Vietnam Veteran Writes Unique Novel about War Experience

WYOMISSING, Pa. - Aug. 23, 2013 - PRLog -- Author, Mike Konz has recently released his first book, “The Odyssey Years: A Novel View of the Vietnam Experience”. “The Odyssey Years” is an unconventional look at the Vietnam War which will challenge mainstream orthodoxy as to the nature of the war and why it was fought.


When asked about the release of his book Mike Konz said, "I was inspired to write 'The Odyssey Years' after attending a reunion with members of the 1st Cavalry Division, my unit between 1965-1973. It was great to see how well these gentlemen had conducted their lives after their tours of duty. They did not remotely resemble the stereotypical ‘emotional time bombs’ as so often these men and women are depicted since that time.”

Konz continued, “I grew tired of that degrading and annoying phrase "boots on the ground" used by many media and political types.  Those "boots" are filled with tough, well-trained and thoughtful men and women. We were not hapless individuals who chose the military as a last resort or due to a lack of something better. We were proud to have fought, and many of us still are proud to have served.”

Konz tells his story through the lens of Matt Kelly, a boy who loved epic stories and exciting tales. As a teen he was anxious in most high school settings. His only relief came in History and English Literature classes. Sometimes history, literature and myth came together in a great adventure story. His favorites were “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey” by the Greek poet Homer. 

By the summer of 1965 the brewing struggle between the Communist North and Democratic South Vietnam and the involvement of the U.S. entered into the consciousness of the American people. Soon many had choices to make. Matt Kelly's choice would lead him to meet the incarnated spirits of those ancient warriors.

Similar to Homer's epic poems, this tale of adventure depicts what many Vietnam warriors experienced during their duration in Vietnam. Follow Matt Kelly through basic training, combat, friendships and injury as he depicts what his Vietnam experience was all about. 

The Odyssey Years was written to inspire and inform. Konz noted, “The media shows a propensity to characterize many military actions they don’t like (i.e. Iraq, Afghanistan) as another ‘Vietnam Quagmire.’ I feel compelled to share my story and our experiences, hopefully enriching the reader’s perspective on what really happened and what has come out of the Vietnam War.”

Mike Konz is a Wyomissing, Pennsylvania author who served as a sergeant with the 1st Cavalry and 82nd Airborne Division in Vietnam. To find out more information on Mike Konz and his book please visit his website at www.theodysseyyearsbook.wordpress.com

For more information on Mike Konz or if you would wish to schedule an interview or request a copy for review please contact his publicist, April Cooper at cfcbet.publishing@gmail.com