André Lewis Carter

What drew me to this book is that the main character, Cesar, really is between a rock and a hard place when he has to choose between going to Viet Nam and running from a violent street criminal, Mr. Mike. To readers it's clear what the better choice is, but not so much to someone who already suspects just how much racism he is going to have to endure all while trying to stay alive in a raging war. Cesar's journey not only allows us to see who he is (and isn't) but also how his life thus far has limited him. He gets to see the entirety of humanity in its many forms, some of which pleasantly surprise him, and some that are even worse than the underbelly he's already used to. He struggles between what he knows and who he has been versus what is new and who or what he would like to be.

A big turning point in the book is the riot that happened onboard the Kittyhawk. It is not a well-known part of American history, but it should be. The account here, while fictionalized, feels very real. It's an event that everyone should be taught in schools, because it was really extraordinary.

One thing I didn't care for was Mr. Mike. I did find his persistence, following Cesar even after he has joined the Navy, to be a bit unrealistic. Yes, he's the Big Bad in his area, but to reach that far after Cesar seemed a bit far fetched to me.

Overall, a must-read for the history, the realism, and the continued relevance to the world today. I hope to see more from this author soon.… (más)

Received this from LibraryThing's Early Review program.
It was a very different read for me but enjoyable and I learned a lot about Navy basic training and schools. The story starts with Cesar, a gang member, desperate to get away from his gang life and his gang boss, so he joins the Navy. Right away, he meets folks from all walks of life and sees that there could be a different kind of life for him, a better life than he had been leading. Even though he has no family, he wants to make his mother proud and knows he has not been doing that living a gangster life.

Navy life during the Vietnam war on-board an aircraft carrier was fascinating. I enjoyed the arc of Cesar's story but felt like the ending was rushed. Would have enjoyed hearing more about what went on during the time the ship was in theater in Vietnam and that part was skipped over. But it was a story where you could cheer for the main character and see him grow during his journey from the streets of Orlando to starting his Naval career.… (más)

Having succumbed to the lure of gang life, young César has been working his way up the ranks, earning the respect of the formidable Mr. Mike. However, when he finds himself suddenly in over his head and targeted by his former boss, unable to think of another means of fleeing to safety he abandons the gritty street life and enlists in the U.S. Navy. Though the country is right smack in the middle of a war in Vietnam, César's desperate hope is that, all things considered, the Navy will a relatively safe bet.

I found this book rather captivating for a couple of reasons. The plot itself was engaging and weighted by just the right amount of tension throughout. I looked forward to returning to the story whenever I had the opportunity. In addition, though this may not have been the author's primary purpose, I found the depictions of Navy life fascinating, to the point where I was hungry to know even more about the physical and academic rigors leading up to Basic Training graduation, as well as Navy structure, schedules and general protocols. Some of the foreshadowing is a little heavy-handed, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment. I did find myself scratching my head once, though, wondering why a bus departing Illinois would drive through Indiana on its way to California!

I received this ARC via LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program.… (más)