Module 15 | The Things They Carried

PLOT SUMMARY
In this semi-autobiographical work, author Tim O'Brien once again navigates the complex and often perplexing terrain of the Vietnam War. Some of the stories are fewer than two pages while others are much longer treatises on the conflict. The opener, which details the tangible objects the men carry as they make their way through the jungles of Vietnam, is a beautifully written introduction to the book's primary themes and characters. O'Brien often shifts perspective throughout the book, as the same story is sometimes told from the viewpoint of two different characters, expertly conveying the confusion that erupts from each episode's events. Although the construction of the book could seem somewhat disjointed in less capable hands, O'Brien weaves an unforgettable story of the Vietnam War and the young men who served.

MY IMPRESSIONS
This is an outstanding book about the human side of the Vietnam War, as it shies away from trying to understand the political implications of the conflict and instead focuses on the impact the war had on the men who served. Not only does the book discuss its characters' lives during the war, but also revisits them directly after they return home, as well as decades later. There is nothing extraneous about O'Brien's writing, as he makes every detail count; even an object as seemingly insignificant as a pebble takes on deeper meaning in the opening story. The Things They Carried is likely to inspire increased understanding of the the Vietnam War among teens, deepening their emotional connection to a very confusing and complex period in American history.

REVIEWS
"Not since Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five has the American soldier been portrayed with such poignance and sincerity."
Mark Annichiarico, Library Journal, Feb. 1990, Vol. 115, No. 3

"In addition to leisure reading, this collection offers potential for history classes studying war, for English classes doing units on short stories, and perhaps for sociology or psychology assignments."
Barbara Hawkins, School Library Journal, Feb. 1991, Vol. 37, No. 2

"Only a handful of novels and short stories have managed to clarify, in any lasting way, the meaning of the war in Vietnam for America and for the soldiers who served there. With The Things They Carried, Tim O'Brien adds his second title to the short list of essential fiction about Vietnam."
Robert R. Harris, The New York Times Book Review, March 11, 1990

USES IN THE LIBRARY
The book could inspire an event (perhaps taking place on Veterans Day) in which those who served in Vietnam could be asked to speak to, and answer questions from, teens regarding their experiences. In addition, the book could also be part of a display of the best fictional books about war for teens or be added to an in-house and online book list of the best short stories for teens.

CITATION
O'Brien, T. (1990). The things they carried. New York: Houghton Mifflin.

Module 14 | Such a Pretty Face

PLOT SUMMARY
In this book of short stories, editor Ann Angel brings together talented YA authors to ruminate on the subject of beauty. Dealing with the topic in its physical and inner incarnations, the stories range from heartfelt to thought-provoking to laugh-out-loud funny. The peculiar opener by Ron Koertge should hook teens immediately, and the book's subsequent offerings only improve from there.

MY IMPRESSIONS
The stories are beautifully crafted ─ a particular favorite is "Farang," which deals with an American girl in Thailand ─ and offer original takes on an age-old subject. Angel's introduction (which is equal parts sad, reflective, and funny) sets the stage for what is to follow. Although the book will no doubt appeal to a primarily female audience, the stories are well-written and astute enough to be appreciated by boys as well.

REVIEWS
"Combining contributions from established veterans and newcomers, this appealing anthology, with its baker's dozen of stories about beauty — a topic often on the minds of youth — offers a broad perspective."
Kirkus Reviews, May 1, 2007, Vol. 75, No. 9

"This powerful, thought-provoking anthology will certainly find a place in public libraries. High school librarians are strongly urged to consider it for purchase, despite a few instances of profane language and several sexual references."
Sophie Brookover, VOYA, April 2007, Vol. 30, No. 1

"While the stories differ in tone, all of them are of equally excellent quality, and it’s hard to pick a favorite. The book is entertaining enough that many teenagers will pick it up on their own."
Amie Rose Rotruck, Children's Literature, April 2007

USES IN THE LIBRARY
Such a Pretty Face would be a great starting point to allow preteens and teens to explore their thoughts about beauty, perhaps in conjunction with a library exhibition in which they can express those thoughts through writing, art, or photography. In addition, teens could be invited to express their feelings about how beauty affects their own lives through a Post Secret (postsecret.com) type of experiment, in which they write those feelings on postcards and drop them off at the library. The postcards could then be shared through the library's web site.

CITATION
Angel, A. (Ed.) (2007). Such a pretty face: Short stories about beauty. New York: Amulet Books.