Review of Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath

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Jonathan Rynjah
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Latest Review: Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath by Randy Miller

Review of Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath

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[Following is a volunteer review of "Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath" by Randy Miller.]
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5 out of 5 stars
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The beginning could be confusing at first because of the accents, but it sailed smoothly after learning the accented words. The book explores in depth the inner workings of the US Navy, from its mundane tasks to its prestigious position. I know deep explanation can be overwhelming sometimes, but thanks to Zack acting like an anchor in the storytelling, we explore it at a steady pace. We are given a detailed picture of what almost every position does on a warship and how they operate, from boatswain to deck apes to the snipes. I went in expecting the war to be the main focus, but it's actually the unfortunate troops that we are following. With Zack at the helm leading through places both physical and emotional, he is a relatable character. He is smart but with flaws, rash sometimes, and would often question whether his actions are justified. But one thing he would never question is his love for Tally, his North Star, as he sails through the sea of chaos.

The book not only lingers on Zack, it shifts perspective occasionally, from an enemy leader and his incompetence and his unfaithful soldier to a Marine and his vengeful mind. Speaking of Marines, the book acknowledges and shines a light on the bickering nature and sometimes hate between different branches of the US military, which I've heard about but never knew that it was extreme. It also dives into the incompetence of the government and its greedy behavior that leads to dire consequences, especially to its soldiers, the people who give the most precious thing one could give: their lives, only to be treated like dirt.

But let's get back to Zack, the farm boy who wanted to see the world and did, albeit with sacrifices. He made friends, saw more of his own country, and loves Tally more than his own life. He learned that there are no winners in war, only piles of dead bodies on all sides.

The book is a 5 out of 5, with its detailed exploration of not only how the Navy operates but also the places described, the people introduced, and the emotions and feelings of the individuals. And Zack IS someone out there maybe with a different name

With its meticulous exploration of naval operations, vivid settings, complex characters, and poignant emotions, the book merits a perfect rating from me and I found no grammar mistakes. It paints a vivid portrait not only of Zack's journey but also of the broader human experiences entwined with warfare, reminding us that amidst chaos, love and sacrifice endure.

******
Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath
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