Exploration Three - Shana de Wet

     At this point, I think my active reading is going well. I like to write a lot so it takes me a long time just to get through a page or two of reading, but I enjoy doing it. I've never done active reading before, however I'm getting used to it. Something that I noted for today's readings from the book was the emphasis that is put on sound. For example, the drastic difference between the silence and the loudness of being at war. The quiet seems to be something very serene for the soldiers. It's their peace within a world that is nothing alike.
     So far, there have been several stories that meant a lot to me. Just in the very first chapter, the realization that the "things they carried" are not only physical things, but various emotional burdens as well, is very powerful to me. However, I really like the explanation in the chapter "How to Tell a True War Story" about how most war stories aren't even true because they're truly unexplainable and in most cases unbelievable. This is bittersweet to me. I think it's important that war stories should be told, because in any history class that I've ever had it's always said, "We learn history so that we can learn from the past and not repeat our mistakes." However, it's sad that it's so difficult for these men to tell these stories because of the trauma they went through or because they are afraid to traumatize the listeners in the process. I like the quote: "Often the crazy stuff is true and the normal stuff isn't, because the normal stuff is necessary to make you believe the truly incredible craziness." (Page 68).
     The character that stands out to me the most so far is actually Tim O'Brien's character. He tries his best to be very upfront and honest about what it was like to go to war and be a part of the madness in Vietnam. (Although this is technically a fictional book). I think what makes his character relatable is he is just trying to get through the war. He just wants to suck it up and get through it without causing too much unnecessary damage and I think that is something many people could relate to. I imagine there were many men just like Tim O'Brien in the war.