This is the story of life in the Army during the Vietnam war as can only be told by a baggy arse Army Clerk. Tony’s ramblings are real and touching, they have you laughing and crying and filled with pride. Tony’s dry Australian humour in every situation brings to life the feeling that was shared with those who were there, doing their duty and finding their own way in their adventures. I think this is what touched me the most. The bullets that whizz passed an ear and the casual “not my time”. The ingenuity and resourcefulness, the never give up attitude and the acceptance of that which one can and can not change. This book makes you appreciate our troops past and present, even the clerks.

Step back with ‘Shorty’ and let him take you on this very incredible journey filled with real life heroes, ordinary men and experiences that are once in a life time, and just as well.
Did you know that even a clerk has his time in the mud and at the front line? This may surprise you but when your temporary home is in the middle of a war zone everyone has to put in. But there is more to life than fighting off the enemy when you are in a tent town so far from home. Things like supplies can be an issue, you won’t believe the lengths these fella’s have to go to just to get some basic materials and equipment. A hobby may be of interest too, would you consider collecting freakishly large bugs and nasty looking critters for scientific research? Well I wouldn’t but if you have to check your bunk for one you may as well make it useful. Facilities are always important and if you had to be careful not to be blown skyward while sitting on the toilet it is a good idea to have pretty sturdy facilities. Ahh life in the Army!

One thing’s for sure, Ho Chi Minh was a very different place to what we are used to and even the most hardened heart would have trouble dealing with some of the very real situations. Surround yourself with poverty, fear and violence and you have to learn how to cope, for some it is a matter of turning off, for others such as Tony it was best to stay away from certain things like the children at the sand bagging who are far too young to be working so hard and lugging around infant siblings. Heart breaking but that is their way of life and there is nothing you can do. And when local friends Mamma and Pappa San go missing one can only assume the worst. A brave heart indeed.

You will meet amazing characters, go incredible places and learn the value of using your noggin, your mates and filling out forms in duplicate the old – fashioned way… Praised be for my modern printer!

Before I leave you to go find yourself a copy of this book I’d just like to say thank you to ‘Shorty’ for this fantastic story which had me giggling from the first page and staying up far too late to read just “one more chapter”. I gained a valuable insight into a life I otherwise would know nothing about and I think every Australian should, not only because it is important part of history but because it is a darn good read!

Reviewed by Angela Hall.

 
Aggie Kellor of the Abenaki Indian Nation becomes a host for an entity from an unknown world - a non physical world.  It has fused and become a part of her.  Together, they go on a quest to protect the planet from aliens and viral invaders.  The "Whisp" must return to his world and only this maiden has the knowledge and the power to do it.

This story will really get you thinking.  A delightful book for the Sci-Fi and fantasy reader.  DNA contains more than just the blueprints, codes and building blocks of the physical...with it, other things are also inherited.

WARNING:  This story contains humor, pathos, mystery, scientific content, religious discourse, American First Nation issues, medical procedures, romance, suspense, Vincent van Gogh, and some serious and profound nonsense.  All this from the twisted and convoluted mind of author Tony Lourensen. 
Don't read this book in front of a mirror on on the lavatory. 

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