Why It Hurt to Read This Book by Claudia

Why It Hurt to Read This Book by Claudia - May 2017 Scholarship Essay

There are many books out there that can and will make an impact on someone in some way. Whether that be a book that the person can relate to or the subject may be of something they care deeply about. It can be of any genre. As for myself, I typically do not get moved by books. I'm more of a visual person so I tend to get teary-eyed during movies. I also tend to stick to light-hearted books, something I can connect with but not to the point of that emotional connection. Yet, that all changed when I had to read a book for my senior english class. The book my teacher assigned the class was called The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien.
It is a book filled with stories told by multiple people who were in the same platoon and fought in the Vietnam War. In the book it brings about the issues that society had with the Vietnam War, and how many did not want to give the military the recognition they deserved for fighting in that war. Simply because they did not think we should have been involved in that war in the first place. I never would have considered myself a fan of reading, especially a war novel. I've always been into military documentaries and movies but books have never been something I'd voluntarily take part in. Within the first few chapters of this book, I was captivated. As I furthered my reading with it, I began to feel that emotional connection with the characters. I wanted so badly to be there in the book and comfort these people who have gone through so much. It hurt to read this and know that they came back from war, to people who spat at them, made them feel inadequate for fighting for their country and protecting so many lives. I cried, it surprised me, but I imagined myself in that situation and could not fathom it. My brother is in the Marine Corps, and thinking he and any other person in the military would be treated that way just starts a fire within me.
I've been raised to thank, or shake the hand of people in the military. And every time it makes me feel safe and comforted. Whether it be overseas or in the states, they're doing what they're doing to protect us. I feel a great sense of pride when I see someone in the military, especially my brother. This book made me rethink how we view people in the military, and to give those who disagree with the military more knowledge about on it, and to understand why they feel the way they do about the military. Sadly there are people out there who would rather put down our military than to support them. Which makes me upset knowing that they could ridicule them.
Overall, this book made an impact on me, without me realizing it at first. It reminds me to always appreciate what you have and not take anything for granted. Thank a veteran or anyone in the military, get to know them and their story. You never know what you may find out, it could change your thinking. Appreciate and support the military.