author's military training, tour of duty in Vietnam, and return home only to encounter a heartrending amount of public scorn, as well as the harrowing effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. A handful of black-and-white photographs enhances this vividly descriptive (and sometimes horrifying) "must-read" contribution to Vietnam and biography and testimonial shelves. Highly recommended, especially for public library collections." Read the full review here, or read the original online here.
(Excerpt) "Walking Point: A Vietnam Memoir is a candid, honest, and sobering firsthand account of the author's military training, tour of duty in Vietnam, and return home only to encounter a heartrending amount of public scorn, as well as the harrowing effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. A handful of black-and-white photographs enhances this vividly descriptive (and sometimes horrifying) "must-read" contribution to Vietnam and biography and testimonial shelves. Highly recommended, especially for public library collections." Read the full review here, or read the original online here.
Reading with Libraries Podcast: Walking Point: A Vietnam Memoir; Oct. 18, 2018, by Leigh Lenzmeier. (Click here for the podcast link.)
Book Bites are quick, five minute looks at a book from readers. Try a new book this week!
This week Leigh Lenzmeier shares Walking Point: A Vietnam Memoir, by Robert Kunkel
"Bob Kunkel grew up in a large, Catholic family on a dairy farm in central Minnesota. Although he was older than some draftees, at 22, he was still young and relatively innocent. But not for long.
"Kunkel recounts his experiences with so much detail that the reader can feel and smell the steamy jungle. He brings you right along with him. His story is much more than a collection of details, however. His military experience was largely mundane routine, spiced with dramatic and dangerous moments and anecdotal incidents, recounted with a dry sense of humor. Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster of a read."
Book Bites are quick, five minute looks at a book from readers. Try a new book this week!
This week Leigh Lenzmeier shares Walking Point: A Vietnam Memoir, by Robert Kunkel
"Bob Kunkel grew up in a large, Catholic family on a dairy farm in central Minnesota. Although he was older than some draftees, at 22, he was still young and relatively innocent. But not for long.
"Kunkel recounts his experiences with so much detail that the reader can feel and smell the steamy jungle. He brings you right along with him. His story is much more than a collection of details, however. His military experience was largely mundane routine, spiced with dramatic and dangerous moments and anecdotal incidents, recounted with a dry sense of humor. Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster of a read."
Vietnam Veteran News Podcast #1345: "Minnesota Vietnam Vet penned gripping memoir;" Dec. 21, 2018. (Click here for the podcast link. Or click here for the full text.)
(Excerpt) "Episode 1345 Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story from [Kimball], Minnesota, about Vietnam Vet Robert Kunkel. He recently published a gripping book titled Walking Point about his experiences with the 5/7th Cav, 1st Cav Division in Vietnam."
(Excerpt) "Episode 1345 Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story from [Kimball], Minnesota, about Vietnam Vet Robert Kunkel. He recently published a gripping book titled Walking Point about his experiences with the 5/7th Cav, 1st Cav Division in Vietnam."
Michael J. Ackerman, U.S. Army, Medical Corps MOS, Feb. 29, 1964 - Feb. 28, 1967
(Excerpt) A stirring and moving tale of life in the U.S. Army and one man's combat experiences in war. You will find this book a true account of the Army grunt's life in the jungles of Vietnam. An account and explanation of the hardships, the struggles, the pain, the boredom of time spent in rehabilitation and recovery from wounds, the constant discomfort caused by the stifling heat and humid conditions, the staggering impact of losing close and trusted buddies and fellow warriors. … I would urge everyone, especially military veterans, regardless of branch of service or time of service, to read this book.
(Read the full review here.)
(Excerpt) A stirring and moving tale of life in the U.S. Army and one man's combat experiences in war. You will find this book a true account of the Army grunt's life in the jungles of Vietnam. An account and explanation of the hardships, the struggles, the pain, the boredom of time spent in rehabilitation and recovery from wounds, the constant discomfort caused by the stifling heat and humid conditions, the staggering impact of losing close and trusted buddies and fellow warriors. … I would urge everyone, especially military veterans, regardless of branch of service or time of service, to read this book.
(Read the full review here.)
Jeff Howe, Lt. Col. MN National Guard (Ret.), Minnesota Senator, District 13
(Excerpts) Walking Point is not just another book on the Vietnam War, it is a must-read! … This is a great read for everyone whether you’re a military novice with little experience or a career military person like me. Walking Point provides the reader a personal account of the Vietnam experience. …Walking Point takes you there!
(Read the full review here.)
(Excerpts) Walking Point is not just another book on the Vietnam War, it is a must-read! … This is a great read for everyone whether you’re a military novice with little experience or a career military person like me. Walking Point provides the reader a personal account of the Vietnam experience. …Walking Point takes you there!
(Read the full review here.)
Carl "Bill" Liedman Jr., Retired high school math teacher, Retired Boy Scout Troop Leader, Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award recipient
(Excerpts) Walking Point: A Vietnam Memoir by Bob Kunkel is an excellent read. … Kunkel experienced the daily variations in routine, from the most ferocious attacks and shelling to the boredom of time off. His hospital stay seemed difficult for him as he knew his buddies were still in combat. His loyalty to his Company and the courage he exhibited is outstanding.
(Read the full review here.)
(Excerpts) Walking Point: A Vietnam Memoir by Bob Kunkel is an excellent read. … Kunkel experienced the daily variations in routine, from the most ferocious attacks and shelling to the boredom of time off. His hospital stay seemed difficult for him as he knew his buddies were still in combat. His loyalty to his Company and the courage he exhibited is outstanding.
(Read the full review here.)
Gary T. Meyer, SPS E5, 815th Engr. BN; Pleiku, Vietnam, Oct. 1968 - Oct. 1969
(Excerpt) I think Bob did an excellent job writing the book, Walking Point. He did a great job at explaining in detail his experiences in Vietnam. It is a book that, when you start reading it, you don't want to put down. … I would recommend this book to anyone regardless if you were in Vietnam or not.
(Read the full review here.)
(Excerpt) I think Bob did an excellent job writing the book, Walking Point. He did a great job at explaining in detail his experiences in Vietnam. It is a book that, when you start reading it, you don't want to put down. … I would recommend this book to anyone regardless if you were in Vietnam or not.
(Read the full review here.)
Renee Berscheid, First Vice President, American Legion Post #261 (Kimball, Minn.)
I read the book "Walking Point" A Vietnam Memoir." I loved the book and didn't want to put it down. It was so interesting, exciting, and emotional. I feel sorry that Robert and all his fellow soldiers had to go through what they did. I thank them for serving their country and giving me my freedom. I recommend everyone to read this book.
I read the book "Walking Point" A Vietnam Memoir." I loved the book and didn't want to put it down. It was so interesting, exciting, and emotional. I feel sorry that Robert and all his fellow soldiers had to go through what they did. I thank them for serving their country and giving me my freedom. I recommend everyone to read this book.