13 Moons over Vietnam—1st Moon: Innocence

About the Book

13 Moons over Vietnam—1st Moon: Innocence Why another memoir on Vietnam? There are already hundreds of publications on the Vietnam War. 13 Moons over Vietnam captures a unique perspective of a soldier’s experience of war, juxtaposing more than 150 stories between the lines of 280 uncensored letters to his wife, who was pregnant with their first child. These stories, describing actual experiences, are conveyed with raw emotions of anxiety and fear, refuting the nonchalant tone of his correspondence home. The effect is a stark and unsettling contrast between what is written home and what actually happens. 13 Moons over Vietnam is organized as a series segmented by lunar cycles that symbolize the author’s struggles with identity and faith as he confronts progressive incidents of social and emotional violence. Begin with 1st Moon: Innocence, and witness a metamorphosis that spirals through a moral and spiritual minefield.

About the Author

The author, Ben Thieu Long, was drafted in 1968 to serve in the Vietnam War. Committed to his values and faith, facing contradictions in turbulent times, Ben was determined to fulfill his duty to God and Country. His personal turmoil is captured in stories from his experiences in the Military Police Corps and letters penned home. Ben’s experiences become the cornerstone for his resilience and the ability to rebound in difficult times, and provide inspiration for countless individuals facing difficult times. Ben Thieu Long found success as a career and life coach. He is dedicated to helping individuals overcome challenges, even failures, encountered along the road of life. They may not always be able to choose the road on which they travel, or have control over the outcomes, but Ben believes lessons learned provide wisdom and understanding for the future.