Fiction Review

American Warrior
by James Snyder
ISBN-10: 0741423200
Review by Heather Froeschl

"American Warrior" is a novel of a boy becoming a man, coming to know himself through an intense life full of abuse, self defense and ultimately overcoming his fears and desires to do what must be done to survive.

Paul Brett gets slapped around by his dad and attacked by neighborhood boys until he is convinced to become what he sees an old Dutchman reveal as he breaks up a fight. Can he learn to be such a warrior? For years he practices, trains with the old man, and he develops a sense of self through it all. Training in the military is but another intense step toward Paul's coming of age and he demonstrates his strength while forming a fast friendship. He continues his training until it is time to go to Vietnam.

There, Paul joins a Top Secret Forces group known as SOG, Studies and Observations Group. It is here that the novel takes a truly unique turn. This is not your typical Vietnam story. The author explores the illegal aspects of the war; the campaign occurring across the Laotian border along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The writing is intense and in depth with moments of pure terror and deep sadness.

Paul's life is not an easy one to read about. The war is not the end of the tale, and what becomes of him is terrible and intense. Can he survive? Will he ever be able to go home and hold his wife in his arms once more?

James Snyder had written a deeply thoughtful story. His treatment of the war is respectful and realistic. The plot is well designed and fulfilling. Snyder's characters are full of human flaws and hopeful growth, just as they should be.