Customer Reviews

The Saigon Zoo: Vietnam's Other War: Sex, Drugs, Rock 'n Roll

5 star:		(3)
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3 star:		(1)
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This book is funnier than a rubber crutch in a polio ward. I thought I was the ultimate rear echelon m-f'er (REMF) in Vietnam but this guy edges me out. Being a 'shammer' and having run from duty that involved work, I found this to be right on the mark and very up front and honest in every respect. This is a must read for very veteran. Pete is telling what alot of veterans and the public do not really want to here.........that there was another side to being stationed in Nam. The book could have went more into the sex department as my tours revolved around that but nevertheless, you will enjoy this book and will laugh your rear off.

This book is a hilarious mix of the Mash buddies going to Vietnam. Take out the medical and replace it with a bunch of guys trying to avoid work and trying to cope with Saigon and the Vietnam War.
Whalon begins with how he "joined the army" and continues with his various antics until he is released to return home.
This has the foundation of a light-hearted movie. I recommend Jim Carey to portray the leader and author, Pete Whalon.

Whalon's Saigon Zoo is a cult classic in the making belonging in the ranks of Hunter Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and Bukowski's Ham on Rye. Every red blooded American will want to crony up with Pete Whalon as he takes you on a wild ride of Sex, Drugs, and Rock-n-Roll through the "the heart of darkness." The book has timeless implications that are just as relative today than ever before. Get ready to laugh out loud and make friends with characters that will feel close to home as you embrace this hysterical, twisted saga in The Zoo!

I don't recommend books lightly...this is a must have/read!

An excellent, well written biography of a different kind of tour of duty in Vietnam. I didn't know how hard it was to be a REMF until reading The Saigon Zoo. Very entertaining. I have read this book twice and will certainly read again.