Alone in the Valley

By Kenneth Waymon Baker

First novel about an infantryman in Vietnam by a disabled Vietnam vet from Georgia. What immediately distinguishes this novel from others by writers like Harry Heinemann, Philip Caputo, or even Tim... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1877946176
• ISBN13: 9781877946172
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: Permanent Pr Pub Co
• Length: 296 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.0" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

The War

being a veteran and a rabid reader of Vietnam I now know I have read the best book ever written on the war. The ways of the men are just as they were and the discriptions of actions and non actions were perfect. It may be fiction but it is fact and any man that has served knows it to be. I certainly hope he can write another book as his abilitys are wonderful.

Author's Comments

I begin by admitting that my comments must be taken with a grain of salt. I wrote the book: I'm expected to like it. If I didn't think it was worthwhile reading for everyone, I would not have submitted it to the publisher. but some comments may be helpful to the potential reader/buyer.First, the setting of the book is early Vietnam (1966), before the craziness that occurred later (1969 on) and became the focus of the media and therefore of the war as a whole. None of that craziness existed when I served there in 1966 and again in early 1968. I suspect some who have read the book assume that because a story about the early days of that war contains no references to drugs, racism or the fragging of officers (note US Senator Max Cleland, D-GA) it must necessarily be some sort of whitewash of the "truth" which the national media created and promoted. I assure the potential buyer/reader that ALONE IN THE VALLEY presents an accurate, though fictionalized, account of that war as I experienced it. For my perspective on the craziness of the later years, you'll have to convience someone to publish the sequel. The reader should also understand that the book containes none of the Hollywood exaggerations which, in my opinion, render every movie about Vietnam unwatchable. I believed when I wrote it, and believe now, that war accurately portrayed is sufficiently exciting to hold readers attention. If I did not know for a fact that something actually happened, it is not included in the story.Second, after the book was published I received a few letters from readers. The two which surprised and pleased me the most were from women who thanked me for presenting a story which at last enabled them to understand why some relative of theirs was unable to cope with the aftermath of service in Vietnam. Service in combat, whichever and whenever the war, has always made veterans different from other people. I am pleased beyond measure that my efforts have helped some people better to understand their sons, brothers and fathers.Third, the potential reader/buyer should know that ALONE IN THE VALLEY was translated into Dutch and published in the Netherlands. It is an odd feeling to hold a copy of a book I wrote but cannot read. Perhaps less odd is the fact that the Dutch edition has sold more copies than the English edition, less odd because the Dutch people were spared most of the media coverage of Vietnam. Apparently they have a greater appreciation of the story I told. I mention the Dutch edition to inform those who read this that I am currently a published but unknown novelist on two continents.Finnally, I urge everyone who enjoys a good book to read ALONE IN THE VALLEY because I sincerely believe thay will be both accurately informed and effectively entertained. Those were my only intentions in writing it.Kenneth Waymon Baker2/8th Cav (Abn), 1st Calvary Div (airmoble), Nov '65-Nov '66, RVN1/505th Inf (Abn), 82nd Airborn Div, Feb-May '68, RVNBSEd, UGA '7

Insight into the reality of the war in Vietnam

I've seen 100s of war movies and read several war stories, but for the first time I feel I've gained at least a basic understanding of what it was like for the average "GI" serving in Vietnam and thus have gained a better understanding of the few veterans that I personally know. I have also personally met Mr. Baker (the author) and have had many long conversations with him. Although the book is written as "fiction", 90+% of the story comes from Mr. Baker's experiences in Vietman during his two tours of duty, not as a hero, but as a kid thrown into a frightening situation. I feel the book is valuable reading for anyone who has a friend or relative who has served in the armed forces in a combat situation or anyone who would just like a glimpse into that world which only those who have served can truly understand.

alone in the valley

Great book,a boy goes to war and comes back a man.Mr Baker has written what the daily life was like for a young man coming to grips with becoming a man.War is not just a shoot-im-up game but a very real day to day experience.You feel as if you are there with Daniel.When you are done you will have a better idea of what these young men went through.This book is more realistic than most.I know,I was there.

Seems a realistic view from the "trenches"

This author knows not only the perils of the battle zone but the interpersonal pressures of enlisted men in situations of conflict - a rare view with a vocabulary that rings true.