If I Die in a Combat Zone

Box Me Up and Ship Me Home

By: Tim O'Brien

Narrated by: Dan John Miller

Before writing his award-winning Going After Cacciato, Tim O'Brien gave us this intensely personal account of his year as a foot soldier in Vietnam. The author takes us with him to experience combat from behind an infantryman's rifle, to walk the minefields of My Lai, to crawl into the ghostly tunnels, and to explore the ambiguities of manhood and morality in a war gone terribly wrong.

Beautifully written and searingly heartfelt, If I Die in a Combat Zone is a masterwork of its genre.

©1975 Tim O'Brien (P)2012 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A personal document of aching clarity. . . . A beautiful, painful book." ( New York Times Book Review)

Dont agree with him on everything...

...but, this was a good book. I wasnt a combat soldier, but I was a soldier. Shot at a couple of times, twice close. I dont agree with his reluctants to go. Maybe it was because he was a conscript, where I was a volunteer. Once he was incountry I found that I liked the book better. Enjoyed it really. Then during the interview I found myself disagreeing with him again. I didnt want my war, or my time over there I guess, in the media. It caused my mom (dad had already passed) constant worry. I hated that she felt that way. I would have done anything to reduce that worry that was caused by the media. One of the state newspapers had a reporter on our camp the first time we were shot at. I didnt say a word to my mom, not one. I didnt want to worry her, then two weeks later during one of our phone calls she asked me about it.
But, other than those two issues, I enjoyed this book. Give it a listen, or a read.

If I die...

An outstanding listen. Story is excellent, as is the narrator. Well worth the time to pay attention.

Well written and timely for appreciation of our mi

Great account of the harsh realities of war very applicable to today. Good narration.

Another great book by O'Brian

it's like they take you there. great prospective from someone who was there. good read

reminder

was well written and read. no over fluffing of politics or of what one would think reader wanted to here. very honest and easly related to.

Amazing Read & Great Narration!

This book is a very great read for those wanting to get to know the impact the Vietnam War had on those who had their boots on the ground. Especially those who were fighting just mere feet away from the VC. The narrator did a great job, tone wise, conveying situations that were happening and making this book somewhat relatable almost. Overall would highly recommend!

Not bad for a early try

I believe this was Mr O'Brien's first published novel. So it is good for that. It's more of a cohesive set of tales than his other semi autobiographical The Things They Carried, which jumped around and was a series of connected essays. Lighter than most stories from the war and he presents ideas of challenging the morality of his being there and the whole US involvement. But he does not force his thoughts and theories down your throat.

Thoughtful insight and vision

As a veteran I greatly appreciate this book and will read more of his work

Excellent

I truly thought that more than one person narrated this book and had to check to see that it’s all done by one man, and he does every voice perfectly. I’ve read other things by Tim O’Brien and am a fan although I’d never read this book. The listening experience must surpass the reading one here although the text is well-crafted too.

Excellent!

I was deeply moved by this presentation. It helps me understand some of the things people experienced.