content: Winston Groom's own personal experience as a soldier in Vietnam clearly shows through in "Better Times Than These," and lends the same degree of authenticity captured so vividly by Philip Caputo in "A Rumor of War." Groom intruduces his readers to a variety of characters that are all to familiar to every Vietnam Vet - from Spudhead Miter, the slow, backward southern farm boy, to the cold and callous, cigar smoking, Colonel Patch. "Better Times Than These" recounts all the passions of a nation, the personal tragedies of its families, and the brutal realities that are a part of every war. I highly recommend you read this book. And when you're finished, give your friends a wonderful gift by sharing it with them.