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In the summer of 1967, the war with Vietnam is provoking strong feelings throughout America. With the nation reeling in the face of war protesters, David Rendón contemplates joining the Marines so he can support his country. Though he has a couple of years left in high school, he feels he needs to plan for his future. As the summer progresses, he and his friends enjoy the sights, sounds, and aromas of many of the city’s neighborhoods, like Chinatown, Coney Island, and their own South Bronx. When summer ends, he must say goodbye to two good friends as they head for Vietnam. In this first novel of a series, David is on the brink of adulthood and will no doubt soon learn that war is indeed “a hell uncertain.”
Calero’s novel takes readers on a fascinating trip through New York as David and his friends ramble through the city. As the country faces the realities of the war in Vietnam, the young men discover diverse opinions about America’s involvement. The author does a fantastic job of recounting the era’s atmosphere in this descriptive narrative. He has a knack for bringing to life the flow of the city, its architecture, and its cultural diversity. He also depicts his coming-of-age characters realistically, capturing their youthful playfulness and naivety in dynamic dialogue. As this is the first of a series, readers encounter these characters before they join the armed forces and are sent to Vietnam. One can only imagine how they will change as they go off to fight in this controversial war. Readers of this book will eagerly look forward to having their questions answered in future installments.