Child of the Dust

Child of Dust – Tom Wascoe
I want to thank the author for the copy of “Child-of-Dust” for me to read and review. It was and is a fascinating work of art and a prophetic, meaningful, socially indispensable worthwhile read. Every, and I mean, every High School Student should be required to read it. As well as every Boot Camp Enlistee in America. I believe that it should be required reading before graduation from either. It clearly indicates the issues that are always in play during human interaction especially during wars and conflicts; and the fallout of every decision made by individuals during them. Having serviced during many conflicts I am aware of the books opening statements and depictions of the type of relationships that can happen involving service members and locals. Reading this remarkable tale caused a full spectrum of feelings and emotions long forgotten to resurfaced once engrossed in this story of love and woe. To be honest I could hardly put it down and because of that it did not take long to get through it being pulled from page to page as if mesmerized and desperate to go from event to event. I think what was most pertinent was that this story could have, might have, may have been one of my own as I am sure it related as such with many former military members at one time in their life experiences. And as a book about “falling in love” and about “Young Love” (with shades of that old movie ‘A Summer Place’ with Sandra Dee & Troy Donahue) it is also a story about the consequences of “Folly, Bad Decision, Lies, Tragedy & Irresponsibility”. When the brain became subservient to desire it sets up a potential destructive decision making process by both sides that can ruined careers, families, lives and create a lifetime of regret and even cost some their very existence. There is no deeper meaning to this book – it is just an honest, open “love story” with a related chronicle of such trials and tribulations and sacrifice – that it boggle the mind. And it spans an entire lifetime of loss, pain, suffering and then in the end – restoration and forgiveness. And the story comes full circle quite effectively by this author. Only a veteran who has seen the face of this type of life challenge, with a superb writing skill like Mr. Wascoe could so eloquently, succinctly and effectively write something like this book that makes it so meaningful and touches the reader so deeply. Mr. Wascoe depicts and addresses in this book the reality of a part of the Vietnam experience through the Characters, Families, Associates, Friends, the Chaplain, the Commanding Officer’s attitude, and the Army, and Congressional Viewpoints that persist always. And graphically with mental imagery depicts the plethora of dangers, setbacks, harrowing escapes, sacrifices and the humiliation of so many people in a story and tale of woe like this. Along with the ultimate reality – that you do what you have to do – to survive, no matter what comes crashing home to the reader throughout. He paints a remarkable picture here and an epic struggle of the heart, mind and soul in this tale and of Love and Commitment – that truly endears the characters to us. And takes us on an emotional roller-coaster that is masterfully controlled. It is certainly a tearjerker whether true or not. and I have to say that along with only a few other received works – this book “CHILD OF DUST” by Tom Wascoe touched me very deeply; so much so, that I struggled with it, feeling desperate sadness, and self-condemnation at times, as I push myself through it. And while thinking, as I read, about how each of us have set off series of events, in our lives, with our every decision, that we are just lucky to not have done this ourselves. Or perhaps “We Did It” on a smaller scale and never even knew about it. This book caused me to reexamine my life, and caused me to explore a previously secured away and hidden mountain of emotions like no other book has to date. It truly engendered an innate sympathy for the characters, an overwhelming sadness, and a sickening hatred for the deviance of our societies and the world. It lays bare the multitude of actions that dehumanize people all over the world like those in this tale. The characters may be fictional – but the atrocities are real even today. “Child of Dust” caused me great pain and suffering internally – but it was necessary for me to read this book! And when finished I was satisfied that I was taken on a ride worth taking that was meaningful, necessary and transcending in nature. And others SHOULD READ IT TOO! It actually brought tears to my eyes to think that I was not able to do more for the downtrodden and lost of the world or to help people in these types of situations. I did definitely came away with a great appreciation for Mr. Wascoe’s work, his talent and his storytelling. The Simi-happy ending was excellently done and it wrapped the entire story splendidly into a very large circular adventure and conclusion that help me to move past the pain of it all. Keep writing and great Job Mr. Wascoe!