Once to Every Man and Nation
Once to Every Man and Nation takes place in college under the darkening shadow of the Vietnam War. The book centers on the main character's growing opposition to the war and the first crucial decision of his life, to accept or oppose induction into the military.
Writing as if in 1972, I also hope I’ve captured some of the unique and changing spirit of the times in the historic events and in the diverse characters. Most of them are young and figuring out who they are and what they want to do, while also being amusing and serious, experimental and studious, all within the turmoil of the wider society.
I believe readers will recognize similarities between this Vietnam-era
historical novel and our American reality in 2025: a very divided society; protests in the streets against the government over the use of the military; a President distrusted by half the nation. . . .
Published in 2025: Text & Context (paperback). Available on Amazon
(see link below)
> Front cover at right; back cover below. I designed the cover as a collage of contrasting images from the Vietnam War era.
And for people who would like a musical immersion into the times of the novel, I assembled a searchable playlist on Apple Music,
1960s War Protests: featuring Bob Dylan, Buffalo Springfield, Judy Collins, The Temptations, Peter, Paul & Mary, and more.
1960s War Protests: featuring Bob Dylan, Buffalo Springfield, Judy Collins, The Temptations, Peter, Paul & Mary, and more.