42 pages • 1 hour read
Born on the Fourth of July
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Book Brief
224
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Vietnam, United States • 1960s-1970s
1976
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Born on the Fourth of July is a memoir by Vietnam veteran Ron Kovic, detailing his journey from eager Marine enlistee to paralyzed antiwar activist. Through his experiences, he discusses his motivations for joining, the severe injuries that left him paralyzed, and his shift to opposing the war, highlighting the government's betrayal of veterans. The memoir features graphic descriptions of war injuries and violence.
Emotional
Challenging
Melancholic
Inspirational
Dark
Reviews & Readership
5,604 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ron Kovic’s memoir Born on the Fourth of July is praised for its raw, powerful narrative of a Vietnam War veteran’s journey from patriotism to anti-war activism. Critics commend Kovic’s honest portrayal of his physical and emotional struggles, though some find the prose overly graphic and emotionally draining. Overall, it’s considered a poignant, impactful read.
Who Should Read Born on the Fourth of July?
Readers who relish Born on the Fourth of July by Ron Kovic appreciate profound memoirs exploring the Vietnam War and its aftermath. They seek emotional and political introspection similar to that in Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried and Philip Caputo's A Rumor of War. These readers value poignant narratives revealing personal and societal impacts of war.
5,604 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
224
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Vietnam, United States • 1960s-1970s
1976
Adult
18+ years
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