Book Reviews
Ken Embers’ The Amazing Adventures of Captain Embers & Chief Zogleman: Whop! Whop! Whop! (157 pp. $14.95, paper, $9.99, Kindle) is a neat little war memoir of a Huey chopper pilot who served with the 61st Assault Helicopter Company operating out of LZ English in Bồng Sơn north of Qui Nhon in 1968-69. .
This is not your run-of-the-mill Vietnam War helicopter war story. Rather, it’s a simple, light-hearted, rambling account that is fun to read. The title provides a strong hint that Embers and his fellow pilots seemed to be enjoying themselves in Vietnam flying for the sheer joy of it.
The book includes thumbnail bios Embers’ buddies and only about 130 pages about his own military tour of duty—not much space to delve too deeply into that adventure, although Embers’ includes post-military tales about his Warrant Officer co-pilot, Chief Zoglemen.
Embers includes a discussion of his involvement in the Library of Vietnam Project, which helps build small libraries in Vietnam that focus on teaching English to children and adults. He also mentions his involvement with the National Vietnam War Museum in Mineral Wells, Texas.
Embers, at times, waxes philosophically about his experiences, especially his return trips to Vietnam as a tourist and as a businessman. He suggests that returning can be an opportunity for Vietnam War veterans to experience healing moments.
The Amazing Adventures is an engaging offering by a first-time author. And a pleasant read.
Embers’ website is https://luckystarlibrary.com
Tom Werzyn