BOOK REVIEW
Highest Traditions
Memories of War
By Tony
Lazzarini
Voyager Publishing
ISBN 1-891555-02-2
Denise’s Pieces Author Site & Book Reviews
Reviewed by Denise Clark
http://www.deniseclark.com
Highest Traditions is the story of the 25th Aviation Battalion in Vietnam, more specifically the journey begun by the author in 1965. Trained as a helicopter mechanic, Lazzarini was stationed in Hawaii until he arrived in Vietnam in the spring of 1966.
Told in fiction style first person narrative, the author’s memories, the horrors of war and occasional moments of humor are nevertheless harrowing real. The reader is given a front row seat to view one of the most misunderstood eras of American history. So hang tight and join the author aboard a Huey and share the emotional upheavals the author experienced as he flew over Cambodian rice paddies, and find out, as the author did, about a strange substance called Agent Orange.
Some lighter moments break up this somber narrative. Written in such an engaging style the reader will be hard pressed not to finish the book in one sitting. Excellent balance of descriptive prose and journal-like reminiscences makes Highest Traditions a rare treat for any reader interested in military or combat history.
Book Review by Bill McDonald - December 13, 2003
I just finished read Tony's book and found it to be so
right on that I felt I was back in my old helicopter company on Vietnam. He
takes you back and shows you how it was to be a door-gunner, crew-chief or a
pilot. For those who have been there it feels real and is authentic - to those
who were not it is an education in how it felt to be there. This is a must read
book. It is okay for teenagers to read - it is not overly offensive and sticks
to the story line. I rate this book among the best written in 2003 on the
Vietnam War.
This book is an easy read - it follows a logical path and can be read all at
once or in pieces as time permits.
