The Things They Carried

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Unlike a traditional novel, the book contains a series of interconnected short stories. How did this structure impact your understanding of the narrative? Did you find it effective? Why or why not?

2. Discuss O’Brien’s blending of fact and fiction. How did this influence your reading experience?

3. Have you read other books about the Vietnam War, whether fiction or nonfiction? How did this account match your prior knowledge about the conflict?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Discuss the questions the book raises about truth and memory, particularly with storytelling. Have you ever told a story and altered the details to make it more impactful? How do you think memory shapes personal narratives?

2. Reflect on the title and O’Brien’s exploration of soldiers’ psychological burdens. Do you see parallels to the soldiers’ responses to guilt, grief, and fear in your life? How do you handle difficult emotions and traumatic experiences?

3. Analyze the way the novel examines war as an act of courage and cowardice. Did reading the book challenge or reinforce your preconceived notions of soldiers and war?