Chapter One [Paperback]

Bob Staranowicz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 14, 2000

Vic Charles has returned from his tour but his sub-conscious has been left behind in Vietnam. He is a successful writer and is prepared to begin his second work. For reasons unbeknownst to him, he is stuck in "Chapter One" The flashbacks, the twitching and nightly sweats have once again reared their ugly head.

Vic tries not to let these re-occurrences bother him but they take their toll on what could be a very successful writing career. He does his best to keep the latest "terrors" from his wife, Molly and his two sons, Spence and Mark. All is well until he feels the need to travel to the "Wall", This could well be his last trip anywhere as he discovers that he has brought something back from the war with him which has been inside of him for more than 20 years. As his life may be slowly slipping away, he discovers the foreign substance that he has been harboring for these many years. As Vic lay in his hospital bed, only he knows whether he will survive or not......

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Bob Staranowicz, born in Philadelphia, served with the 101st Airborne in Vietnam. He is a graduate of LaSalle University and has Bachelor's and Master's degrees. The author writes part time, his daytime job is in the Information Technology field. He lives in a modest home in Bucks County with his wife and daughter. His older daughter is in the Pharmaceutical industry and also lives in Bucks County.

Product Details

• Paperback: 308 pages
• Publisher: Xlibris Corp; 1 edition (November 14, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 073884554X
• ISBN-13: 978-0738845548
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,679,502 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A First -Rate Book, December 2, 2000

By 

Sheila E Snyder (Hong Kong) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chapter One (Hardcover)

I loved this book! This book made me laugh, cry and hold my breath. Vic Charles is so real. When I finished the book, I felt a personal relationship with him. I was deeply moved by the story for a few reasons. One, the memories I have of the Vietnam War and the sadness it brought into my family of 10 children. My older brothers and sisters lost friends and welcomed home battle-weary soilders. Second, it gave me a deeper understanding of the real tragedy that the war brought into many devastated families. This book takes a hard look at a man who tries to deal with the aftermath of the Vietnam War, day in and day out. It is a book written with a great deal of care and craft. I am looking forward to Chapter Two!

4.0 out of 5 stars A Boomer Must Read, April 20, 2007

By 

P. M. Mayer "Becky Speaks!" (Spotswood, NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Chapter One (Paperback)

Having lived through the Viet Nam war with numerous friends and neighbors trekking half-way around the globe to fight in this war, Vic Charles brought this to life for me. I felt as if I were there with him. This story is well written, and reminded me of the sacrifices that our veterans endure for our freedom and the freedom of so many other countries. This story needed to be told.

It is a love story throughout, showing that love can survive against all odds.

5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging to the last page!, March 22, 2007

By 

J. Taylor "Jeff" (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Chapter One (Paperback)

This book helps you understand what it is like to be a veteran of war at a very personal level. It also offers a glimpse into the troubles someone with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experiences and the dangers that may occur without treatment. From a historical perspective, I had no idea that Vietnam Veterans were spit upon and rejected from employment when they returned from war. Thank God we have not disgraced our Iraqi veterans for what is clearly a governmental problem. I truly enjoyed the equal attention between Vic Charles life long after the war and the flash backs into his days in Nam.