Good Reviews and the one and only original Bullets and Bandages 10/15/2019 4:56:01 PM
I'm happy to have received and share another outstanding review for my first book Bullets and Bandages- a soldiers story.
The readers talk-
"Raw and powerful!" Bullets and Bandages is a story inspired by the a US Army Field Medic in Vietnam 68-69
"The action is constant,and Saniscalchi's work is, as a result, and action-packed war story suited for the silver screen. The writing is simple and uncluttered and lends itself well to the innocent and unquestioning perspective of the narrator." -- Catherine Perkins,of The Historical Novel Society
"Bullets and Bandages was inspired from the stories of the author's brother who was a US Army Field Medic, Vietnam 68-69. Through those stories, the author was given the unique insight into the bullets and bandages of war. Parts of this book are also about the author's own experiences, and that time in our history. The trails and victories of Rob and his comrades pull you into a world of survival through willpower, tenacity, and wit. This story is not only an adventurous thriller, but is also a story of love, humanity, and overcoming. This story is about our men and their time as they fought together to survive in the Jungles of Vietnam."
Excerpt
CHAPTER 1- EXCERPT- BULLETS AND BANDAGES
Some memories exist because they are etched into one’s mind with fire and anguish of true experience, not by choice. From my tour of duty in Vietnam, I am filled with the experiences that cannot be wiped away. I can recall the events, the names and the faces as if they had been in front of me only a short time ago. To this day, I thank the Lord in my prayers for helping me survive. Sometimes, I dream of the tranquil rice fields or of the hot steamy jungles----- very quite and peaceful. Occasionally, the dreams are of the men that I could not save, and of the ghastly shadows of my enemies. These images are a contradictory and discordant collage of the real horror of war.
I have no misgivings about what was done; I was a soldier doing my duty for my country, in a war far away from my home. It was a war where our forces could not fully engage the enemy. The Army could not move on a strategic offensive and take the ground war into Hanoi or Cambodia.
I had to learn a new type of warfare or would not have survived. After some time, I began to know the enemy and anticipate his movements. My unit traveled the jungles in platoons of heavy infantry in search of Charlie. Our nerves were constantly on edge. It was a guerrilla war, and I learned to adapt.
With a little time, my platoon began to work together. We learned to think like the enemy and use our instincts to fight together as a team. When the enemy would stand and fight, we fought back until they ran. Unfortunately, I knew before long those same troops would try to sneak up on us again.
copyright 2007 all rights reserved
Professional Reviews
A Must Read
ByC. A. Hoyer on October 2, 2008
Format: Paperback
"The author has provided us with a very high impact and emotional view of a soldier's journey during the Vietnam War. As a psychologist who has worked with Vietnam vets, I believe that Mr. Saniscalchi has given readers a good insight into what our soldiers went through and the emotional trauma they encountered. No wonder many vets don't talk about their time in Vietnam.
Through the eyes of his brother, the author tells of his time in Nam. No one, not even our soldiers could ever imagine the hell they were getting into. From watching your friends get killed, to being afraid of small children and wondering each day if it was your "day" young soldiers put their life on the line to try to win a war that they didn't understand.
The impact of serving in this war was devastating to many - not only did our soldiers die or become severely wounded, they were rejected by society when they came home. They didn't get heroes welcome like soldiers in Afghanistan are getting today. No wonder they don't talk about what happened in Nam or what it is like to relive it everyday of their life. How can one explain what they saw or experienced? Who would believe them? These are demons that are hidden in their mind. Some are lucky in that they are able to talk about their tour of duty, like the author's brother.
This is a book that everyone should read- not just soldiers or veterans. The descriptions, vivid accounts and soldiers represented in this book will give everyone an idea of what our soldiers then and now are going through. It is a salute to all.
I know after reading this book and I have read many accounts over the years, gave me a better understanding of what my own brother encountered till the day of his passing due to psychological and physical injuries from Nam."
Exceptionally Written
ByJohn J. Staughtonon January 2, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition
"Saniscalchi and his honest, straightforward recounting of extremely dramatic situations make his writing powerful and memorable. I've never fought in a war, but I know many veterans, and I think this book did them justice, and was an honorable way of showing a new side of conflict. I have never really read much about field medics, and they are usually underrepresented in most blockbuster Hollywood films. However, they are the ones responsible for keeping so many of our wounded men and women alive when the terrible reality of war hits hardest.
When it comes to military writing, particularly political or warfare texts, it can often become difficult for people to relate. If there is too much exposition or fact-based detail about war or technology, then people unfamiliar with that side of culture might miss out on all of the other valuable lessons that well-written military accounts can provide. Bullets and Bandages was an ideal balance between plot progression and legitimate context and historical references. It actually made the story more impacting and realistic, since it was clear that the writer was an ordinary man thrown into an extraordinary situation that many readers are somewhat familiar with.
The author seemed to speak through the decades and across the oceans to give advice and wisdom for today's militaristic world, and also give a new level of respect and awareness for veterans that served in any capacity in any war. Poignant and Significant achievement. Well done, Mr. Saniscalchi."
The name says it all
ByMartha A. Cheveson October 23, 2011
Format: Paperback
"Where have you guys been?" I said. "We ran out of time! My buddy here needed help, but now he's dead!" They tried to calm me down. The flight medic replied, "We're sorry about your man. We left the base as soon as we had word. I've seen this snake before. It's one of the most poisonous in the world. No one can survive the venom unless they're right outside a hospital when they are bitten." He was right. It wasn't their fault. The choppers lifted off and banked over trees, but I just stared at the body bag, feeling so very tired. I would never forget him. He saved a lot of lives and lost his to a tiny snake. I prayed for him. I prayed for his family and for his lost soul; I prayed it wasn't my turn next.
Sergeant Jakes had already survived one tour in Viet Nam. He knew the VC as well as the jungle. He knew what to watch for and what to listen for. Now he was now successfully taking his team through yet another tour. He had been through just about everything the VC could toss at him and lived through it. The one thing he didn't live through was the bite of one of the most poisonous snakes in the world. One that made his home in the jungles of Viet Nam.
That was just one of many deaths that Rob Doc Marrino would have to face while serving as a Medic in Viet Nam. He would experience the horrors of war that only someone who lives through it can truly claim talking rights. Those of us who have never experienced this act of greed called war can never completely understand what these men and women went through. Some will tell us about their experiences, some just want to forget what they saw, heard and felt during their days in hell.
Being a baby boomer, I knew many boys who quickly became men due to the Viet Nam War. Most came back, some in the bowel of the plane, some in the passenger seats. A lot came back physically damaged while others came back mentally damaged. I have a friend who was there and luckily returned whole, at least in body. Now 40 years later, he, as well as many others like him still have nightmares that wake the house with his screams as he re-lives the horrors that took place right before his eyes.
As I read Bullets and Bandages I realized that the war horrors produced by Hollywood is nothing compared to the real experiences these men and women actually went through. Author Saniscalchi has captured on paper the events and stories that his own brother experienced as he served in the military in Viet Nam. He allows you to feel the bond of friendship that forms between yourself and your buddies. You experience the strength of their will to survive and the strength of true fear. But most importantly, their understanding of the importance of God in their survival.
I can't say that I loved Bullets and Bandages but I can say that I didn't want to put it down, that it made me hurt as well as cry and that I was so glad when the book ended. In the past I've heard men talking about their experiences in Viet Nam and actually blocked it out. Now I listen because these men and women need to be heard. They need to get their memories out in the open instead of allowing it to fester like a cancer until it consumes their whole body and life. And we need to be the ones listening.
Reviews for "Bullets and Bandages a soldiers story"
Reviewed by Kim Aalaie 10/10/2019
'Bullets and Bandages" is a wonderful story about a horrible war in which our guys fought. No one really understood it, even the men fighting it. This book gives us some insight rarely seen. The dialogue was great and the fellowship reflected in the book was awesome. So few of our Vets are willing to talk about this war, my cousin included. So, I appreciate this book so very much. I absolutely love the side stories, especially involving the girlfriend. But, the chapter that I cried through was about Clarence Green. How moving and beautifully written!
I love the writing style of Robert Saniscalchi. It is such an "easy-reading" style. I read 'Bullets and Bandages' in one setting. I couldn't put it down.
You need to check this novel out. It is wonderful. I so look forward to more books by Robert Saniscalchi. Please keep writing...
