Next of Kin: A Brother's Journey to Wartime Vietnam

By Thomas L. Reilly

Book Overview

Tom Reilly idolized his older brother, Ron. After their parents unexpected early deaths, Ron protected his younger brother and taught him the ways of the world. Ron was a charismatic and worldly career soldier, and his kid brother thought of him as a mentor and hero. In July 1970, Ron died halfway around the world in Vietnam. When the Army provided no explanation except that Ron s death was not due to combat, the nineteen-year-old author set off on an incredible journey to war-torn South Vietnam to find answers, to seek revenge if necessary, and to come to terms with his loss. "Next of Kin" begins in small-town Wisconsin, where Tom s peaceful childhood is shattered by the deaths of his parents. Later, Tom makes it on his own as a runaway, has unforgettable adventures with his brother in a seedy Mexican border town, and is nearly paralyzed with grief when he learns of Ron s death. On his singular journey to Southeast Asia, Tom evades the police in Bangkok, is smuggled across the enemy-controlled Ho Chi Minh Trail into South Vietnam, fends for himself in Saigon, and survives a mortar attack and a bout with malaria all to find out the truth about his brother s death. "Next of Kin" is a touching story of sibling love and family tragedy that will appeal even to those without any connection to the Vietnam War."

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1574885952
• ISBN13: 9781574885958
• Release Date: June 2003
• Publisher: Potomac Books Inc
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.0" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

Next of Kin: A Brother's Journey to Wartime Vietnam

The book is outstanding. I had my daughter pick me up a signed copy because the author lived in my town and I have always been interested in Vietnam as it was from my era.I had no idea that I would be so enthralled from the very first page. I feel like I know the whole family and recognized all the places that the author speaks of. The pain and courage of both of the brothers reached out from the pages into my heart.This book was so great I hated to have it end.

Next of Kin

What a great story. What a dedication to a brother. we all could learn from this man. This is what family is all about. I highly recomend this read to everyone.

Inspiring and Touching

I am a woman in my early 40's and don't usually read books on war or enjoy hearing about war, but I couldn't put this book down. It was written so well that I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. It begins with young Tom Reilly, losing both of his parents and how his brother, Ron, was a constant in his life. Tom, at the age of 19, goes to Vietnam to find out the truth about his brother's death and his "adventure" over there. Tom has written a wonderful, loving dedication to his brother that will touch each and every person that reads this story. It doesn't matter if you are a man or woman, young or old, this is a book you'll want to read. You'll have such a good feeling when you finish.

Good book

I felt as I was going thru the long yet well worthed journey myself. True, unbiased, informative yet touching.I had the privilege of working with Tom for many years in which I experienced his honesty, courage and strong will firsthand.

A Testimony in Family Values

"Next of Kin" is an extremely well written book that is easy to read and moves at a crisp pace. The story of Tom Reilly, although true, reads like a superb piece of fiction. It makes you think of your upbringing and values you hold - especially the dedication to family. This book is well worth your time!