Saturday, December 10, 2011

Our book has been published!

Our book listed today on Amazon.com! It's called "Return to Viet Nam: One Veteran's Journey of Healing." If you'd like to order a paperback copy, you can click on the link on my blog and order it now. The hardcopy will turn up in a couple of days and the ebook shortly thereafter.

Here's what "About the Book" says:

Arthur Myers is a Viet Nam veteran with memories. In 2005 he and his wife Linda traveled to Viet Nam with a group led by a psychotherapist who works with veterans affected by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). From the Mekong Delta in the south, to Hanoi in the north, it was a life-changing journey.

Art's story is not unusual. He was a sergeant in the Marine Corps in 1968, a radio repairman stationed at Da Nang during the Tet Offensive. He saw only one day of combat, but that day affected every aspect of his life for 35 years.

Many veterans suffer from their memories of their time of war. They may bury them, or deny them, or run from them, or act out in other areas of their lives. Alcoholism, drug addiction and suicide rates are higher than average, as are failed relationships and chronic unemployment.

Art decided to return to Viet Nam, to overlay the memories of a young man during a terrible time with those of a man in late middle age. It was a good choice for him -- and for his family.

About this book, Art says, "I hope that talking about this journey of healing -- and how it has changed me -- will help other veterans and their families. The idea of helping even one other veteran stop the nightmares and gain some peace made my story worth sharing."

It's very odd to see our book on Amazon. Almost like planning a wedding and finding yourself standing, surprised, at the altar. I'd hoped to be very organized with this release -- like preparing an elaborate dinner and having everything ready to put on the table at the same time. That hasn't happened. The marketing materials haven't arrived, nor has the complimentary copy for me to check out first. And the hardcopy version on Amazon has a slightly different name - with Vietnam rather than Viet Nam, so it doesn't show up with the paperback. But since I'm currently on the Big Island, it wouldn't have mattered anyway!

So our story is out in the world, for better or for worse. It might make a good Christmas gift.








18 comments:

Beth said...

bought it. Looking forward to reading it, Linda and Art

Grandmother Mary said...

I've had the opportunity to work with many veterans with PTSD through the years of my work as a psychiatric nurse. Please thank Art for taking this journey and then speaking out to other veterans and their families. I'm glad it changed his life and I trust it will help others as well. And good for you for writing it and getting it out there, Linda!

Linda Hoye said...

Congratulations!

Muffy's Marks said...

Oh the joy when you have that hardcopy of the finished product in your hands. Congratulations, you have done a lot of us boomers a great service. I am going to Amazon to buy it.

Ms Sparrow said...

Congratulations on all your hard work. May the book be a blessing to all who read it!

DJan said...

Checking it out on Amazon... congratulations on getting it out there, Linda!

Perpetua said...

Congratulations! It must feel SO good to see out out there at last.

Out on the prairie said...

At one time over 75% of our homeless were vets, I haven't heard current statistics.Congrats on getting it finished!

#1Nana said...

Congratulations! You have certainly accomplished quite a bit in your short retirement. I'm feeling quite guilty for being a sloth!

Tom said...

I'm heading over to amazon to check it out. Is that the cover? I like it; it's both inviting and evocative. Is the book going to be available for kindle? Anyway ... congrats!

Dee said...

Dear Linda,
I'm so happy for you and Art. Getting the manuscript written and published is so exciting--but exhausting also.

I just ordered my copy from Amazon and look forward to receiving your book in a few days and to reading it shortly afterward. I hope that the writing of it relieved the bad memories the experience brought to Art.

Peace.

Rita said...

Congratulations! Something to really be proud of. :)

Nancy/BLissed-Out Grandma said...

Linda, I am ordering the book from Amazon. I read a few pages through the preview feature and it's fascinating.

Pearl said...

Wow! Congratulations!

Now off to take a look...

Pearl

Bob Lowry said...

Congratulations, Linda. I will download a copy of the e-book as soon as it is available. I know what a thrill it is to see your own work on Amazon. Best of luck.

Midlife Roadtripper said...

Sounds like life is going well. How proud you must be to have your book out there. Such a worthy topic as well. I congratulate you. And the, on the Big Island. Enjoy.

Sally Wessely said...

Linda, this is wonderful. I intend to read it. Congratulations on your accomplishment.

Hold my hand: a social worker's blog said...

How wonderful! Congratulations.

I will order the book. As a nursing home social worker, I take care of veterans now living in the facility due to their medical and/or mental condition.

Merry Christmas,

Doris