Saturday, November 2, 2024
Book News

“Short Timer” by Richard A. Henry is now available for purchase

Author Reputation Press is honored to publish the compelling and moving historical story of the book written by Richard A. Henry. A book in dedication to all the readers who have been living with the memories of the past that changed them and their lives. There are now copies of “Short Timer” by Richard A. Henry available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the ARP website.

“But I knew I would have to live with the memory of my decision for the rest of my life.”
Richard A. Henry

New York City is where author Richard A. Henry was born, raised, and educated. After serving in the United States Marine Corps, which included time in Vietnam, he moved back to New York City and found employment with the New York City Board of Education as a teacher and coordinator of an alternative high school. In 1976, he released his debut collection of poems, published under the title “Beyond the Skull”. He has produced various plays at the Park Theater in New York City. In 1991, “Of Days Gone By,” his debut book, was released. He is the president of Mediation First and presently resides in Oakland, California, where he also writes.

“Short-Timer” is a small piece of the history of the Vietnam War. At the time, it was the longest war in American history. It was also the first time in which soldiers of all races and colors fought alongside one another in completely integrated groups. It recounts the story of one person’s struggle to survive in a conflict when flashing the peace sign was permissible but making the Black Power signal with a fist raised in the air was punishable by court-martial.

It’s at times a scary narrative of how men united as a group to face the enemy in battle, but back at base camps, the realities of the 1960s set in and white marine freely called black Marines niggers, while black Marines angrily called white Marines honkies.

It is focused on one Marine’s experiences serving in difficult circumstances. From boot camp to Marine’s stint in Vietnam, the narrative follows him. It vividly depicts the hardships and atrocities associated with war as well as the need for humor to survive under such trying circumstances. The main character’s interaction with a Frenchman who manages an orphanage in Da Nang brings home the tragedy of defenseless young children, who are all too frequently the largest victims of conflict.

The reader is exposed to all the harsh realities of warfare in a maddening conflict that, by 1969, had started to mean little to those who where serving there, except  making it out alive and getting back to the “real world.” President Nixon’s Phase I Pull Out of Vietnam causes the main character of “Short Timer” to have his tour shortened.

It is clear that after surviving the Vietnam War, the main character’s life and the lives of everyone he served with will never be the same. “Short Timer” weaves together all facets of life into an unforgettable narrative that is almost too real. It captivates the reader, compels them to invest emotion, and doesn’t let go. It is sensitive, tough, and brave.

The book is now available for purchase via our bookstore: https://authorreputationpress.com/products/short-timer.

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